Hello Folks,
     This coming Sunday I am going to preach a sermon on where a person fits in the life of the church, Lord willing.  I am going to take a page from the National Assn. Mid Year Leadership Conference (thank you Charles Myricks) and see if we can give an illustration of what that means.  We had a picture of our sanctuary turned into a 250 piece puzzle and I will have one piece given to each family.  The outside edges of the puzzle will have already be put together on a table and I am going to ask each family at the end of the worship, and for another 3-4 weeks, to put their piece in place. 
     It seems to me that a lot of folks are trying to figure out where they fit in the life of the church.  Unfortunately I am not sure that we, the leadership, always gives individuals an opportunity to figure it out.  They come to a congregation and might not know anyone and we think that they already know all there is about the classes, the ministries and other things in which they can participate.  Or if they know what is available they might not know how to get involved.
     One of the things that I am curious about is how many people will not bother to put their puzzle piece into place.  Will that speak of laziness, a lack of caring, or will they merely forget to bother over a 3-4 week period.  This will be an interesting  time as I observe the congregation I pastor.  I pray that it will be a help to those who are here.

Have a great one.

HGRudd