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Weekly Devotional

December 1, 2008
 

(Today’s Bible Verse is from Sirach, which is found in the Apocrypha of our Bibles.  Sirach is also known as “Ecclesiasticus”)

Sirach 21:15-21  ¹⁵ When an intelligent person hears a wise saying, he praises it and adds to it; when a fool hears it, he laughs at it and throws it behind his back.  ¹⁶ A fool's chatter is like a burden on a journey, but delight is found in the speech of the intelligent.  ¹⁷ The utterance of a sensible person is sought in the assembly, and they ponder his words in their minds.  ¹⁸ Like a house in ruins is wisdom to a fool, and to the ignorant, knowledge is talk that has no meaning.  ¹⁹ To a senseless person education is fetters on his feet, and like manacles on his right hand.  ²⁰ A fool raises his voice when he laughs, but the wise smile quietly.  ²¹ To the sensible person education is like a golden ornament, and like a bracelet on the right arm.

Something at the church has been troubling me.  It is something that I don’t fully understand, but would like to know more about.  That “something” is the lack of participation in Christian Education events.  Other than VBS this past summer, we have been struggling with this aspect of the church.  On any given Sunday, there is only about 10% of our membership at Sunday School and less than that at mid-week Bible Study.  Thank you to the faithful few who come every week.  Without you, we would not have either.

            Now if I go back and think of all the people that have ever come to one of these education opportunities, I realize that the numbers are a lot higher.  So I have to ask myself what is going on.  As the teacher, is it something I am doing?  Do you not like my teaching style?  It is the material?  Is it too hard, too easy, what?  Is 9:30 in the morning too early to get up?  I am just not sure about what is going on, but I really want to know.  Sunday School is something that is very important to the church.  I have heard more than one of you say that you don’t know the Bible well enough.  Sunday School and Bible Study is a great way to remedy that problem!

            Involvement in educational opportunities is where Springs of Grace has got to do better.  It reflects poorly on our church (in my opinion) when there are only 3 or 4 cars in the parking lot for Sunday School.  I know Bible Study on Wednesday is harder for people to get to because of jobs, etc., but what about Sunday morning?  I really want to open up conversation about Sunday School and why people (maybe you!) don’t come.  With the start of the new church season, this is an appropriate time to start this conversation.  Please think about it this week and talk to me if you are willing.  As we move through this ministry together, an open conversation is the best thing we can have.

In our prayers in this week: 

Alma, Ann, the congregation of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Doris’ mom

God’s Peace,

Pastor Judson