I once heard a story about a young man that was a Methodist and he married a
young Baptist woman. After the marriage the young woman joined her husband
and became a Methodist. Knowing that this upset the woman's family, and
wanting to stay in the good graces of her family, the young man made a peace
offering.
One day at a meal with her family the young man told his new father-in-law, "If
I were not a Methodist I would be proud to be a Baptist." Thinking this would win
the approval of his father-in-law, the young man was a bit shocked by the
response he received. His father-in-law said, "Son if I was not a Baptist I would be
ashamed."
I am so thankful to be living in a community in which the churches work
together to lift up the name of Jesus, and not the name of the church that hangs
over the door. It is far more important to be part of the Kingdom of God, than to
say that we are a part of whatever church we go to.
Know this as the pastor of Portageville First United Methodist Church; I want as
many people in our church as possible. I would love to see every pew filled full. At
the same time, while I want to see our church full, I would love to see the other
churches in town full also.
"let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is
faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and
good deeds. let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of
doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day
approaching" Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV).
As Christians, we live our faith in community which means that we are
surrounded by other people who are living for Jesus. The Christian faith was never
meant to be lived in secret and alone. We live in community so that we can
support one another and be supported by others. Just as the scripture from
Hebrews say we need to spur one another to love and do good deeds.
We need to meet together as well. This means being at church services, prayer
meetings, Bible studies etc. growing our faith. Many have gotten out of the habit
of going to church. While Gallup polls have listed average church attendance for
years at about 40% of the population, some studies show that the real number of
Americans attending church is really closer to 20% or less.
I want to encourage you to attend church, we would enjoy having you as our
guest at Portageville First United Methodist, and this is your invitation to come
join us. Rest assured, though if you go to another church in town you do not have
to be ashamed.
God bless and see you in church Sunday.
Holy Week services will be held April 7-11 at Portageville First United Methodist
Church, starting at 7am each morning.