Milestones...

This past Sunday we shared in the confirmation of 5 youth. We also renewed our commitment and reaffirmed our faith. As we prepare for “Senior Sunday” we will celebrate another milestone in the lives of our graduating seniors.

What do these milestones mean to us as a community? After the birthday, the anniversary, the confirmation, the graduation — do we simply pack it all away as a memory? Is it meant to be more?

Milestone. What an interesting word! According the Webster a milestone is best seen as a milepost. A post set along the way to designate distance in miles.

For most of us milestones are events that have happened. But dare we look ahead at the markers that are ahead of us? Considering the next marker on our journey, what do we hope to gain? Who do we hope to become when we reach the next milestone?

As we prepare to gather this Sunday, Ephesians 1:17-8 stands out.

“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you”

May we continue the journey celebrating what has been and what is yet to be, with the “eyes of our hearts enlightened.”

Blessings,

Pastor Jo

New Year, New You, New Us... dare we commit to such a thing?

During 2022 our focus was to Reconnect to God and to one another. We dusted off our core values of honor, faith, compassion, engagement, and unity and found them useful guides. And now we are called to assess the difference we are experiencing individually and collectively. How have you reconnected with God and with one another?

As pastor, I feel the call from God for us to solidify our commitment. Some might call it “revival,” or “rededication.” I believe once we truly invite rededication, revival will come.

This Sunday, January 1, 2023, during our 10:00 worship service we will share in a Covenant Renewal Service. According to our United Methodist Book of Worship, in 1663 a Puritan by the name of Richard Alleine published a work entitled, “A Vindication of Godliness in the Greater Strictness of Spirituality of It.” I admit that doesn’t sound profoundly inviting, but it does invite us to stay curious.

In 1755 John Wesley used a chapter from Alleine’s work, “The Application of the Whole,” in what probably was the first real celebration of the Covenant Service in the Methodist Movement. From Wesley’s journals over the years we find that it was a rich moment for the people - a time of confession and cleansing, a time of comfort and clarity.

I ask you to pray for Sunday and your involvement in this covenant renewal. I cannot think of a more meaningful way to begin 2023 than committing our whole selves to God — individually and collectively.

DONATIONS NEEDED

This Thursday, September 3, Gretna UMC will be taking supplies to Asbury UMC in Lafayette to help with flood relief. Please let us know if you and/or your church/organization would like to donate. Here is a list of some of the items that have been recommended:

Please call the church office at 504-366-6685 or drop off supplies at 1309 Whitney Avenue in Gretna between the hours of 9am and 3pm. Walk in God's light and be the hands and feet of Christ. Do not let those affected walk this journey alone.1309 Whitney Avenue

Gretna, La 70056

(504) 366-66851309 Whitney Avenue

Gretna, La 70056

(504) 366-6685