First Church Family,
I pray that you are in good health and spirits. I have enjoyed worshiping as one body during the summer and focusing on extraordinary women in the Bible over the last Sundays.
That continues this week, as we look at Rahab of Jericho, “God’s Most Unlikely Heroine.” Take the time to read the first two chapters of the Book of Joshua. It won’t take but a few minutes, and it will prepare you for worship on Sunday.
I am a sports nut and have been captivated by the performances of Olympians from all over the world who are competing in Paris. American distance swimmer, Katie Ledecky won the 1500-meter freestyle swim yesterday; and French swimmer Leon Marchand won two more gold medals, giving him three so far in these Olympics.
But what has impressed me more is the joy experienced by teams of multiple athletes competing for gold. I’m especially grateful for the chance to see our men’s and women’s gymnastics teams do so well.
The United States took the bronze medal in the men’s team finals (in an upset,) and the American women won gold. Our men weren’t expected to bring home a medal. And while the American women were favored, they too were favored in Tokyo in ’21, but had to settle for silver.
The elation that occurs among members of a team when, with all of their efforts needed, it pulls off a major victory is something that individual athletes (and church people) can’t ever experience.
I’m sure you know where I’m going with this. Church work can be the most exhilarating experience in our lives. That’s actually the way God planned it.
Friendship, fellowship, and intimacy are the reasons God created us. God needed someone to love, and someone to be loved by; and also someone to partner with, so that He could carry out His plans according to His will.
When we are a part of that with Him, there certainly is joy on the part of both parties. And while athletic endeavors are enjoyable, our work together with God has eternal significance.
We here at First Methodist have a long history of serving. Two separate individuals in our community have stopped me recently to explain what a major blessing FUMC has always been in our community. And each is a person that I had never met before!
Our church presently enjoys a wonderful team, made up of staff members and many, many lay people who enjoy working together and partnering with our LORD to accomplish His will here.
I pray that your life is fulfilling. Working with others in the family of Christ that partners to share both the Gospel and the love of Christ with others is simply the most fulfilling thing people can do.
I challenge you to consider volunteering to be a part of our powerful,
transformative ministry here. It will bless both others and you, in ways that other endeavors simply can’t. And will result in everlasting significance!
I’m so thankful for our team here at First Church! Blessings on you,
Pastor Dave