Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, February, 2019
Decisions, decisions, decisions! We are constantly making decisions. These decisions begin from the moment our day begins. Do I hit the snooze button on my alarm, or do I just get out of bed now? What’s for breakfast? What am I going to wear today? These, of course, are very small decisions. They may have some impact on how you look or how relaxed your morning is. But do they matter? There are some decisions that are far more important than these. It still amazes me that we are expected to decide which job we want to work in as early as 16 or 17 years old. Did you know that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American changes jobs 12 times in their life? 12 times! For one reason or another, on average every 3 or 4 years, Americans are looking for another job. And with that comes decisions! How far am I willing to travel? How much do I wish to get paid? What kind of job do I want?
Those times of switching jobs can be scary. And switching jobs is not the only example that can be used here. We make important decisions on where to live, what school to send our children to, what items to cut from our budget, and many others. What resources do you use when it’s time to make an important decision? It may be of no surprise to you that we can use the Bible as a resource for important decision making. Yes, the Bible tells us to trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3: 5). The Bible tells us not to be anxious about anything; instead, to give our concerns to God with prayer and thankfulness, and God will deliver peace of mind and heart (Philippians 4: 6-7). Sometimes we get scared about making the wrong decisions. God has an answer for that too! “I know the plans I have for you…plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future with hope (Jeremiah 29: 11). We also must not be afraid to seek help from the people around us. God has made many different of kinds people with many different kinds of skills. We can get help from others too! “Where there is no guidance, people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11: 14). Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ask a neighbor, ask a family member, as a friend, and of course, ask the church and the pastor!
Yes, making decisions can be hard, but God is ready to help. God is always there for you, always anxiously waiting for you to ask for some holy help. I know making decisions can be hard, but do you know what can be even harder? Waiting for someone else to make a decision! Sometimes the decisions that other people have to make have great impacts on our lives. Right now, United Methodists all over the world are awaiting a decision. February 24th-26th a Special Session of the General Conference is being held in hopes that our denomination will be able to come to an important decision regarding matters of human sexuality, same sex marriage and the ordination of gay and lesbian pastors. I know that this decision is weighing heavily on some of you. I know that having other people make such a big decision for you can produce great anxiety. But trust in God to see us through this conversation. If you would like to know more about the decisions being made at the Special Session of General Conference, please feel free to reach out to me. The Greater New Jersey Annual Conference also has many resources for you at www.gnjumc.org/the-way-forward/. I ask that you be in prayer without ceasing as the Church does its work. I pray that we all turn to God for answers and for decision making assistance. More decisions are surely in the future. How we handle them and what resources we use are perhaps the most important decisions of all.
Grace and Peace,
Reverend Dave
Sunday Schedule
9:45 Adult Sunday School
Upper Room Prayer
10:00 Sunday School for prek-12th grade
10:15-10:45 Prayer and Praise Time
11:00 Worship Service
Other Weekly/Monthly Offerings
Wednesday
Bible Study - 2pm
Choir Practice - 7pm
Youth Group - 7pm
Thursday
Confirmation Class - 7pm (starting 1/17)
FOOD PANTRY
1st Saturday of every month! All are welcome!
97 Main St., Vincentown, NJ 08088
Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Everyone Is Welcome!
Vincentown United Methodist Church