Pastor’s Ponderings

To the church of God as found at Marion Salem Church, called to be saints together with those in every place who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ: You are miracles of God’s grace and mercy!

September is the beginning of the school year, and with it comes many of the rebuilding of habits that were let go during the summer months. One of my prayers each September is that the congregation joins together to engage in worship as a weekly habit. That each of us steps up to the plate and makes Sunday morning attendance a priority. I also hope that we encourage each other in this habit: by invitation, by encouragement, by offering rides. The only way we will make disciples is by reaching out to others. I had hoped that one of the tools you’d receive with this newsletter is the new church directory, and circumstances prevented it’s completion. However, soon you’ll have this tool to encourage each other with.

We are also working towards a deeper discipleship ministry here at Salem Church. Our next meeting is Tuesday, September 3rd at 7pm. This meeting will continue the planning for follow-up ministry after Back to Church Sunday to encourage everyone, especially new guests, in building habits that form us spiritually. Youth group will be starting up again on September 8th. Choir will return on September 10th. We are also gearing up for charge conference in late October or early November—which will be an opportunity to celebrate the work that has been accomplished and push forward dreams of 2025. God is at work, we can be assured of that and also excited to participate. Let’s join Jesus in what He is already doing among us!

The final few lines I’d like to share with you is that the Convening Conference of the Global Methodist Church will be starting September 20th. Unlike our former denomination, one will not walk away from livestreams or daily reports with nausea. An ongoing 40-day prayer and fasting has been preparing for this Conference, and opportunities prayer and worship will continue. I encourage you to go to www.sotheworldwillknow.org conference website, download the 40-day prayer guide and also prepare for the 12-day prayer guide as final preparations and the conference occurs. The Spirit’s move is evident and I am thankful to share in this with you.

Blessings!

Jason