Wow! What a wonderful time in the life of Aldersgate. If you were not able to attend the mortgage burning on June 14, I encourage you to watch it. The Bishop Reminded us of many important truths. While so many people played a part in bringing us through the 20 years of debt, this is not something we did….this is something God did through us. He helped us celebrate what God has done,
recognize what God is doing and look forward to what God is yet to do.
I appreciated the Bishop distributing stones to everyone. These stones were to remind us of the stones that God commanded the Israelites to pick up when crossing the Jordan River. They are stones that could only be collected if God worked first – whether it was stopping the waters of the Jordan or bringing us to this place of freedom from debt. The Bishop called us to keep these stones so that when someone in the future asks, ”What are these stones about?”, we can say, “Well, let me tell you a story.” I have been trying to figure out what to do with the stones as a remembrance of God’s faithfulness to Aldersgate. I have a few ideas but am not ready to commit to one yet.
The Israelites did not know for sure what the Promised Land would bring them, but they entered trusting in God’s faithfulness. We are entering into another time in the life of AUMC. In my first year of ministry here we have connected as pastor and people. I have heard the stories of God’s faithfulness in using this church to change lives and of your sense of loss over the way things were “back in the day.” But I have also heard you wonder, “What’s next?” Who are we to become as God’s people? What are we supposed to be doing in Jesus’ name? What new things might God be calling us toward? Those are questions that have been asked and answered before. But as we move into this new day, it might be time to ask those questions again. The leadership of the church has already started wondering about those questions. And once we get into the fall, you all will be invited to be a part of the process as we seek God’s leading. So keep a watch for more details.
Finally, thanks you for all of the prayers and cards and support that I received during my recovery from hip replacement. I am far ahead of where I expected to be and I praise God for the healing I have received. God is faithful and I look forward to experiencing God’s faithfulness with you in the weeks, months and years to come.
Pastor Wilson