Been Awhile

As the title would suggest, it has been awhile since I have taken the time to write on my blog. Inspired by colleagues and others, I will resume this blog and share my thoughts with those of you who wish to read them.

Having been through yet another amazing Holy Week, I was reminded, as always, of the grace God has for us, shown to us so perfectly in Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf. Seeing the crowd on Easter, I was struck with the fact that many attend church on Easter (and Christmas Eve), yet a smaller number is faithful in attendance throughout the year. It is neither a new or unfamiliar reality for those of us in ministry, and for me it is a reminder that "the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few." (Matthew 9)

In telling us this, Jesus encourages us to "pray to the Lord of the harvest for more workers". And that is what I will do. Grateful for those who serve and participate at Hope UMC, my heart breaks for those who see the church as nothing more than a habit or a duty, rather than what it should be - a family of brothers and sisters in faith, working together for the realization of the Kingdom of God on earth.

For those who attend only sparingly, I pray that they might see in us a place of refuge and support in the face of the realities of life. That they would find a place where they can be themselves and know God's love and forgiveness, and, in turn, grow in their ability to show that love to others. May God bless us in our desire to bring wholeness to broken lives and to honor Him.