About A Young Man

I once heard a story about a young man that was a Methodist and he married a

young Baptist woman. After the marriage the young woman joined her husband

and became a Methodist. Knowing that this upset the woman's family, and

wanting to stay in the good graces of her family, the young man made a peace

offering.

One day at a meal with her family the young man told his new father-in-law, "If

I were not a Methodist I would be proud to be a Baptist." Thinking this would win

the approval of his father-in-law, the young man was a bit shocked by the

response he received. His father-in-law said, "Son if I was not a Baptist I would be

ashamed."

I am so thankful to be living in a community in which the churches work

together to lift up the name of Jesus, and not the name of the church that hangs

over the door. It is far more important to be part of the Kingdom of God, than to

say that we are a part of whatever church we go to.

Know this as the pastor of Portageville First United Methodist Church; I want as

many people in our church as possible. I would love to see every pew filled full. At

the same time, while I want to see our church full, I would love to see the other

churches in town full also.

"let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is

faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and

good deeds. let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of

doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day

approaching" Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV).

As Christians, we live our faith in community which means that we are

surrounded by other people who are living for Jesus. The Christian faith was never

meant to be lived in secret and alone. We live in community so that we can

support one another and be supported by others. Just as the scripture from

Hebrews say we need to spur one another to love and do good deeds.

We need to meet together as well. This means being at church services, prayer

meetings, Bible studies etc. growing our faith. Many have gotten out of the habit

of going to church. While Gallup polls have listed average church attendance for



years at about 40% of the population, some studies show that the real number of

Americans attending church is really closer to 20% or less.

I want to encourage you to attend church, we would enjoy having you as our

guest at Portageville First United Methodist, and this is your invitation to come

join us. Rest assured, though if you go to another church in town you do not have

to be ashamed.

God bless and see you in church Sunday.

Holy Week services will be held April 7-11 at Portageville First United Methodist

Church, starting at 7am each morning.