The harvest is plentiful

During our youth mission trip, I noticed a familiar verse from Luke’s Gospel on a bulletin board of St. Francis, Limon. It read – “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Luke 10:2). Below it was a simple note: There will always be more opportunities than workers. As someone who has served in ministry for years, I smiled. Apparently, the challenge of recruiting volunteers isn’t unique to our parish in Concord – it’s a global experience.

On further reflection, I realized Jesus knew this was always going to be true. Always. There will always be hearts longing for love, people hungry for meaning, souls yearning to be seen, known, and embraced by grace. There’s so much God wants to do, there will always be more work to do in God’s vineyard than people to do it. Thus, there will always be a need for leadership, compassion, and sacred tasks – big and small – for faithful hands and willing hearts.

The only limitation is the number of laborers willing to step into the field.

At every baptism, we proclaim that we are all ministers – called to seek and serve Christ in all persons, to strive for justice and peace, and to proclaim the Good News by word and example. All of us are called to take part in the work of God’s harvest. Some are called to teach, some to serve, some to pray, some to care for the sick, some to sing, some to organize, some to welcome newcomers. Some ministries are visible and public – leading worship, teaching children, welcoming guests. Others are quieter – offering hospitality, preparing the altar, visiting the sick, and praying faithfully. All are essential. And each one of us has been given gifts by the Holy Spirit, not for our own sake, but for God’s harvest

This Sunday, there will be a Ministry Expo at All Saints’. It’s not a recruitment event. It’s a time for exploration, reflection, and prayer. 

You are invited to simply to show up, walk around, ask questions, listen with the ears of your heart, and see what stirs. You may discover a ministry that ignites your passion. You may find encouragement to continue something you’ve long been part of. God may plant a seed within you for something that will bloom in time. 

Whatever the outcome, your presence matters. Your prayer matters. Your willingness to explore where God is calling you matters. None of us can do everything, but each of us can do something. And when we labor together, God multiplies our efforts and blesses our church, our community, and the world.

Come. Explore. Discern. Pray. Ask God, “Where am I needed?” Ask the Lord of the harvest where you are being sent. And be open to the surprising, joyful, humbling answer that may come. 

The harvest is indeed plentiful, and the laborers are all of us.

Blessings,
Nancy +