Grapevine Newsletter

I was standing in line at a gas station/party store waiting to pay for a Pepsi. The man in front of me turned suddenly and said, “You know, it just doesn’t seem like people care about each other anymore.”

As I pulled out my money, I thought, I should say, “That’s because not enough people have Jesus in their lives.” Instead I settled for, “That’s because the world is too secular.” Now I’m sure that just helped him a whole bunch! He paid for his purchase and left. I mentally kicked myself all the way home. Why was I afraid to mention Jesus? Several reasons…

* He might think I was weird. Well that wouldn’t be the first time. Even some of my friends think I’m a little strange at times. My part is to share my faith be it by word, deed, or gesture; it is up to God to work in an individual’s heart.

* I would probably never see him again, so what difference would it make? A gal at Faith UMC in Lansing once told me that you just never know if you are contact 2, 6 or 15, or whatever it takes to help a person see the need for Jesus in his or her life. The importance of each contact can’t be overstated. Just because I don’t see an immediate result doesn’t mean my impact (because of God’s gracious gifting of me) is worthless.

* Evangelism is not my gift. At least it has never seemed obvious to me. I’ve always managed to hide fairly well behind my piano playing and writing for Christian magazines, figuring that was a form of evangelism (faith-sharing). Really that’s more like support for the Body of Christ.

* That’s the pastor’s job. Well, after all, three years or more of seminary certainly equips a person more adequately. I might say the wrong thing and turn the person off. Evangelism is probably in the pastor’s job description. A pastor, of course, always has the right words. (Just a little humor there.) But ultimately that’s an unfair expectation just because Reverend precedes the name.

* I’ll let my life be my example. I’ve never been in the grocery store or mall where a stranger stopped me with the words, “Your life simply glows with love for God.” Would be nice, but probably isn’t going to happen! And, besides, I’m a sinner like everyone else. At times, my life will poorly reflect any kind of relationship with Christ.

So, now that I have listed all my excuses, what do I do about it? The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 (NRSV) says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Do I ignore the Great Commission? That’s what I have successfully done for years, although I squirm sometimes when I hear Matthew 28:19-20 and realize I am “falling down on the job.”

Hopefully, by God’s grace, I can begin to relate to people in a non-threatening way, just hang out with them, stretch myself out of my comfort zone and be more non-judgmental of others. Jesus said, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” He will help me change if I am open to his leading. It’s not rocket science after all. Thank goodness!!

Carolyn Pulver

August 2010 Grapevine

 

CUMC IS MAKING A MUSIC VIDEO! Jerry Losee wrote a song for CUMC about our Top 10 list of Values and we need YOU to finish the music video. We will be using the video to outreach on Facebook, Youtube, and on our website. See Pastor Melany if you can be filmed next week for the video. Kids, youth, families, middlers, grmas and grpas are all needed to represent our church family! Say “Yes”! and serve Christ in a creative unique way today.

KINGDOM ASSIGNMENT PROFITS If you are one of the few still on assignment, stop in and let Pastor Melany know your status. Also turn in a short written summary of your assignment. All profits go to support our budgeted Ministry Shares which supports UM ministries in our backyard and around the world!

 

UPCOMING EMMAUS WALKS – Men’s Walk, Oct 14-17, Coldwater UMC. Women’s Walk, Oct. 21-24, Coldwater UMC. Please call the office if you are interested in participating.

 

District United Methodist Women Annual Meeting – Thurs., Sept. 15, 1 pm, Birchwood UMC, Battle Creek. Conference United Methodist Women Fall Meeting – Sat., Oct. 16, First UMC in Holland. Please contact Sarah McCorkle, 524-8229 or Doreen Densmore, 563-2565 for more details or if you would like to go to these meetings.