I've been saying that God is a Body Builder.  Here's why--

"His purpose was [...] building up the body of Christ."

Ephesians 4:12, Common English Bible

From prison, Paul writes that the whole reason Jesus came from heaven to live and die was to continue "filling everything" with the gifts of heaven, a process that began in creation. When Jesus went home to heaven, the next Divine step was the gift of the Holy Spirit, which breathed life into the Body of Christ.

There's been excitement ever since! As we follow the adventures of what the first "Christians" recorded in Acts, I'm discovering that God's "building" strategies are often surprising and even shocking. If we were to set out to build something, we certainly wouldn't spare firestorms or plunk Paul in jail, but we wouldn't have designed Life to be born to die, either.

As we ponder (and even question?) God's mysterious tactics, God still intends to give us all the tools needed for this building project. Here's the rest of the verse:

"His purpose was to equip God's people

for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ

until we all reach the unity of faith and knowledge of God's Son."

If we are to obey the Creator's command to "go forth and multiply" disciples, we must continuously grow up in faith. But God doesn't leave us on our own. Just as in the early Church, God gives us gifts of the Holy Spirit: power, love, healing, prayer, truth and peace.

We also discover that the pile of puzzling construction materials includes supplies like bondage, grief, conflict, disagreement and confrontation. The PC(USA) is not the first appendage of Christ's Body to be afflicted -- or blessed! -- with these.

Fear not! God prepares us to meet these challenges and employs them to further the Divine Design -- He always has and always will.  God is giving us the gifts we need.  Let's watch for ways we can use them to participate in God's New Creation.

Joyfully,  

Barbara

Rev. Morrison is the pastor of Deerfield and McConnelsville Presbyterian Churches, USA. Her message was featured in Volume 61, Issue 6 of The Builder, the newsletter of those churches. 

Wanted Christian Camp Executive Director

Camp Presmont

Camp Presmont, located on Piedmont Lake, is looking for an Executive Director.  The ideal candidate will be an individual who has an active and growing faith in Jesus Christ, demonstrates personal integrity, consistent work ethic, exceptional leadership, interpersonal/written communication and organizational skills, attention to detail, basic financial skills and a team-oriented servant attitude. 

The Executive Director is responsible for the development  and management of programming, human resources, and financial, marketing, and strategic operations. 

This position is a seasonal full-time/part-time position.  The seasonal full-time period runs from June 1-July 31, and the part-time runs August 1-May 31.  During the seasonal full-time period, the Executive Director will be required to live at camp. Housing is provided.

If interested, please send resume to amydevolld33@yahoo.com or mail it to:

          Amy DeVolld

         11720 Cadiz Road

         Cambridge, OH  43725

Westminster Presbyterian Church
353 E. Pine Street
Wooster, Ohio 44691
Phone: (330) 263-2398 

2014 PW Gathering: "Radical Hospitality"

From the Presbyterian Women in the Synod of the Covenant 

The PW in the Synod of the Covenant wish to announce their 2014 Gathering, "Radical Hospitality."

• Date: July 18-19, 2014
• Location: Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 5151 W Lennon Rd, Flint Township, MI 48507

Details on breakout sessions, cost, and speakers can be found in this brochure.