Who are we? “The local church provides the most significant arena through which disciple-making occurs. It is a community of true believers under the Lordship of Christ It is the redemptive fellowship in which the Word of God is preached by persons divinely called and the sacraments are duly administered according to Christ’s own appointment. Under the discipline of the Holy Spirit, the church exists for the maintenance of worship, the edification of believers, and the redemption of the world.” Para. 201, The Book of Discipline, 21008

What is our function? “The church of Jesus Christ exists in and for the world. It is primarily at the level of the charge consisting of one or more local churches that the church encounters the world. The local church is a strategic base from which Christians move out to the structures of society. The function of the local church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is to help people to accept and confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and to live their daily lives in light of their relationship with God. Therefore, the local church is to minister to persons in the community where the church is located, to provide appropriate training and nurture to all, to cooperate in ministry with other local churches, to defend God’s creation and live as an ecologically responsible community, and to participate in the worldwide mission of the church, as minimal expectations of an authentic church.” Para. 202, The Book of discipline, 2008

How are we doing? I am asking you to prayerfully assess our ministry to our members, neighbors, community and world. Are there ministries leading the way? Are there “gaps” that we need to address? As individuals are we fulfilling our vow to support the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness?

May we be ever vigilant in keeping our covenant with God through Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit.

Yours. . .His,

Cole