He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. - Ephesians 4:10-14
Jesus Christ gave of himself to the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors (shepherds), and teachers to equip his people for works of service so that the body of Christ can be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature.
Paul sends this message to the people he knew and lived with for 3 years in Ephesus [and to us] - this message that Christ gave us special people so we are not alone. We are surrounded by pastors and teachers here at RCPC, and many warm and smiling faces that show and share Christ’s lessons and Christ’s love to us in words and ACTIONS. This message of service has been clear and present here since the beginning of this church with the “Church of the Open Door” poem and our mission statement: To seek Christ, To serve Christ, To show Christ, To know God through Christ.
Thank you, Loving Lord, for being with us when we feel lost and alone and for equipping, energizing, and encouraging us to live in a way that reflects Christian unity, service and love. Thank you for the gift of mature committed Deacons and Elders, Musicians, Pastors, our teachers, support staff, and our strong work with West End Center, Haiti, Sudanese, Family Promise, House of Bread, R.A.M. House, Presbyterian Community Center, and Back Pack Hunger mission. Amen.