Around the Corner

Last month, I complained about how we shortcut Thanksgiving on our way to Christmas, and I groused about how we forget to be grateful. This month, I want to point out some of the great opportunities that are around the corner from us.

Christmas is here! For all intents and purposes, Christmas begins for many people right after the Thanksgiving meal begins to digest, and for many people who don’t attend church regularly, this is probably the one time they will consider attending worship. So, be on the lookout for opportunities to share the season with neighbors and friends. They may not come except for Christmas Eve, but that’s still a win for the Kingdom of God! (Keep in mind that the service schedule is different this year because Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday.) Outside of services, there are also many smaller group celebrations, between Sunday Schools, UMM, UMW, and youth groups. Some people may not come to any service, but they will enjoy a small group celebration, and that is a win for the Kingdom of God!

In addition to worship and our small groups, we also are part of many direct outreach projects, including Hampton Healthy Families for Thanksgiving baskets, our ongoing Food Pantry, and Angel Tree gifts, the Samaritan’s Purse shoebox mission, and quite a few projects adopted by our various groups, everything from supporting other ministries financially to supporting individuals directly. Many people who may not come to worship or groups are interested in being part of a larger mission. Hank Teague, a friend of mine who now serves as the pastor of Grace UMC near CNU, started his last church in Portsmouth by reaching out to people who wanted to be part of mission projects. Even if someone only gives a few dollars to support something without coming to a meeting or joining a group, it is still a win for the Kingdom of God!

And now we come to what else is around the corner. Not only is 2024 around the corner, but also some new opportunities as well. As our Elevate youth group expands and grows, we have the chance to reach more families. As our Rise children’s ministry develops, we also can begin reaching more families. As 50+ and our other small groups continue developing, they will help us reach more families and single folks. I’d like to say that everything is rosy and golden, but we know that it isn’t. The church has lost influence among many people over the years, and we cannot change the trend, but we can change the trend for some people. And those people are the people God can win for the Kingdom. After all, we aren’t just talking about making people become church members, alleviating difficult problems of loneliness and poverty, or even striking out to connect with our friends on the Navajo Reservation – we are talking about helping people find life in Jesus’ name – a life they did not know they were missing or could experience. It is all a win for the Kingdom of God – and we are part of it!