What Is To Come
WHAT is to come we know not. But we know
That what has been was good–was good to show,
Better to hide, and best of all to bear.
We are the masters of the days that were;
We have lived, we have loved, we have suffered…even so.
Shall we not take the ebb who had the flow?
Life was our friend? Now, if it be our foe–
Dear, though it spoil and break us! –need we care
What is to come?
Let the great winds their worst and wildest blow,
Or the gold weather round us mellow slow;
We have fulfilled ourselves, and we can dare
And we can conquer, though we may not share
In the rich quiet of the afterglow
What is to come.
William Ernest Henley, 1892
In an active, community engaging ministry, there is never a “settled” period… of course, at least there shouldn’t be. Every church should have some sense of being “in flux”; having anticipation for “what is to come”. Our church certainly lives up to this notion.
This September will mark two years for The Living Church. A lot has been accomplished in our short history, but plenty has been left on the table as well. Being a self-supported church plant has been tough in every way. One of the more obvious ways is money, as is the case for ministries around the country right now in this economy. Many of the “wish list” things that we’ve wanted from the beginning were put on hold because meeting immediate needs came first. We’ve put ministry work before the latest equipment, heavy advertising, and other budget items that some churches have the luxury of having.
But you know what? As a result, many of the folks that have found their way to TLC have gotten saved, baptized, restored, healed, discipled, and are now actively engaging their community for Christ. The investment in people has been worth it! Our church has truly been a friend to “sinners” (the hurting, broken, lost, rejected, displaced). While we have seen little growth financially, an increase has appeared spiritually in the lives of those in need.
It still seems kind of strange to me that such a divide exists, but I’m smiling because it shows we’re still making a legitimate impact on our city. I remain inspired, optimistic, and driven, because I’m reassured that God does indeed have us here for a reason.
This Sunday at the Center Theater, you’re going to hear about our exciting plans for summer and fall. They were formed from this crazy idea of putting people first in our priorities. On top of that however, you’ll get to hear how this habit is being recognized by others, who will help take us to the next level here in Hartsville.
Stay tuned…
In the meantime, you can participate in life-change by giving towards our vision at: www.tlchartsville.org/giving
