Pastor's Pen: Dessert First

This summer, between pandemic lockdowns, our family took some vacation time in New Orleans. It was a nice escape. The people were wonderful, the jazz was incredible, and the history was fascinating. Our goals for the trip were few, and we honestly let whimsy take the lead. For example, a conversation about New Orleans food led to a discussion of Bananas Foster, a dessert made of bananas, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and rum. The confection was invented by the Brennan family at one of their famous restaurants in the city. In short order, we were at one of those restaurants, telling the waitress that we wanted to skip the main meal and just order dessert.

I’m a pretty conventional guy. I don’t do whimsy well. There was something decadent, almost scandalous, about having dessert in the late afternoon. Sweets were always reserved for the end of the meal. They are served as a reward for eating the main course. “How can you have any pudding if you don’t eat your meat?” Here we were reveling in our dessert first.

The pleasure of having your dessert first suggests the joy of God’s grace. Rather than waiting for our worthiness, God lavishes us with blessings. While we were still sinners, God’s love came to us through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:8). The gift of eternal life would be more than any of us deserve, but God goes further. Our blessings include home, hearth, family, friends, and the food on our tables. God is the generous giver.

However, “dessert first” suggests something about us as givers as well as receivers. Do we make our gifts conditional? Do we hold back our generosity because we judge the worthiness of others? Do we skimp on sharing the sweetness because we are afraid of never having enough? Our ministry and missions are a step forward in faith. We don’t know what tomorrow will be. We set dessert before our guests with confidence, knowing that God will provide for our needs. The Apostle Paul writes, “And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

Our theme for this year’s stewardship campaign is “Dessert First.” We are asking everyone to take some time to reflect on the “dessert” God has already given and our willingness to share our “desserts” with others. We are also, in this season, asking the congregation prayerfully to consider their giving for the mission of the church. When you receive an “Estimate of Giving” Card in the mail, talk with your family, and please fill it out. On October 24, 2021, in both worship services, we will be dedicating those cards to the glory of God here in Norwalk and beyond. Following the second service, we will be gathering to enjoy some “dessert first” as a church family.

The next time you sit down with friends to enjoy some sugar and carbs, think of our extravagant and loving God, and enjoy your dessert first.

Grace & Peace

Pastor James