SR September 2015
31
The week before Conference our Ministers Association
from the town of White Cloud had a community church
picnic. It was received very well. We planned on serving
60-75 people and we had over 120. What a blessing for
the first time doing the picnic. The food was amazing
and a great time was had by all. There was only one
problem that we had observed. The intent for this picnic
was to build on relationships within the community of
believers. We noticed that people would stay within the
comfort of others from their own churches. This should
not be a big surprise to us. We see this in our own
churches. Families sit in the same places and we tend to
talk to the same people every week. How do we get out
of this pattern?
I have noticed this summer that my children have no
problem making friends. Most children do not have a
problem making friends. They see something that piques
their interest and then they start asking questions.
Seems easy, right? I was reminded of Mark 10:13-16:
13
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to
place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked
them.
14
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said
to them,
“Let the little children come to me, and do not
hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as
these.
15
Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the
kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
16
And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands
on them and blessed them.
”
If it’s so easy for a child to make friends or to enter into a
conversation, why is it so hard for adults? The answer is
that we stop thinking like GOD’S children.
Many of us are comfortable where we are, or we are
afraid. Basically, we are too old in our thinking. Most of
us found comfort in the presence of our parents or close
family and friends. One of the reasons I was drawn to
Seventh Day Baptists was its strong family ties. From the
first time I stepped into the church at White Cloud I was
part of the family. For the first time in my life I felt like
I was with my family and not in a church. From that
moment on I found GOD’s way was not to “do church”
but to be part of HIS family. So maybe we should just
look at everyone as family.
The week of Conference, I challenged all that went from
the White Cloud church to find someone they did not
know, or find someone they have not seen in 10 years or
longer, and learn something about him. It did not stop
there – they needed to tell the rest of the group about
that person or persons, reminding them that this was
their family.
This was also my wife and kids’ first Conference. I would
introduce them to people by saying, “This is my brother
or sister.” At one time my son Keith asked, “Who was
that man, Daddy? He kind of looks like Santa.” His
white hair and beard stood out. “That is my Uncle Dale,”
I told him. So, I figured I would introduce you all to a few
of my family. First my brother Dennis who is a fellow
Chicago Bears fan. His wife Julia is from Jamaica and
she can sing! My brother Andy, who is a world traveler,
lives in Florida. My sister Paula, whom I have not seen
in over 13 years, leads a worship band. I have a brother
Nick who loves teaching, history, blueberry pie and
cookies. My sister Pat is an editor for a long-running
magazine. If you would like to get an idea of how big
my family is, just look at our family photo (above) from
Conference. Remember, not everyone was there.
Maybe we need to change our perspective. Get on
the floor and look up at Jesus’ face as a child would.
Remember you are HIS child. Look for opportunities and
invite people into HIS family. Then He can put HIS arms
around them and bless them too. If you are comfortable
in the place where you are, it is time to get uncomfortable.
Look for something that piques your interest and invite
someone to church, Bible study, or fellowship. There is
always room at GOD’s table.
Man, I love my kids! Sometimes our children can teach
us the biggest lessons. Looking forward to seeing all of
you next year and others from HIS family at conference.
F A M I L Y
Pastor JR Shick, White Cloud SDB Church, MI
SR
