On Sunday, in the Faith & Life class, we will begin reflecting on our calling as followers of Jesus Christ.  The first session is entitled:  "Becoming Relentlessly Outward Focused."  What would this mean for our congregation, if we were to become "relentlessly outward focused"?
 
While I have some thoughts, I am looking forward to hearing from you.  The people of Faith United have a history of looking beyond our walls.  Generations ago, our mothers and fathers in the faith were giants in the missionary movement at home and abroad.  Members of our congregation were instrumental in starting and supporting ministries through Jamieson Center, Starting Point, and Kandithankulam.  In the last ten years, we have become more intentional about reaching out through our Wednesday Night Live and Youth Ministries and making our facilities available to outside groups.  Our Wash Day Ministry is, perhaps, our most recent attempt to be outward focused.  So what would it mean for us, if our congregation were to become even more outward, even relentlessly outward, focused?  It could mean we would become even more Christ-like.
 
In the gospel of Matthew we read:
 
"Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness.  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."
 
I have thought about this passage a great deal lately.  I find myself feeling a compassion similar to what it seems Christ felt, but I am not always sure how best to respond.  Many of the harassed and helpless are not part of our congregation, but more and more it seems, some of them are.  I see this as a good sign that, perhaps, we are seeing some success in our attempts to reach out.  Nevertheless, there are countless others in need of Jesus Christ. How can we comfort and protect them?  How can we care for them?  How can we lead them to the Shepherd?  We know that Christ can make a difference in their lives.  How can we show them?
 
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit with a college student who attends another church.  He had enjoyed a meaningful service of worship on Easter and spent the afternoon with friends from his church.  He mentioned that on the Saturday night before Easter, Holy Saturday, his roommates went out drinking.  They were so drunk they spent Easter "puking away their hangovers."  Is there a clearer example of the difference Christ makes?
 
People of faith, our mission field is huge.  Christ, himself, is aware he cannot do it all.  We are the laborers for whom he prayed.   

What will it take for us to join our Lord in reaping his bountiful harvest? Can we become "Relentlessly Outward Focused"? 
 
See you in church - and in class! 

Pastor Myers

Were given in honor of:

My cousins who love & take care of me

    Sally McVey

Jan Lorton, Mary Walters, & Carolyn Meling

    Linda Adair

Our children & grandchildren

    Chuck & Joyce Peirce

The Adult Bible Study Class

    Joyce Hagemann

Shirley Armstrong

    Julie Armstrong

Our parents & children

    Mike & Heather Fisher

Jessica & Brittany Wilson

    Sheila Wilson

Ruth Pedigo

    Carol Phoenix & Jim & Lynne Pedigo

Jenna, Ben, & Beth Dingman

    The Dale Dingman Family

Our children and granddaughter                           

    Gary & Pam Youngblood

Our parents

    Bill & Erma Smallwood

Our daughters & grandchildren      

    Kenneth & Phyllis Wilson

Our children & grandchildren

    Ralph & Martha Whiteman

Our church family

    Tom Best

Our children & grandchildren

    Jim & Carol McCurdy