Lent: This Is Great News!

Nothing pleases me more than a full house on Sunday.  However, that seems to be a regular thing at Stockbridge.  We see new children every Sunday.  We see new faces.  We see people stepping up their dedication to worship, giving and service.  We see people just doing things for Christ and that is so very special.  We have a great church, filled with great people.  Talk about momentum…we’ve got it!

Yesterday, we learned that momentum is critical as we grow into the likeness of our Lord.  We must continually do the things necessary to build a relationship with God.  What are you doing to build that momentum in Lent?  How are you adding on to your spiritual journey?

Part of what we do at Stockbridge First is evaluate how well we are taking you along that journey.  We gauge our effectiveness as a church in so many ways and one way was the SURVEY you took many weeks ago.  It went great and I thank you for all who took the time to fill it out.  It told me a lot about what you think.  The best thing about it was that the number one thing you love about the church is that we are filled with FRIENDLY AND CARING PEOPLE!  I AGREE! Other comments were “No bickering” “No drama” “No complaining!”  Now not all churches can say that.  When you get to know people here you can’t help but find goodness in the hearts of others.  At Stockbridge First we have that…way to go church family!

Another telling part of the survey was your spiritual growth.  Many of you remarked that when you came to Stockbridge First UMC you were “just starting out on your spiritual walk” or that you were an “nominal” disciple.  After attending Stockbridge First UMC you remarked that you are “further along in your journey with God and that we have made a difference in your life.”  THIS IS GREAT NEWS!

But just standing on this great news is not enough.  We must continue to get better at what we do as a church and continue to add new things to meet the needs of others.  We must continue to build momentum.  This is just like our Lenten Journey.  One person came up to me and said, “I love it when you talked about giving up something and then replacing it with something else that will help my walk with God.”  We don’t just give up something, but we add something in the process in hopes that the virtue we add will deepen our relationship with God and our walk as well.  We don’t just stand still, but we keep moving forward.

Jesus will help keep that heart and spirit moving forward if you will let Him.  Our Lord Jesus Christ loves you.  He came to redeem a frail body and broken spirit.  He comes to restore your life.  He comes to heal your relationships.  All He asks is “will you walk with me?”  That’s it.

So if you are stuck, just put your spirit in motion, gain some momentum.  Fast, give, serve, worship, love, pray and all the rest.  Get some speed up.  Soon you will be moving by the things that once tempted you.  You will walk with confidence again knowing that your Lord walks with you.

Thanks for the momentum you continue to build here at this church.  I could not be more proud and honored to serve you and serve with you!

Love you all,

Rev. Jim