November 16, 2022 Weekly Update
Last Sunday we consecrated our pledges and estimates of giving for 2023, and we some sacred fun with giant Legos. We reminded ourselves – playfully – that we all bring a different piece of the puzzle to God’s table. The Spirit helps us building something that we could not create ourselves.
I offered a summary of our ministry over the last year before our consecration prayer. Someone asked me if they could have a copy of that summary. I decided to make it part of our communication today so we could all ‘zoom out’ from our day-to-day distractions and be reminded of the ministry God is doing through us in Columbia Falls and beyond.
“Over the last year, the Spirit used our time, energy, offerings, and talents to do so much in and through this church. We were able to celebrate Christmas in the building last year safely, after missing out the year before because of COVID.
We focused on Kindness last February and did random acts of kindness throughout the church and community with seed gifts of $5 handed out during worship. In Lent, we focused on our ‘seeds’ to plant, by raising funds and awareness for a seed bank for our ministry partners in the Eastern Angola Conference of the UMC.
We gathered together for Easter Sunday in the building on a snowy morning after skipping our Easter Sunrise service because of the storm. We hadn’t had easter together in 2 years, and as we left, we took little butterflies to remind us of the power and beauty of the resurrection.
The Sunday after Easter, we gathered for worship and focused on the people of Ukraine, hearing from United Methodists across the world about the situation of our neighbors.
In June, our congregation made connections at the Flathead Pride Festival and helped young LGBTQ people who didn’t feel loved at home know they always had a safe place to come to in our congregation.
In the summer, we hosted a couple of Ice Cream and Game Nights and moved our Kid’s Camp (VBS) to an evening format with dinner for 20 kids and families four nights in a row. At the end of summer, a family from Ukraine landed in our Valley, and we gathered groceries and used funds from Rhubarb Fest to help that family feel welcome, safe, and loved here among us.
And over the last few months, we’ve focused on what it means to share our faith with our neighbors through practicing Belonging and Healthy Evangelism. Our new leadership board has finalized an endowment, a safe and trustworthy avenue for members of our congregation to leave a legacy at this Church that strengthens our witness for generations to come.
And through all of those moments, you’ve cared for one another, grieved with one another, supported and cherished one another, and helped God’s kingdom to bloom in our hearts and our communities.”
Thank you, friends, for your commitment and support of our shared ministry. If you weren’t able to be here last week but would still like to submit a pledge card for 2023, call or email Ann in the office – office@columbiafallsumc.org.
Blessings,
Pastor Jared