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Connecting Knowing Loving Growing
United Methodist Church December 2012 Issue
Experience
As the conversation turned I began to talk to her about God’s desire to forgive her of past sins. She concluded by asking if she could become facebook friends with me. Now, she wasn’t converted to Christ in the 15 minutes it takes to get my hair cut; but she’s more curious than she used to be. Mostly because I listened and asked her about her story. That created a natural opportunity.
The last pledge that we make when we join a United Methodist Church is that we will faithfully participate in the ministries of our church through our Witness. We have spent months talking about Prayers, Presence, Gifts , and Service. What is Witness? Does that mean I have to go ask people if they’ve been saved? Not exactly. Witness means to share something that you’ve seen or experienced. Like an eyewitness to a crime tells the story of what they saw from their point of view. If you believe that Jesus died for your sins and continues to cover your life with grace every day, then how can you witness to that fact? You could, in fact, tell someone about it. As I’m writing this I am thinking about the experience I just had while getting a haircut. I usually get my hair done by strangers, and end up talking to them about their life while I sit in the chair. This particular hairdresser shared that she wasn’t very religious, but wished she was. I continued to listen to her story and ask curious questions. She obviously needed to talk.
Now I know that not everyone has the gift to have such a conversation with a total stranger. But when we tell co-workers about our Drive Thru Prayer, it says something about what we believe. When we tell a family member we’re going to Jamaica on a mission team, it says something about what we believe. When we invite our friends to come to Sunday Worship, it says something about what we believe. Serving a meal at Urban Ministries is a form of Witness. Singing in the choir is a form of Witness. Praying at your table when you go out to eat at a restaurant is a form of Witness. December marks the last month of our Stewardship campaign to remember our promises. It also happens to be the month that encompasses the seasons of Advent and Christmas. This is the time of the year when we, as a church, tell the world that a Savior is born, who is Christ the Lord. Let us witness to that glorious truth. Peace in Christ, Pastor Doug
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