Keith Calara, Barbara Barrett and I have been leading a class for people interested in church membership. The first week our guest was Dianne Mahler, who provided lunch and asked each one in the group to identify a passion. The next week Pat Hitchcock and Michael Herzog shared about spiritual practices (“means of grace”) that help us stay connected to God. Last week our guests were Dorothy Northey, Bonnie Andersen, and Dottie Lee, who explained the history of our Sanctuary Ministry. This Sunday, our class will attend the Open House with Burbank Housing and Napa Valley Community Housing. We’ll meet afterward, with a guest who’ll share why they are a United Methodist, and on Easter Sunday new members will be welcomed in worship.
Have we given these prospective members enough information about the United Methodist Church, and Following Jesus, Thriving in Community, Healing the World? Regrettably, no, but we have begun building relationships that will continue to form us as the body of Christ and Napa Methodist Church. Creating relationships are what help us practice, and keep us accountable to, three simple rules that identify the Christian life: Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God.
God’s grace will also continue to form us. John Wesley explained ways of experiencing God’s grace as prevenient grace (the love of God that is with us before we even recognize it); justifying grace (our response and acceptance of God’s love and mercy); and sanctifying grace (the love of God that continues to live in us and form us in the likeness of Christ). God’s grace is never done with us!
Creating new relationships involves some work, and when we’ve been part of an organization or congregation for many years, it can be tempting to stay within our circle of friends. The Apostle Paul wrote to the early Christians, comparing the church to a human body… each of us is unique and necessary like noses and toes are necessary. If I were “‘splaining” Paul’s message I’d say that because we were created in the image of God, each of us reveals something about God… and creating relationships with new people reveals a bigger picture of the love and grace of God.
Being a United Methodist Christian ~ and a person of faith ~ is a work in progress. I’m so grateful to be doing this work with all of you.
In faith, Marylee