Deacons' Corner, May 2024

 

As if to mimic the wonder and joy of Easter, spring continues the awakening of life all around us. Bare trees, shrubs and plants begin to sprout healthy new growth that will mature into beautiful flowers and broad, colorful leaves. Birds and other animals are busy building shelters and nests in which to birth and raise their young. Dark skies and stormy clouds give way to the warmth of the sun and gentle soothing breezes. Such is the rhythm of the earth.

In chapter three of Ecclesiastes Solomon reminds us that “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” (3:1). His list includes: “A time to be born and a time to die.” (3:2) and “A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.” (3:4). And such is the reality of our lives.

As Deacons, each of these diametrically opposing “times” are part of the reality that beckons our attentions and drives our ministry. We have shared in the joy of welcoming newborns birthed into our congregation and offered solace while sadly bidding farewell to those who have departed and moved on to the next phase of their Christian journey. We have celebrated the triumphs and accomplishments of our students with their families while also encouraging and reminding our soldiers, sailors and airmen that they are always in our thoughts and prayers and are never alone!

Much of this activity is not always visible to the majority of our congregants but it is ongoing as applicable to each situation. In Second Corinthians, Paul reminds us that God “...comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (II Corinthians 1:3,4). I'm thinking that was his way of reminding all of us to always “pay it forward”!

Respectfully and in Christ's name, Tom Genovese