For the committee, the planning is all about What needs doing? What are people interested in doing? What haven't we done before? That's how committees think, and thank God that these faithful organizing folk get us organized. A list of projects is generated and leaders sought and team members recruited. But then.....
Stuff that was never planned starts happening. We have discovered that it is really the Spirit who is leading us since the most enthusiastic efforts have grown out of the passion of a member or two who then recruit others to join their cause. People have begun to recognize their talents as gifts from God which they are eager to offer to God's work and God's people. The Spirit at work, Stewardship in action, compassion for the Stranger. Amazing!
Over the years we have watched a young man whose stepfather was deployed gather donations for the military respite room at the airport. His idea. Great response. We have watched as the baking queens of LM have gone from a baking marathon (in our not particularly helpful kitchen) to a massive outpouring of home baked cookies from bakers of all ages. A free car wash which effectively employed our youngest members (who, at the very least, came out clean from the experience) has morphed into family groups visiting with shut ins and nursing home patients so these same children can learn those skills.
Then there is painting the local gym equipment or all those gardeners who have found places that could use their labor for an afternoon.
Every year the announcement is made: you can do whatever you want! You can form your own team! Recruit both members and friends to be a part of your project. Every year someone new hears this invitation and takes us up on it.
We tend to think of On the Road with Jesus (OTRWJ for short) of a day of service, but I think it is really a day of stewardship - when the light bulb goes off and we recognize the abundant gifts we have received and put them to work for God. And every year I give thanks.
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