A Note From Rob ...
Week of March 7, 2010
Webster defines “community” as a unified body of individuals or people with common interests. That is exactly
what we at First United Methodist Church are: a unified body of people with common interests. We worship the same
God, we share the same basic beliefs, and we care about one another. One way we do this is to come together weekly
in corporate worship, to say what we believe, but also to show what we believe.
Many times people will say “I can worship without attending church.” That may be true, but attendance at the
worship service brings us all in closer communion with one another. We are saying to our family, friends, and also to
ourselves that worship is an important part of our weekly life, worth making an effort for.
That being said let me offer a challenge to you that just might make your worship experience a little different. We
have a large sanctuary, and unfortunately we have become fewer in number. From my vantage point, through the
mirror on the organ, I see many empty seats and isolated people. As we are a community of believers, let us
demonstrate that in a visible way by becoming a congregational community, sitting in closer proximity with each other
on Sunday morning. There are many benefits to coming together: you will see better, hear better, sing better, and feel
more a part of what is happening way off in the front of the sanctuary. (We will also demonstrate to our TV audience
that we do have more than a dozen people in worship!)
Why not try something through Easter Sunday, April 4:
- Be present, as part of the community.
- Move up six or eight pews toward the front of the church.
- Invite someone, especially visitors or someone you might not know very well, to sit with you for worship.
- Let the time during the prelude be your preparation for worship.
- Invite someone who is not a member of First UMC to join you on Sunday morning.
- Pray for the church, including those who are not here.
There is much concern about the future of First United Methodist Church. The answer to our future is right here in
the present – it is US! This church is on the brink of great things, both within our own walls and in the greater Anson
County community. We are in our third century, which can be the greatest time we have ever known. As the hymn
writer says, “I know not what the future hath of marvel or surprise, assured alone that life and death God’s mercy
underlies…I only know I cannot drift beyond his love and care.” We are not on the journey alone. God and our
community/church family are together.
RETURN
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