A Story to Tell in Riverside
Five years! How did the time fly so very fast? As I write this, I am sitting at my desk in the church office. As usual, the office is in total disarray; however, today as I look out into this very colorful chaos, I see differently. Today, I see ministry in the piles and the chaos. I see items: used for comm unity outreach; cups that have been used to offer warmth to someone in need; bags of bags for neighboring communities; a box full of decades of history of what is now known as Oakland United Methodist Church; books read to direct our ministry, grow our discipleship, deepen our faith and bring us closer to each other and to God; vessels used in baptisms; dried palms of Palm Sundays past; a chalice and plate for offering a loaf and a cup; references for sermons preached; devotions used in gatherings; materials used to help those who are just beginning their faith journey as youth; prayers used in times of immeasurable joy and gut-wrenching grief; items that have graced the altar; supplies that have taken Jesus to the streets, parks, and schools of Riverside.
I also see chairs that have experienced the ministry of giddiness in planning for weddings, gut-twisting sobs of life changes, excitement of planning baptisms, the haunted looks of the bereaved, lives excited about where God is taking them, those who wonder if this time is the time they lose it all, and those who have hard questions to ask God and themselves, sometimes because of doubt, sometimes in deep faith. Each item has a story to tell.
All those things, as well as so very many more, are what ministry is about. Please understand that this ministry is not just about a random office in a random building that folks decided generations ago to call a church. This is about the Body of Christ being present and evident in Riverside and beyond. The things in this office are just things. However, the way they are used for the glory of God are what make those that make OUMC servant leaders and followers of Christ. You see, no matter who sits behind the desk, God is who is served. No matter who might bring you the Good News, the stories and ministry of Jesus guide the people of the Resurrection. So many stories to tell.
Soon the trucks will pull up, and I will be off to serve in other communities. For me, this is one of the hardest parts of the ministry I do. Leaving behind friends and memories both horrendous and glorious. However, in the midst of this change, I already see God working new and amazing things in and through OUMC. I see movement in the plans approved to make OUMC and its property more accessible, the plans to make these spaces places that can serve multiple uses in our ever-changing community and world. There are also plans in the works with children and youth to offer ways to live and express their faith as they continue to learn more about our Savior. There are still stories to tell.
In July, another chapter will begin for OUMC. One that continues to give glory to God, live as people of the Resurrection and reflect the teachings of the Holy Spirit. There will be a new pastoral leader, and I am confident that together you will do amazing things, all while forming new friendships, doing hard things together and welcoming folks into this amazing fellowship of believers. How do I know this? Well, #1 – Prayer! #2 – You have committed to Offer Christ, Accompany Each Other on the Journey and Kindle Lives of Faith. Together you are indeed better! I am so excited to hear more stories of how God is working in your midst and how you have lifted up Riverside in ministry and prayer. Keep telling the story.
I also see chairs that have experienced the ministry of giddiness in planning for weddings, gut-twisting sobs of life changes, excitement of planning baptisms, the haunted looks of the bereaved, lives excited about where God is taking them, those who wonder if this time is the time they lose it all, and those who have hard questions to ask God and themselves, sometimes because of doubt, sometimes in deep faith. Each item has a story to tell.
All those things, as well as so very many more, are what ministry is about. Please understand that this ministry is not just about a random office in a random building that folks decided generations ago to call a church. This is about the Body of Christ being present and evident in Riverside and beyond. The things in this office are just things. However, the way they are used for the glory of God are what make those that make OUMC servant leaders and followers of Christ. You see, no matter who sits behind the desk, God is who is served. No matter who might bring you the Good News, the stories and ministry of Jesus guide the people of the Resurrection. So many stories to tell.
Soon the trucks will pull up, and I will be off to serve in other communities. For me, this is one of the hardest parts of the ministry I do. Leaving behind friends and memories both horrendous and glorious. However, in the midst of this change, I already see God working new and amazing things in and through OUMC. I see movement in the plans approved to make OUMC and its property more accessible, the plans to make these spaces places that can serve multiple uses in our ever-changing community and world. There are also plans in the works with children and youth to offer ways to live and express their faith as they continue to learn more about our Savior. There are still stories to tell.
In July, another chapter will begin for OUMC. One that continues to give glory to God, live as people of the Resurrection and reflect the teachings of the Holy Spirit. There will be a new pastoral leader, and I am confident that together you will do amazing things, all while forming new friendships, doing hard things together and welcoming folks into this amazing fellowship of believers. How do I know this? Well, #1 – Prayer! #2 – You have committed to Offer Christ, Accompany Each Other on the Journey and Kindle Lives of Faith. Together you are indeed better! I am so excited to hear more stories of how God is working in your midst and how you have lifted up Riverside in ministry and prayer. Keep telling the story.
Be blessed, be a blessing, and take someone with you on the journey!
Pastor Kim
Pastor Kim
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