Celebration of Ministry

On October 12, members and friends of Shiloh Church gathered for a celebration of the congregation's ministry. We repeatedly asked the question, "What does Shiloh do?"

The context of the question arose from conversation with a congregation - not Shiloh - that is in the final stages of its life-cycle. In meeting with the congregation's leadership, I asked, "So, what does your congregation do?" The responses were limited. The congregation worships and gathers in small numbers for fellowship groups and Sunday School classes. Then there is the annual community dinner, that funds much of the church's function.

"No," I said. "I mean, what do you do in your community as a ministry to, with and for others? What would be missed in the neighborhood if you were not here?"

The leadership looked at me in a way that reminded me of a dog that hears a strange sound for the first time. "What do you mean?" they asked.

I recounted the many ways that Shiloh's ministry is vital to our local community, and beyond. Our golf outing raises funds that support needy families throughout the holiday season. This year, we raised another $7,000. We sell pumpkins, an effort that has raised over $10,000 for the Navajo reservation where they are grown. We budget over $60,000 each year for support of missions and benevolence, and engage in tens of thousands more dollars worth of direct, hands-on ministry. We offer excellence in hospitality, including our Front Porch Ministry, which has become a popular neighborhood feature of Shiloh's Farmers' Market. We have the Fall Fair and the Holiday Bazaar. Our Mission Fair attracted persons from around the community.

I was just getting started, but the leadership of the congregation with which I was working waved their hands, as if they had heard enough. "We can't do any of that." they said. "We don't have the people or the energy."

Shiloh, while becoming leaner in population, participation and financial support, is expanding its ministry and mission. The congregation's impact is widening. On October 12, we celebrated, for over an hour, event after event, program after program, person after person who would be missed in our community and beyond if Shiloh were to withdraw or cease. Our ministry, mission, benevolence and hands-on mission work would be missed. The helpful acts of supportive men and women would be missed. Our love, grace and mercy would be missed.

Congratulations to each and every one of Shiloh's ministries, programs, projects, missions, and functions. Congratulations to the people who do the work. You do much. You would be missed. Congratulations especially to Larry and Carol Oldham, who were named the 2013 Shiloh Service Award recipients. Your service to the community, to Shiloh Church, and the humility with which you approach your calling is obvious to us all.

You can be a part of Shiloh's increasingly vital mission and ministry. Get involved today!