What the Church and Sharks Have In Common

            Marine biologists tell us that some species of shark—including the great white shark, the mako shark, and the hammerhead shark—must continually swim without rest, throughout their lives.  These sharks are called obligate ram ventilators.  They no longer have the ability to pump water through their gills, while at rest.  Instead, they must continually swim in order for the water to pass through their gills, enabling them to “breathe” and take in oxygen.  Presumably if these sharks ever stopped swimming, they would asphyxiate and die.  Thus, these sharks must continually move in order to live.

            Churches are like these obligate ram ventilator species of sharks.  If churches stop moving, then they will die, as well.  Churches stop moving when they become complacent, self-satisfied, and inward looking; that is, when they cease to be faithful to God.  Churches that are faithful to God are constantly on the move.  These churches are constantly asking, “What is God calling us to do now?”  What new ministry or program should we be starting?  These churches are continually looking for and moving towards new opportunities.  They are willing to take risks, try out new possibilities, and be uncomfortable in response to God’s call—these churches are constantly on the move.

            This Sunday at Meriden United Methodist Church we will celebrate Pentecost, which is the anniversary marking the creation of the Christian Church in Jerusalem, after the resurrected Jesus had ascended into Heaven.  Our scripture reading will be Acts 2: 1—21, which describes this formation of the first church.  During the Worship Service, we will also celebrate Confirmation Sunday, as we welcome our young confirmands into full church membership.  My sermon will focus primarily on our church in Meriden and where we may be called upon to move next in faithfulness to God.  That is, where is God calling upon us to swim next?

 

If you live in the Meriden-area and do not have a regular church home, please consider attending Meriden United Methodist Church this Sunday.  Meriden UMC is located at the corner of Dawson and Main.  Our worship service starts on Sundays at 10 am.  Everyone is welcome and accepted because God loves us all.

My weekly blog will take a brief one-week hiatus next week, while I enjoy some vacation time with my family.  The next post will be uploaded at the end of May for Sunday, June 2nd.