Kick-Off Sunday

By George Antonakos

Setting aside that the Ravens officially kick off their season at 1:00 pm today, to what is the title of this article referring? You will never see "Kick-Off Sunday" in a little box on your calendar like "Thanksgiving Day" or "Flag Day" but for many folks who have been around the church, the Sunday after Labor Day has been associated with "kicking off" a new church/school year. There is a different rhythm that sets in for all of us in our North American culture around this time of year. School is revving up, congregational ministries are kicking into a higher gear, new fall Sunday school classes are upon us, small groups are coming out of summer hibernation and we may be feeling an attendance pinch in the pews.

As we "kick things off" at Central, we will be hearing today and the rest of this month about the call to serve the Lord in general and "among the least of these" in particular. It is possible that for some this may come at a time when we least feel like serving due to the demands of life, but God's call remains. In fact we will never be truly fulfilled in this life without a healthy balance of "give and take." For others there is nothing different; you will keep on serving as you have been accustomed to doing.

But however we serve, we are called to do so out of whom God has uniquely made us to be. One reason we offer a Network class (formerly Spiritual Design) is to help folks figure out what the best fit is for their unique servant profile. I strongly recommend this class if you have never taken the time to consider your innate motivations, spiritual gifts and preferred work style. We welcome walk-ins! Even if you have explored your spiritual design in the past, you may wish to do so again, especially if you are a small group leader since this material is easily transferable to a small group setting. What better place for people to ponder how God has uniquely shaped them for service?

But Network is just one way to kick-off your growth curve for a new season. There are so many opportunities for fellowship and service that one only need take a closer look inside the pages of the paper you hold in your hands. What we want those who are Central "veterans" and "rookies" to know is that we all need your unique contribution to be more whole as a local church body. Don't just stand on the sidelines and watch the game go on; you have a position to fill no matter how limited you believe your skills may be.

In Jesus' description of "the righteous" in Matthew 25:31-46, there is not one servant deed that requires great skill, but they do require the sacrifice of time and attention to the needs of others. So, let's kick off this year in the knowledge we are each being called by God to "get into the game" in the role that God has uniquely designed for each of us.