Pastor Danny’s message
8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[b] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”
14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.
Acts 21:8-14
We have several ways that we embrace diversity as the church: various cultures and languages. Our diversity I believe plays an important strength in our congregation.
This year we considered some goals as the church; goals that at times may not make everyone comfortable: Consider signage for the outside more or even decorations, a gift to offer our newcomers, being more active with our in-town nursing homes.
While I love these goals I also want to offer a challenge: reach out to those in your directory. We want to learn their stories. Why is it so many live so close and yet we do not see them on a Sunday morning? Diversity can also exist in age… what ages are we missing? What is that age level looking for in a church? Research has proven as a pastor I can offer an invitation, but church members are 80% more likely to bring new people to church.
When I was beginning college there were moments where I had to choose between a research paper and a Sunday morning worship service, but I will also share with you God was finding me in these moments. I did not make it every Sunday, but when I could I made it! And I appreciated it! As a pastor I consider all walks of life… sometimes we need a break; sometimes a moment makes us angry, but I am also reminded of the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). The father welcomed him with open arms regardless of the fact that the Son spent plenty of time away, but the important part is He came back! His Father welcomed him.
As pastor of First UMC I make a promise here and always I believe in us and I believe in you! Never is it my job to judge anyone’s past, but it is my job as a pastor to welcome you always and everywhere! That is the duty I hold near and dear to my heart! In our communion liturgy we share “always and everywhere”. I believe in our Sunday worship and also in our Thursday night Dinner Church! Wherever you are I welcome you!
October 18th is Laity Sunday and I look forward to watching how our church practices gratitude, witness, and servanthood. I still ask us to consider Friends 2 Friends ministry October 18th to consider a special offering. Their ministry is real and thriving in all the right places for families and friends in need.
AMEN. -Pastor Danny