Minister’s Message

Dear Church Family,

As May begins, flowers are blooming, trees have filled out, and those pesky bugs have returned. Spring has sprung and new life has begun. It reminds us of the new life we have in Jesus. Each day is a gift and is a day we experience that new life. Each day we have a choice to make; we can choose to make it a good day, or we can allow it to overwhelm us. Choose wisely.

We are to remember that we are Easter people. That means we live after the resurrection and in the promises filled by that momentous day along with the promises made by Jesus that are yet to come. Easter season continues until the Day of Pentecost. But we are to remember we are Easter people all year long.

Pentecost occurs on May 24 this year. It serves as a reminder to us that we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. He has taken up residence within us because Jesus asked the Father to send him and the Father, by his grace, granted that request. It is one more way in which we experience the amazing grace of God. It is also how we are guided by God in our daily lives. We simply need to be open to listening to him.

As we continue to worship this month, may we do so with the power of the Holy Spirit. May we worship in Spirit and truth. God has given us the gifts; we simply need to use them. Worshiping God is to be the reason for our being in church on Sunday. Showing our appreciation for God’s grace and showering him with praise it what it is all about.

 

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.   Acts 2:1-4

              We also are to be about the mission of Jesus Christ. That mission is to take the gospel to everyone throughout the world. We start by taking it to our neighbors and the people in our community. To that end, we continue to hold our strategic planning meetings. These meetings are open to all. In fact, we invite every one of you to come be part of them. We need every member actively engaged to accomplish the mission Jesus has given us.

 

Currently, in our strategic planning meetings, we are generating a description for each ministry we have here at Union UMC and when they occur. We have identified thirty-four different ministries. That number may surprise. It surprised me! But when you see all of them, it makes perfect sense. Many of them are every Sunday type ministries that go into our worship service. But that makes them no less important and no less a ministry. Once we have documented the details, we will get the full list into your hands. Perhaps you will find one or more that you would like to participate in.

 

God Bless,
Pastor Marty