As I was walking out of the sanctuary last Sunday, I had the pleasure of seeing a long-time member who is always delightful to visit with. We had spent a few minutes catching up when we were joined by another wonderful member. The conversation took on a humorous spin when the original member jokingly said she tries to avoid me for fear of being asked for money. My quick response was, “Now you know better than that, I never ask you for money. I am simply trying to inspire you” which provoked laughter from the three of us as if I was attempting to cover up my actions. The good-humored conversation soon ended and the three of us headed home.
The more I think about our conversation however I realize I really do want “to inspire you” or better yet want “you to be inspired.” The beauty of that thinking is that the FUMCFW community has many inspiring moments.
Take just a moment and off the top of your head jot down where you find inspiration at First Church. Here is my list that came to mind in a matter of minutes:
• Pastor Lance’s stirring message where he shares that the “measure of one’s life is about how you live for God and how you treat each other. . . Jesus offers us a proclamation of a new and better life through faith and believing and that is what He wants to give you.”
• A sanctuary full of 6th-grade confirmands and their family and friends
• A beautiful recognition of loved ones on All Saints Sunday
• Four baptisms on a Sunday morning
• Following worship, observing a congregational care disciple in prayer with an individual in need
• A longtime member welcoming a visitor and inviting her to attend Sunday School with her
• Loving the upbeat, easy-to-sing-along-with song played by the Gathering Band
• Breakfast for homeless friends being reimagined and adapted into the successful Friends Breakfast
• Parade of youngsters streaming in for Vacation Bible School
My list kept getting longer so I decided to stop. Reading over the list filled me with joy and gratitude for First Church!
I hope in looking over your list you too find joy, gratitude, and more inspiration! There are many actions of generosity you can choose to act on in celebrating those positive feelings. Thank you in advance for sharing your many gifts and inspiring others through your actions.
With joyful thanks,
Nancy Fisher
Director of Stewardship
