A Word from Pastor Jim

A Word from the Pastor

“Our church is more than a building. It is a group of loving caring people who want to hear God’s Word [and] together feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and clothe the needy.”

“[This church] is a place where [my family] feels welcomed and loved and where we could give back and help others.”

“The church is a place that brings people together as friends and family to pray. We can all work together for one common cause [helping others].”

These comments are excerpts from a few of the Statements of Faith written by this year’s Confirmation Class.

On Pentecost Sunday (May 15th – be sure to wear red to worship), we will welcome eight new members to our congregation when the confirmands renew their baptismal vows and become full church members.

Over the past few months, our Confirmation Class, led by our Director of Youth Ministries, has been learning about what it means to be a church member. They have learned how to experience God through worship, the sacraments, and service to one another and the world around us. They have also been thinking about what it means to be devoted to the church’s teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers.

Every believer can be part of the church as organism; we are all part of the Spiritual Body of Christ. But through making the public commitment of membership, one becomes part of the church as organization.

Church membership is not like being a member in a social club. Most organization members are consumers; the organization exists to serve them. Church is a completely different community – membership means ministry and service. It means going from being a consumer to becoming a provider of God’s love and care to others.

One of the prime benefits of church membership is that one has the power to help to shape the ministry of this congregation. A church member is able to take a full and active role in the leadership of the church. Together we are better able to make full use of all of our gifts in identifying the places where our passions connect with needs of others in our congregation and our community.

On May 1, St. Mark will welcome 10 new members.   Each one of them has made the same commitment to becoming a provider of God’s love and care to others through our church.

In the coming weeks, I invite you to welcome the 2016 Confirmation Class and get to know our new adult members. As you do so, take a moment to consider the ways in which all of us can add our voice to St. Mark’s mission of ministry and service through learning and fellowship, and the breaking of bread and prayers.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Jim Poinsett