From The Pastors Pen

  “In the beginning God Created...”. Genesis :1 
  Three truths.  There was a beginning to all things.  God was there .  And in that beginning God created.  All of us have a need deep down to create.  Whether it is gardening, working on a house or car, Orr even cooking dinner, We are creative.  The more we know God our Creator, the more we long to create.  
  It is the same in our activities at church.  The way we decorate our worship space, organize a meeting or teach a lesson is satisfying when we tap into this God-Led creativity. Likewise, it is dull as mud if we just go through the motions.  Now that we are emerging from this COVID-18 season, it is time to get creative.
  I got my second shot last week and experienced two things:  a sore stem and a lightening of mood.  People all around me are smiling again and our attendance is caution growing.  Yes, yes, the masks and hand gel are still a part of life BUT hope is conquering fear.  In that hope is a new beginning, a NEW CREATION OPPORTUNITY.  It is new day to be creative.
  God is leading through this “re-start”.  It is crucial that we get it right. God is creating a new opportunity that will have some old traditions and some brand new ways of living the Gospel and showing it to others.  Let’s have some fun.
   Be fearless in reaching out in faith, trying new things and re-visioning old ways.  Where is go calling us to go, grow and wallow in the joy of a ew day?  How can we “make all things new”.  What are we being called to leave behind.  Friendship UMC is looking a a blank canvas, a brand new day and excititement with new neighbors, new industry and fresh opportunities to create.  
 
Look through this newsletter and see our usual activities with new eyes.  Also, look at the wonderful new opportunities to worship, learn and serve.  GOD BE PRAISED in them all!  Share the excitement with me as we discover pass through the empty tomb this Easter and seize a brand new day!
 
All for Christ,
 
Pastor Alan

​