The Main Thing is to Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing
Sermon by Father William Forrest
speaking from the Book of Amos, Thessalonians, and Matthew
It has been my privilege over 51 years of ordained Ministry to know many diverse and disparate people. I mean, some have been optimists; and they see the best in everything. Some are pessimists who don't see the best in everything. Some were liberal, some conservative, some were apocalyptic, and some were political. What they all had in common was their commitment to Christ and a healthy church. Over the last few years, many individuals have gotten gloomy believing something big is about to happen. One person I know calls himself a catastrophist and he believes that the economy and society are about to implode. Another person I know believes, as many people believe, that, because of climate change, serious damage will be done to the environment if action is not taken soon. Many are concerned that the war in the Middle East will get much much bigger. Many are concerned about the divided political situation in our country. Some Christians believe that the current world economic events point to the imminent Second Coming of Jesus.
Now you may be in agreement with all, or some, or none of these opinions and concerns. We may agree or disagree as to who is at fault; however, whether or not we agree or not with these opinions and concerns and whose fault it is we can all agree that the world in which we live presents challenges and opportunities for the church. The church has existed through difficult times in the past and Jesus has always led and empowered his church through these times and it's no different now.
St. Alban’s is in an interim situation and, thanks to the excellent work of the search committee, will soon be ready to receive the names of prospective applicants. Regardless of what is going on in the world around us, however good, bad, or nerve-wracking, it's important that during this interim period, and beyond, we remain focused on the health and growth of this wonderful parish. As I heard at a conference several years ago “the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing” I'm going to say it one more time, “the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” The main thing is our commitment to Jesus, to his church, and to his service. The Apostle Paul gives us a challenge in today's New Testament lesson from the First Thessalonians. In this passage, Paul says, ”The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them.” This passage teaches that adversity can happen suddenly. It sounds a lot like our world right now, doesn't it? In this passage, Paul urges the church to be watchful, to be sober, and to be ready for anything. He uses two very interesting words here. The word for watch is gregoreo and means, stay awake. Be in a state of spiritual readiness. Be alert. Be aware of what's happening around you. The word for sober, nepho, aside from the avoidance of intoxication, and we as episcopalians need to remember that, means self-control, sound judgment, and dependability. To be a healthy growing and dynamic church we must demonstrate self-control, sound judgment, and dependability. That is our challenge during this interim and into the future. Jesus is calling us to respond to this challenge. He's calling you and how do you know if you're called? I've said this before. It's a two-part test. Number one, is your heart beating? Second, are you breathing? If you can answer yes to both questions you are called.
During this interim time, and in a crazy world, let's all commit to the health strength and growth of St. Alban’s. We will be watchful and we will commit to self-control, sound judgment, and dependability. Remember that church growth and health depend on you. Commit to ministry. The best definition of ministry I've ever heard, a short definition, is meeting a need in Jesus' name. We have many opportunities. Be a generous giver. This is pledge time. Does your pledge represent a tithe or a tip. FYI, if each parishioner tithed 10, I'm sorry, 5% of their income to the church the average Church budget would rise 400%. Bring food regularly to the food bank, very important to do it and to keep doing it. Be the unanxious presence in the lives of those around you. Call a depressed or anxious friend. Joyously worship and receive Jesus weekly in the Eucharist. Jesus said, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven if anyone eats of this bread he will live forever.” Whether the catastrophist or other aforementioned viewpoints come to pass or not, that remains to be seen; but in all situations remember the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. The growth and health of this church, now and in the future, is critical. Make Sunday mornings at St. Albans a time of joyous worship; greeting people you don't know and connecting with people you do. Pray for self-control and sound judgment and dependability and ask Jesus what would you have me do; and when you feel that urging say yes Lord I will do it. Have no fear. I will end by saying stay positive, work hard, and make it happen. In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit
Amen
