The Best Kind of Noise
Normally when I sit down to write, noise is not my best companion. I don’t usually need complete silence to concentrate, but I also try to avoid too many distractions. This morning is different as the best kind of noise is outside my office window: the construction sounds of long-needed repairs to caps on our church’s roof.
Machinery sits where the staff normally parks, and workers in hard hats replace the view of birds outside our windows. These are all signs of progress, images of new beginnings, and you are a part of the work. Whether you’ve donated to our building fund, served on the Board of Trustees, or prayed for our church, you are a part of what God is doing here at First UMC of West Point. I am especially grateful to Freddie Brister, chairman, and all the members of the Board of Trustees for their research and hard work. So often the work of our committees like the Trustees occurs quietly, but we could not function without their faithfulness.
As we enter the second half of 2019, we will soon enter a season of stewardship where we invite you to consider how you will continue to be actively faithful to our church. You may get a phone call to serve in a leadership role. You may receive an invitation to help with youth or children’s ministry. We ask because we need you. We invite because we value you. On Sunday, as we conclude our series on the Holy Spirit, will you begin praying for the Spirit’s guidance not on IF you will serve but on HOW you will serve in the joyful sound of Christ’s church?
This week marks the beginning of my fourth year as your pastor. My energy level is as high as the machinery outside, and I hope you feel as lifted in spirit as I do. We serve a mighty God in a mighty good church, and I look forward to growing with you in the year ahead. Let us give thanks for all God has done and all God will do!
all good things to each of you,
Pastor Darian
Lectionary Texts for Sunday, June 30, 2019
2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Luke 9:51-62
* On July 1, our new district superintendent, Rev. Paulette Buford-James will begin her leadership in the Starkville district. We give thanks for her arrival and for the good work of our outgoing DS, Dr. Embra Jackson. Please be in prayer for both of them and their families in this time of transition. *