Don’t forget there in only ONE SERVICE on Sun., Sept 5 at 10:30 under the pavilion. Afterwards, lunch will be served in the fellowship hall sponsored by the Kitchen Committee.

 A speaker said something that resonated with me. He asked if we knew the difference between a thermometer and a thermostat. We were reminded that a thermometer simply tells us what the temperature is; a thermostat does something about it. The speaker then asked us which of the two we are. I have never heard the difference in people put so clearly and succinctly.

With the arrival of September, we are busy preparing for Charge Conference. We review the life of Walker United Methodist Church in 2010 and we look at visions and goals, opportunities and challenges for 2011 and perhaps beyond. We elect officers and set budgets accordingly.

This is a good time for each of us to consider whether we are a thermometer or a thermostat. It does not require any commitment or particular talent to be a thermometer. Most anyone can celebrate positives and see negatives. Most anyone can lament if Sunday School or Worship attendance struggles or if finances drop or if any of our ministry groups is struggling. Any of us can be a thermometer; all that is required is a little observation.

To be a thermostat entails risk and investment. We risk being misunderstood or criticized. We risk an effort failing. We risk being let down as others may not follow through on promises to work with us. To be a thermostat entails the investment of our time and money. To be a thermostat requires determining what really matters to our life and family both now and for eternity. Being a thermostat requires investing our energy and strength. In short being a thermostat requires belief, faith and commitment.

It is far easier and less stressful to be a thermometer than a thermostat. It cost no money nor time nor energy to be a thermometer. Yet, history records the thermostat because the thermostat makes life better by changing our living conditions. Thermostats change countries, states, counties, cities, churches and individuals. Thermostats measure where we are and then take us to where we want to be.

Are you a thermometer or a thermostat?

God bless,

John

John Pike, Pastor