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Consecration Day Article
by
Judy Lester
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Consecration Day is Sunday, October 13, 2024. This year’s theme is “Journey to Generosity, the Way of Jesus”.
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One definition of the word “journey” is this: “A process or course likened to traveling, such as a series of trying experiences; a passage.”
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We all have and will continue to experience different types of journeys throughout our lives. The type that first comes to mind is travel. An analogy can be made of one’s experiences over the course of a lifetime. This term is also used to describe our maturing in faith… our “faith journey”.
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All journeys have a goal of some kind, even if it is not well-defined. Journeys require planning and preparation. Journeys ALWAYS require effort. Journeys move you from one place to another, and therefore you are changed.
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In reflecting upon the concept of “generosity”, the “becoming of it” seems to me to be a journey in-and-of-itself. Although it is true that some people seem to be born generous… for most of us, this characteristic is developed throughout the maturation process. Infants and children are (as they should be) focused on themselves as the center of the universe. But with maturity, most people develop a sense of sympathy towards others and become more selfless. Their perspective is broadened, and they can accept some level of inconvenience or self-denial for the sake of the greater good.
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As Christians, we WANT to grow… to be more like Jesus, to become more loving, patient, and generous. That is our GOAL. But we often are not where we want to be yet. We are still on that faith journey. Remember that any journey requires EFFORT! That entails deciding to grow in this area and taking steps.
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These principles are reflected through us collectively as a congregation. FCCBRLA as an entity IS important! The CHURCH was a gift to us from God. It is a structure through which we, as members, are supported, directed, and amplified. The values the church provides me with are:
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Its focus: keeps me grounded in God’s wisdom and challenges me to see things in alignment with His perspective
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Its routine: keeps me in a regular and routine schedule of worship, sustaining my faith and encouraging me to see timeless things in new ways
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Its fellowship: teaches me to work positively through personal differences, to appreciate and thrive in our diversity, to accept and give love and support both to and from others, to become more inclusive, and to enjoy worship and friendship with an extended family that understands and shares a common belief
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Its work: provides me with a ready structure and organizational framework through which to work, a joy in making a worthwhile contribution to the world, and a sense of comradery in working alongside faith partners.
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I notice a difference in myself when I am absent from this place. My anxiety increases, my focus turns inward, my faith weakens, I feel inept to do big things. I NEED this church! I am inspired and lifted by God’s messages that I receive here, both through Rev. Dr. Dedrick’s wonderful sermons, and through YOUR presence, your words, and your examples of faith in action. I want this church to grow stronger! I want to be a part of leaving a legacy for the next generation. To do that, I must support it. Together we can achieve more than any one of us can achieve alone.
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“And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NRSV)
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Please consider your pledge this year as a critically needed way to build YOUR faith and to support the CHURCH you love and its work. Perhaps you can even S-T-R-E-T-C-H your generosity.
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The following tools can help you do this…
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The smaller Prayer Covenant card (available in the narthex) should be signed and placed either in the offering plate or on the designated Chancel cross, as a promise that you will be praying for this church and its programs during the next several weeks. The tent card should be taken home and displayed prominently as a prayer reminder. The Pledge Card (included in the bulletin in a few weeks) that details your financial commitment for the next fiscal year should be filled out and returned to the church via the offering plate, hand delivery, or mail by October 13th… so we can faithfully plan for operations in the upcoming year.
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