3 June 2021
Good day Yorkshire!
Well, as holiday weeks go, this is a short week as we took time on Monday to spend time with family and remember those whose personal sacrifice made it possible for us to live in a free country. I also took time on Tuesday to spend some time in fellowship with Frank Herron, Jim Valentine, and Bud Bish on the golf course. Now, some may say that is relaxing- but for those that say that, you have never seen my struggle to propel a little white ball in the direction of a clearly marked hole. There is nothing that seems simpler. “Seems” is an important term. But all in all, I got through the round with a decent score for me, but more importantly, I was the recipient of the benefit of spending the day with some great men. My golf partner for the day was Bud, as he drew the short straw. I am not certain that he will accept this penance again as there were at least two times our cart seemed to come under direct fire from not only Jim Valentine’s aim, but also the ever-consistent Frank Herron, as well. Surely, our cart was parked nowhere in the trajectory of the clearly flag-marked-hole that we were supposed to be aiming for. Bud was a gracious cart driver though and never made me walk to the green to protect his own safety. (Both Jim and Frank did suggest that they were not aiming for me…).
Seem, verb. \ ˈsēm \ seemed; seeming; seems Definition of seem / intransitive verb
1: to appear to the observation or understanding; 2: to give the impression of being
As I reflected on my day with Bud, Frank, and Jim playing a game which “seems” easy, I applied the same element of “seems” to the church. What we do on Sunday morning and through the week probably “seems” simple to many folks. Just get together at 9, 10, and 11 on Sunday, sing some music, read some scripture, hear a sermon, sing some more and then move on with the day. I often joke with folks that being a pastor is simple. Just a half-day on Sunday and maybe a prayer through the week-great gig if you can get it! That is a fun comment to make, but it is also unfair as it suggests the that church activity rests solely on my shoulders. It doesn’t. What may “seem” simple requires tremendous effort by many others-other than myself. On this “half- day” on Sunday, there is so much that occurs to make this “seem” simple. Bulletins, cleaning, Communion set- up, song/hymn selection, scripture study, greeters and ushers. Folks do media preparation so that graphics and slides can be viewed to support the worship time. Folks volunteer to run the media center including sound, live stream, and visual media management.
Work is done outside the facility to ensure that it is clean and serviceable, weeds are pulled, grass is mowed, sticks are picked up. Sunday School and Children’s church teachers prepare through the week for their time with the children, youth, and adult classes.
Our Treasurer is working on financial concerns, running reports, analyzing data to ensure that we manage our processes and ministries in such a way as to be able to pay our bills while investing in ministry and supporting our missions- local and abroad- all work that is done on top of his daily professional career. Money counters take time after each service to ensure that our tithes and offerings are properly accounted for and recorded. There is recruiting, interviewing, and hiring team members to ensure that the adequate staff is in place, supported and trained. …but it all seems so simple!
What makes the seemingly simple game of golf a compelling way for me to spend some time occasionally, is not the effort to simply propel the ball to towards the flag marked hole. The value of this game comes with the fellowship. The comradery of accomplishing the process of achieving the goal. Just as enjoying the time of worship on Sunday morning seems simple enough, so, too, does putting the ball into the hole on the green. For me, to play golf by myself would be anything but enjoyable. And it would be meaningless. See, it is not about the game, but the process. It is not about the great drive, or the long putt, but about the enjoyment of accomplishing it with those with whom you play the game. I suggest that worship on Sunday morning, by oneself, would not be so enjoyable. But worshipping with those who made the time possible; those whose time and energy, commitment and gifts for such a worthy outcome is incredible. For those who golf with me, the process of arduously waiting for me to actually accomplish getting the ball into the cup is hopefully a worthy outcome. (I know it is time to pick up the slack when others’ shots begin to come very close to my head-Frank? Jim?).
So, in closing, I just want to acknowledge that I appreciate all that everyone does on a daily and weekly basis to accomplish that which seems so simple. For those that golf with me, it includes patience, mileage (driving the golf cart all over the course to find my golf balls), counselling (making me feel better about the last less-than- great shot), and forced accolades (nice shot Dave, you played that hole… better than the last). I pretend not to notice that I never have the same partner volunteer to play with me. (I know, it takes a village…). Frank and Jim have recruited at least twice as many people to play in our gatherings as last year which has eased their burden of my participation.
In the church, our seemingly simple process also requires a team of people. And we need to recruit more of you. The good news is that it is not to support my golf inequities. But it is to enhance our time of worship and to ensure that we are providing the highest level of hospitality with the greatest logistical ease that is possible. I am going to close with our wish list. We are currently seeking to enhance our Greetings ministry which seems simple enough. This ministry helps to make folks feel welcome upon arrival and assist first time visitors in navigating our facility and schedules. We are looking for media center volunteers to help us learn and invest in the necessary technologies to support the music that is performed and the graphics that are displayed. And we are looking for folks who feel called to use their musical gifts and talents through singing and instrumental support during both worship services. And, we continue to need teachers and teacher aides for our preschool.
If it seems that you are hearing a voice to answer any of these calls to support our worship, please let me or Alison know of your interest. Speak with Julie Mann if you or someone you know may have an interest in the Joyful Noise Preschool positions.
Golf seems simple to me. But as I have mentioned, it takes a team. Church seems simple, as well. But it also takes a team. Consider how you may play a part in the process. If you are in a season where physical involvement is not a possibility, you still get to play. I finish my rounds of golf because of the intense prayers of those who are in my foursome- it’s the only way I (we) get through. The same with the church. It is only through the prayers of the fellowship that we are able to do what we do. Your prayers are just as valuable to what happens at 125 Edgewood Road as anything else that we do. Prayers that God continues to bless the ministry and activities of Yorkshire Church.
Have a Great and Blessed Day!
-pastor dave.
dkominsky@susumc.org
125 Edgewood Road, York, PA 17402 • (717)755-4952 • www.yorkshirechurch.org
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