During our initial on-boarding session, one of the questions addressed to the congregants in attendance was: “What are our deepest longings/hopes for the church?.” I want you to know that I have taken your hopes and dreams to heart as I have started my ministry here at FUMC- Deming. If we want to grow our church, this begins with building relationships. Establishing relationships both in and outside of the church has been a significant priority to what I have been doing. We have revived home communion with both clergy and laity working together to show love to those who are no longer able to be with us during worship service. I have also been making home, hospital, and assisted living/rehab visits weekly. I strongly believe that the people we worship with at church become our extended family. When family is unable to visit us, we who are able should make the effort to see them.
Another hope is that we could find ways to work together with other congregations in our community. I have been participating in our community’s Ministerial Alliance to work towards building bridges with other pastors. I have participated in group events like prayer with the other pastors at our schools and have become a part of the rotation of pastors that provide an opening prayer at our city council meetings. I have been sharing my desire to work together as pastors at monthly meetings. This has resulted in going with some of us going together to visit Luna Rehab. We are taking steps by developing these relationships and finding ways to be more visible in our community. I encourage you to participate in our upcoming community outreach at the “Trunk or Treat” on October 31st however you are able whether spending time passing out items or donating candy or pray for the event. As we work together, we can show the love of Jesus to our community.
Pastor Jacqui