As I pondered what to share in this article, the word “presence” kept popping into my thoughts.
In The Baptismal Covenant we are asked, “As members of this congregation, will you faithfully participate in its ministries by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service?” (UMH p.38)
In the Basic LSM class during the session on Caring, The Ministry of Presence is discussed. “At times there is nothing to do but to be present with someone. To be at someone’s side may be the most caring thing we do…. Our presence was an accomplishment; it makes a difference to those who feel no one cares. Our presence shows that we care enough to leave the demands of our personal lives to spend time with those in need.” (LSM Participant Book, p.49)
“Presence” …… being there… but is “presence” just being there? Sometimes, it is being there in person. Sometimes, it is taking time to send a card, a text, or a phone call to let people know they are in your thoughts and prayers. This time of Covid and isolation has made being present in person difficult.
Are you taking time to share the love of Jesus to others through your presence whether in person or others acts to let folks know that you care?
Update on Lay Servant Ministry classes –
We are looking forward to the Connectional Living and Connectional Giving class on September 24. Our DS Jon Strother will lead the class which helps understand the world transforming power of connectional giving in the biblical/Wesleyan tradition. Registration for the class ended on September 11th. Deadlines to register are set 10 or so days prior to the class to allow participants time to order the texts and read prior to class.
The class Living Our United Methodists Beliefs (United Methodist Heritage/History) will be taught on October 29th by Zoom. The class will be led by the Rev Tom Greener of Saint James UMC in Greenville. Registration is open.
The Basic Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries class will be taught via Zoom on February 11, 2023. Registration is coming soon for that class.