Years ago I recall watching the very popular TV show, Hawaii 5-0. I have to admit, I don’t remember much about the show other than a couple of characters, Steve McGarrett played by Jack Lloyd and officer Dan ”Danno” Williams played by James MacArthur. I couldn’t tell you the plot of a single episode. I couldn’t tell you one of the many cameos by celebrates throughout the run of the program. In fact about all I can recall is some of the scenery shown throughout the run of the program. Hawaii tends to have that way on people.
One thing I clearly remember though is the outrigger canoe shot during the closing credits. This group of six canoeist paddle in unison against the relentless surf in the open waters of the Pacific while the familiar music played by The Ventures. Back and forth the canoeing team paddled alternating sides and every stroke seeming in perfect rhythm. The large wooden paddles digging into the ocean to cut the biggest stroke possible as the mist from the surf sprayed their face.
Do you remember the scene? Or at least, do you remember a scene similar to it? Perhaps you’ve seen it while watching the Olympics or some other sporting event that includes canoeing. The point is, the outrigger needs the crew to in order to cut through the water and arrive at its destination. Without the canoeists, the small canoe would aimlessly drift across the waves until it either washed up upon a beach, or it hit rocks and broke apart, or it filled with water and sank. Either way it would remain helpless and ineffective as a canoe without the teamwork of a crew.
The church is much like that outrigger canoe. Without people working together, paddling in tandem with one another and facing the same direction, a church is nothing more than some brick, mortar, plaster, wood, paint, carpet, and a few pews. But when the people come together—to worship as a team, study the Word of God as a team, tend to each others cares as a team, join in accomplishing large and small goals as a team—suddenly amazing things start to happen.
I could point out numerous examples but remains fresh from earlier today. The United Methodist Women, and a few men, gathered to prepare the annual Fall Fest lunch. This annual event draws people from all over the community into our church. Some come because of the great food, others come to enjoy the camaraderie created in the Fellowship Hall, still others come to support the women’s mission efforts.
The fact remains, this event could never exist because of the efforts of just a few people. It takes an enormous amount of energy and preparation to make it happen. In one small word it takes teamwork to get it accomplished.
The Committee on Lay Leadership is finalizing its recommendations for the various leadership positions for the coming year. I am very appreciative of the way people have responded with genuine willingness to contribute to the teamwork of the church. No one person makes all the decisions just as no one group does all the work. It takes every member and regular participating contributing to the greater goal of moving the large outrigger (church) forward through the waters. At times the work is touch and might even cause a few blisters, but just think of the beauty that awaits when we all reach the distant shore.
I hope to see you in the Teamwork place on Sunday,
