Jim's Journal
“I Just Love This Place!”
These were the words shouted from the mountain tops last Sunday from
newly baptized Marissa Ladatto. Marissa was baptized into the Body of Christ along
with her mother, Amy. Amy’s husband, Mark, also joined the church.
Prior to the service I met with the family in my office. I asked 6 year-old Marissa how
she liked our church. She said, “I just love this place!” She spoke of her new found joy in
forming new friendships through her Sunday school and dance classes. As she held her
little stuffed dog, Snowflake, in her arms she spoke with great exuberance about First Church
and what it means to be here. Her parents echoed these sentiments.
I, too, love this place! This place is a “body of Christian believers called to make
disciples of Jesus Christ.” It was deeply meaningful to watch so
many bring their commitment cards to God’s altar during Sunday morning worship.
While these cards specifically reflected financial commitments, they were so much
more than that. The financial commitment certainly supports the monetary needs of our
church. However, this act goes much deeper. When a person or family tithes to God’s
church, they do so because they have been spiritually blessed by the Risen Christ in
the faith community. They do so because they believe God is
going to continue working in powerfully creative ways
through a people who are bound to God in sacred covenant. We are well on our
way to meeting the financial needs that will be required to support our ministries in 2009!
(See related article).
I want to personally thank each of you who have made your financial commitment to
our church. If you are still undecided, and need some spiritual guidance about the discipline of Christian giving, I would be more than happy to meet and talk with you personally.You may reach me at the church by calling 972.298.6121 or my cell is 214.985.4100.
Join us this coming Sunday. I will be preaching from Matthew 25:14-30 and my
message will be, “A School for the Talented and Gifted.” We
will baptize Eric and Jessica’s baby girl, Jenna Presley, into our faith family. Additionally,
we will recognize and honor our wonderful United Methodist Women.
By God’s grace, and with your help, together we are building a better tomorrow.
I just love this place!
Jim