From the Pastor's Pen, November, 2005:

October 2006 From the Pastor's Pen

“Honking”

The month past has brought a decided change in the weather, from a very hot summer to the feeling of fall coming on. The leaves of the trees are beginning to show some color as I write this; and by the time you read it, there will be much more. That beauty of the changing seasons is one of the joys of life in Michigan, but certainly not limited to Michigan alone.

Along with that change of seasons comes the migration of birds. Though I've lived in Michigan all my life, I still look up when I see a flock of Canada geese going overhead. Their perfect "V" is always a mystery to me. How in the world do they know to do that? And, I've noticed, if you're outdoors, you can usually hear the geese before you see them. Their honking is unmistakable, but according to scientists, it serves a purpose, too.

I've read a piece or two over the years about how the geese behave. (I don't know what the scientists who study them are called--gooseologists?) Apparently the “V” formation of geese in flight is so that it makes it easier for the other birds. They are "drafting" behind one another, cutting the wind resistance like bicycle racers. By flying in formation, the flock increases its flying range. Easy, right? Pick one strong goose and let them do the hard work for everyone else. No. The geese take turns in the lead position. The others, hardly just along for the ride, also have a job to do. Their honking serves the purpose of encouraging the one up front.

If Jesus had walked the earth in modern day Michigan instead of ancient Palestine, he might have started a parable by saying, “From the geese of the air take this lesson.” We still can. In the life of the church, we can draw a lesson from that kind of rotating leadership, the idea of taking turns at the lead position, and certainly from the ministry of encouragement (we might want to use words instead of honking, though).

This month is a busy one at First United Methodist Church. Among many other events, we have our annual Sauerkraut Supper; Consecration Sunday (our opportunity to commit what we will give back to God in thanks for all God has given to us); and our annual Church Conference. Through those three things alone, we offer a ministry of openness to the public, an act of worship about our stewardship, and a caring for the temporal, administrative work of the church. All of those are forms of ministry—very different forms of ministry, to be sure. I've noticed all the activity around the church and in my own calendar. Many people at First Church are involved in one or more of these activities. None of us are inclined to do everything, nor will every aspect of church life appeal to every church member or churchgoer. But we're all in it together. We're flying in the same formation. Our particular "V" may have different leaders at different times, and we may be coasting along behind them. But we're always called to honk our encouragement.

You may be called upon this year to be a leader in one way or another: take a role working at the supper, fill a leadership position on a committee for the coming year, all of us' are called to consider how we will offer our stewardship to God, you may attend a Bible study or Sunday School, or make a craft for the Bazaar, or pitch in with pasty baking, or give to the CROP Walk. Do what you can; take your turn as lead goose. But most important, offer your encouragement. Honk for the one up front in those situations. Speak words of praise about lay and clergy leadership alike. If you see someone doing good, say so. Talk up our church to those you encounter, and most of all, give praise to God with your words and actions.

Together, may we live for God. May we fly in God's direction, offering encouragement along the way, support for those leading, and a respite when someone needs a break. “From the geese of the air, take this lesson.”

Honk! Honk!

On the Journey with you,

e-mail Pastor Baker-Streevy