Ushers by Jarie Thompson

​For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness.
                                                                                                                               –Psalms 84:10

I promise to be loyal to the United Methodist Church by upholding it with my presence… Those words obligate us to be supportive and active in the life of the church.

Ushers in our church live this vow Sunday after Sunday with their faithful presence. Their role is often underestimated at times, but it is vital in the ministry of the church. Psalms 84 states, “I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” The disciples acted as ushers as they directed and served the crowds who came to hear the Messiah. 

I recall a man whose presence in church impacted my life. On Sundays Mr. Hershel T., faithfully welcomed all at the top of the stairs in the vestibule. He always asked about family and offered to help you find a seat. He handed us a church bulletin and immediately slipped his hand quietly into his pocket. He pulled out a peppermint for the children, one at a time. Now my children were certainly not deprived of candy, but there was something special about Mr. Hershel’s peppermints. Funny, I do not ever remember his pockets being emptied of his treats, nor do I know where he kept his stash. Maybe he simply had deep pockets!

Every Sunday Mr. Hershel gave us so much. He gave us his friendship, he gave us his concern, and he gave us his love, which was never ending. Just like his pockets!

PRAYER: Help us to encourage each other to give what may be the most valuable gift we may ever give – the gift of our presence – to our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Let our presence serve as an “encouragement” to those around us and “spur others to love and good deeds.”  ​

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Thought for the day:  Our presence is a very powerful thing, no matter who we are.  It is a gift of our time… our life.  In short, our presence is an expression of love.

Written by Jarie Thompson

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