April 25, 2022
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
3 And this will we do, if God permit.
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Don’t just go to church – become fully engaged. We have a home and we have a church home and they work in very much the same way. Everyone has a few chores to do to make either of them run properly.
For instance: it’s the monthly grounds clean up day and you really can’t be outside in the heat and sun – how about making sandwiches for the workers? Or, wouldn’t that be a great time to give the church kitchen a good sweep and wipe down? Might be a good time to make sure the restrooms are clean and orderly have ample paper products and hand soap.
Or maybe it’s Sunday morning and you’re thinking of muffins for breakfast – maybe pick up a dozen or two on your way to church for coffee hour; someone may already be in charge of coffee hour but having a little extra bounty on the serving table is not going to hurt anyone’s feelings.
Perhaps the church is looking for Vestry members. Make your priest or Senior Warden aware that you are interested. Vestry meetings are once a month and right after Mass so you don’t even have to make a special trip to the church – you’re already there. It’s also a good way to find out things that need to be done in and around the church and is an excellent way to see how your own talents can improve the church.
Fund raising. There’s not a church on God’s green earth that doesn’t need money. That’s just a fact of life on earth. Keep in mind, churches have the same monthly expenses your home has and electric isn’t getting any cheaper. From rummage sales to auctions, the ideas are endless and only requires one person to come up with an idea to spark the happy hands in the church to assist and create a fun fund raiser. Think “Jingle in July” – a great way to thin out your Christmas decorations and find treasures from others who do the same. Keep the prices low and the quality of the decorations high and it’s a ready-made success. The Great Cookie Cook Off! God bless the bakers in the congregation! Sell the entries after judging who won ‘Best in Show’.
Advertising. When you have gotten permission to do your fund raising event and have date and time worked out, local publications are great for advertising your event – the more people who attend, the better the outcome. Many of those local publications don’t charge anything for advertising ads or sometimes a nominal fee. But advertising is a great way to bring people to the church, let them see how active and engaged the congregation is. For folks who are looking for a church home, it’s a great way to look around and see if it’s a church that’s living and breathing and involved and some place they’d like to hang their hearts.
“That you be not slothful” … I’ll bet you’ve got some ideas already!
Words on the Word 