Spiritual Gifts

Pastor Melissa DelkerMelissa's Post-It

During my sermon on July 20, I made mention of our tag line, "Loving Place to Belong." Kaley and I have certainly found that to be true. Even before we arrived here, we knew that FUMC was a loving place to belong. We were welcomed in and made to feel as though we belonged.

Before we arrived we got phone calls, emails and letters in the mail. People introduced themselves and gave words of welcome that were really encouraging to us during our time of transition. When we got here our house was stocked with necessary items and food in the fridge. People brought meals and one even came with a flower arrangement. Our reception was a great celebration of love.

The feeling of love and belonging did not stop there. Throughout different times of trials and celebrations people have gone out of their way to really let us know we were loved and belonged. During Kaley's surgery this past March she declared one day, "I sure am loved." What peace it brings when you have an assurance of love and the feeling of belonging that comes with that.

It has become a way of life here at FUMC to be a loving place to belong. Through our 5 purposes of worship, fellowship, discipleship, service & missions and outreach we have ministry events that offer opportunity for this to happen. I want to lift up two special events that will help us to strengthen who we are as a loving place to belong.

One is taking place on Sunday, August 24, at 10 AM. We are all gathering together for one worship service. I think it is great that we have the ability to offer different types of worship services on Sunday morning, giving everyone opportunity to worship God in a style out of their personality and who God made them to be. But, I also think it is great to bring all those people together at times to worship God and to have community with one another. That Sunday morning we will have different types and styles of music offered and will worship in a creative way mixing traditional and contemporary styles. Then after worship we will gather together in the gym to share together in a meal. So, find your favorite recipe or pick up your favorite food to go from the grocery and come on out for a great morning of worship, food and celebration that we are a loving place to belong.

Then on the next day we have a new and different opportunity. SAK comedy club is going to come and lead us in a time of laughter and community building. During the day the church and preschool staff will come together for laughter and staff team building. Then, that evening, Monday, August 25, at 7:00 p.m. they will lead the whole church in a time of laughter. During this time of laughter they will do some leadership training and community building.

So, mark your calendar today for those events and make them a priority. Let us continue to be the loving place to belong that God has called us to be. Look forward to seeing you soon!

In Ministry together,
Melissa Delker