PASTOR'S CORNER:

     With the start of a new year, we have an opportunity to start afresh with the Lord. For us Christians, this means a reaffirmation of our commitment to the Lord and a renewal of our covenant with God that is ratified in the blood of Jesus. We did that together in church on Sunday, January 1st. If you missed the service, be sure to get the sermon outline on the Sermon page of this website. The last three pages contain the prayers we prayed together as a congregation that day. These are prayers to pray for yourself and Union church, and indeed all Christians through the course of this year.

     The Lord has much in store for us this year. I believe that includes much that we shall find exciting, fulfiling, and rewarding for the Kingdom of God. In my six months here, we have received and experienced much grace from the Lord. We had a great 12-week study of Genesis, in the first fall term of our new Annual Bible School. I am very much looking forward to the second term, our Spring FOCUS Bible School during which we shall study the Gospel of John in the New Testament for another 12 weeks. We have resumed our Tuesday morning and Thursday evening prayer meetings. In the fall and winter, we prayed for much and have many testimonies of answered prayer, to God be the glory and thanksgiving. 

     In this first quarter of 2023, the question of disaffiliation from or staying in the United Methodist Church is the big challenge we are faced with. As I have said to many of our members, let us wait on the Lord in prayer and, when the time comes, vote on the matter based on our conviction of what is God's will for Union Church and in line with good clear consciences. No one should feel pressured to vote one way or the other. Above all, let us be in prayer that the Lord will unite our hearts, so that we come out of this a truly united church looking forward with faith, hope, and love to the future ministry the Lord has in mind for our church. 

     There is one that makes my heart sing: the realization just before Christmas that we are blessed with seven members over the age of 90 in our church! And there are many in their 80s too. Surely, that is something to celebrate. Longevity is such a blessing form the Lord, and these are members who have been faithful in their service to the Lord in our church for decades. It is my hope that we can organize a special thanksgiving and celebration for them this year.

     Lastly, let us be mindful that we are blessed to be a blessing. The Lord has done great things for us and our church and has a great purpose for us. Let us set our hearts on being a blessing to many in our community and beyond in 2023.

​

With Love, 

Pastory Michael

​

​

​