|
Vol. 47,
No.26 SOUTHSIDE ORACLE
August 27, 2004
Marys and Marthas
We know the story about Mary and Martha (Luke
10:38-42). The sisters lived with their brother, Lazarus, in the village of
Bethany, two miles southeast of Jerusalem. Jesus and his disciples were the
guests of honor. As Martha prepared the meal, Mary was sitting at Jesus’
feet attentively listening to his teaching. Martha was upset because her
sister wasn’t helping in the meal preparation. She said to Jesus, “Lord,
don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell
her to help me!”
The response of Jesus to what appears to be a
legitimate request seems surprising. “Martha, Martha, you are worried and
upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what
is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Mary
and Martha had different personalities. Mary was a “feeler” while Martha
was a “doer”. Mary was connecting with Jesus emotionally. Listening to him
brought her closer to God spiritually. Everything else, including the meal
was secondary. Martha, on the other hand, believed that serving Jesus
involved doing what she could for him, in this case preparing the
meal. Without Mary’s help the meal would get cold. What she didn’t realize
was that getting the meal on the table on time was not the most important
thing.
Those with feeling personalities identify with
Mary. Those who are doers sympathize with Martha. What all of us must
understand is that we relate to God at both levels. This is not an
either/or situation. We need Marys who develop a relationship with God in
their hearts. Our deeds are of little value before God if they do not
reflect a genuine spiritual relationship rather than being good works
designed to curry God’s favor.
On the other hand, we need our Marthas, too.
Jesus’ rebuke was not designed to denigrate her service. A religion that is
all feeling and without service falls short as does that faith that consists
only of service. Service is essential. I am reminded of a cartoon that
portrays a pastor who observes, “I’d rather have Martha on the potluck
committee.”
All of us need to be both Marys and Marthas.
One’s personality will not change, but if you are a Martha, don’t forget to
develop your spiritual relationship with God in your inner being. If you
are a Mary, don’t overlook the essentiality of service as the expression of
your spirituality.
__Monroe E. Hawley
Editor’s note: Did you know that we at Southside
have our own Mary and Martha? Mary Anguiano and Martha Supulveda are twin
sisters. We love them both!
The Bulletin Board
New Babies – Two new babies have been born in the last week. They are
baby boy, Kaiden Michael Trey, born to Kent and Traci Britton, August 15,
and baby girl, Pheonix, born to Todd and Alex Helpingstine, August 20. All
are doing well.
Elders’ Forum – Every fifth Sunday evening we have an elders’ forum in
which the elders address questions that have been asked. This Sunday the
elders will respond to a question about suicide and will also explain their
role as shepherds in order to help the congregation understand how they
function.
New Sunday Adult Classes begin September 12. Bobby Valentine will
direct a study of Deuteronomy. A class on Practical Christian
Living will be taught by different teachers. Jan Alexander and Pamela
Valentine will coordinate a Ladies’ Class.
ATTENDANCE RECORD
Two years ago Last year
Last week Goal
Bible classes
149 140
72 170
Morning worship
241 229 *162 250
Evening worship
59 76 55 80
Contribution $3635.64
$3661.67 $3178.92 $4500.00
Calendar of Events
August 29 –
Elders’ Forum, 6:00 p.m.
September 4-6
–Labor Day Encampment, Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp
September
10-12 – Fallhall Days youth program, Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp
September 12
– Sunday Bible classes promotion day
September 12
– Elders/deacons meeting, 4:30 p.m.
September 12
– Praise and Palate, 6:00 p.m.
September 18
– Family Bible Day, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
September
24-25 – Ladies’ retreat, Camp Winneconne
September
27-29 – Midwest Preachers’ Retreat, Fallhall Glen
October 16 –
Annual W.C.Y.C meeting, Fallhall Glen, 10:00 a.m.
October 17 –
Congregational meeting after second morning worship
October 22-23
– Family Encampment, Camp Y-Koda, Sheboygan
October 23 –
Annual fall Give-Away at Southside
|
