Cliff Notes...
Hey, do you remember my inquiry about pitching and membership? I think it was in this forum. Well, the question was...if you are the world’s best pitcher but you don’t belong to a team, what value are you adding to the game?
So, using that metaphor, if I asked you what position you play what would you say? If the answer is “benchwarmer,” I have a message. I need your help.
Actually, I have two messages in this “Cliff Notes” and since it is Cliff Notes, I will give them right up front. 1) I and the leadership of the church need all those who are not already involved in volunteer work at the church to jump in and help. 2) Because for the next eight months or so I am going to be running as fast as I can.
If I can find the money to pay for the classes, I am going to try and complete my M. Div. by the end of next semester and to do that, I am going to have to complete eight classes. That is going to mean a lot of time out of the church and a lot of time required to study.
The first week I became Senior Pastor, a dear friend and member told me there was no way a person could go to school full time and be a full time Senior Pastor, it was just too much to expect. I can only say that except for all the help I receive from some of you, I would agree. It can wear one out and I am concerned about those volunteers who step up over and over, without a break.
If you can step in and help them out, please do so. The only way we as a church family can provide the care we expect from family, is if everyone helps. Which, I guess means that I have a third message and that is; please forgive me if I am unavailable or if I don’t make it to an event you would like for me to attend. I am making every attempt to minimize mistakes in pastoral care, but I fear the cost of this marathon will be born by all of us.
Having said that, I think it is time to get school done so we can spend even more time concentrating on what God is calling FCC to be. It will be a tough run but if we take advantage of the opportunities, we will be a stronger church for it. Can you help?
Pastor Cliff Caton
