Have you ever walked into a space and had no idea where to go? I think that this is something many of us have experienced, perhaps in starting at a new school or job or even moving to a new community. It's a feeling that often tends to pass, but it can be overwhelming especially at the beginning. Or maybe even though you've been planted in a space for some time, the community around you is changing and you feel awkward asking about opportunities: after all, I've been here, so I should know everything, right? Either one of these experiences can prompt us to feel hesitant or embarrassed.
A reality is that many people in churches can have either one or both of these experiences. For a newcomer, having many options meeting at different times can potentially lead to a sense of inaction – think about looking at all the options available to watch on Netflix or your favorite streaming platform, then scrolling indefinitely and not being able to choose one to actually watch. For someone who has been part of a faith community for a long time, there can be a sense of contentment which can lead to a lack of curiosity – I've got my thing(s), so why should I learn about other opportunities? The challenge with this is that we can miss out on continued growth in grace and learning, as well as missing opportunities to use our gifts in new ways that can lead to transformational impact in the life of the church and the community.
Because life is about growing in relationships, knowledge, and experiences, we want to invite you to join us on 30 August for Discovery Sunday! That day we will have a 10:00 combined worship service in the Sanctuary, followed by a lunch and discovery fair at 11:00 in the Family Life Center. No Sunday morning classes will meet that morning. If you are interested in bringing food for our potluck, you can sign up to bring the dish of your choice. Whether you bring food or not, join us after worship for a time of fellowship in the Family Life Center. We will share a meal together, and there will be ministry displays throughout the room for you to explore, ask questions, and sign up for new opportunities as we move forward together. Whether you are new or have been part of First United Methodist Church for some time, we invite you to come and discover with us!
