By Rev. Joe Zarro, Interim Senior Minister
In this year’s Stewardship Campaign, we are going to celebrate the best aspect of team sports: community and shared purpose. Our theme “One Team, One Goal” highlights both our unity and diversity, how we are all have different parts to play but are one team working toward the same goal: faithfulness to God. We all want what is best for our church, our communities, our world. We know it’s God’s will to love and serve our neighbors, to do justice and love mercy. And we believe God has called all of us to work together to bring about this positive change.
Teamwork is the foundation of the Christian church. The Apostle Paul, writing to one of the earliest churches, used the metaphor of the human body – just as the body is many parts but one body, we are diverse in our gifts and abilities, but one church united in Christ (1 Corinthians 12). In the metaphor of the team, we may play different positions, we may have different strengths and weaknesses, but we are all on the same team. The quarterback cannot say to the offensive line, “I don’t need you” unless he wants to get sacked. And every good pitcher needs a good catcher, not to mention fielders to make their plays and an offense to provide some run support. Nobody wins on their own, and win or lose, we do it together.
Now, I’m new to this team, a mid-season transfer of sorts. I’m also only with you for a season or two, on a short-term contract. But I’m already deeply committed to the life and success of “Team BCCUCC” and want to see us thrive while I’m here and long after I’m gone. That’s the other important thing about teams – they may rely on a group of players for a season or an era, but the team endures long after the players have left the field.
Whether you are an All-Star franchise player of this church, a total rookie, or something in between, this stewardship campaign is going to encourage you to “get into the game.” We want to hear your goals and dreams for the church, we want to know how you plan to contribute your time, talent and treasure to our shared goal. I hope you’ll worship with us during our stewardship season, I hope you will sign up to be on (or continue to be on) one of our many ministry teams, I hope you submit a pledge for the coming budget and our shared expenses. Above all, I hope you find a way to connect and feel part of this team. Because we are all in this together. We need each other, and everyone has a part to play.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Joe