news article
Overcoming the challenge of a part-time pastoral appointment
August 22, 2017 / By Lori Bruno-Taylor. Owl's Head UMC
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the Summer 2017 issue of the Advocate.
A pastor is called to serve God in all settings, at all times. Part-time does not change what we are called to do, it just challenges us to trust that God is enough when time, schedules, and resources do not appear to be enough. God has a way of teaching us to work as the Body of Christ with a congregational team.
The Owls Head UMC (OHUMC) team lives into the mission,“To live the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love to our neighbors in all places” with a relish and sincerity reminiscent of Romans 12. Here are words expressed by a variety of OHUMC members about just some of the many ministries at OHUMC and how they relate verses of Romans 12.
Romans 12:2: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Playground (Tammy and Steve)
My husband and I were saddened by the dilapidated state of our local playground so we decided to take action. We reached out to OHUMC members who helped with the fundraiser and managed the funds. With this help, our community playground was brought back to life!
Summer Lunch Program distribution
Summer Lunch Program is a time to provide a meal to local children. Just to see the smiles on their faces when they walk into our church and receive their PB & J is priceless.
Romans 12:4-8:For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Community Garden (John W)
“Bit by bit…row by row…see how our community gardens grow!” Raised bed garden plots next to the Meeting House enable church folk and Owls Head community members to grow veggies and flowers for personal use and to share with others.
VBS (Cathie W)
In 2015, we were led to reach out to all the area children. We initiated a new vacation Bible school tradition. The joy of watching God create a team using our differing gifts added to children learning through song, story, and games delighted us all.
CCC -Costumes, Crafts and Cider; Caroling, Crafts and Cocoa; Clues, Crafts and Cookies – (Marcie R, Rick & Mary L)
These are three of the activities that we have for the children in our area. It’s just our way of teaching them that Jesus is the Reason for EVERY season even with a pumpkin prayer.
Romans 12:10-12: Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Gas/gift card, Christmas Family & Requested Prayer (Carter & Linda A)
Christmas and other times of giving are for people who might need a little extra help. Some people are less fortunate than us. Sometimes gas cards can help out.
Valentines to Nursing Home
It’s a joy to go on this day to bring a card of love. It means a lot for us to see the smiles on the resident’s faces at the Alice Center. Some of us used to work in a nursing home. Sometimes we’re their only family.
Romans 12:15-16: Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another.
Operation Christmas Child (Nancy H)
Everyone gets involved in this a labor of love; signing up to provide approved items, holding a church-wide packing party and labeling all of the shoe boxes. We have a Sending Forth ‘ceremony and pray over each and every shoe box before collection and Christmas delivery. This year, our Lay Leader challenged us to double our number of shoe boxes from 30 to 60.The challenge was exceeded. We packed and delivered 66 shoe boxes!
Romans 12:17-18 Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Little Lending Library
Owls Head’s Little Lending Library, built by one member with funds provided by another, stands at the roadside in front of our church. It delights us to see young and old, afoot or by vehicle choosing books. There’s no expectation that books must be returned.
Love in action is the gift of the Holy Spirit among us. With that understanding Owls Head not only trusts that God is enough, we are amazed with the abundance found in the Body of Christ.