Thoughts from Thom …

            As the year ends, we’ll be observing and celebrating our first Advent and Christmas seasons together as pastor and people.  I encourage you to avail yourself of the many opportunities to participate in the life, witness, and ministry of our congregation.  As usual, for many different reasons, the holidays will be busy ones.  Let us not neglect to gather as a family of faith to worship our God. 

          As important are our family traditions and preparations, we must not lose sight of the “reason for the season.”  After all, it is Christ’s birthday and not ours.  As we select just the right presents, wrap them, and place them beneath our Christmas trees, we are invited to allocate a similar amount of time and effort in choosing the right gift for Jesus.  What might Jesus want from us this Christmas?  

          Would Jesus be pleased by our presents?  Good intentions and unwanted gifts have filled many a fireplace socking.  Who hasn’t seen the disappointment on the faces of some children on Christmas Day?  Would the Lord be disappointed with our celebrations this year?  Carefully consider how Jesus might view our seasonal preparations and observances.  Do our words and our deeds give glory to God?  Join me somewhere on the road to find out why.  Peace.

                                                                                                                                                                                 In Christ,

Dr. Thom C. Gibson

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1. It’s not about us.  It’s not about me and not about you.  We’ve come to worship God.

2. Check the Order of Worship before we begin.  Check the hymns.  Be prepared to worship God.

3. Make a joyful noise.  It does not matter whether we sing on key or in perfect harmony.  What matters is our making a joyful noise.  If you sing well, then we have a burgundy robe and you can sing with the choir.

4. Worship begins the journey.  Everything we do as Christians emanates from what we do here.  See Rule # 1 above.

5. I will not ask you to do anything that I am not willing to do. 

6. I tithe.  See Rule # 5 above.

7. When in doubt, give.  If you’re still in doubt, give more.  According to the apostle Paul, God loves a cheerful giver.  We’ll have ample opportunity to give.

8. We will make no apology for who we are as the Disciples of Christ.  We are what the world is looking for – we have the “right” answers.  We’re the best kept secret.  This is a hospital for hypocrites, sinners, and would-be saints.  Spread the word.  We’re not in competition with the Baptists nor should we have an inferior complex.  We are Christ’s disciples.

9. The Golden Rule still applies.  If we have no idea to what the preacher is referring, then we’re invited to attend either the Tuesday evening or Thursday morning Bible study.

10. We promote tolerance for diversity.  It is part and parcel to our identity and heritage as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  Look around.   Do you see a twin?  God has made us all differently.  We should welcome those who are different.

11. Be joyful.  Sometimes when we come into the sanctuary, we appear as though we’ve “sucked a lemon.”  Yes, you might be having a “not-so-good” morning but your joy may be what a guest/visitor needs.  Be joyful.  See Rule # 1 above.

12. When in doubt, do what is right and good and just.  Then you’ll probably be okay.

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Thom's Twelve Ground Rules - Effective 21 September 2008