Pastor’s Desk…February 20, 2008

2008-02-20T10:56:00.002-06:00

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

I hope this finds you all in good health and great spirit as we prepare to move through the Lenten season toward the wonder and majesty of Easter Sunday.

Over the course of the past two weeks, a number of persons connected with Alice FUMC have been in conversation with me and one another during the latest round of Ponder with the Pastor. I have to say I am very encouraged by the conversation this year as we have moved from what some would consider to be an inwardly focused church – what makes me comfortable, what do I like/don’t like – to more of an outwardly focused body of Christ –what am I as a member of this church and what are we as a congregation doing to invite and gain persons into our fellowship - especially youth, young people and families. Also, how am I seeking God in the mission and ministry of this church that encourages me to seek and grow disciples of Jesus Christ? I think this is a significant paradigm shift among the active membership of this church as we take our commitment as people of God seriously and seek to live out our purpose to reach new generations with the Gospel message of hope and promise on a daily basis. I have to say I was very pleased with the following comment that came from one of the gatherings, “The pastor can’t and shouldn’t be expected to do everything. I am a member of this church too. I have a responsibility to fulfill.” This, my friends is discipleship!

I put forth the same questions I asked in my sermon last Sunday (see the complete text- It’s Time to Go Fishing! on the website), “When is the last time you personally invited someone to come to church with you? When is the last time you personally told someone about Jesus and the love he has for us? God is sending those who are longing. God is sending those who are lost and searching. God is sending those who need a word of hope and a sign of peace and welcome. God has been, God is and God always will be faithful. Can the same be said for each one of us?

As at all times, I welcome the opportunity to visit with you to discuss your personal faith journey and how you might be faithful to your responsibility as a disciple of Jesus Christ and as a member of Alice FUMC.

See you Sunday!

In the grace of God and with the peace of Christ,

Note: I write this having just returned from a two day meeting with my Covenant Connection group in which I had my first “official” evaluation as a probationary member before the Board of Elders. In short, I “passed” and have been recommended to continue forward with my probationary membership for a second year. Thank you to the members of the Staff Parish Relations Committee and to all of you for your continued encouragement and ongoing support of me and my family during this process. It is a privilege and a joy to serve as your pastor.

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Pastor’s Desk…February 20, 2008