from Center United Methodist Church
What do you do when your church is divided and broken? What do you do when your church has lost all hope for the future? You pray, listen to God, and then act, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.
All hope was lost in March 2023 due to the division over disaffiliation. The church’s disaffiliation vote failed by one vote, and our church remains United Methodist. For most of us who stayed, we wanted to remain United Methodist. For those who stayed but wanted to disaffiliate, this was and is their church, and they committed to doing whatever was needed to help keep the church doors open.
Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19
This was the scripture that God kept guiding me to as he called me out of my comfort zone. He had me send the church out on the fifth Sunday in April to engage our neighbors, asking our neighbors one question: What do you think is the most important thing the community needs from the church?
On that fifth Sunday in April and after reading the above scripture, I told the church: I truly believe in the depths of my heart that God is about to do something new and wonderful here at Center Church. He has put this thing on my heart to send you out to engage our neighbors and to be able to gain a sense of hope and a vision for the future.
Everyone returned filled with joy and hope. What happened? God happened! God showed up in a very real and personal way! God showed us that we were not living into the mission that He gave us. The mission statement on the front cover of our worship bulletin is: Engaging our neighbors with the love of Jesus Christ for the betterment of life.
God brought this church out of the ashes of disaffiliation and has filled us with His Spirit, helping us to love our neighbors as ourselves.
What have we done since that time? We held a free gospel concert for the community, held VBS for our neighbor’s children, had a cookout for our neighbors, had a movie night for our neighbors, hosted a trunk or treat on Halloween (see below) for our neighbor’s children, started a Healthy Cooking and Eating ministry and are working on starting a new Selah Garden Social Enterprise ministry.
And we still have plenty to do in the remaining days of this year. In addition to our free annual Community Thanksgiving Meal on Thanksgiving Day, we plan to have a movie night in December for our neighbor’s children and a parent’s night out for our neighbors. We are sending out postcard invitations to our neighbors to come and worship with us on Christmas Eve.
Did we lose members and leaders? Yes, but God was doing a new thing, preparing the way for other members to step up and faithfully serve in those positions. God is doing a new and wonderful thing at Center UMC. We praise God daily and continue to experience God’s blessing in this church.
Rev. Thearon Willis
Center UMC
In the tapestry of our church’s storied history, this past year stands out as a particularly defining chapter. The winds of change blew strongly, and we witnessed an unprecedented shift in leadership as a result of the disaffiliation vote. It was a period marked by change, reflection, and, ultimately, a renewed commitment.
Yet, amidst the uncertainty, there arose stories of hope and resilience. We saw members of our congregation, some young and some seasoned, step forward, ready to shoulder responsibilities and lead with conviction. It was as if the spirit of the Lord was calling forth new shepherds for His flock.
We celebrate these brave souls who, in the face of adversity, chose to stand firm and hold the line. Their dedication not only kept the flame of our church burning but made it shine brighter, illuminating the path for many.
More than ever, our congregation has bonded together, reaffirming our commitment to the Church, to prayer, and to the exuberant praise of our Lord. This spirit of unity, fostered by adversity, has deepened our faith and brought us closer together as a family.
As we reflect on the past year, let us not focus on the losses but on the gains. Let us celebrate the emergence of new leaders, the renewed sense of purpose, and the unyielding spirit of our congregation. Let us remember that our foundation is not built upon the shoulders of a few but on the collective faith and dedication of all its members.
In the words of Isaiah 43:19: “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Our journey through the wilderness has led us to new rivers of hope and promise. Let’s continue to walk hand in hand, celebrating our shared faith and looking forward to the new things the Lord has in store for us.
Nick Gaster, Admin Council Chair
Center UMC
