Council Happenings September 2009

You may have noticed a change in the way we finish worship these days: In the past, we always ended by shouting “Thanks be to God!” But a couple of months ago, we started saying “Make Christ Known! Thanks be to God!” It’s not an earth-shaking change; after all, the phrase “Make Christ Known” has been part of our Mission Statement for years. But it should perhaps make us a bit uneasy. After all, by saying this as we head out of the church and back into the rest of the world, we’re affirming our commitment to make Christ known to that world. But do we? And if not, how can we start?

In the church I grew up in, making Christ known meant evangelizing, which in turn meant “witnessing” – stopping total strangers to tell them about our salvation experience, and perhaps handing them a little pamphlet (a “tract”) explaining the Good News. I know many people who found Christ in exactly in this way, and God bless those who have the gift of being a witness in this way. I’m not one of them. So am I a lousy Christian who will never make Christ known to anybody?

Well, I hope not. I believe that there are two easy steps to making Christ known when you’re a non-evangelizing sort like me in an “evangelical” church like ours: First, you make it known that you’re a Christian; second, you make a difference in the world. That’s it! And people will make the connection, and will know Christ a little better. So how do you make it known that you’re a Christian? In a zillion little ways: When a friend asks what you’re doing this weekend, include church in the list. When you’re discussing a touchy political or social issue, mention how your faith influences your views. When you’re whining about how busy you are, include your church obligations in the long list of stuff you have to do. Make the mention of your church and your faith as casual as the mention of your home and your family, interwoven in your conversation. No complex testimony necessary.

Second, make a difference in the world. Our recent Service Week was a great example. Bandages, care packages, knitted hats, and prayers shawls will go out across the world because of you; elderly folks have yards ready for winter because of you; PADS guests will be fed and clothed because of you. You make Christ known when you say, “Sorry I can’t attend; I’m busy that night working PADS at my church.” You make Christ known when you recycle, use your bike instead of your car, and turn off unnecessary lights. You make Christ known when you visit a sick friend, bring cupcakes to new neighbors, or offer to give a co-worker a ride to work. When you invite a friend to a church function. When you take a grieving friend out to dinner. When you listen, and listen, and listen. When you forgive.

Once you’ve completed the first step of casually weaving your Christianity into your conversation, everything you do will reflect on Christ. Everything you do that spreads kindness, justice, mercy, and love will make Christ known, because everyone who sees will make the connection. So at the end of the next worship service you attend, think about what you’re affirming when you say those three little words – and then head out to do it. Thanks be to God!

In September, Council discussed reactions to the ELCA Assembly decisions, took steps to put together a Nominating Committee, approved the administrative report and finance report, attended the Confirmation banquet, approved changes to the Memorial and Special Gifts list, approved compensation proposals, and held preliminary discussions concerning the 2010 budget. For the full minutes of the meetings, please contact Jim Valentine.

Respectfully submitted,

Betty Birner

Council President