Outside the Box: Back to Normal

Dear Fellow Ministers,

I noticed driving into work this week that “normal” is back! Traffic let me know. I didn’t realize how uncluttered the roads had been (comparatively) during the holidays. I go to the YMCA several mornings a week and I have noticed that there seems to be more people there early in the morning. People are getting into what they hope will be routine. The same is true for our faith, isn’t it? We have big intentions to attend worship, be in small groups, give sacrificially, etc. And then… life happens. I’d like to share Bishop Carter’s Pastoral Letter to the Western NC Conference, where he invites us to practice three spiritual practices.

Here is the truth – God cares for us in the “life happens” time AND when we are checking off every item on our To-Do list! We aren’t always hitting on all cylinders, yet in relationship to God we can find wholeness. We find the wholeness because God has claimed each of us. We are going to have a chance to discuss this and share in baptismal reaffirmation on Sunday. I hope you can be with us at our 8:15, 9:30 (Contemporary in Sanctuary, Family Worship in Gym), or 11 am worship services. You can also participate online during the 9:30 or 11 am sanctuary services.

As you settle into a new year, please pay attention to our weekly Celebration newsletter email and our website to stay updated on opportunities to Reach, Teach, Praise, and Serve! Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have or to let us know if you have any needs.

Please pray through our sermon text for Sunday from Matthew 3:13-17 as God forms a sermon in us. I look forward to being in ministry with you this week!

In Christ’s Service,
David

Did you know that the New Directions Sunday School Class hosted a New Year’s luncheon for the MUMC Facilities Staff? At the luncheon, each staff member received a Walmart gift card as an appreciation for all they do. Thank you, New Directions!

Did you know that two of our very own staff team are now engaged…to each other?!? Sarah Biggers & Connor Johnson, from our United Youth & Young Adult team, were engaged on Christmas Eve! Sarah & Connor both grew up at MUMC, and we are so fortunate that they both returned to their home church and are now on staff. And…they work so well together that they decided to spend the rest of their lives together! Congratulations, Sarah & Connor!

Did you know that our United Kids & Youth team took their Creation Care efforts to a higher level this Christmas? Nine feet high in fact, when they created a Christmas tree out of old newspapers. The tree was used in various locations throughout the Christmas season to highlight the “Good News” of Jesus’ Birth.