Laity Sunday
Methodism has a long history celebrating and recognizing the ministry of the laity. In the early days of American Methodism, when immigrants and settlers established their homes and settled into new lives in the vast land of North America, there were not enough clergy or preachers to stay and serve the congregation in one location, taking care of the preaching, teaching and mission work in these new communities. Rather, it was the laity who served and maintained congregations between visits of the circuit riders. Today, lay people are the front line of daily ministry at the workplace, in the home and within the community in addition to being the servant leaders in their local churches. To recognize and celebrate the work and mission of all laity, not only within the walls of the church but in everyday lives, the United Methodist Church designates one Sunday per year, the third Sunday of October, “for the church to celebrate the ministry of all lay Christians, as their lives are empowered for ministry by the Holy Spirit.” (BOD, para. 264.2)
In my experience, the work of ministry cannot and will not come into fruition unless it is committed and carried out by the laity of the church, who have been gifted and graced for the work of ministry through the baptismal gifts. The laity of the Methodist Church are always involved in the life of the church. From teaching Sunday School to children, youth, and adults, to reaching out to the neighbors, to preparing a fellowship gathering, to caring for the church building and grounds, just to name a few, the laity of the church participates.
The church is where the clergy and laity working together in the service of Jesus Christ. Laity Sunday reminds us to pause and to reflect as we give thanks to God for the calling God places in the heart of our laity, who sacrifice their gifts of time and effort for the service of the church and the world.
This coming Sunday, October 19, Chapel Hill will celebrate 2014 Laity Sunday. The entire worship service is planned and led by the laity of our church. On this Sunday, the laity of our church will offer their gifts to glorify God in worship and in many other ways. I invite you to come and worship with us this Sunday.
~ Mai
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