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Contemporary Worship Corner

“The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of

my mother he named my name. . . . And he said to me,

‘You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.’”

Isaiah 49: 1,3

“What do you do for a living?”

“What do you do for a living?” sounds like such a simple question, doesn’t it? We get asked this on forms for a loan, on tax returns, or as a means of getting to know someone better. Our work helps to define who we are. The prophet Isaiah speaks in the verses above of Israel, meaning, the people of God. He speaks of servanthood (work) bringing glory to God and that the Lord has identified us as having our identity from a time before birth. In my case, does that mean that God planned for me to work part-time for my Dad on the farm, later to be employed in a warehouse that sold tobacco products during college summer vacation, followed by physician training? Perhaps. What about your work history? And what does this have to do with worship?

During these coming summer months in worship, we want to celebrate the work that we do and how it brings glory to God. We want to recall the creativity that God has given to us that shows in our vocations. We want to pray for the work of persons in our congregation and community that God’s glory might shine through them. Many of us have had experiences that, when shared, may help others grow in Christ. Our stories may also inspire youth to strive for a particular vocation that just needs a spark toward that next step. Pastor Dan Mangler, ELCA minister of Estes Park, CO. has answered the question of “What do you do for a living?” with two answers: “it will be either a vocation or an occupation. The dictionary defines occupation as one’s regular, principal, or immediate business or job. Vocation, too is defined as a regular occupation, but carrying with it a sense of calling, i.e. an occupation for which one has special gifts or talents.” Do you work at your job just for the money? Do you stick with your job because you have a sense that it’s what you were meant to do? How does God work through you in your vocation as a teacher, government worker, accountant, businessman, retired person, parent, or disabled person? Can you see the difference between vocation and occupation?

Please volunteer to share a 2-5 minute talk during worship with the congregation on how God works through your work! If you need assistance in crafting your talk please feel free to contact the church office.

Doug Martzluf

Contemporary Worship Coordinator

Fall - Spring Worship Schedule Beginning September 7th, 2008: