Friends, we really ended the month on some missional high notes: Zimbabwe Volunteers-in-Mission benefitted from the side offerings in August; Love Your Neighbor Messy Church participants packed 50 5-gallon buckets with cleaning supplies for UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief); and, generous blood donors gave 38 pints of blood at the American Red Cross blood drive hosted this past Saturday! There were financial donations, too. Thanks be to God for touching hearts with such generosity and spirits for service to others.
Pastor Doug and family have been with us for two months and it is a rich time of becoming better acquainted, of observation and of getting the “lay of the land”. We are grateful for them as individuals and to God that we have them among us. As Pastor Doug shepherds us, he enlivens faith through sermons, prayers, teaching, devotions for each meeting, gentle caring, curious conversations, planning well, laughter (and some teasing), plus active Bible story-telling. In Jesus’ Name he’s pouring into all our futures!
I hope you got to see it! Blessings abounded with the music camp and August 8th production of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Warm Robe”. Over 30 young singers, dancers, actors, and stage hands taught about the faithfulness of Daniel in the midst of exile and that living true to God’s ways when all around him was a culture of difference, is possible—because we are not alone.
Even getting ready for school was full of appreciation for the teachers, administrators, parents and students who collaborate to make education happen. We do know how to celebrate—with worship and s’mores!
Now, it’s the season for new small group opportunities and Sunday classes and youth Bible study. As we settle into busy Fall rhythms, we hear in worship that in addition to the work that we do and the educations we seek and the families we love, we also need to center ourselves in God. On Sunday, there were three memorable words (and hand signs) offered us: Stop, Rest, and Renew.
And, as we are renewed, I hope you will take advantage of getting to know God and fellow pilgrims on this discipleship path we are all walking. It’s especially nice to walk with companions, so here are several newly beginning opportunities (check details in the Community Connection and on our website): A Disciple’s Path (7-week evening small group for any who want to know more about Wesleyan beliefs and to develop spiritual disciplines, like financial generosity, sharing personal stories of faith, and prayer; discerning your spiritual gifts; gospel hospitality that belonging to a congregation includes; and, more about Community church); Companions in Prayer (10-week daytime study on developing greater strength and depth in the specific spiritual discipline of prayer); Micah: Prophet of Justice, Mercy, and Humility (an invitation to get to know prophetic literature with a devoted teacher of the Bible with much knowledge and the gift of making it accessible on Sundays after worship); God What Do I Do? (a study seeking Godly ways of living in uncertain times will be in the Sanctuary after worship); plus, the variety of subjects selected for monthly Good Book Club selections provide “come-when-you-can-or-are-led” participation, although it is repeating small group that cares for one another, prays, enjoys fellowship, and discusses meaningful topics that support growing as Christ’s disciples.
It’s a joy, too, to greet guests at God’s church, we call Community, and to see and hear the welcome and care extended to them. It makes me smile. I especially appreciate the young ones with their bright eyes, curiosity, and vibrant energy. Making a difference for them and their families now matters for their spiritual well-being for a long, long time on the path of following Jesus. Our Child Development Center leaders, teachers, and families are great witnesses into the community around us and the relationships of shared ministry and mutual support have strengthened the church and center.
Wow!
Have I told you lately how grateful I am to walk my journey with you? Thank you for who you are, are becoming, and will always be in my life.
Blessings,
Barb Julian, Lay Leader
