Timing Is Everything
I was talking on the phone yesterday with Jason Hatley, the Worship Arts Director of the Journey Church in New York City. He mentioned that they are just starting this weekend a new series about finances - and this was planned a year ago! I told him that God is VERY GOOD to them, and he laughed. Truly the economy and how we should respond to the anxiety is uppermost on the minds of people these days, especially in the Big Apple where already Jason said a few in their congregation have lost their jobs.
For the rest of us who aren't in the midst of a financial series, we can still offer hope and perspective to people who are worried and seeking wisdom from God. Whether it be in a guided prayer time or through some brief comments and spiritual direction from a pastor, we should not ignore the uprising of fear that so many are experiencing. We have an opportunity to remind our communities of faith that God is a refuge, a very present help in trouble. Together we can re-commit ourselves to the path of trust in the midst of great uncertainty. Let us rise up and BE THE CHURCH to those seeking light in the darkness.
Please let me know if your church is engaged on this issue in some way these days...