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FROM THE PASTOR

 

John Wesley’s spirit lives on in the Methodist Church.  Wesley approached ministry with an attitude of openness to fellow believers regardless of denomination.  Today, almost 300 years later, we observe things like “open communion” which includes all true believers in the observance of Holy Communion without regard to church affiliation.  Methodists further recognize and honor a person’s baptism regardless of his/her denominational background.  We are welcoming and inclusive of all true fellow believers regardless of church affiliation.  This is a vital part of the renewal and revival history of Wesleyan Christians.

 

It might seem that Methodist downplay or overlook the importance of membership in the local church.  However, the “Book of Discipline” underscores several important reasons why membership in a local church is important:  Paragraphs 217-221 include the following observations:

 

            Growth in Faithful Discipleship – Faithful membership in the local church is essential for personal growth and for developing a deeper commitment to the will and grace of God.  As members involve themselves in private and public prayer, worship, the sacraments, study, Christian action, systematic giving, and holy discipline, they grow in their appreciation of Christ, understanding of God at work in history and the natural order, and an understanding of themselves.

 

            Mutual Responsibility – Faithful discipleship includes the obligation to participate in the corporate life of the congregation with fellow members of the body of Christ.  A member is bound in sacred covenant to shoulder the burdens, share the risks, and celebrate the joys of fellow members.

 

            The Call to Ministry of All the Baptized – All members of Christ’s universal church are called to share in the ministry that is committed to the whole church of Jesus Christ.  Therefore, each member of The United Methodist Church is to be a servant of Christ on mission in the local and worldwide community.

 

MUTUAL ACCOUNT ABILITY – believers hold one another accountable to faithfulness in membership.

 

Sunday morning, August 29th, will be a special service highlighted by the reception of new members.  Several people are already planning to join.  Perhaps you should consider joining them.

 

Stan Littleton