NEW MCKENDREE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN JACKSON: SERVING WITH THE GIFTS GOD HAS GIVEN TO US

The Rev. O. Otto Steinhaus Jr., senior pastor at New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson, is a native of Bolivar. He graduated from Southwest Baptist Methodist College in 1951, Garrett Evangelical Theological SEminary in 1954 and Northwestern University in 1960. He has served new McKendree since 1989.

An important event is happening this next week in Jackson that is worthy of attention. It is the observance of The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity which is normally observed Jan. 18-25. However, the Jackson community will be observing the Week of Christian Unity Jan. 24-30.

The 12th chapter of Romans has a word to say to our unity in Christ. The apostle Paul in describing the nature of the new life in Christ to the Christians at the seat of government in Rome stresses our unity in diversity and serving God with the gifts God has given us.

Paul says, "For just as in a single human body there are many limbs and organs, all with different functions, so all of us united in Christ, form one body, serving individually as limbs and organs to one another." (Rom. 12:4 NEB)

We are in trouble when we deny the integrity of another person's faith and their theology, denominational tradition, or interpretation of scripture, placing our views as the only true ones. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an opportunity for those who trust the integrity of Christians of other denominations to come together and pray for the unity of all Christians that we all may be made one in Christ. We are blessed with fine churches and people. I believe the blessing increases the more we are able to pray and worship together in the unity of Christ.

Paul says to the Roman Christians, "So we who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another." (Rom. 12:5 NRSV) I invite you to pray that we may be led to greater unity in our diversity, so that together we can better use the gifts with which we have been blessed.

You are welcome to join us for a prayer and a light breakfast at New McKendree United Methodist Church, 209 S. High, Jackson, 7-8 a.m. Monday through Friday, Jan. 23-28. And an ecumenical service of prayer at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30.