A Word From Pastor Matthew (December 2022)

notes-from-the-pastors-desk

It has been a quick 3 months. When I began as the interim pastor, I stated that I had one main goal: to work with you to help you prepare for your future ministry. The problem with a goal like that is that it is hard to see if our work was successful in the short term. Only time will tell if this church bears fruit in its ministry.

I believe that over the last couple of months the Leadership Council has worked to put this congregation in the best place to move forward. It has not been easy work and much of it you will not see how it will impact the ministry of the church going forward. But, just like the foundation of a building, this work was critical for ministry to grow. The Leadership Council has set a firm foundation from which Yorktown Methodist Church can build upon as it continues to do ministry in the community.

I truly believe for this church to follow Christ it needs to be focused upon living out the commandments that Jesus gave to his followers:

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and

with all your mind.’[c] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the

second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[d] 40 All the Law and the Prophets

hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40, NIV)

To love God, the congregation needs to focus on helping individuals grow in their relationship with the Triune God. There needs to be opportunities for Bible Study, Small Groups, and other teaching opportunities. There needs to be opportunities to discuss questions, to deepen our understanding, and to praise God in worship.

To love our neighbors goes in two directions. First, the congregation needs opportunity to be in

community with each other. Opportunities to learn to love and trust one another as a community of faith. Opportunities to build each other up and love one another. Second, the congregation needs to love our community. The people who God is calling the congregation to love who are not a part of our church family (yet). The church needs to be in ministry and outreach to the town of Yorktown.

Of course, all this takes work. I am excited about what God can do through the ministry of this

congregation. Are you?

In Christ!

Pastor Matthew