I have some very good reasons to be in a good mood today; it is a beautiful summer day, I don’t have a night meeting, the new administrative assistant is working out GREAT! and I’m leaving on vacation after church on Sunday. I know this mood swing won’t last much longer than the caffeine high that in large part induced it, still I’m riding it for all it is worth.
A mood like this one comes, I think, from more than just good coffee and a number of good things happening in your life. Being in a good mood is also about allowing yourself to be on the positive, almost manic, call it sunny side of life for a time. I spend a lot of time on the other, less positive pole of life worrying about the future. I am skilled at being a “the glass is half-empty” kind of guy. But not today, today I’m seeing that the glass… my glass, our glass here together at EPUMC is very much more than half-full.
Let’s look at some of the great things that have happened in the first half of 2015, places we have been Big Enough to Make a Difference, Small Enough to Care. The Sermon Series Format to worship has ignited our worship and given our congregation an intentional focus as we strive to become a more mission-focused congregation. The new logo looks great! Our music is great! VBS was great! Our Mission Trips were great! Kids are not only now receiving Holy Communion; they are helping serve the sacrament on the third Sunday. Speaking of sacraments; we baptized five kids at one service a few months ago and four at another in July. That my friends is so great, I can’t put it into words. And how much fun were those videos with Sparky encouraging us to gain momentum and to work on the fundamentals of our faith for the long haul.
I believe we are ready to take the leap of faith into what I’ve referred to as a new life cycle in our congregation. This good mood encourages me, it gives me confidence that we will be able to face together the significant challenges our future holds.
I hope my good mood is rubbing off on you a little today. We have good cause to be in a great mood about our church. God is providing for us, it is a beautiful day out, did I mention that the new Administrative Assistant (whose name is Becky) is working out great, the community garden is blossoming and we get to worship together again this Sunday at 10 o’clock and hear life-changing stories from our youth.
How about emailing me back right now what you are CELEBRATING about EPUMC today! We’ll post them on our Facebook page. Which reminds how great it is that so many of you are “liking” our Facebook page.
Keep the Faith,
Pastor Dan