As I reflect upon the journey we have walked together with God, my heart overflows with gratitude for the steadfast dedication and love that characterize our churches in the Fairway district. Your reports for the Charge Conference have shed light on the marvelous stories of God unfolding among you, and I am deeply thankful and encouraged by the creativity, courage, and grace exhibited in our ministries.
In the beautiful tapestry of our collective ministry efforts, a profound truth has emerged – in doing good, we taste and see that the Lord is good; in doing good, we find ourselves immersed in God’s life-giving presence.
Some of you generously shared your stories and ministry photos, and I’d like to highlight a couple of them.
The wonderful story of Center UMC, previously shared in a district newsletter, bears repeating. Despite facing division over disaffiliation, Center UMC navigated through challenges by recommitting to the mission of Jesus Christ. Stepping out of their comfort zones, engaging neighbors, and making disciples, they now radiate joy and hope. In their story, we once again witness the truth that in doing good, we discover ourselves in God’s life-giving presence.
El Camino UMC weathered a difficult period marked by the departure of members due to various reasons, including a matter of disaffiliation. Yet, their resilience shone through as they forged ahead, recommitting themselves to God’s mission. They reached out to the needy, fed the hungry, and clothed the naked in their local community. Within the church, they seized opportunities for healing, restoration, and fellowship, with lay members stepping up to lead ministries together.
An impactful ministry at El Camino UMC involved repairing and renovating the church’s physical space, including the sanctuary, kitchen, and restrooms. As they re-engaged in these efforts, God brought them closer together, restoring their joy and hope. Again, in El Camino UMC’s journey, we encounter the truth that in doing good, we find ourselves in God’s life-giving presence.
God’s life-giving presence is not merely an abstract concept but a living, breathing reality that we can experience powerfully in doing good. As James 2:17 teaches us, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Our faith comes alive when we truly commit ourselves to God’s kingdom work, and in doing so, we partake in the divine rhythm of God’s love.
True faith, the kind that transforms lives, cannot exist in isolation from doing good. When idle, we risk distraction and division by inessential matters. However, when diligently engaged in doing good, we find ourselves filled with joy and hope in God’s life-giving presence.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication and faithful commitment to God’s mission and our shared ministry in Jesus Christ. Together, as a church shaped by the love of Christ, let us continue to be beacons of hope and agents of God’s life-giving goodness in a world that desperately needs it.
In Christ,
Sunny