Pastors' Friday Reflections

Those of you who have been part of a United Methodist Church for longer than six years remember when our membership vows included four areas of commitment - "presence, prayers, gifts, and service." If you're like me, you repeated those four words often enough that they became second nature.

And then, in 2008, the General Conference delegates added a word to that list - "witness." It changed the rhythm of those often-repeated membership vows. Sometimes I'll still catch myself, out of habit, just letting the first four words roll off my tongue and then realizing the vows are not finished yet - and adding a hasty "...and witness!"

But being a witness, in word and deed, to the love of God in Christ is far more than an afterthought. It's an essential - and energizing -- part of living our faith. What we want to keep discovering is how to share the gifts of faith in ways that are natural to us and life-giving for others. We'll be thinking about that in worship this Sunday, as we reflect on Jesus' promise in Acts 1: 8  -- "...you will be my witnesses."