Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
This week, as we welcomed our new parish nurse and social worker, these words from Howard Thurman rang in my ears. Sang in my ears. In our church and in our world, there are many needs. Sometimes, when I survey the landscape of need, I get overwhelmed or discouraged. Sometimes I feel guilt and shame, inadequate. Why? In part, because there are so many needs. But mostly because I am looking in the wrong direction. I focus on the needs rather than the one who can supply our every need. I focus on my inadequacy rather than God’s sufficiency.
This week, Carol Cherry and Renee Malnak-Giansiracusa, parish nurse and social worker, respectively, arrived on the BMPC scene to join our Caring Ministries team. We began, not with the nuts and bolts, but with our shared understanding of Jesus as someone with a heart for people in need – those experiencing crisis or going through life stages that require support, and still others dealing with lifelong conditions of mental, physical or spiritual “dis-ease.”
We shared our vision of service rooted in faith and informed through our personal experiences of grace. We dreamed about being friends and colleagues in ministry. The excitement grew. Energy swelled. Something came alive and took wing and made our hearts glad. You’ll be glad too. And, as a team that dreams, we encourage each of you to find the particular forms of ministry and expressions of faith that help you come alive. Abundant life, Jesus says, I came so you can have it!
Renee and Carol are available by phone, e-mail and office hours. They’ll be on campus one Sunday a month, before and after worship, alternating between the Ministries Center Court and Education Building so you can also meet them and ask questions. They’ll be responding to identified needs and putting together a proactive plan for visiting members most isolated by age or infirmity. You can look forward to future mind-body-spirit offerings and wellness education across the life cycle.
610-525-8832
Work days: M/W/Th
Office hours: Mon. 12:00 - 4:00 p.m., Wed. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
610-520-8833
Work days: T/W/Th
Office hours: Tues. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Wed. 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
