WOV #755, "We All Are One in Mission"
Devotion
For the past 15 years I have watched members of prison congregations (the members are all inmates of a state prison system) do some amazingly "normal" congregational activities in a very abnormal setting. These activities include:
•Walk-a-Thons to gather pledges and raise money for charitable causes
•Knit lap robes for residents of a nursing home
•Write and present an Easter pageant (Jesus had four tattoos … and those were the visible ones!)
•Collect money to help with start-up costs for a developing a "sister congregation" in another prison
•Write devotionals to be shared with others
•Make crafts for a Mission Fair
•Build and install 200 chairs and stained glass windows for a chapel sanctuary renovation
•Invite neighbors to worship
•Develop choirs and adult education classes that promote personal growth and affirm creativity
•Provide artwork for worship bulletins and the newsletter.
The church does mission, regardless of where it is located!
Prayer
Keep us mindful, Lord, that every Christian is a vessel for God's redeeming Word, and that all of our varied gifts are united by Christ, the Lord of all. Amen.