Tenacious Mission (It is in our "genetics")
“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16
Even if you did not attend the book study "Knowing Who We Are: The Wesleyan Way of Life," you may still want to consider reading the book. I find our church book studies give me the opportunity to learn more about God's Word and plan for us, the Bible, Christianity, and what it means to be a Methodist in ways that I have challenges doing on my own. I do have to admit the first few chapters did not inspire me much with interest. Then came Chapter 4 "Tenacious Mission."
All the mission and connectional activities that the United Methodist Church is active in today all started with intention in the 1700s! Our roots were not just about a new way to worship. News to me in part! John Wesley and the early Methodists created focused initiatives not only for spiritual growth, but access to healthcare, education, and even microfinance. They started free medical clinics that expanded over time to establish hospitals. They supported educating those who were poor and had no access that expanded to establishing universities. They had a lending system to help support folks starting a business. Starting decades ago Methodists advocated for women, the enslaved, and others who were considered outcasts such as the incarcerated and those with certain illnesses. Does this sound familiar?
The many diverse services that organizations such as Cass Community Social Services, the NOAH Project Detroit, UMCOR, and Methodist Home Society Family of Services all developed from the visions of our forebears nearly 200 years ago. The heritage of the Methodist church IS alive and well today.
Within our local church we continue to advocate for people and positions that intend to support the humanity of all. A few examples that come to mind are participation in the Grosse Pointe Pride Parade, educating our congregation on Gun Violence issues and Mental Health support. We are connectional in our missions with the Gift of Reading, the Rummage Sale, supporting the Immanuel Food Pantry, and the Methodist Children's Home Society. We intentionally try to support not only local (the Wave Project, funding school lunches), but national (Henderson Settlement, UMC Hawaii) and international (Haiti, Liberia, Ukraine, etc) missions either directly or through UMCOR.
The United Methodist Church is so much more than attending Sunday Worship and listening to inspiring sermons. During that precious time we are motivated to "Live and Love Like Jesus," and...we also do a pretty nice job of supporting one another.
Elizabeth Blunden
“The poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore, I command you, saying, ‘you shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor in the land.’" – Deuteronomy 15:11
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