A Note from Susan

Jesus said, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. ~ Matthew 25:35

Hello Saints!

As the year progresses, I encourage all of you to be in prayer about the vision, or future message, for our church. As you may know, we began the process of shaping a vision about who we are and who we want to be for our community, our world, and in the eyes of our God in January.

Therefore, we will be looking at what we value, how God is being glorified, and who God is calling us to be in the coming months. This particular month, I want to begin at the beginning. In the beginning, the bible says, God created. In creating us, God didn’t create puppets or objects, but children. God wanted, and still wants, that kind of relationship with us. And the beginning of any relationship is to feel welcomed.

Friends, do you feel welcomed here at Williamsport UMC? Why? Because you know everyone? Because you have been coming here since childhood or beyond? Because you are “used to” the church atmosphere and the way we worship?

I hope you do feel welcomed here, but what about those who don’t come to church? What about those who don’t know the words to the songs, or don’t know anyone here? What about those who are different? What about those who look differently, act differently, see Jesus differently and those who haven’t ever met Jesus at all?

Our job as the church is to welcome them. And not because we “have to” but because we have been welcomed first. We were welcomed by Christ himself, though we did nothing to deserve or earn it. Now it is our JOY to welcome others in his name, that others may come to know what we know and have what we have in Jesus.

I hope that as Lent moves on, you might look around when you come to church. Do you know everyone? Make it a point to get to them before or after the service and introduce yourself. Make the first move, say the first word, be the first to make a change.

Friends, I also encourage you to invite someone to our services or any of our activities. Maybe there is someone in your life who is in need. Maybe there is someone in your life who is seeking for “more” than the things of this world can offer. Maybe there is someone in your life that doesn’t even believe in God but wouldn’t mind helping a good cause like Clothes of Hope, or learning how they can help Haiti.

As I said, the beginning of any relationship is being welcomed. A handshake, a hug, a “we’re really glad you’re here”. They can be the start of a wonderful thing that God will do!

                                                                                                                        Pastor Susan

Catch the Excitement!

Witness the Joy!

Shape the Vision!