Happy Mothers Day?

As a child, Mother's Day would be celebrated at church with everyone being invited to take a small flower from a basket to give to their mum. For most people - and as a small boy, it seemed like it was everyone - their mum was in that congregation and so the flowers were given to mothers immediately. And it wasn't unusual for people to give flowers to women who had made a significant impact in their lives. So I remember my mum often bringing home more flowers than those given to her by her three children.

That is my childhood memory.

Then I became a pastor myself. I naturally assumed that what happened at the church I grew up in (The Salvation Army in Hawthorn, Melbourne) happened in all churches. And so the tradition continued. And normally it was good, although I became more aware of women whose children no longer attended the church. This meant there were a number of women who took flowers home, but they didn't come from their own children.

And then one year I was confronted with the heartbreak that mother's day brings to some women. There was a couple in our church who had been unable to have children. She had been pregnant a few times, but had lost these precious children early in the pregnancy. I still remember her deep sobbing as what was a happy day for others was just a reminder of her own lack of children.

And apart from giving her a hug, I didn't know what to do.

A few years later, that church continued the practice of distributing flowers, but also allowed people to light a candle in memory of those mothers who had already died. Regardless of what you might think about candles in church, this had a terrific impact on those who could no longer give flowers to their mum. And I think it had a great impact on those who would light a candle for the children they never nursed.

Today is Mother's Day in Australia. As we go to church, many will celebrate this by making a special focus on mothers. But I would add two pleas to this celebration. Firstly, understand that this not a happy day for some people in your church. By all means, celebrate your mum and those other women who have been like spiritual mothers to you, but remember others graciously. Secondly, remember it is the sacrifice of Jesus, not our mothers, that saves us from sin. Let your worship be for Jesus.

With that in mind, I thank my mum for letting us know that it is Jesus who saves us.

Thanks mum. I love you.

Local church or para-church?

Here's something from Brian Cosby on local church ministry.

http://rootedministry.com/articles/face-para-church-youth-ministry-cannot-replace-local-church

Here he lists six elements of local church ministry that para-church ministries cannot replace.

1. Weekly preaching in Lord’s Day (Sunday) worship.
2. Multi-generational discipleship and service.
3. The spiritual and physical oversight by elders and deacons.
4. Submission and obedience to church discipline.
5. The joy and responsibilities of church membership.
6. An emphasis on family.