Hello dear Members and Friends of St. Paul’s UMC,
I hope this note finds you all doing well. St. Paul’s family, let me just say, you have set a high bar
for Oregonian hospitality! Thank you for the warm welcome and continued expressions of
kindness. Thank you for treating me to office visits and cups of coffee and espresso milk shakes.
Thank you for the invitations to lunch, and for bags and bags of fresh vegetables and fruits from
your thriving gardens. Thank you for your continued prayers and extensions of grace for my
learning curves as a new pastor. Thank you for your recommendations for places to do and
things to see – and for even taking me to places like Multnomah Falls and a Portland Broadway
series musical! What a wonderful first month it has been as your new pastor! My heart is full, and
I am so grateful.
My list of favorite things about Portland is growing longer each day, but one thing that has
remained close to the top of that list has been the availability of fresh, homegrown produce. I
was excited to discover that my new rental home features a small, backyard garden that my
landlord works hard to grow and maintain. I don’t know a lot about gardening, but I am doing my
best to learn. This morning, as I spent a few minutes picking fresh tomatoes from their vines, I
found myself reflecting on the connection between the practice of gardening and the
discernment of spiritual gifts and ministries in the church.
It is an exciting time to be a part of St. Paul’s UMC, as we work to discern our next steps forward
with the affordable housing project, and as we discover and hone our individual and collective
spiritual gifts and interests. It is my hope that you find this analogy both enlightening and
encouraging as we strive to grow together in our service to God and one another. (continue)
According to an online article from Garden Design, “gardening is about finding the right
combination of sunlight, fertile soil, and water to make your plants thrive. It’s also about
fulfilling your passion, so select plants you love” (https://www.gardendesign.com/how-to/).
Similarly, discerning our spiritual gifts involves a thoughtful process of understanding and
nurturing the unique abilities that God has given to each of us.
Consider for a moment the gardener’s task. When planting a garden, one must first prepare the
soil, ensuring it is rich and fertile. This preparation involves removing weeds, tilling the ground,
and providing the right nutrients. Likewise, in our spiritual lives, preparing our hearts and minds
is crucial. We must be willing to clear away the distractions and obstacles that hinder our
spiritual growth, allowing God’s love and guidance to strengthen and enrich us.
Once the soil is ready, the gardener chooses the right seeds or plants for the environment. Each
plant has its own needs and potential, and the gardener’s role is to match the plant with the
right conditions. In the same way, discerning our spiritual gifts requires us to recognize and
understand the unique ways in which God has equipped us. Just as different plants flourish in
different environments, our spiritual gifts will thrive in the settings where God has placed us—
whether it be in teaching, service, encouragement, or another area.
As the garden grows, the gardener must continually tend to it. This involves watering, pruning,
and sometimes protecting the plants from pests. It is a process of ongoing care and adjustment.
Similarly, our spiritual gifts require nurturing and development. We must actively seek ways to
use our gifts for the benefit of the church and the world, while also being open to growth and
change. This might involve stepping out of our comfort zones, engaging in new ministries, or
supporting others in their spiritual journeys.
Moreover, just as a garden thrives from the diversity of plants—each contributing to the beauty
and health of the whole—our church community flourishes when we each contribute our unique
gifts. Every role is vital, and together we create a vibrant and thriving community that reflects
the body of Christ in its fullness.
Isaiah 58:11 says,
“The Lord will guide you continually and
satisfy your needs in parched places and make your bones strong, and you shall be like a
watered garden, like a spring of water those waters never fail.”
We must trust in God’s timing and be patient as God works through us.
As we continue to explore and develop our spiritual gifts, let us approach this journey
with the same dedication and love that a gardener brings to their garden. Let us prepare
our hearts, understand our unique callings, nurture our gifts, and support one another
as we grow together in faith and service.
In Christ,
Pastor Kamron