“We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT)
On September 15, the missions committee of Mosinee UMC gave every member two dollars, and told the story of the buried talents from Matthew 25:14-30. We were challenged to take the two dollars, plus our own personal gifts, and grow God’s Kingdom in some special way.
I have already heard some amazing stories. Some people have pooled their money to make a micro-loan to a person starting a business in the third world. Some have bought supplies to make a craft or bake a goody, sold it, and given the money back to the mission fund. Some of our faithful shut-ins have matched the $2 with their own money and given it to missions. Others are using their gift to reach out and touch or help people.
You still have a chance to participate! Ask at the church office for your $2. Tell us what you are doing by October 6th, and we will have a special worship service Sunday, October 13th sharing stories.
What I love about this project is that it gives each of us a chance to use the clever minds, the hard-working hands, the generous hearts, and the loving spirits God has given us. What a joy to see the amazing ways God works through our people and our church!
As we hear the miraculous stories of growth, what really stands out is that we play our part, but it is God that really brings the fruit. “It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow” (1 Corinthians 3:7).
It is more than ever clear that God gives us our treasures, and we are God’s treasures. In our flawed and fragile human way, we accomplish great things, and the glory goes to God. As it should!
Grace and peace, Pastor Park