Every
Fall, we—and a lot of churches in our tradition—do some sort of ‘membership’
reminder as well as a membership drive. This year (2018), I decided to wrap it
all up in one five-week sermon series that would culminate with “Renewal
Sunday”—a time of re-commitment, a time to respond to the Gospel, a time to
renew one’s walk of faith.
We’re
part of that great Wesleyan family called the United Methodist Church, and on
page 48 of the United Methodist Hymnal
(page 28 of Mil Voces para Celebrar),
we find the membership vows that new members commit to as they come into our
tradition and into our local congregation:
Leader/Pastor:
Will you be loyal to the United Methodist Church, and uphold it by your prayers,
your presence, your gifts, and your service?
New
Member: I will.
Many
life-long Methodists may recognize these same vows by the more easily
remembered “prayers, presence, tithes, and talents.”
The
‘trick’ is keeping this all fresh and new and accessible year after year, is
helping those who have heard these ideas too many times to hear with new ears.
The following five meditations (taken from my studies and sermon notes) may
help you as you strive to keep things fresh for your congregation...or even as
you strive to find renewal of your own spiritual life within the community of
faith.
Living
in God’s Grace,
Jon
A Herrin
A Church Strong: Remembering our Vows
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