Outside the Box: Works in Progress

Dear Fellow Ministers,

I was talking to a new friend this past week and he said, “If you knew what I’ve done in the past, you wouldn’t want to be around me.” I responded, “That is true for all of us, I think. At least I know it is for me.” It is why we need a Savior. And it is why the most incredible thing is that all of our “stuff” is known by God, and God still wants relationship with us. This in and of itself is amazing.

We are all “works in progress” who are imperfect. God knows that and still offers us relationship, hope and life… at its fullest! What an incredible God we serve. Yet, in spite of what God offers us, we still listen to other voices, don’t we? We listen to voices that diminish us, others or creation itself. It is so true that our faith is a work in progress! I hope you will read through John 10:1-10 as God forms a sermon in us this Sunday. You can also watch a special Earth Day edition of my weekly video.

If you missed Sunday, please know that you can worship online here. Last weekend was an important time for our church. Our leaders (over 70 of them) gathered on Saturday to hear about how we can move towards being a trauma-informed, healing-centered church. We were led by folks specially trained who offer this across our conference. This training will allow our church to be more aware of the wounds we all carry and bring to our faith journeys. We desire our church to be a place of healing, equipping, and disciple-making. Thank you all for your commitment to this. It is part of what being authentic followers of Jesus is all about.

Thank you for the way you welcome guests and long-time members to church. Let’s never take for granted the hospitality that shows all of God’s children are welcome here at Matthews UMC! I am honored to get to serve here, and I look forward to being in ministry with you this week!

In Christ’s Service,
David

Did you know that Inclusive Grace hosted the viewing of “1946, The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture” last week? Inclusive Grace is part of The Micah Connection, our Justice Ministry at Matthews UMC.

Did you know that Laura Waits and Amy DeVore spoke about their participation in “Faithful Resistance: Public Witness for Immigrant Justice” at Bridge Builders Fellowship last week? This event, sponsored by the General Board of Church & Society for The United Methodist Church included Worship, a peaceful march and meetings with Congressmen in Washington, DC.

Did you know that April is “Color it Blue” month? We wear blue to support Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month. Several of our Global Impact partners focus on these areas. Thank you for supporting Global Impact!