A Note From Rob ...
Week of Feb. 15
This Sunday may be the most important day in the life of First United Methodist Church. I have always been reluctant to make such assertions. In part, because each Sunday is a celebration of Easter and there is no higher time of celebration than Resurrection Sunday. However, there are Sundays in the life of an individual congregation that define its place in history. I honestly think this is one of those for us.
One could argue that such defining moments come frequently. That argument is sound. No Sunday or decision is insignificant. However, there are times when a church must decide how to proceed in the journey and such decisions will shape the future in significant ways. Some years’ decisions set a course not just for a year but for a decade or longer. I believe we are in one of those years. I believe this is one of those Sundays.
Think of it as a Sunday on which we will vote to close or keep the church open. Imagine that a head count will be taken this Sunday and that will determine if we remain open or close the doors. We might say, "That will never happen." We would not be the first or last to say that and be wrong.
What if I told you that the Bishop and our District Superintendent would be present to determine our faithfulness? A head count would be taken. Based upon that, our future would be decided. What if I told you Jesus would be present and he would decide about our faithfulness and our future?
What if this Sunday we came together to give thanks for those who gave of themselves in the past so we might have this opportunity today? What if we are coming together today to give of ourselves so that future generations will be able to have the opportunity to worship as we do?
This Sunday we will renew our commitment to God through First UMC as we commit our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. We will sing:
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host:
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Thomas Ken
The polls open at 10:55am. Jesus said something like this, “If you vote for me, I’ll vote for you. And if you don’t vote for me, why should I vote for you?” It reads, “If anyone is ashamed of me… in this generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." Mark 8:28
I look forward to seeing you Sunday
RETURN
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