Dear Susanna,
I have a question about church membership. When Yorktown Methodist Church voted to leave the United Methodist Church, I believe that they said our membership to the UMC would leave at that time. So does that mean if we were members before the vote that we automatically became members of the YMC? Or do we need to repeat those membership vows? Also, there are several new people. What do they need to do if interested in membership?
Beth Belonging
Dear Belonging,
You are correct. Everyone who was formerly a member of Yorktown Methodist Church retained their membership with that body under the new name of the Yorktown Methodist Church when the majority voted to disaffiliate. We have several people who attend regularly, who are not technically members, but we certainly consider them to be part of the church family. If anyone is interested in officially joining our congregation, we would love to welcome you. Contact Pastor Matthew for more information.
Love and Prayers,
Susanna
Dear Susanna,
I enjoy checking the attendance in the newsletter each month. It appears to be pretty stable. Have you ever thought of running the monthly average attendance?
Nick Numbers
Dear Numbers,
I will be happy to do that just for you! Our numbers do seem pretty stable with the exception of much higher numbers in April, and that was all because of Easter Sunday. During the Easter season, folks are more apt to invite others to join them for worship. That is a very good thing! I remember singing "Every Sunday is Easter Sunday" so I think we need to take that to heart and begin inviting our friends, family, and neighbors to church now. Every Sunday is important and an opportunity for someone to grow in faith and to find peace with God. That is pretty important! Invite someone to worship!
Love & Prayers,
Susanna
Dear Susanna,
I am so thankful that our church stays out of politics. I think that separation of church and state is a good thing. I would not like it if my church was telling me which way to vote or what party to back. I like it that we can come from different places and still worship God together. I do have a beef though, I am so tired of the disrespect that some people show towards elected officials. Don't they get it that even when you disagree with someone, it does not give you the right to make fun of them or belittle them?
Fran FB
Dear FB,
I hear you. Pastors are not to share political thoughts or endorse candidates, if the church has a tax exempt status. I think a lot of people are swayed by the media they see on television and the internet, and that they have forgotten what it means to show good manners in all situations. When you see lots of others bullying and putting people down, it is easy to get caught up in it. We need to be stronger. People look at us as believers, and when we act poorly it misrepresents all of us. Remember Pastor Linda's advice for social media: 1.) Is it true? 2.) Is it necessary? 3.) Is it kind? If it does not meet all three of those qualifications, you don't need to post it. We need to consider the light that we are shining out into the world. Are we showing the love of Jesus in all that we do? Be kind. Be truthful. Be respectful.
Love & Prayers,
Susanna
"Dear Susanna" is a feature of the YMC monthly newsletter. Susanna Wesley never preached a sermon, published a book, or founded a church, yet Susanna Wesley is known as the Mother of Methodism. The example of faith and religious reverence she set for her children John and Charles inspired them to become powerful spiritual leaders, and to launch the Methodist movement.
