When I was in seminary I hit a wall of stress with a full class load, working at a church, living in a new city, making new friends, and establishing a new phase of life.  I started running a lot…a lot… and did a number of marathons, only to come crashing down with an injury and not enjoying the exercise.  It was the first time ever in 13 years that I hadn’t enjoyed running.  I took a break and got connected to the YMCA, attending a group fitness class.  In my first Body Pump class the instructor began with the words, “You’re my Thursday night team!”  My heart soared!  I realized what my mind, soul, and body had been missing was my team.  I had always either run with a team or coached a team and/or worked with teams.  Running/working/studying on my own didn’t have the same appeal or outcome.  

The joy that comes in ministry is, again, working with a team: the ability to brainstorm, imagine, wonder, and  vision.  Where we work together towards a common focus. Where multiple gifts are used and all ages are engaged.  Where what is good for the whole is the main motivation.  What is wonderful about the body of Christ, is that we all have different gifts and when combined make us a really strong team. Romans 12:5-6 says,  “We who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.  We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.”

As we move into a new season of the church year, with the addition of new staff member Music Director David Buice, the talents of the existing staff, and the engagement of many volunteers and leaders, we have quite the strong team here at Faith Lutheran.  The future is bright and with it brings new possibilities while holding on to our strong traditions.