First Church Congregational
United Church of
Christ
Rochester, NH
Gathered in 1731
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First Church Congregational
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Carolyn's Corner
“I came that
they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John
It’s been a rather hot and muggy summer this year, and if you don’t like
the heat, it’s been a rather uncomfortable one. However, those who farm or
garden will quickly point out that it has been a rather successful summer. I,
for one, am feeling abundantly happy at the large numbers of tomatoes that are
growing and ripening this year in my own backyard. This just might be a year
when the unthinkable happens: we have more tomatoes than we can possibly eat or
use! Should that possibility become reality, I know that any and all tomatoes
will be joyfully received by any number of people.
In John 10:10, Jesus boldly
proclaims his desire for God’s children to have and live an abundant life. Jesus
joyfully and with great compassion shares the good news of God’s generosity, and
our covenantal responsibility to be good stewards of the abundance of blessings
and resources that God has bestowed upon us. Each of us are stewards of those
things God has entrusted into our care: not only our material wealth, but also
our world, our children and family members, and our own abilities, emotions,
time, and talents.
Far too often, otherwise
faithful church people develop a “theology of scarcity”- the belief in “not
enough”- not enough time, money, people, or resources. This is just the opposite
of the theology of abundance that we find throughout the Bible.
By believing in God’s generous and gracious abundance, as Christians we
focus on the “sheer joy of being alive, freed from the grip of fear and
anxiety.”
As we continue to enjoy the summer months, take time to celebrate the
good news of God’s abundant generosity. Keep in focus all the blessings we have
been so graciously given by letting go of the theology of scarcity and instead
celebrating the joy of being alive together in Christ. Praise be to God!
May your eyes be opened to
God’s blessings,
Carolyn