Skills

The theme for this year’s camp at Spring Mill was “Whose Life is it Anyway?” and we discussed the importance of giving of our lives to God, since our lives belong to him already.

There was, of course, a time for the campers to write down the areas with which they struggled in their lives, and to give them to God. Many campers went to the front of the stage and dropped their cards in a black bucket. This was not really unexpected, as this is a common theme at many camps, youth rallys, and Sunday morning services.

However, later on in the week, the campers were invited once again to the stage to fill out new cards. Instead of writing down the things that they struggled with, the campers were asked to write down all of their skills and abilities that they were willing to give to God. Suggestions such as teaching and singing ability were present, but also offered as possible ideas were ability to work on computers and other “non-churchy” skills and talents. These abilities were offered to God along with the camper’s struggles.

I thought that this was a great idea, for a long time, it has been the mindset of many people that they really don’t have anything to offer to the church community. The simple truth is that you don’t need a degree in religion to be a fruitful member in the faith community. There are many things that the Church could really use some help in that Lee and I, though we have degrees, can’t do very well (It’s hard to believe, I know).

Do you like to organize? The library tends to get a little disorderly every couple of months. Do you like to cook? There are a lot of people that for one reason or another would appreciate an occasional meal (trust me; you do NOT want me doing that ministry). Maybe you like kids; offering free babysitting to members of the church (or to the community around you!!) so that the parents can go grocery shopping or have a night out is a great way to use your passions to help others.

This is also what we are attempting to do with the SHAPE program; we don’t want anybody to volunteer for something that they don’t really want to do; that makes it difficult on all parties involved. With a congregation the size of Elmwood, there are enough people, with enough different interests and passions that many things can be accomplished, simply by doing something you love to do, and would do anyway. Maybe you think you have a weird useless skill… maybe your skill is playing Parcheesi… maybe you could start a Parcheesi league and invite church members, and non-church members as a way to introduce people to Christian community. Everyone is important and everybody’s skills are valuable!