(Photo from the Sanctuary of First United Methodist Church, Missouri City, TX.)
Tonight was the bi-monthly meeting of our Ad Council. It had the usual machinations that were perfectly scripted for the evening. Expenses were in good standing through June – we haven’t spent as much as we budgeted. Summer is looking up. We heard money numbers but not worship numbers. The Christ Candle – the light of the world in the room – was flickering away behind all of us.
As the meeting was underway, Rev. Dariel Newman told the group assembled that a local church closeby is worshipping 800 per Sunday. You could feel the moment of shock and embarrassment. There was no gasp but the silence told all of the concern in the air. He went on to challenge those of us to begin to understand our role in making this a successful church. It was a strong beginning to the evening.
The evening moved on as we heard good news on the building status yet concerning words on the parking lot. Money is good. Ministries were lifted up and showed in a very good light.
What struck me as the meeting came to the end was a report about General Conference. Many times, the report cited how depressed and upset the Bishop was about what went on at General Conference.
And then Richard Zey p, Lay Leader, stood up and talked. Richard found the inspiration to take us back to the moment — wanting to start a page gathering information system for the website. He has a long way to go to understand the entire social media thing and how to make it work but it’s a great beginning to start trying to get the right word out to the community.
It’s encouraging to see an older man pushing to get the church word out about the grace and love of Christ. Can you say you do that each day – push yourself to bless others each day. Will you take the risk?
Here’s a prayer:
In times of weakness
and hour of need,
yours is the strength
by which we carry on,
the shoulder
we rest our head upon.
When our load is heavy
and too much to bear,
yours are the arms
stretched out to help us
the grace
that we depend on.
In times of weakness
and hour of need,
your voice is heard,
‘Come… find rest
Notions 