The Pastor's Corner for September, 2016

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Bears hibernate in the winter, but us United Methodists we hibernate in the summer.  I know that is not a true statement as we do everything but hibernate.  We are just as busy in winter as we are in summer.  The agendas of the season may change but us trying to stretch an extra hour in the day is still an unattained goal for most of us.  

It is the end of August and the county and state fairs are over (unless you are in Clay County), baseball and softball has given way to volleyball and football, and activities that have been hibernating since last May start to kick in and once again become active.  Tasty Tuesday’s are being organized; Sunday school curriculum is being ordered; the choir is getting ready to minister; and youth group is ready for another season.

We pray your summer activities were an experience that brought you closer to God and created more awareness of God and God’s special gift of you.  It is now time to share as God’s gifts are not for keeping.  God has this pay it forward theology where whatever is given is to be shared in thought, word and deed and to be passed on.  I love that hymn “Pass it On” as it reminds me that God’s gifts are not our possessions but possessions that all may enjoy, learn and share from.

What I am saying is that what you have experienced in Jesus this summer has value to all of us.  Through your travels and experiences, we can hear and see the Gospel unfolding and how God has blessed you.  In return we are being blessed. So as we return from our summer lets rejoice and celebrate as we have much to praise God for!  For me and my family we have all new adventures and finding Jesus in all sorts of places around the Oakland area.  You probably know them and what they are but for us newbie’s it is the first time and we get excited!

But we need to see you and be a part of this great story we call worship. Somebody once told me that the minister is paid the big bucks for what they say when they speak.  I want to give that myth the boot as we are paid the big bucks because we listen!  So when the last hurrah of summer is over (Labor Day) I pray you come to us to share as worship isn’t worship unless we all participate and become a part of God’s great story that is you and me.  
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See you Sunday, 
Rev. Dennis