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| Seeing the Big PictureDear Friends: One of the apostle Paul’s great insights about being a follower of Jesus is that we are not bound to old ways and old patterns. “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation,” he wrote in his second letter to the Corinthians (5:17). “Everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” Many of us have habits and routines, favorite activities, and things we avoid because “they’re just not for us.” Maybe a good summer challenge for all of us would be to remember we are a “new creation” and decide to experience a facet of our church’s ministry with which we are unfamiliar. If you only ever come to PB UMC on Sunday, you might be astounded at what goes on during the week. Visit the church on a Tuesday evening, and you could participate in Bible study, sit in on a ministry planning meeting, or observe the dental clinic in action. Volunteer on Wednesday evening, and you would witness dynamic ministry with the homeless. Come down on Thursday evening, and you could sing with the choir or perhaps attend a small group. If you think church involvement consists only of meetings, go to the North Clairemont Recreation Center some Monday night and watch our church’s softball team play. From what I understand, the games are pretty riotous. Or, try your hand at float-building. Mark V. will need lots of help this month getting ready for the Pride parade. Walk or ride with the float on July -- and you will find yourself interacting with thousands of festive people. Maybe you’ve never had time to watch one of Craig’s all-time favorite movies selections, and you’re not in a dinner group either. It’s summer! Give yourself a treat! Sign up for the movie and dinner on July 8 and discover the fun and fellowship of PB UMC. Kids have the opportunity to go to camp and the beach. Adults can sign up for mission trips. The places God can take you through your church are truly amazing. Visiting a worship service other than your customary one could be another enlightening experience. If you’re out of town all weekend, attend RIZE at 6 p.m. on Sunday evening when you get back. If you have a full day planned, share in the Bread of Life prayer and communion service at 8:15 a.m. before your other activities get underway. The 9 and 10:30 worship services are identical, but RIZE and Bread of Life each has its own format and style. If you enjoy the worship or admire the programs of PB UMC, maybe you’d like to learn about the nuts and bolts of what makes it all happen. Most of the ministry planning committees (Trustees, Finance, Worship, Discipleship, Member Care, Outreach, Leadership Council) are able to welcome and incorporate visitors who are willing to come and take part in a meeting. Times and dates are listed on the church calendar (see page 7). If you’d like to experience some personal connections with fellow church members, go with the flower ministry volunteers to homes or the hospital some Monday morning, or dedicate an hour of your Saturday to the Men’s Prayer and Share. Let’s allow the Spirit to move us in new ways this summer! Choose an aspect of PB UMC’s ministry you don’t know much about and go check it out. It never hurts to have our vision broadened and our horizons expanded. Do something new, strengthen your faith, and have fun! See you at one (or more!) of the above,
Pastor April |
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