August 13th, 2021
When I was in seminary, we were asked to describe what our "dream church" would be like. What would it look like? Who would attend it? What kinds of ministries would it have? How would it be welcoming to people of all ages, interests and abilities? One of my professors was Mark Miller, a very accomplished and well known church organist here in New Jersey. Mark is the son one and brother of another United Methodist pastor. While they focused on expressing God's Word through pastoral leadership, he focused on expressing God's Word musically. One song he wrote is titled "I Dream of a Church". It goes like this: "I dream of a church where everyone is welcome, I dream of a place we all can call home".
I dream of a United Methodist Church at Absecon where all people feel welcome, a spiritual home for every one. To me, we make that dream a reality by offering ministries and opportunities that fit the needs of our community and offer opportunities for every person who worships and serves here to grow their faith. What are you interested in that this church doesn't currently have? What are the needs in the community and in people's personal lives that we could address? I dream of a church that empowers the laity of the church to get involved, to deepen their faith and to grow. I dream of a church where even the youngest disciples feel like they can read scriptures, recite prayers and participate in ministries.
Each of you has particular gifts and interests and particular experiences. I want to highlight those unique things about all of you. So, today I want to introduce you to an exciting new addition to our Friday devotions...you! Friday devotions will now come from lay people in the Church offering us new voices, new stories and new gifts. They will introduce us to their way of being the church. My dream is that through them, you will be inspired to find your unique way of being the church and getting involved in church ministries. I dream of a church that learns from one another and rejoices over the things that make all of us special. Amen!
If you would like to get involved in something, to start something, or to share your own story in a devotion, please contact me at ReverendDaveLedford@gmail.com.
Blessings,
Reverend Dave
I dream of a United Methodist Church at Absecon where all people feel welcome, a spiritual home for every one. To me, we make that dream a reality by offering ministries and opportunities that fit the needs of our community and offer opportunities for every person who worships and serves here to grow their faith. What are you interested in that this church doesn't currently have? What are the needs in the community and in people's personal lives that we could address? I dream of a church that empowers the laity of the church to get involved, to deepen their faith and to grow. I dream of a church where even the youngest disciples feel like they can read scriptures, recite prayers and participate in ministries.
Each of you has particular gifts and interests and particular experiences. I want to highlight those unique things about all of you. So, today I want to introduce you to an exciting new addition to our Friday devotions...you! Friday devotions will now come from lay people in the Church offering us new voices, new stories and new gifts. They will introduce us to their way of being the church. My dream is that through them, you will be inspired to find your unique way of being the church and getting involved in church ministries. I dream of a church that learns from one another and rejoices over the things that make all of us special. Amen!
If you would like to get involved in something, to start something, or to share your own story in a devotion, please contact me at ReverendDaveLedford@gmail.com.
Blessings,
Reverend Dave
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