It Only Takes a Spark
We ended worship Sunday with “Pass It On.” I’ll admit: while we are searching for our next Director of Worship and Music Ministries, I’m the one choosing the hymns. As I spent more time with the Scripture during the week, I thought about other songs we might sing: “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me” or “He Hideth My Soul.” But I kept coming back to “Pass It On.”
Then Tuesday morning, I stepped away from my phone for a few minutes. When I picked it up, I had three missed calls from the church. I thought, “Uh-oh. What happened? I hope nothing’s on fire.” Well, something was.
A furnace in the Education Building had overheated, causing smoke. Thanks to the quick response of the men’s prayer group, who were in the building that morning, and the care and action of Mike Klug, Alice Releford, and Emilee Sheffield, the situation was contained. The Perry Fire Department responded, and Pruitt came to assess and repair the system. There were no injuries or water damage, and Mike’s latest update was that the repair was complete and the building would be ready for Sunday. We are deeply grateful for everyone who helped.
This week has reminded me how much we depend on people who show up when something needs doing. Some fires are literal; others are the everyday demands that seem to come all at once. In either case, it matters to be surrounded by friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, and companions on the journey who care and lend a hand.
I’m grateful for the people sustaining our music ministry during this interim season: Carol Goff for her leadership, DM Kenney for making the drive from Macon to play the organ, and Tammara Shipes for the joy and care she brings to the Sanctuary Choir and handbell choir. I’m grateful to Mark Blankenship and Tami Daniels for helping the J.O.Y. Choir continue its ministry of sharing music and friendship.
That ministry is a gift in ways that go far beyond the songs. One of our members, who lost her husband six months ago and tragically lost her son last week, has a place in the J.O.Y. Choir where she can come, sing, and walk alongside people who understand that she does not have to carry her grief alone. What a blessing to have a community where people can keep showing up for one another through joy and sorrow.
I’m thankful for all the people who make Perry Methodist Church the church family it is: those who lead, serve, pray, sing, repair, encourage, and quietly make room for someone else. It only takes a spark to get a fire going. And sometimes that spark is the kindness, faithfulness, or simple presence of someone who reminds us we are not alone.
| 
