Obituary for Someone Else

Our church was saddened to learn this week of the death of one of our most valued members, Someone Else. Someone's passing creates a vacancy that will be difficult to fill. Else has been with us for many years and for every one of those years, Someone did far more than a normal person's share of the work. Whenever there was a job to do, a class to teach, or a meeting to attend, one name was on everyone's list, "Let Someone Else do it." Whenever leadership was mentioned, this wonderful person was looked to for inspiration as well as results; "Someone Else can work with that group." It was common knowledge that Someone Else was among the most liberal givers in our church. Whenever there was a financial need, everyone just assumed Someone Else would make up the difference. Someone Else was a wonderful person; sometimes appearing superhuman. Were the truth known, everybody expected too much of Someone Else. Now Someone Else is gone! We wonder what we are going to do. Someone Else left a wonderful example to follow, but who is going to follow it? Who is going to do the things Someone Else did? When you are asked to help this year, remember -- we can't depend on Someone Else anymore.

This fictional obituary stings so sharp because it rings so true. So many of us feel overwhelmed by our circumstances and inadequate for our calling. We tend to relegate our responsibilities to another because surely someone else has more time or is better equipped. But God does not call the equipped, He equips the called! The Scriptures emphatically command and invite each one of us to God’s mission! “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10).

Next Sunday, January 14, we will begin a new series of sermons titled “Every Believer a Witness.” We will be engaged and trained in sharing the gospel boldly and effectively. As a note, the children in grades 1-5 will not be leaving our service since they will be able to participate. I would strongly encourage you to attend for each sermon in this series, which will go through the end of February. Please join me in praying for this now as I anticipate God to transform our motivation for and effectiveness in sharing our faith!

Also, we will be offering an informational meeting on Sunday, January 14 (directly following the service), regarding this year’s mission trip to Toronto, Canada. We will again be partnering with Alex and Indhira Fleming and A Better City Church. Participation in this informational meeting will not obligate anyone to this mission. However, I encourage any interested to attend in order to find out how we are partnering with ABC Church and how we can all be praying. Of course, I would invite any willing and able to go with us to Toronto this summer. Vital information regarding this trip will be shared.

Thankful that God’s grace extends beyond Someone Else,

Jason