Right Time, Right Place

Last Sunday I had the opportunity to preach at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Dallas, N.C. at the invitation of Pastor Sherrill Curtis for their homecoming. Sherrill was a member of Christ Lutheran for years and taught at Providence High School until he heard the call and in his 50's and entered seminary. Sherrill has served at St. Paul's now for six years and, in his own words, this will be his first and only parish. He is 63 years old and having the time of his life.

The church is located in a rural part of the state and worships about 160 people. Behind the building is a cemetery that dates back to when the church began in 1893. I could go on and on about the differences between St. Paul's and CLC but the similarities were even more striking--the people sat in the back of the church for worship, they love to gather for food after the service, and they love their church. That last part was very evident to me. They love their church and they love their pastor, Sherrill Curtis.

Sherrill is at St. Paul's at the right time, at the right place. Put me at St. Paul's or Sherrill at CLC and those dynamics would change dramatically, and not for the better. God has a way of making those matches made in heaven at the right time, the right place.

I thought about that last night at Council. We met for four hours! So much to talk about and discuss and decide. Somewhere in the midst of that marathon, I thought, "These are good people who love their church and have the right skills for the important job that has been placed before them. God has raised them up at the right time and at the right place."

I also believe that God has brought you here to CLC at the right time and at the right place. We are at an exciting juncture in the life of our community. For a brief time, you are a part of it all. Have you discovered why you are here at this time? Have you found the place where your gifts shine? God has a way of making it all work. . .for his glory.