Something to think about, might be helpful. Imagine every church in Mantua just ceases to meet, to operate. And we all just be quiet about God, and stop worshiping. And imagine I were to show you this small town 50 years in the future, filled with unbelievers who've never heard a word about God. And every one of them hopelessly racing towards a Christless eternity.

Of course, God will have his way with or without us. But what we're shown in scripture is that in this age God is using the church to accomplish His purposes and pass down a saving faith.

How many of you, had the Mantua UMC of 20, 30, 40 years ago refused to operate, would be without Christ, or at least not know God in the way you do now?

Such is the privilege that's been given to us, the time, the gifts, the tools, the resources: all to pass down through life of our little town and out into the world a faith and the only gospel that can truly save people. So let's give it everything we've got, make the most of our time, always relying on the Lord.

Friends, here is a section from United Methodist Church Book of Discipline about our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ....

There is only one "we" in the paragraph, and it describes what "we" do;

¶ 122. The Process for Carrying Out Our Mission
We make disciples as we:
—proclaim the gospel, seek, welcome and gather persons into the body of Christ;
—lead persons to commit their lives to God through baptism by water and the spirit and profession of faith in Jesus Christ;
—nurture persons in Christian living through worship, the sacraments, spiritual disciplines, and other means of grace, such as Wesley's Christian conferencing;
—send persons into the world to live lovingly and justly as servants of Christ by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, caring for the stranger, freeing the oppressed, being and becoming a compassionate, caring presence, and working to develop social structures that are consistent with the gospel; and
—continue the mission of seeking, welcoming and gathering persons into the community of the body of Christ.

To whom do we proclaim the gospel, and who do we seek and welcome?

Who do we lead to commit their lives to God through baptism by water and the spirit and profession of faith in Jesus Christ.

Who do we nurture in Christian living through worship, the sacraments, spiritual disciplines, and other means of grace, such as Wesley's Christian conferencing.

Who do we send into the world to live lovingly and justly as servants of Christ by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, caring for the stranger, freeing the oppressed, being and becoming a compassionate, caring presence, and working to develop social structures that are consistent with the gospel.

Who do we continue to seek, welcome and gather into the community of the body of Christ.

In everything we do, we must understand we are here for others and not outselves....

Hi david, I don't know if I wouldn't have come to Christ had the UMC of Mantua not been in existance. Would God have used another fellowship to pursue me? This is a question that I really can't answer, however the fact remains that it was the fellowship where I now serve that was instrumental in bringing me into the state of grace that I now find myself.

I do not believe that it had anything to do with a governing structure or denominational doctrine. It was purely relational. God pursued me through people who had become part of my life. They demonstrated something that I found appealing and I wanted to know what it was all about. That's right, God uses people to draw others to Him.

The building didn't draw me in and the available parking had nothing to do with it. I wasn't drawn in by the choir or other programs and activities. I've come to understand that this life of discipleship is all about relationships. Our relationship with God, with one another and to the world around us. It's nothing more complex than that.

I guess I should have written sooner but I wanted to think about your question a little and the timing was right. Thanks for your question and I hope that some others will tell of their stories and thoughts.

Peace!
Greg <><

David,

My parents used to tell me, "We want to give you more than what we have ever had."

Now as I am a parent, I understand what they meant. I want MORE for Frankie. And even though they haven't been born yet, I want MORE for his children too!

I spent most of my teenage and young adult life carrying an empty, lonely heart. I feel that I was a good person. However, I wasn't a good Christian. It wasn't until I accepted the Lord that my heart became full... so full I feel it "runneth over!"

I am so, so grateful for this church and for the youth group. I just about prayed my brains out for Frankie to find God. Almost a year has passed since he met you. Frankie has had his ups and downs. However, I see a young man who is making better choices, SMILING, reading the bible, playing music, enjoying fellowship...

I'd like to offer a special shout out to you Dave... for passing along the saving faith... for helping to give my son more than what I had!!!

P.S. I believe that we can look forward to a future where again the church will be the center of the community. Our church family is on the verge of something big... stellar... I believe that people are going to know our Name! Am I the only one who can feel it?

"...send persons into the world to live lovingly and justly as servants of Christ..." <Sigh> Lovely words...lovely acts...