Meriden United Methodist Church
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Sharing God's Love Within Our Community and Into The World Community

Pastor's Pen

Pastor's Pen
 
"Why are you here?"
 
September 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
            I am excited to be a part of this growing Christian family, both growing in faith and growing number here at Meriden United Methodist Church! Our members and guests are excited too.
            Why? Why do we give of our time, talents, and hard-earned dollars (tithe) to support MUMC instead of something else? Our members already know but, for those who have not had a chance to see what we are all about, I’ll go ahead and answer that with a partial list. ;-)
 
  • Christian Community: we promise to invite and welcome all into this caring and sharing and joyful community where we take God seriously – but ourselves not so much.
  • Mission: Our hosting and support of God’s Storehouse “Christmas” and our hosting and support of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) 5th Quarter after Jeff West home football games.
  • Outreach: Our annual August free Backpack Bonanza – free Grade School backpacks and school supplies as needed plus games, treats, and a clothing swap; Also, don’t forget our annual free Youth Basketball Clinic for 3rd –6th grade boys and girls with coach John Olson (January-February)
  • Study & Christian Growth: an intensive 34-week Disciple Bible Study course for 18-80+ yr. olds
  • Passing on the faith to younger generations: A confirmation class for middle School ages, Sunday School classes for k-12 (and adults), Middle School and High School Youth Groups with their own mission events.
  • Living out our faith in Jesus Christ as we do our best to fulfill Jesus’ 3 Love Commandments.*
 
 
With the apostle Paul from Hebrews 13:14-21 NRSV, God bless you all as we pray this awesome prayer in joyful expectation for each other and for all who seek Jesus: “20Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21make you complete in everything good so that you may do his will, working among us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
 
*  May 2010 “Pastor’s Pen” full newsletter article   [(abbv.) Love God, Love Neighbor, Make Disciples]
 
FYI: www.meridenumc.org had 487 visits in July and 664 visits in August (our 2nd all-time high)!