Today’s Reading: Acts 4:34-35 (NIV)
34 There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
Good morning!
Can you imagine what it might be like to live in a community where all needs are addressed and met by its people? This is why I believe being part of a local church congregation is so important. There is a community spirit that draws us into service; and together, we can accomplish much more than we can do on our own. I’ve had the privilege of helping assist with a Habitat for Humanity® project through the United Methodist Churches of the Gateway Regional District in Missouri. I know very little about carpentry, plumbing or electrical wiring, but I do know how to cook a meal and deliver food to volunteers who are building homes for families in our community. One December day, my husband I delivered food to a worksite where thirteen people were out in the freezing cold, working knee deep in mud and snow, to finish a house before its January deadline. A pot of chili and a peanut butter sandwich can mean a lot to a cold and tired volunteer. A thermos of coffee and a plate of homemade apple muffins disappeared in a matter of minutes, and then the workers returned to their posts. It is an amazing thing to see how hearts and hands in a labor of love can raise up a new home for a family who might otherwise be living on the streets in the dead of winter.
Many of our local congregations are small in numbers. We see the needs of our community and we wonder how to meet them. This is when we see the possibilities of uniting hearts and hands together in service with other local churches. This is how we can impact our communities for Christ! There is a job for everyone in the family of God. While many offer financial resources to help fund projects, there are others who are gifted in construction and building. Many can cook, sew, and teach. When I traveled to Mexico with my local congregation to build a concrete block home for a family living in a makeshift tin hut, I was not physical capable of lifting the heavy concrete blocks or mixing the mortar by myself. I contributed to the team by handing tools to workers laying bricks and I participated in a Vacation Bible School for the community children, whose parents had come to watch and help their neighbors raise a home. When we all work together, we can accomplish the task at hand and successfully meet the need.
At Faith United Methodist Church, we regularly ask ourselves this question: If our church were to suddenly close its doors, would our community even miss us? It is my sincere prayer that we will continue to find new ways to reach beyond the walls of our church, and share Christ’s love in the community. If you are looking for a faith family where you can experience the love of Jesus Christ, grow in grace, and share your gifts and talents with others, we would love to have you come and be our guests in worship this weekend. Please contact me and I will be happy to give you directions to our church. We worship on Sunday mornings at 8, 9 and 11am.
Come experience a brand new way of life as we share our gifts together through the ministries of the local church.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO
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