Now I Believe

    The story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well ends with the woman telling her neighbors about Jesus.  Her story must have been compelling because the neighbors believed enough to seek out Jesus and to listen to him for themselves.  After hearing Jesus, the neighbors say to the woman, “It is no longer because of your words that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” (John 4:42)
    For years I have advised congregations to expand their ministry profile to include the seven ways people learn: 1.  math (logic), 2.  verbal (spoken and written word), 3.  spacial (relationship between objects), 4.  interpersonal relationships (we learn from others), 5.  introspection (paying attention to feelings), 6.  music, and 7. physical activities.  I advocated that all these learning styles be present in Sunday School classes, worship, and other ministry programs.  In advocating for all these learning styles, I was like the neighbors who believed the Samaritan woman.  From all my studies, I knew I was right.
    Like the Samaritan woman’s neighbors, I have experienced first hand what I once believed because of others.  My faith in using all seven learning styles is no longer because experts in parish administration, professional educators, or authors of church growth tell me to do so.  This past year I have seen the power of all seven learning styles in a summer play, heard about a magnificent performance of the Gloria, and watched the joy on children’s faces as they told the Christmas story in a musical.  I drove home last Sunday thinking about the diversity in which the faith is experienced at Epiphany.  There is the spoken word for those who learn through sermons.  There are the choirs that sing God’s praises for those who learn through music.  There are theatrical productions for those who learn through physical action and feelings.  There are liturgical enhancements such as Advent Wreaths, Christmas Trees, and different color paraments for those who learn by seeing.
    The impetus for this Blog was the Children’s Musical last Saturday and Sunday.  The actors were second through eighth graders who learned about the birth of Jesus through music and words.  Preschoolers had their own song.  Non-members of Epiphany heard the message and observed Christians having fun, laughing, and rejoicing in the gift God gives in Jesus.  The director Kandis Wean, producer Amy Ulman, choreographer Erin Ulman, and music director Ian Benjamin did a marvelous job in guiding and inspiring our budding thespians and evangelists.  Of course, I would be amiss if I did not mention the whole Drama Team which worked so hard behind the scenes.
    Finally, my thanks to all the kids who participated in the Christmas Musical, to those who sang from their hearts in the Gloria, to those who prepared the church building with Christmas symbols, and to all who turned belief from someone said it is so to a life-changing experience in Jesus.  In the words of Jesus, “Well done my good and faithful servants.”
Pastor Pete