A Note from the Pastor
Beginning May 30th-31st, we will begin a new worship series based on Adam Hamilton’s book Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It. The series will take us on a journey through England and John Wesley’s faith development. Wesley is the founder of the Methodist movement, which eventually led to the formation of The Methodist Episcopal Church which was a precursor to The United Methodist Church.
I will be co-leading a study with Kitty Chapple beginning Wednesday, May 27th at 7 pm at the church. We will watch a video of Adam Hamilton at the various locations in England where John Wesley lived and conducted his ministry and have discussion. I will preach on the same topic the following weekend.
The study will begin with Wesley’s childhood and university years prior to his ordination as an Anglican priest. John Wesley began a revival while serving in the Anglican Church because he felt as if it had become somewhat complacent to the needs of those in the pews, particularly those in the working class. This study will help us to understand the new life Wesley brought to a stagnating church and how we might be able to bring that to our own congregation.
I recently heard a lecture from someone who works for the Pew Research Center. Every few years they conduct a Religious Landscape Survey. Their most recent survey shows that prior to the pandemic there was a decline for most Christian churches in the U.S. But post-pandemic, things have been stable. This doesn’t mean there haven’t been changes in particular demographics or specific denominations, but OVERALL, the number of those connected with Christian churches in the U.S. has stabilized. This is somewhat encouraging!
We still have work to do, however. I am hoping that this study and worship series might bring some passion to us as individuals and as Faith UMC so that we might share the Good News of Jesus Christ more readily. Books for the study will be available for purchase for $13 and a sign-up will be outside Room 4.
Peace,
Pastor Jenny