The Reign of Christ Sunday

    Sunday, November 23rd is celebrates as the last Sunday of the liturgical year. This day is also known as Christ the King Sunday.  It represents the culmination of all that the life of Christ represents for us and the world.  In spite of reports of the increasing secularization of society and the apparent dominance of human desires and designs over The Way of Christ, we, as the church stand courageously to interpret the times as still reflecting the supremacy of God.  Although the focus over the coming days is upon preparations to observe the Thanksgiving holiday, the acknowledgment of the Reign of Christ and our expressions of gratitude (I.e.  giving thanks) are not necessarily in conflict.  

       In a worship resource appearing on the UMC discipleship website, one writer aptly noted:

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the abundance of God. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for all that God provides. There are clearly enough resources for everyone in the world to live fully. The problem we face is one of distribution, of sharing. So, how do we give thanks when there are many, maybe even some in the congregation, who don’t have enough? How do we celebrate the abundance of God while acknowledging the selfishness or inequality of the human community?

    The abundance of God’s bounty is undeniable, it is unavoidably evident.  When the race for wealth frequently includes the term trillions, we admit that the scales of plenty includes standards of measurement that are completely unimaginable by even the majority of citizens in the most developed nations.  The question is not one of availability, but rather a question of priority. 

       It is difficult to confess that we can have all that we need and want if our selfish desires do not grow faster than our understanding of how our talents are truly to be used.   On Consecration Sunday, we will declare our intention to devote a portion of what we will receive to God.   Our plans are based upon what we expect to receive.  Our estimate of giving (EOG) is a most practical demonstration of an “if-then” relationship with God.   Each day, our actions declare, “if God, then I.”    We choose how the phrase is completed.  

     For some, the question of financial stewardship intones, ‘if God will give me X, then I will give Y.”   As simple and rational as this proposition may seem, it is not based upon an experienced reality, but a miser’s conjecture.  The more accurate and appropriate phrase is “because God has….., the least that I can do…”

      At Christ UMC, we have proposed significant increases in mission and service to our older members, our youth and our young adults.  These envisioned increases will be accomplished, in part, through increases in the numbers of staff and expenditures upon the ministries.   We are asking each member to prayerfully consider how God has equipped you to participate and support the ministries of the church.  If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact me or any of the officers of the church.  

In Christ, 
Jon McCoy