Elk River United Methodist Church

Pastor Phil's July Newsletter Message

Some words from Pastor Phil.

Oh the places we’ve been...to church that is!

We've 'heard' mics that fade in and out, and some that just weren't turned on ... we've 'sung' songs we didn't know... we've 'felt' like strangers among as few as 17 and in the midst of a throng... we've had a 'taste' of Baptist and Non-denominational and a few flavors of Methodist...we've 'seen' plenty of reasons to quit looking ...

Yet, as the song says, 'through it all we've learned to depend upon God's Word'

We listened intently... we focused on lyrics when we didn't know the tune... we reached out to folks WE didn’t know... we learned others' ways of worship... and we've found that God is alive and present where ever two of three gather in His name! Imagine that.

We've been encouraged as selfless congregations have given and gone to serve the victims of Haiti... we've savored the faithful melodies and verse as believers sang and played... we've confessed along with rooms full of fellow sinners and joined their pilgrimage to the Loaf and Cup... we've rejoiced in the Cross of Christ and in God's forgiveness... we've recognized the announcement of hope and love from every preacher AND we have been reminded that in worship, only in worship, a marvelous collaboration of music, fellowship, reflection and promise combines to guide and comfort.

Gathering with the followers of Christ, we find essence of life! Not because the congregations and the clergy and the churches are without fault, conversely, because the 'news' is: The One without fault is ever reaching out to all with a hand to hold. No requirement that you be perfect, or that each 't' is crossed and 'i' dotted, yet ever loving, ever merciful, ever believing that we can find our way forward from everyday offenses and colossal oil spills to goodness and a compassion in and through Jesus.

Worship will be what you make it. It can be a time of critique of how others are 'doing' it... OR it can be a time of offering praise and submitting to the One who gives you life. The Psalmist says, "I lift my eyes to the hills, from whence does my help come?" From the Lord, of course. If we search for faults, believe me they abound! Yet if we search for good… if we look for God... then believe Christ, and God’s Spirit will wash over you in waves of grace and promise wherever you are offering your worship.

The summer affords opportunities to worship in a variety of settings as you travel and as you visit relatives and friends. Take full advantage of all that Sunday offers!

'Be of good cheer, He has overcome the world' and His followers gather in a myriad of settings on the Sabbath bringing praise and sharing compassion and finding the Way forward.