Be God's Salt and Light! - July 2022

Thank you for all your birthday greetings and generosity! I
am truly blessed to serve with you here at CUMC.
We are blessed to have generous givers so that our church
budget has held steady. Even through the pandemic, we
have met our expenses and loan payments. That has not
been true for all churches.

Unfortunately, our church has been in a steady membership decline for
many years with few young people. Currently a majority of our membership
is over the age of 60. We need to gather and refocus our efforts, listen and. pray together for where God is leading and take action.
All are invited to a church planning retreat Saturday, August 6th at church
from 9 AM to 2 PM. We will reflect on scripture together, pray, dream and
make plans to explore the opportunities around us as we steward the gifts
God has given us. Lunch will be included so please rsvp to Nancy Walker by
July 31st.

I believe there are qualities and characteristics of our church that we have
to offer to others who are not here yet. Even if you are not coming to the re-
treat, please reflect on :

How did you become part of CUMC?
What do you value the most about CUMC?
What has helped you grow in your life with God?

I know the church has tried many things and some of you are tired and dis-
couraged. I believe God still has good for us to do together. The community
is in need and we need to serve God as God’s salt and light. We will gather
ideas and evaluate and prioritize focusing on these questions.

How does this share Jesus?
How does this build up our community?
How does this connect to new people?
Jesus is at the center of who we are as a faith community and in all things,
we are to share and live in Christ like ways. Please pray for God’s guidance
as we seek His leading.

“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that
brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will
people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the
garbage. Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out
the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going
public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers,
you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting
you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light
stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening
up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." — Matthew 5:13-16 (The Message)

Blessings,
Pastor Anne