By Benton Heisler / West Michigan Director of Connectional Ministry
A friend asked, “Do you think you could make anything out of all this old barn lumber?”
You know, kind of like God asking Ezekiel in chapter 37, “Can these dry bones live?”
As a hobby, a few days of labor each year the past four years has yielded: two chairs, a hutch, a book case, six benches, three storage boxes, a table, and some projects that are still in the design stage.
And the woodpile is only partially used up.
The steps include sorting boards like puzzle pieces, scrubbing off years of accumulated dust (or other animal debris, enough said), cutting to length and width as well as thickness and sanding to a splinter less finish. (Especially important for the chairs and benches, no further instructions required!)
I have some of the necessary tools and knowledge but the best part of these projects has been sharing time and tools with others. Ideas, solutions, techniques and mistakes to avoid or correct have been just a few of the gifts, not to mention the new function of timber that might have otherwise decomposed or simply become heat in a wood stove.
Most of the lumber I am reusing is over 100 years old. The barn and granary were disassembled to make way for more contemporary functions in their space. Thankfully someone saw the potential in much of the lumber and saved it, even though they didn’t know the exact form it would take. Others and I have been blessed by the release of this stored resource.
My point? I see a parallel to many of our congregations. They are not like they were 100 years ago. God may be asking of us, ”Can these dry bones live?”
They can if we allow connecting muscles and sinew, the covering flesh and the breath of God to come upon us (Ezekiel 37:6). We will need to allow God to shape us into new forms, relocate us to new destinations and remove and discard the accumulated, unattractive, unnecessary debris. We will need to share ideas, tools, mistakes made and knowledge acquired as we work together.
Many people were inspired by leaders from “The Church 4 All People” of Columbus, Ohio who presented their story at the West Michigan Annual Conference. Many of you said, “We can do that!” I am asking you to let me know of your stories of progress toward that goal.
Electronic communication is a new tool we have at our disposal to use in our service for the sake of Christ. This fall I will invite you to share your email address with me at the Conference Center. It won’t be sold. It won’t be provided to special caucus groups. You won’t receive daily advertising and updates.
You will occasionally be informed of significant conference training events and invited to participate in them. It will allow us to communicate with a wider audience than simply clergy and those laypersons who are in leadership positions.
I hope to finish the table this week. The legs and frame will be painted, but the top boards will only be covered in varnish. The nail holes, dents and markings will be a constant reminder of the first life of this lumber.
What may have been a stable wall, a barn floor or a roof board will now be a centerpiece of laughter shared, nourishing food, and relationships nurtured as stories are shared, memories are formed and life is given meaning.
I picture persons seated at this table studying the Bible in early morning, planning their day of service, later that night sharing their witness of where God had been at work and giving thanks for such blessings.
How are you helping to build the Church? I look forward to hearing your stories.
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