There are certain hours of the day when such a greeting is well accepted and similar words are shared back. However, once noon has come and gone, using such words can serve to see if someone is really listening to you or cause them to do a double take and start a conversation about "getting it right." For me, those two words represent the dawning of something new. They represent a new beginning, a fresh start, the ability to put the darkness behind me as I anticipate the coming light.

As I say "good morning" on this day, it represents the start of a new appointment as the District Superintendent of the New Hampshire District. I am still in awe that God has blessed my life to join with the many laity and clergy throughout this district to grow God's kingdom in amazing ways. As we begin our time of service together, I invite everyone to take time to pray; not just for your life or your church but also for the area we've all be given to serve as the living presence of Christ through our actions, attitudes, and words.

One of the great gifts of this appointment is the number of smaller membership churches (we have 48 who worship with less than 50 each Sunday) that we have. Paul created churches in homes and when they reached 35-40, they "multiplied" by breaking in two and creating a new church. When we look at the larger churches, one of their greatest forms of ministry is the creation of the small group where folks can get to know each other. In a smaller membership church, we don't have to create such a ministry because it is already in place. Too often we think that bigger is better (and I will admit that when talking about bowls of ice cream that might indeed be the case for me!); however, it's not the size that matters but the life that is within.

Take for instance the carpenter from Nazareth. Jesus had twelve disciples who followed him - that's smaller than many of our churches, and yet look at what they accomplished because of the living presence of Christ within them. And what about Mother Theresa and her work in India or Linda and Millard Fuller, founders of Habitat for Humanity? The work each of them accomplished was guided by their faith. They allowed themselves to be used by God through the Holy Spirit to transform the world. It's not the size, it's the life within.

As we begin our ministry together (y'all have been doing it for a long time, I'm the newcomer!), I pray that we will stop looking at our size and rather open our lives, as individuals and communities, to the life, the life of God through the presence of the Holy Spirit, that resides within us, and see what God can do in and through us. I give great thanks to those who have gone before us, for they have tilled the ground and planted the seeds. For those of us who are serving today there is the joy of being instruments of nurture and nourishment. We are also called to the fields to harvest the abundance of grace, love, hope, mercy, and peace to feed not only those in our pews, but hundreds of others who may never cross our doorway. Whether they are aware of it or not, they seek the relationship with Christ that is offered to all people. How exciting, how challenging, how possible, all because of "the life" that can, and is, found within each of us.

For Patsy and me, part of our ministry is to serve you in ways that can help you to serve those around you. If you've got questions or concerns, Patsy is in the office Monday thru Thursday from 9-4:15 and together we'll work to provide answers or find resources to help you. The other part of our ministry is to be with you as the living presence of Christ in all that we say, do, and think. Good morning! It's the start of something new, and all things are made new in and through Christ!

Shalom,

David