As I write this, we are finishing up our first month together and I am thankful for all the WONDERFUL ways you have welcomed me and my family! From sharing in communion, to ice cream gatherings, Wednesday morning coffee time and respond-ing to the invitation to meet and get to know one another, I have been blessed.
I am especially thankful for everyone who attended the Onboarding conversations on Saturday, July 19th. I was excited to see so many of you participate and thankful for the wealth of information you shared.
One of the questions asked is: what is your vision for First UMC? Complimented by the United Methodist Church’s vision to “Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Cou-rageously;” my vision for First UMC is to be: “A people connected to the community sharing Chirstian love and grace; while serving with joy.”
How do we achieve this? First by getting to know our community in a new way and then showing up as members of First United Methodist to participate in what our neighbors and their businesses are doing.
Over the next few weeks, I am looking forward to getting to know the people and re-sources in our community by listening to and visiting with people and participating in community events like the Moonlight Market and Saturday Farmer’s Market. I hope I’ll see many of you at these and other events.
This is only the beginning, we’ll continue to seek opportunities to partner with com-munity groups to share love and grace with our neighbors.
I invite you to continue to schedule time to meet with me and share your stories. However, I also want to invite you to participate in regular fellowship gatherings each month. These will focus on providing space for casual conversation & develop-ing ideas for connecting with the Owosso community together.
Please try to attend as you’re able and bring your heart for Jesus and ideas for con-nection. Our first Brown Bag Lunch (aka bring your own lunch) is scheduled for July 29th from 11:30-1:30 in the Café; and the second is August 26th. You can come for the whole time or any portion you’re able. No RSVP required.
Thank you again for your welcome. May God continue to lead and bless our journey together!
Pastor Sarah
