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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
June 2001 |
Creating Gifts
The sunset was astonishing -- so beautiful it made your heart hurt.
"Well done, God!" my husband declared, clapping his hands.
Sounds a little absurd, clapping for God. But maybe not. Even an unorthodox response to such a God-size creation represents appreciation. It's good to express appreciation for what God has wrought, even if we only remember to do it occasionally.
As if God's own creations aren't enough to challenge and delight us, our God has molded in us an instinct -- a compulsion, even -- to create, ourselves.
"Creativity is God's gift to us. Using our creativity is our gift back to God," says writer Julia Cameron.
You've probably heard someone say, "Oh, I'm just not creative …" Don't believe it. We may not all be painters or poets, but each of us is made to create -- even though we may call it something else, like "making garden," teaching, solving a problem, or … ministry.
What a great bubbling pot of creativity, the Indiana church is. There's surely not a day when someone doesn't think of a new way to live a witness, or to be in service to Christ. Some among us are easily identifiable as "creative": our church music directors, banner makers, liturgical dancers. But there is a creative energy in the realization of any idea for ministry.
We want to share some of those creativity stories, but we need your help. On page 13 you'll find an entry form for our annual "Giving Something Extra" laity creativity recognition. If you know someone who has conceived or shaped a new ministry, a new way of serving God, tell us. It could be anything from a new way to include children in worship or a special way to welcome visitors, to a "toothbrush mission" project. Ministries, like ideas, come in all sizes. We'll publish the stories and photos in our special October edition.
And take time for the sunset tonight.
Keep reading …
