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2007 Devotional Guide
for ELCA Congregation Councils and Committees
by Margaret Payne
Artwork by Mira Skocka
From
the Author
Think of us this way, as servants of Christ
and stewards of God’s mysteries.
—1 Corinthians 4:1
In his letter to the Corinthians Paul describes
leadership in the church as a holy servitude. We
serve Christ as we use our time and gifts to
uphold and strengthen the church. But something
else is going on. As leaders we are called to
think of ourselves as caretakers of the ways of
God that are beyond human understanding as well.
We meet in councils, teams, and committees with
an agenda in one hand and a Bible in the other.
A time for reflection and prayer in each meeting
is a good way to remember that our work is part
of the mystery of God’s life in the world.
Lighting a candle at the beginning of each
meeting and letting it burn throughout the time
of discussion and decision making can be a
powerful reminder of the spiritual nature of our
leadership. We are stewards of the mystery that
the light of Christ has the power to overcome
every darkness, to heal every wound, to forgive
every sin, and to reconcile all those who are
divided.
This mystery of God’s grace is the foundation of
our life together. How can it be that we are
loved and accepted so completely? It is truly
amazing. As we place the mystery of grace at the
heart of our work we will be filled with a sense
of gratefulness for the forgiveness and freedom
that God gives us as we live in the love of
Jesus.
We stay connected to God’s mysteries best by
worshiping regularly. The Lutheran way of
liturgical worship, based on an annual order of
festivals, seasons, and scripture readings, is a
spiritual guide leading us through the story of
Jesus every year. Children know that telling a
story once is never enough. We live in this
story year after year until it becomes the story
of our lives.
Please use this devotional guide as a companion
to weekly worship in your congregation. Remember
the mystery of amazing grace as you live in the
story of Jesus, and remember that you are
stewards of this life-giving story for the sake
of the world.
— Margaret G. Payne
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