May 8, 2011
Our Interim Moderator, the Rev David Stewart, preached a powerful sermon this Communion Sunday. His theme was that there is no distinction between a good Christian and a baf Christian; you are either a Christian or you are not. It's not unknown for attendees at Communion to refus to share in the bread and the wine because they feel themselves "unworthy." David told a good story about a Highland Elder who quietly, or perhaps not so quietly, told one such refusenik that it was for people just as he, or she, that Christ died.
David also touched on the willingness of some to come forward and do more than simply attend church services, and the unwillingness of others; the unwilling ones might feel that they are unworthy, or they might feel that they are too busy. But there is an old adage - if you want something done, give it to a busy man. (Man or woman; we're not being gender specific here.) Somehow or other the people who are busy always find time to do that little bit more and our church wouldn't survive without such people. That being said, if you're not doing more than attending church then ask yourself, "Do I have gifts and talents which I could use to help keep my church going?" Of course, David didn't put it quite like that but that was the message.
So, don't worry about whether your faith is strong enough, whether or not you're a good or a bad Christian; just join in and help.