From Your Synod Executive...

Today in our staff meeting, we were discussing how overwhelmed we feel with the many challenges facing our country right now.  War in Gaza, concern for immigrants, poverty, etc., etc., etc.  It can be frustrating trying to figure out how we can love our neighbor, in tangible ways, so that they experience more of the abundant life that Christ offers us.

I had the opportunity to reflect on what it means to love our neighbors in a video recently produced by our covenant ministry partners, Samaritas.  It’s the biggest Christian social service agency in Michigan and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve on their foundation board, thanks to my position as the executive for the synod.

You can watch the short video here:  Love Thy Neighbor: A Powerful Message of Faith in Action - YouTube.  Toward the end of the video, I had a chance to reflect on what it means to be blessed to be a blessing (e.g., Genesis 12:1-3), one of the hallmarks of my theology. 

God blesses each one of us in Jesus Christ.  Jesus forgives us, saves us, teaches us, heals us, challenges us, redeems us, dies for us, rises for us, reigns in power for us, and prays for us.  By the power of the Holy Spirit, we understand these blessings as a springboard to bless others in Christ’s name.  You and your churches live the blessed-to-be-a-blessing life; I see it every Sunday when I visit another part of the body of Christ in our Synod.

There’s a virtuous circle (you know, the opposite of a doom loop) that happens when we realize our blessings and work to bless others.  As we bless others (caring for a neighbor, serving at a soup kitchen, advocating for justice, going on a mission trip, or calling someone who’s lonely), we ourselves are blessed.  In fact, I think the reason we feel blessed when we serve is that God created us to be a blessing to others. 

I’m thankful for all the ways you and your churches and presbyteries bless others, and how God blesses you evermore deeply through these acts in Christ’s name.

Grateful to be your partner in ministry,

Rev. Charles B Hardwick, PhD                                            

Executive                            

chip@synodofthecovenant.org

309-530-4578