You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet
A story is told about General Dwight Eisenhower in the summer weeks of 1945, after the German surrender ended World War II in Europe. Riding along a French byway, his jeep passed a still-legible billboard with a slogan written in French. Eisenhower leaned over to his translator and asked what the sign said. The translator responded, “Ah, yes — in English that reads, ‘Life is Prelude.'” Eisenhower pondered the message for a moment, then responded, “We have a saying like that in America, too: ‘You ain’t seen nothing yet!'”
What an exciting and invigorating time to be a part of life at Yates. So many of the things that have been in process have begun to show signs of progress. After months of demolition and preparation, the walls of the new sanctuary, the pavement of the new parking lot, and the finishing of the sanctuary roof are all coming into being before our eyes. These visible signs of renewal also mark the halfway point in construction. All the watching, waiting, praying, and support you have offered through this time of dislocation and improvisation are now making a decisive turn toward conclusion.
And when the sanctuary is finished, when the campus is restored, when the last bulldozer pulls away — what then? As big an accomplishment as it will be to have navigated successfully through this time together, let’s remember that all of this is prelude to the work the sanctuary and the church campus will support.
The church has chosen to invest heavily in a ministry future anchored at the corner of Cornwallis and Chapel Hill Roads. That is a strong visionary claim on the neighborhood, one that will call for deep recommitment on all our parts. I am determined now more than ever to see the church offer faithful ministry that lives up to the deep trust that investment represents. Our trust is in God, and it is in every member-minister of the church. God is faithful. I want all of us as ministers — both staff and congregation — to live faithfully into these times, too.
Now is the time to bring our very best to life at Yates as we walk through the open door before us. It will be something to cut the ribbon and worship in our renewed sanctuary. But we need to be preparing ourselves and stepping courageously through doors that are opening right now to get there. Even in the stereotypically “lazy days of summer,” I see you doing this in so many wonderful ways:
Study. The church-wide season of discernment through John Ortberg’s All the Places to Go continues through July 23. The integration of worship, personal study, and group study has been life-giving and energizing for many. Keep it up! Thanks to our many teachers and home group leaders who have offered strong leadership in this time of personal and congregational formation.
Next Generation. Children and Student ministries are going full steam. The youth are gearing up for Youth Sunday on July 9 and their second PASSPORT camp of the summer. The children will grow at PASSPORTkids! camp, and Vacation Bible School launches at the end of the month. Stay prayerfully attentive to the great things happening in Yates’ ministry to the next generation.
Community. Big Wednesday, July 19, is a great opportunity for refreshment and outreach. Bring a chair, your favorite side or dessert, and enjoy an evening at Forest Hills Park from 6–8 PM. Good food, closer community, new friends, and a chance to invite others who need to know the church.
Mission. In July, we will feed the community through OpenTable, support families without shelter through Families Moving Forward, and minister at the Orange County Correctional Facility. The literacy work of our Wednesday ESL classes and the growing strength of the Glory of Christ Fellowship’s ministry to internationals continues. This month we also begin our journey toward a meaningful witness to our faith through Duke Divinity School’s Reimagining Health Collaborative. There are many ways to live out Jesus’ challenge in Matthew 25:31-40 these days.
Leadership. The Nominating Committee is developing our leadership slate for the coming year. Listen to how the Holy Spirit is calling to you and follow your passion. Commit to something that puts your gifts to work and gives you joy. Yates needs you.
Generosity. The Finance Committee is developing the 2017 church budget. Every dollar represents a hopeful investment in ministry for Jesus’ sake. Learn what’s happening, ask questions, and take responsibility for the choices we all commit to when the budget is adopted. And remember — the church still needs your support across these summer months. It is easy to lose focus in summer. Continue to prioritize Yates financially.
Study, nurturing emerging leaders, going on mission, reaching out, evangelizing, lending ourselves to leadership, practicing generosity — these are all means by which God forms us into Christians who live, individually and collectively, in service of the One the Scriptures declare “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Each task serves a purpose here and now, and each points us to a future that is yet to be known, grasped, or even imagined. All this may be, in fact, prelude.
And that means we ain’t seen nothing yet. Thanks be to God!
Grace and Peace,