What's your vision for the church, Pastor?
David the Psalmist said, "I saw the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body will live in hope because You will not abandon me to the grave, nor will You let Your Holy one see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence."
As I read this quote of David, spoken by Peter in his great sermon on Pentecost, I thought of God's church at Pine Hills and the direction the Holy Spirit is giving for our vision. I see our priority as putting God before all else and keeping Him always before us. With that, we become keenly aware that He is always with us and we have nothing to fear. I see our congregation standing on its strong faith and focusing on the face of Christ in worship, study, and fellowship. I see us becoming a strong family of believers, who do not hesitate to lift each other up in a spirit Love and Harmony, encouraging one another when we are down, and rejoicing with each other when we are glad - regardless of age, race, or gender. I see us embracing the community in a spirit of welcoming love, thus becoming a diverse congregation that meets the needs of all who will enter into God's house. For the gift of the Holy Spirit is available to all. In the end, I see The First United Methodist Church becoming, once again, a spiritual refuge and lighthouse for the community of Pine Hills and all who will enter through its doors. We know that when we are in the presence of the Lord, He will provide, and He will fill us with joy. The Holy Spirit is at work at Pine Hills, and I see the Spirit continuing a great work in and through this congregation.
God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good!
Under the Umbrella of Grace,
Pastor Steve |
