Lead with Service

As we have been focusing on our Faith Values, we approach Labor Day weekend with our focus on service. You may have noticed the very large banners in the hallways that say “Our service of worship has ended. Our worship through service begins.” What you may not know is that these banners were created for the sermon series “Follow Me.” It was the last series that we did before being shut down for the pandemic.

We left them up during the closure because they reminded us that the church is not the building and our service to the world in Jesus’ name is who we are as the church. When I was in new church planting, I remember being asked the question “If your church disappeared, who would notice?” It is a startling statement about churches who are internally focused and therefore literally dying a slow death or externally focused churches where people would miss their presence. I like to think that many people would notice if Faith didn’t exist anymore.

My arguments for this are focused on all of the people who refer others to us for beds, Care Portal, or other ministries. Many people who do not attend here for worship would be devastated if our church failed to exist. When we serve others, we are following Jesus who invited us to follow him. Yes, we love it when you serve in the church helping to lead others to grow in their faithfulness but we love it just as much when you are out in the community proclaiming the love of Jesus Christ by serving others.

As we focus on this call to missions, I know many of you will be away from the church because of the holiday. As a matter of fact, the church office will be closed on Monday but I hope this is the one Faith Value that you have already said “YES!” to and it is inscribed on your heart. This church was almost called “Missions United Methodist Church” and that has always been a value to who we are as God’s people.

Enjoy the holiday and stay safe out there,