Our Mission - The Next Steps

 I have a dear friend who is a retired United Methodist minister. He got married a few years ago to a wonderful woman. One day, I happened to mention to him that the two of them seemed to really be made for each other, and that it always seemed that they got along so well. He told me that there was a reason for this. Here it is: " Each week they sat down together for the State Of The Union. This was their time to weigh in on how the marriage was going, to bring up any matters that needed to be resolved, to discuss any topic related to their marriage, that either one of them thought needed to be looked at. They both made a committment to do this so that nothing would ever fester and become a wedge to divide them."  It seems like a great idea and a positive way to maintian a good marriage.
     I think that this would also be a good practice for businesses. I had even thought that on my one year anniversary of being your pastor, I would ask the church to do this. But, today as I'm writing to you, the church, it dawns on me that we have already gone through together almost all the major stuff that many churches do in a year. You've heard about 35 or 36 sermons from me, we've worshipped together for nine months now, we've had a Christmas together, a Lenten season, and Holy Week. I caught just the tail end of Vacation Bible Study the week that I arrived. We've had a number of special services including, Thanksgiving - celebrated with two of our neighboring churches, the Musical Instrument Dedication Service, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, my wife has now come to Azalea Park to preach, and many of you attended my concert at Broadway. We've had some wonderful covered dish dinners and to top it all off, 65 of you are doing "By The Book" bible study, growing in your knowledge of our Lord and growing ever closer to Him in the process. ( This is not meant to be a comprehensive listing of everything that has happened here, just a hitting the high points for me). I think through all of this we've gotten to know each other pretty well.
     So, what is the State Of The Church? Well, I can only speak for myself. Let me share just a few thoughts:
     I love doing the Children's Moments in our services more than I ever dreamed I would. Our children are wonderful and I look forward to this time with them every week.
     I've done too many funerals and not enough baptisms.
     I've come to love and deeply appreciate the people with whom I work the most closely on a weekly basis. Maurice, Rosanna, Frank, Donna, Geneva, Maria, Pat, Brad, and Fay - I'd simply be lost without your imput and your support.
     Our Servant Ministry Team and our Management Team love this church so much and give so much of themselves, that they are truly a blessing. I believe that the local church is truly the hope of the world and I thank you for allowing me to be in ministry with you. 
     Jonelle, Tracy Laurie, Azora and Amy show their love for our children and youth, week in and week out. I thank God that they have answered the call and are using their unique giftedness so beautifully.
      The Alter Guild, the various Circles, UMW, UMM and so many others work quietly behind the scenes and the commitment of time, energy and creativity that our Choir makes, is just fantastic. It's a joy to lead worship with all of you.
        Our congregation has been faithful in worship, consistant in their giving, and generous in their encouragement of their new pastor. I really do love being your pastor!
        Now, What about you? I'd love to hear from you with any ideas you may have of how we can improve any aspect of our church life. And I'd give double attention to any suggestions of how we can draw more people to Christ, for that is truly the reason God put us here and gave us the joy and responsibility of being the church.
        I look forward to hearing from you,

                                        PASTOR TONY