What We Will Do In 2008

There was a great line in one of the hymns that we sang this past Sunday (When Jesus Came to Jordan, p. 252): “Come give our lives direction, the gift we covet most: to share the resurrection that leads to Pentecost.” That is a beautiful thought and it is foremost in my mind as I share my annual goals for Christ United Methodist Church:

INVITE ONE. Since initiating this simple program some time back, we have discovered that United Methodists actually CAN be extremely effective in bringing people to Christ. Many, many members of our church have invited and brought friends, relatives, and neighbors to our church, and lives have been changed. Now that we are looking at the possibility of having more room for visitors, Invite One should be a priority for every single person. You will be hearing more about it.

CARE MINISTRIES. We have an extraordinary Congregational Care program, much of it led and executed be dedicated lay volunteers who have been called by God to care for those who are in need. For instance, did you know that we have a 24 hour emergency phone line, or that you can submit a prayer request 24/7 either online or by phone? Did you know that we have a remarkable Nursing Home Ministry that is extremely comprehensive? Or that we take meals to anyone who is need? In 2008 we will be inviting even more people to join this life-changing ministry.

ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP. A funny thing happened on the way to the Church Conference that voted to continue work on a future sanctuary: we discovered that there are many ways that we can do more in order to care for God’s creation. The Building Committee is designing an environmentally friendly building, and we are searching for many other ways that we can implement sustainable solutions on our campus and throughout our community. I believe that God is moving us in this direction.

"Money is useless and buildings are hollow unless they are accompanied by a passion to love God and serve others."

LIVING THE LEGACY.

That is the brand new name of the Capital Campaign that will raise funds for the new building. But, as the name implies, it is about much more than raising funds or constructing a new sanctuary. It is about the present generation of members being as faithful and bold in caring for the future as others were in paving the way for us. It is about making the spiritual commitment to bring people to Christ and to care for them, to grow in our spiritual journeys, and to serve others. Money is useless and buildings are hollow unless they are accompanied by a passion to love God and serve others. LIVING THE LEGACY will capture the big picture of how Christ United Methodist Church will serve God in the years to come.

It will be a pivotal year in the history of our church. I hope that you are as excited as I am!

Don Signature

P.S. Be on the look out in your postal mailbox for the new Spirit Magazine the first week of February.