Message from the Pastor

Last winter all United Methodist Churches received a DVD called: “RE-THINK CHURCH”. It presents a new challenge based on a very old concept. That vision or concept, which gave birth to the early church was simply this:

Church is not where we go, but who we are and what we do.

We usually say we are going to the church for choir rehearsal, youth activities, worship, meetings and so on. But the original vision of church saw itself as a missional movement not a destination. The purpose of the re-think church is to get congregations to turn around and face the world. What are the needs? Where is God at work in the world? Who are the people God is sending us to? What is it that breaks your heart? Who are the spiritually hungry and spiritually homeless in our neighborhood? What will the  “living bread” we offer look like? These are the kinds of questions that move us toward the notion of rethinking church.

When we move toward being “church” as a mission movement rather than as a destination or a building, we need to be strong spiritually, for mission means we are “unbound and outbound”. We need to be equipped spiritually if we are to be in the world sharing the good news of God’s love with others through word and action. We need to be “bent into shape”. This fall we have some new groups that invite us to get bent into shape through study of the Bible, Holy conversation and learning to see life from the perspective of our neighbors. The second goal of our mission/vision statement refers to this focus  as “Spiritual Formation”.

A brochure with the fall/winter classes has been sent to every household on our mailing list. The classes are also posted on our church website. A special gift has made it possible to offer these classes and small group learning experiences at no cost to you. I urge you to take advantage of this generosity by participating in at least one of the classes. Our goal this year is 100% participation.

The purpose of joining one of these small group studies or discussions is to be better equipped to “be church” every day of the week. And along the way you will also become more spiritual, you will make new friends, deepen existing relationships and help build a stronger faith community.

Get “bent into shape” this fall. It will make a difference for you 

and for God.

Be blessed – Pastor Mike Miller

October Thoughts from Linda

    As a child my family moved from Cincinnati out to a small farm. When I was about eight years old,  Mom and Pop decided the summer project would be to paint the big two story farm house. Now my mother, a pretty little lady about four feet eleven inches tall,  was quite a character and known for being a little unusual. One warm summer night during the painting project, Mom accidentally fell asleep outside in the hammock. Not knowing she was out there, Pop had come in the house, and even though we usually  left the side door open, that night he had locked all the doors.  When Mom woke up cold, she couldn’t get into the house. She pounded doors and threw rocks at the windows but couldn’t wake Pop. There was a paint ladder at the front of the house leading onto the roof of the big porch, and Mom climbed up and took the old style sliding screen out of my big brother’s bedroom window. She climbed in stepping right on my brother, Tom in the process. The family story goes, that Tom woke up and said,  “What are you doing now Mom!?”

    Well, you see I’m a lot like my mother, and whenever I think I might be doing something a little unusual, I can hear my big brother saying, “What are you doing now!?” With the new school year at Eden Prairie High School where I teach in Special Education, along with new ministry at Prairie Church: producing our first full length play, working with Congregational Care, getting “BeFrienders” started, helping with confirmation, and helping as much as I can on staff, I think I can hear God saying, “What are you doing now Linda!?” 

     I answer, “Lord,  I pray that “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).  It is a joy to be part of such an active church family that is deeply committed to doing God’s work.  When God asks you, “What are you doing now!?” may your answer always be, “Your will Dear Lord, your will.”

In Christ’s love,
Linda Evans
Ordained Deacon