Yesterday (Sunday, Nov. 20^th) was a wonderful experience of God’s people in Ottawa worshipping together. We were graciously hosted by Rev. Dr. J.C. Kelley and the Sisters and Brothers of First United Methodist Church. We heard marvelous musical offerings from four different congregations. We received an offering to go to Hope House; a wonderful ministry that the Churches in Ottawa support and help voluntarily staff.

Years ago, when I first visited with the Search Committee, I was floored when I heard how many churches there were in Ottawa. There are stories that help explain how we got to this place. For me, the bottom line is that there is One Church in Ottawa with lots of different expressions.

A short while ago, I walked into one of the churches in town. There were a few people I know casually standing in the office and one of them said, “Look out, here comes the competition.” I know it was said in jest, but there is always that element present among us. The evil One thrives on division, competition, pride, animosity, grudges, and unforgiveness. Christ’s Body thrives where there is unity, cooperation, humility, love and forgiveness. When it comes to the Church, we really are all in this together.

One of the things I have tried to do in the time I’ve been here is to get to know my ministerial colleagues. We are, after all, co-laborers in this vineyard call Ottawa. The better we know one another the more likely we are to respond to each other as sisters and brothers in Christ. From time to time in worship, we pray for other churches and their pastors. We don’t do that just because it’s a “nice thing to do”. We do that because we are called to be the Body of Christ. He is the one who replaces division with unity. He is the one who teaches us how to love one another, even with our differences. And He is the one who will ultimately engage us in ministries that transform people’s lives. These things can only happen when God’s people pray for and with one another.

So, I invite you to pray with me for the other congregations in Ottawa. Pray for these other pastors (and their families). Share good news stories with your friends from other churches about the good things God is doing in their church and your church (Christ’s Church). Remember, they’re not the competition. When the church grows, the Church grows.

And I’ll look forward to seeing you in Church on Sunday.

In Christ’s Love,

Joel

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