Greatness in Jesus' eyes is serving the needs of others. And Jesus' eyes are the only ones that count in the end. He said, "Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant" (Mark 10:43). So I am issuing a call for greatness at Bethlehem.

Sunday morning, September 10, during both services, the annual fall Ministries Fair will fill the Fellowship Hall, Ministry Hall, Conference Room, and space outside the Library because dozens of ministries will have displays. The aim is to acquaint you with what God is doing through our people and show you possibilities for ministry this fall.

"Ministry" is another word for "service." In the Bible they are both from the same word: diakonia. "Ministry" means "service." Which means that ministry is the path to greatness in the eyes of Jesus. So the Ministries Fair is a call to greatness.

As you come to worship on Sunday, September 10, come on the search for true greatness. If you are not already serving the needs of others in some way that fits your gifts, pray that God would show you a path to greatness this fall at Bethlehem. For example . . .

Ushering is crucial and simple. It is crucial 1) because good ushering will gain us 50 to 100 seats in the sanctuary, which we really need; and 2) because it can help people see and feel the warmth and friendliness and love of Christ; and 3) because Psalm 84:10 says, "I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness." Already in the Old Testament, true saints knew what true greatness was: serving others in unsung, simple ways. Pray that God would lead us to a servant of servants - a person who would love to oversee the ushering ministry and dream of ways to make it one of the best things about Bethlehem. Talk to Dustin Shramek or Sam Crabtree (612-338-7653, x225 or 203) or someone at the Worship Ministries display.

Parking and Greeting is another part of the seamless garment that gathers people from car to pew. O that God would raise up dreamers who love to think about how to handle the parking challenge and come up with creative solutions that serve people. Same with greeting people at the doors and in the Commons. There are people at Bethlehem who would be so good at this! Ask God if this is your path to greatness this fall. Talk to David Jaeger (612-338-7653, x208) about parking ministry, Marcellus Mosley (651-714-0178) about greeting or, for either ministry, visit the Welcoming Ministries at the Info Desk in the Commons during Ministries Fair.

The Nursery is a huge ministry at Bethlehem. It takes hundreds of volunteers plus staff to make it work for the joy of the parents and children. And, stunningly, Jesus adds greatness to greatness in the nursery. He said, "Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me" (Mark 9:37). So not only do you meet needs and become great in Jesus' eyes, but you actually "receive" Christ and God the Father. Ponder this. It may take your breath away. Then catch your breath and go to the Children's Ministries display and find out how to give an hour a month - or be a team leader.

That's the beginning. The paths to greatness are many. Don't waste your life laying up treasures on earth and seeking the praise of men. True and lasting riches await you in servanthood. And the only praise that matters is the praise of Jesus: "Well done good and faithful servant." See you at the fair!

Seeking the lowly path to true greatness,

Pastor John