On the Sidelines?

We are in a very exciting time of the year. Like many of you, I’ve watched several games on the grid iron. I’m often struck by the players who are on the sidelines, but want to get into the game. The desire is evident: they want to get into the game to try to make a difference. But the rules of the game won’t let them play, yet. The church, however, doesn’t have the same rules. There are opportunities for all of us to get into the game!

    

We are just a few weeks away from our culmination of the Treasures of the Transformed Life. I appreciate the way you’ve engaged in the discussion about our promise of upholding the church with our Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service and Witness. There are some great ways before us that we can continue to live out these promises. Among several others, I offer these up to you to help you get off the sidelines and into the game.

We will roll up our sleeves for another “Love Fairhope” workday on October 15. We will partner with several area churches to serve the people of our community. I will lead an “Invitation to the Old Testament” beginning October 19. This is a wonderful Bible Study that helps us see our roots in the books of the Old Testament.   We begin a new opportunity for service in Costa Rica the week of October 23. We have partnered with Ray and Lidia Zirkel for several years. This fall we expand that partnership. Please support the team with your prayers and other support: before, during, and after our trip.

No matter what your role in these opportunities, I urge you to not remain on the sidelines this fall. There are several ways for you to make a difference in the lives of others. Instead of rules that only allow 11 players in the game at a time, the Church needs EVERYONE in the game. When we all participate, amazing things happen. We don’t do this for our sake, but for the sake of Christ Himself and to fulfill our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. At Fairhope UMC, we do that when we Reach~Equip~Serve. So come, get into the game!