In my September newsletter article, I said that following the disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church, our churches were out of alignment and we needed to enter a new life cycle. We needed to be realigned and reset.
We are now, as Global Methodists, part of a new expression of Methodism where the lost are saved, the broken are made whole, and the hurting are healed. My sermon last Sunday alluded to this mission. I said we need to be praying and healing churches in order to become healthy churches. But, before we can immerse ourselves in our mission, we need to focus on the basis of our faith, Jesus on the cross. The cross alone shows us the love of God and God’s plan for our world.
So, as we focus on the cross, what are some things we should do? I have focused recently on the importance of being part of a body of Christ. If you are not a member of Berlin Center or LeValley, please pray over participating in the membership class I will be facilitating later in October. Have you been baptized? If not, I will be celebrating the sacrament of baptism during the service at which we welcome the newest members. Please let me know your intention.
Service is also an important component of being a Christian. A servant of Christ knows who is the King. A servant of Christ is one who has voluntarily set aside his or her personal rights in order to love, serve, and obey the will of God in Christ Jesus. Servants of Christ die daily to sin and fleshly desires, allowing Christ’s life to flow through them.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20(NIV)
So, how can you serve? As chair of the church’s nomination committee, I will be approaching some of you, encouraging you to take on a leadership role for 2026. Would you like to help care for the church building as a member of the trustees? What about caring for the pastor and the staff as a member of the Pastor Staff Parish Relations Committee? There is also an education committee that shares and implements ideas for classes for both children and adults. This committee also encourages individuals to establish small groups for study or prayer. These groups can meet at the church or at alternate sites such as homes or the local coffee shop. These are just a few examples. There are many ways to serves, for the entire year or for just a few weeks.
Other options for service are to be part of worship. Would you like to read scripture, sing in the choir, or help James with the technology? We also have a room full of puppets and scripts. Would you like to organize a few people to present a puppet skit during a worship service? Do you play an instrument? How about being part of a praise ensemble?
I have addressed several options for service within the church, but as disciples of Christ, what is our most important responsibility? To evangelize. To witness. As a Christian, understanding the purpose of your faith is essential to living a fulfilling life and spreading the message of Christ. The purpose of being a Christian is not simply to attend church or follow religious traditions, but rather it is about having a personal relationship with God and sharing His love with others.
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Mark 16:15
We need to sustain and grow our churches doing something right here in our neighborhoods. We need to be the churches in our neighborhoods for our neighbors. Let’s be an example of the revival of the church, especially the neighborhood church, as we shine the light of Christ in our buildings, but, especially outside the church doors. Let’s go forward in 2026 and beyond!
Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude. Don’t forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I’m locked up in this jail. Pray that every time I open my mouth I’ll be able to make Christ plain as day to them. Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.
Colossians 4:2-6 from The Message
Pastor Nancy
