From Your Pastor – John Ross Thompson

September 8, 2008

How wonderful it is to see so many of you back in worship and other church activities! Summer was a great time to pursue other activities, but now our church life is back in full swing, and I’m glad!

It is very true that we get out of something what we put into it. In church life, I’m convinced we get more than we put into it, a synergy that multiplies blessings.

There is one “From Your Pastor” message that brought more responses than any other in the last two years. It was the one in which I suggested a tithe of our time to God. My proposal was that we calculate the number of hours beyond work, sleep and eating that we have, and commit one–tenth of that time to God.

One-half of that “God time” could be time to learn, which means classes or groups that help us grow spiritually. This includes Sunday morning Sunday School, Wednesday night classes, or other groups and classes that stretch our minds and spirits.

The other one-half of our “God time” could be service to others. Working with the poor, assisting community-based projects and ministries, and working within the church are all possibilities for this service time. In the church bulletin September 7 and 14 there is an insert that lists most of the many groups in UUMC that plan and carry out our ministry. If each of you would volunteer for at least one of those groups, our ministry would explode!

I invite you to let us know what area of ministry God is calling you to do. These groups meet monthly or less often to determine how we as Christians at UUMC can best serve God and each others. Some of them do not even have regular meetings. A complete list of them is available on our website under “UUMC Ministries” or you can pick up a copy at the information desk near the church offices.

We plan to have a “Get Involved” link on the website soon so that you can let us know how you would like to be involved. Our new church leaders and committees begin their work on October 1, so please let us know where you fit in.

Please call, email, or speak to me or Pastor Kennetha if you would like some help in finding your place. Where will you tithe your time?