VISIONS OF NEW LIFE

VISIONS OF NEW LIFE
Everyone views life through their own frame of reference. Our perspective is unique and personal. In that sense our individual lives represent a very specific and limited point of view. When someone or something asks us to take a look through another frame of reference, we may find the world looks different and clarity of vision becomes difficult. We may become distracted or even annoyed by the new view and rush to once again get back to our familiar point of view. However, falling back to our own comfort zone of reference has a serious drawback because we risk separating ourselves from the world and everyone in it. Could there be a more excellent way? The apostle Paul wrote to the congregation in Corinth during a time of great internal conflict. There were many varied points of view within the body of members, and the conflict threatened to turn each person in ward, away from the group. “For the body does not consist of one member but of many...and though, many, they are one body...” (1 Corinthians 12) Paul lists eight body parts from head to toe, each part representing one person’s point of view. In order for the body to continue to live, no one part must be allowed to say “I have no need of you.” Each is valuable and, ironically, all are intricately entwined for the benefit of the one. The simplest movement of a finger, science tells us, involves over sixty separate muscle impulses. Each muscle is critical to movement, but collectively, they create miracles. Ahhh...a more excellent way! Continuing this analogy, perhaps each of our lives can be compared to just one muscle in the complex movement of God’s hand. One task, one skill developed to its maximum potential, creates the possibility of mastery and excellence. Note the expression of our skill is not in conflict but in coordination with all others. Mastery happens when all efforts are working together. Using this perspective, we can achieve an entirely new and expanded appreciation for the unique gifts of skill each person carries. In the life of your church there is a need for coordination of effort. Unless we are all committed to striving for the same vision, there will be limited growth and vitality. The vision for the church is becoming more clear with continued "Focus Group" meetings and the recent "Budget Survey" results. You are invited to share in this vision and to reap its rewards. Fresh, vibrant energy and input is being called for in all areas of church life. You are a necessary and vital participant in this activity. Step out and step into the new life unfolding in your church!	Rev. James Ashby and Rev. Ann Haveman-Ashby

VISIONS OF NEW LIFE

Everyone views life through their own frame of reference. Our perspective is unique and personal. In that sense our individual lives represent a very specific and limited point of view. When someone or something asks us to take a look through another frame of reference, we may find the world looks different and clarity of vision becomes difficult. We may become distracted or even annoyed by the new view and rush to once again get back to our familiar point of view.

However, falling back to our own comfort zone of reference has a serious drawback because we risk separating ourselves from the world and everyone in it. Could there be a more excellent way? The apostle Paul wrote to the congregation in Corinth during a time of great internal conflict. There were many varied points of view within the body of members, and the conflict threatened to turn each person in ward, away from the group.

“For the body does not consist of one member but of many...and though, many, they are one body...” (1 Corinthians 12) Paul lists eight body parts from head to toe, each part representing one person’s point of view. In order for the body to continue to live, no one part must be allowed to say “I have no need of you.” Each is valuable and, ironically, all are intricately entwined for the benefit of the one. The simplest movement of a finger, science tells us, involves over sixty separate muscle impulses. Each muscle is critical to movement, but collectively, they create miracles. Ahhh...a more excellent way!

Continuing this analogy, perhaps each of our lives can be compared to just one muscle in the complex movement of God’s hand. One task, one skill developed to its maximum potential, creates the possibility of mastery and excellence. Note the expression of our skill is not in conflict but in coordination with all others. Mastery happens when all efforts are working together. Using this perspective, we can achieve an entirely new and expanded appreciation for the unique gifts of skill each person carries.

In the life of your church there is a need for coordination of effort. Unless we are all committed to striving for the same vision, there will be limited growth and vitality. The vision for the church is becoming more clear with continued "Focus Group" meetings and the recent "Budget Survey" results. You are invited to share in this vision and to reap its rewards.

Fresh, vibrant energy and input is being called for in all areas of church life. You are a necessary and vital participant in this activity. Step out and step into the new life unfolding in your church!

Rev. James Ashby
and Rev. Ann Haveman-Ashby