Celebrating the Wholesome Church: ACK Diocesan Of Kirinyaga Awards Day Reflection on God’s Good Creation

Today, the faithful gathered to celebrate the Diocesan Awards Day, a time to reflect on stewardship, growth, and the collective achievements within the church. Centered on the theme of “God’s Good Creation,” the event emphasized the biblical narrative of creation and redemption as a lens through which the church’s progress and individual contributions were evaluated. This special day, offered an opportunity to reflect on beginnings, creation, and the collaborative efforts that drive the church forward.

In the Beginning

Drawing from Genesis chapter 1, the sermon delved into the meaning of beginnings. Whether it’s the beginning of a clergy’s time in a parish, a vice-chairman’s start in a leadership role, or the church’s stewardship, the concept of beginning holds great significance. Just as God created the universe ex nihilo (out of nothing), each individual’s journey starts from a unique beginning, filled with promise and purpose.

God is the Creator (Isaiah 66:1)

The reflection on God as the Creator emphasized His sovereignty over all creation. As testified in the Nicene Creed, God alone is the source of all life, and His essence flows eternally into His Son, Jesus Christ. The sermon reminded the congregation that everything achieved from January to June was made possible by God’s hand. It is important to acknowledge that all successes stem from God’s creative power, and our work is a reflection of His ongoing creation.

As Individual Creations, We Are Good

In Genesis, after God created, He declared that it was good. This affirmation extends to all individuals who participate in the life of the church. Whether it’s through KAMA, MU, youth ministries, or other church activities, every effort is valuable. Despite the challenges, we must learn to appreciate our work and acknowledge that what we have done is good in the eyes of God. Like God, we must celebrate our achievements and take pride in our individual and collective contributions to the church.

When We Work Together, We Are Very Good

The phrase “Let us” in the creation narrative reveals God’s collaboration with other beings in the creation process. When we, as the body of Christ, work together, we achieve excellent results. The church’s collective efforts, whether in environmental stewardship, social welfare, organizational structure, or spiritual growth, are a testament to the power of unity. When we combine our talents, resources, and energy, the result is a “very good” creation that reflects God’s intention for His people.

Psalm 139:14

The psalmist reminds us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Each person in the church holds a special place in God’s creation and carries a unique mandate. Whether it’s the treasurer managing finances, the people’s warden overseeing church processes, or the secretary disseminating information, every role is vital to the functioning of the church.

As the Diocesan Awards Day celebrated the church’s achievements, the message of creation and redemption served as a powerful reminder of our place in God’s plan. We are called to appreciate our individual and collective contributions, to work together in unity, and to fulfill our unique mandates within the body of Christ. As we continue to produce and nurture the image of God in ourselves and others, let us always remember that we are part of God’s good creation, working towards the redemption of the world.