"Igniting Ministry"

      I think it’s always a good idea for a church to revisit its vision statement from time to time. It serves as reminder of the hopes and dreams which are a vital part of the life of a congregation, linking the past to the present and providing a vision for what is to come. Our vision statement at Middletown United Methodist Church reflects a strong emphasis on the aspect of community, and how the church strives to function as an agent of care and nurture throughout that community. Let’s take another look at that statement and remember the goals of mission which we have defined for ourselves as God’s church:

      We are a congregation called together by the grace of God in Jesus Christ for effective and faithful witness and service. We invite others to join us in our commitment to become a community of praise to God, a community of hospitality and care, a community of witness and service, a community of growth in faith, and a community which values the gifts of all persons. .

      The essence of this statement is rooted in community, a caring and nurturing body called to work together to realize the potential which God places in the hands of humankind. The community in and around Middletown is growing at an unprecedented rate, and it is fitting that the church be at the center of this growth, making possible the sense of community necessary for healthy and wholesome development. In a way, this trend of rapid growth is a sign that God is calling us to new horizons, to embrace new dimensions of ministry. This calling is becoming more apparent as we see a greater number of new people visiting and contemplating membership in our church. It is, of course, a welcome sight but one which poses a variety of responsibilities and challenges for the hospitality ministries at MUMC.

      Recently, some of us attended a workshop sponsored by the United Methodist Church entitled, "Igniting Ministry." Its purpose was to introduce a new media campaign and training resource program designed to present the United Methodist Church as an open and inviting place where people can expect to be accepted and nurtured in the faith. Some interesting and enlightening trends, derived from extensive surveys of communities, were presented in the process. For instance, visitors tend to make up their minds in the first eleven minutes of their arrival whether or not they will be returning to a church. Some of their more pressing criteria include finding a parking space, being greeted in a caring fashion, having questions about the church and the Sunday Schools answered, and finding a seat in the worship service. In other words, the opinions of visitors are often shaped by unspoken messages long before the service ever begins. The importance of effective and efficient hospitality cannot be overstated.

      As one of our steps toward addressing this growing need, the Witness Group at MUMC extends an open invitation to an ice cream social and hospitality training meeting on Sunday, June 24, at 7:00 p.m. in the Social Hall. We will be learning and brainstorming about being a welcoming congregation and a hospitable church and would value your participation. I am certain that this will be an important step in developing and maintaining a warm and welcoming presence in the community, helping us to work toward the goals of our mission as a church. We look forward to working with you in this vital ministry.