We are launching a church-wide exploration of spiritual
gifts and I am hoping everyone will participate! 1
Corinthians 12 discusses that believers are part of the
body, with Christ at the head, and every part is needed!
YOU are needed!
Every believer is given specific, special, spiritual gifts for
the common good- for God’s purposes and glory. Many in
our churches may be wondering what God has called them
to do. Many may be busy at church, but not really feeling
as if they are living into the fullness of God’s calling for their
life. There may be a holy dissatisfaction with a longing for
more. Many may be fully living into their calling and may
want to understand and explore it more. Even if you
already know and understand, please engage in this study
to encourage and support your brothers and sisters.
Greater insight occurs within community, with sharing and
open, honest conversation. You may have the insight
someone else needs!
For all, God wants you in ministry, using your spiritual gifts
in whatever way God leads. This comes from learning,
along with discernment through prayer and support in the
faith community. It is within a small, safe, faith group that
we will be exploring together, because sometimes it’s
difficult to see something within ourselves, and yet others
may witness it. For instance, at my last church, there was
a woman who learned that she was spiritually gifted with
caregiving and shepherding. She didn’t see it within
herself, but her small group was able to point out how it
was true, and how she was currently using her gifts
because they came naturally to her. She took that and ran
with it, becoming the shepherd for the choir, where she
cared for the choir members, made calls, sent cards,
prayed with them, and more. She also joined the
caregiving team and led initiatives to care for those who
were hurting. She fell in love with her new ministry and did
it well. Another woman discerned her calling through this
process and began participating in Kairos prison ministry,
as well as a feeding ministry for the homeless in Buffalo.
One man determined to begin a men’s Bible study at his
work, which has grown exponentially, reaching many men
who were searching and struggling.
There are many ways to live out spiritual giftedness.
Learning about spiritual gifts and discerning our own
giftedness is the start. You will discover in what ways God
has blessed you with spiritual gifts so you may bless
others. Together, we will discern, so that you may then be
equipped and enabled to go wherever God is leading.
We are opening our studies to include our sister-church,
First UMC. Anyone is welcome wherever and whenever it
works best with your schedule. There are a few groups that
will meet weekly, but if you don’t have the time, a fast-track
option will be offered by Paul Phister. Schedules for all are
listed below.
In the month of June, we will be learning and exploring the
Biblical understanding of spiritual gifts, and what it means
for us and our church. In July, different spiritual gifts
inventories will be made available for everyone to do on
their own. Small groups will begin again in August to
discuss together what everyone has learned about
themselves and how God has gifted them. There will be
supportive and encouraging conversations to help guide
people into God’s purpose and calling for their life.
I encourage everyone to participate and become aware of
how God has equipped each of you to minister in the
places God has positioned you in life, so you can
demonstrate your faith in Christ by the power of the Holy
Spirit, through the ordinary, everyday situations of your life,
and in church ministry. Be the light of Christ in the world by
knowing about and using your spiritual gifts!
Spiritual Gifts Small-Group Schedule:
Tuesdays at 2PM via zoom*- facilitated by Tess
Slobuszewski (6/7,14,21,28)
Thursdays at 7PM in-person at Delta- facilitated by Ella
Alsheimer (6/2,16, 23, final session TBD).
Fridays at 6PM in-person at First- facilitated by Beth
Bushaw (6/3,10,17, 24)
Sundays at 10AM in-person at First- facilitated by Jeff
Evans (6/5,12,19, 26)
Fast-track option- after worship (approx. 10:45) in-person
at Delta- facilitated by Paul Phister (6/12, 6/26)
*if interested in the zoom option please let me know, along with your
email address, so you can be given a link to join.
Pastor Sherry Mahar, Rome First and Delta UMC
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