Happy Labor Day!
Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58, NRSV
For many years I worked in the business world. At the age of 16 I worked at Woolworth’s in the record department. Yes, I said record department. Does anyone remember 45 rpm records and 33 1/3 rpm albums? If not – Google it! Anyway, to be sweet 16 working in the record section was a sweet gig. All the teenagers would come in looking for the latest records.
Over the years I worked as a transcriber, encoder, sales tax agent, and Amway rep. I worked for over 20 years in accounting, going from bookkeeper to controller. All the while holding down my primary (and favorite) job as a mother! Oh, I know what a good day’s work is!
When I answered God’s call to pastoral ministry, suddenly a good day’s work looked quite different. Being at the bedside of dying saints, taking Holy Communion to nursing homes, hospital visits in the middle of the night, weekly worship, weddings, funerals, baptisms, counseling, sermon preparation, Bible studies, back to school events, VBS, the rhythms of church. A good day’s work.
Why do we work - what is the purpose? Think about this - what if we are divinely placed wherever we are, whether making minimum wage or 6 figures? What if it is more about what we bring to work, not just what we get out of it? What if our jobs are places where we can have the most impact on the world for Christ? And what if you’re retired? Do we ever really retire?
Let’s talk about it this Sunday, September 6. Join us either outside in the prayer garden at 9 a.m. or online at www.umcgt.org. This is the weekend we celebrate the American labor force, so bring your chair and your mask and let’s honor laborers and give the glory to God! See you then!
Blessings,
Pastor Linda
P.S. We are celebrating Holy Communion at Worship on Sunday for the first time since March. All-in-one cups will be provided for those attending Outdoor Worship. If you will be worshipping online, you can pick up your Communion cups at the Church office (9/4) from 9 a.m to 4 p.m.
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