Temple Talk

Time and Talents Temple Talk Notes

Good morning. I am Tom Hager. I want to take a few minutes to share some thoughts with you regarding the Time and Talents Survey. Right here at Grace Lutheran, each of us has opportunities to be part of our renewal and growth. More on that in a bit.

I retired for the 2^nd time in April. Kim, my wife, asked, “what are you going to do now?” Are you going to get another job? My response was quick and sure - NO. So, what did I do? A little of this and some of that. And WAY TOO MUCH watching the news. Let me say that’s not healthy for mind or body. With so many years behind, and no major regrets, I ask myself what did I miss out on while I was so focused on work? What did I skip over?  More importantly, what comes next that I should consider preparing for?

Fortunately, I was asked to attend synod assembly. That was an eye opener for me. The key focus was Ecclesiastes – for everything there is a season. That message spoke directly to me - - at the right moment. I felt like I dipped a toe in the spiritual waters during the assembly. I felt something new.  And I liked it. I have increased my involvement here at Grace since synod assembly. I see people again instead of just arguing with the TV. Now I want more.

We have much to celebrate here at Grace. We have a vibrant church family with all kinds of Ministries for our spiritual expression and growth. In this discussion, I intentionally start at the cross and the altar and spread out from there. The Altar Guild ensures that the table is set. We have Music led by the choir, worship band, special music, and a bell choir. We are blessed with a Welcome Team including greeters, ushers, assisting ministers, door keepers, and coffee hour hosts. Our Church Council, Finance Team, and Property Team ensure that our house is in order and ready to Serve. Through Social Ministry we share the love of our Father with our community.

So here is where the Time and Talent Survey comes in. Each of us has the opportunity to list interests and talents that we are ready to share.  We see the Grace Ministries that are looking for engaged volunteers serving our Grace Family and community with joy and thanksgiving, honoring God’s gifts to us.  This is joyful service and ministry, not items on a task list. You don’t have to do it all by yourself. Hey, did you get that? You are not alone. Me becomes WE in service to each other and our community.

Please feel free to list all your talents even those you don’t see in use at Grace today. We are reenergizing and growing. Do you need to be an expert – NO, they let me play in the bell choir. We see more children joining us at Sunday worship. We look forward to needing Sunday School teachers and nursery attendants. What a blessing. See the Vision – Become the Action that leads to its fulfillment. So, if your talent is - perhaps yodeling, should you list it? I say Yes, you never know. 

Thank you.