Endless Possibilities at Faith UMC

The winter days have arrived as the New Year has finally opened its arms to new possibilities for aggressive, prophetic preaching and teaching as well as a new dedication of ministries here at Faith United Methodist Church. The shadow of the cross outside the church reminds us of our calling; to do good to everyone we meet, to let no one go hungry, and to be a voice for the voiceless. Now in order to do the ministries that God has ordained this church to do we must learn from the past years and only use what was good and wholesome and a blessing to the community and to the congregation. We must leave the lack of faith and negativity in the past, where it belongs. The aggressive position of the church today cannot tolerate the “we can’t do it because” attitude, why? Because we simply do not have the time to waste! Families need food now! Others need words of hope now! Justice in our communities must be addressed now! And peace must happen now! We must be the faith community in a world of hate, discrimination, and war, and saints that is not an easy task, but with God nothing is impossible!

This wonderful church that sits in the midst of the great community of Oak Park Michigan has become a beacon in the dark for many families. The past has brought on wars, drugs, separation, divorces, disconnects from families and loved ones, lost or stolen children, violence, and evil, even discord in our community churches. We must not let evil or confusion dictate our future. And to do that we must be immersed in the Word of God, preparing ourselves for what God has in store for His Church. The Apostle Paul best explains how we the church must prepare ourselves for the years ahead, and that’s by submitting to God and allowing ourselves to be cleansed by the washing of His Word, so that we may be presented to the Bridegroom (Jesus) without blemish, without spots, without wrinkles (Ephesians 5:25-27). People of God it is time for us to take an offensive stance in Peace, Justice, Hope, Love, and a new commitment in relationship in Christ Jesus and in His church, aren’t you excited?

May you be Blessed in this New Year of great possibilities

Pastor Jonathan Combs