Something I always look forward to following worship is when I receive a "Taylor hug." That is when Taylor Dowd gives me a big hug and then tells me about the stuffed animal/friend that she has brought with her to church. Two Sunday's ago, Taylor was carrying Pikachu in her arms and enthusiastically told me how she was enjoying the new Pokemon Go game.

If you have raised children the past 20 years you probably know something about Pokemon. My son Michael would get lost for hours in his imagination collecting all the Pokemon cards and having battles. He seemed to be experiencing true joy, so when Taylor told me about her excitement playing Pokemon Go, I was all in.
If you have been watching the news or listening to the radio you no doubt have heard about the Pokemon Go craze. Players use their smart phones to collect all the Pokemon characters in a type of scavenger hunt. Our technology has moved so far past the hula hoop craze, hasn't it?!!!

What would it be like to experience such excitement in your faith again? What if your faith became child-like again in its enthusiasm and pure joy? Matthew's gospel ends with the words, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..." What would it look like for you to play the modern gospel game named Faith-Go?

I played Faith-Go this morning when I drove to North Fulton Hospital to visit with a parishioner. In my possession was one of my most prized pastoral gifts. It wasn't the gift of listening nor the gift of presence, though those are both wonderful gifts to use while playing Faith-Go. The gift was a prayer shawl knitted by our beloved Knit Wits.  

Entering the hospital room, I was greeted by a warm smile.
When I shared the gift of the prayer shawl, pure joy filled the room.
I left the visit filled with energy; spirit-filled energy, and I realized
once again that when I play Faith-Go, I come alive.
I imagine you do too!

Prayer for Today

Thank you for the gift of faith, O Lord, and the call to share the gospel throughout the world. Fill us with the Holy Spirit so that we may be fully alive in the love you call us to share. Amen.