Your 2016 Story

The Christmas season is in full swing (It’s twelve days, after all…) though it seems that the world has moved on. I saw King Cakes in Walmart yesterday, but eating a slice of its gooey, frosted goodness is just a sin before January 6th. Beginning this Sunday my congregation will begin a new worship series called, “The Way,” which explores the commitment we make when joining a faith community. When a new member comes forward I ask them the traditional United Methodist question: “Will you support The Well with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness.”

As you reflect on 2015 coming to a close, I wonder how you spent your prayer time last year? For what or whom did you most often pray? Were you in need of healing or maybe a change of venue? Did you pray for a friend? An enemy? Did you sit in silence just spending time with God?

Where was your presence most deeply felt in 2015? If the walls of your home could talk, what would they say? Did you volunteer at the church or at Helping Hands or with a civic group? Maybe it’s your office that saw you most often. Maybe that book you got last year is still sitting on the shelf waiting for you to dream that next adventure from the pages to your imagination?

How did you share your gifts in 2015? Did you discover a new talent, and you’re just waiting for the right audience? If you take a peek at your checkbook would you find it to be an adequate reflection of your values? Was this last year really difficult for meeting your family’s needs? Maybe your wealth only went to insurance or the doctor’s office? Are you celebrating because you are finally out of debt!?

How did you serve your neighbor last year? Were you at a friend’s side when they were recovering? Did you go ahead and mow the neighbor’s lawn? Maybe you were helping the pastor fix a leaky roof at The Wesley, or maybe you are repairing the lock on the door while the pastor is quickly writing this article (you know you are, you beautiful people, you!)? Is your body sore from helping load the moving van for a friend who you hope to see again one day? Did you serve with the poor rather than for the poor?

What story did you tell in 2015? We are always telling a story through our thoughts, words, and actions. Were your words in line with the grace God offers? Maybe all of your prayers ended with a question mark? Would you be embarrassed to repost your Facebook posts from a year ago? Maybe your words were full of peace and well wishes. Was your story simply and invitation to hear someone else’s?

Well, 2015 will soon be in the record books. How will you support God’s kingdom through your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness in 2016?