I Once Was Lost

It was an impressive display. Will threw his car keys about 40 feet out into our lawn. The keys settled into down into the thick grass - out of sight. And then the search began. Middle school and senior high youth as well as parents other church members stood back in fascination as the magnificent German shepherd set to work. It was a demonstration by the Gibson City Police Department canine unit.
The few commands given were in Polish, the dog's native language. With an eagerness of a parent seeking a lost child, the dog made broad sweeping circles, zeroing in on the keys. His nose was at grass level as he tried to distinguish one scent from others. Within two minutes he found the keys and crouched down until they were retrieved - much to Will's relief. This recent addition to the police department in Gibson City also found marijuana planted under the seat of our mower as well as under the bumper of Pastor Oerter's truck. (please note - planted by the police). And finally, the dog's ability to bring a running man to a halt, until assistance arrived. Altogether, an impressive demonstration.
I envied our canine friend. It is not always an easy thing to focus. Sitting in my office, I think of multiple places to be or tasks that need to be finished up. It is hard to leave the unfinished behind. I would imagine that most of us awaken in the morning to find a multitude of decisions to be made about how or where to invest the day's energy.
Last fall as we began a new season of ministry and mission our leadership through the Board, Elders, Nurture and Outreach ministries gave some attention to the Five Practices of a Fruitful Congregation identified by Robert Schnase.
They are:

• Radical hospitality
• Passionate worship
• Intentional faith development
• Risk-taking mission and service
• Extravagant generosity

These practices can be found on each Board agenda, on the walls of our fellowship place, in our chapel, and throughout the newsletter. The wonderful part of this is that they continue to show up in the life and witness of the congregation.
Extravagant generosity is evident in the tremendous response of the congregation in our recent "New Love, New Mercy" stewardship. The stewardship committee as well as the small group leaders and hosts created a healthy environment for God to do new things through us!
Keep your eyes open, your nose to the ground, as we continue to search for and discover the wonder God has placed among us. Let us take it as a gift to others in service.