Pastorized Thoughts October/November

​Located in this newsletter is an article I found the board of global ministries sent out. It is about what the united Methodist church is doing through "The Advance." The advance is a worldwide program of hope and
healing to a world in need. I included the article because I thought you might like to know about it. You can also go the Wyoming presbytery website for similar opportunities.
What caught my attention was the theme, "connect your passion with god's mission." I firmly believe Jesus is calling us into mission, here, there, and everywhere we can, but i also believe our greatest mission field is right here in Hot Springs County.
But first, let me thank you for your generosity, and willing to share what you can for our church. I do not have a more recent report, but the financial report at the end of July was positive. Thank you! My prayer is that we are working together for the glory of god. Paul wrote, "As it is, there are many parts, but one body." -I  Corinthians 12:20 each member of the body of Christ is important to the work of the body. No one should diminish what they have to contribute in prayers, presence, gifts, and service.
We will have our annual congregational meeting on November 5 after the 10:30 am service to vote on many important issues. It is a "celebration of ministry." These issues include the compensation package for the pastor, leadership on the administrative board/session, and a review of the budget/or 2017. This meeting is often seen as "busy" work. What it reflects is background scene of the body of Christ at work.
It is encouraging to think of all the people who contribute in so many ways to this congregation. You are awesome! We do need to help others feel welcome in sharing their talents, but this congregation is healthy and doing some amazing things.
This is the truth! We must not rest on what we have done, or on what we are presently doing. Paul wrote, "Do you not know that in a race the runners all compOete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that we may win it." -I Corinthians 9:24 Winning, however, in God's Kingdom is different than in the world. Winning is focusing on doing God's will for us as individuals and as members of the Body of Christ. Please, pray that you answer the call to do what God wants you to do in your life, and in this congregation.