Greetings from the Lay Leader's Corner.
Get ready for the showers, April has arrived! Lent continues on and Easter will soon be here. If you remember last month, I talked about March being a pivotal month of the year. Well, the transition is not over. So much has happened since our last newsletter. Little did we know at that time Pastor Daniel would announce his retirement, not so much by choice but because of his health. He, Wava, and their family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as they journey into the new reality of their life.
We, as Reed City United Methodist Church, will also be thinking and praying about our journey into the new reality of our lives as a community of God's children. We are no strangers to change. Recently I learned that the average age of an RCUMC member is 73. Collectively, we have had countless experiences with change. Yet every time of change brings new opportunity. Opportunity to pause, reflect, and make thoughtful, hopefully sound decisions about our direction in life. This change in pastoral care brings such an opportunity. The Leadership Team has been discussing the many aspects this transition will provide, or demand, as we proceed. Input from you, the congregation, will be key to the decision making of the LT. Stay tuned for more on that subject.
As your Lay Leader, this seems to be an opportune time for us as a congregation to take stock of where we, as individuals and as a group, find ourselves spiritually, and as United Methodists. Yes, some of us have been United Methodist for many years. But, if quizzed on just what it means to “Be UMC”, would you pass the test? Methodism has a long and rich history. How aware are you of that history? Wesleyan theology of grace, anchored in Scripture, and based in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, and the continuing movement of the Holy Spirit is what the United Methodist Church is founded on. So, what exactly does that mean for you? We are called to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. How are we prepared for that task? In the days and weeks ahead please consider joining a discussion group, which will be offered in May, to ponder these and other questions facing us. As we begin discussing what it means to be a United Methodist, we remind ourselves of the basics of our faith, where it began for the church and for us. April showers bring May flowers, so the saying goes. May your faith blossom into a life of service for the Lord.
Peace be with you,
Your lay leader,
Timothy Locker, Sr.