by Rev. Dr, Tim Verhey, November 2025

Here I Am

“Then the Lord called, “Samuel, Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!”
I Samuel 3: 4

The Bible is full of call stories. God, it seems, is always calling, whether it is Adam and Eve hiding from God’s voice in the garden, Moses confronted by a burning bush, Samuel hearing a voice in the night, Isaiah seeing a vision of God’s glory, or Jesus saying “Come follow me” to the disciples. God’s call is not just for biblical characters, however. It is for all of us. The question is, how will we respond?  Samuel, though a child, is our model, when he says, “Here I am.”

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working but it is the same God who inspires them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”   I Corinthians 12:4-7

We are called individually, but not in isolation. As Paul points out, God calls us into community. We are invited into the body of Christ, which has many, diverse members. Some can give more financially, but others may have more time to offer. Some may have gifts for helping with worship, while others may feel called to serve in other ways. But we all have something to offer for the common good of the body. Like Samuel, let’s answer, “Here I Am.”

Over the next few weeks, the Session is inviting you to discern God’s call and what you have to contribute. Whether you are a student, a church member, a friend of the congregation, or a regular visitor, God is calling you. How will you respond?

Sunday, Nov. 2: Stewardship Minute for Mission – Ken Perkins

Sunday, Nov. 9: Presentation of Proposed 2026 Budget – Ken Townsend

Sunday, Nov. 16: STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY, Offer Pledge Cards as Response to God’s Call – Tim Verhey

Shalom,
Tim