Struggling churches grow in members, outreach

Good News!

Friends, we have good news from our churches in Rio Grande City and Hebbronville.
Since January 2005, St. John’s UMC in Rio Grande City has received 16 new members. Six are teenagers. Two are in their early 30s with two small children. Three are in their 40s. Three are in their 60s, and two are in their 70s. What a thrill! The Rev. Pascha Buck is excited that the “younger generation” is so well represented.
Good things happen when the clergy and laity work together to reach out in the community. Keep up the good work, St. John’s.
The Rev. Don Ceglar, pastor of First UMC, Hebbronville, reports that First UMC has received a Wesley nurse. This new ministry will enable the congregation to reach out in new ways to serve the community.
Both St. John’s UMC, Rio Grande City, and First UMC, Hebbronville, have struggled in the past. They are experiencing a resurgence of energy and enthusiasm as a result of strong laity and clergy leadership.
Many of our congregations have been surviving for years, but survival is not vitality.
I read somewhere that most of us are crucified between two thieves—regrets for the past and fears for the future. God is merciful, forgiving our past and holding our future in hope. Our task is to align ourselves with the purposes of God. And God’s purpose is that our churches thrive.
We rejoice and celebrate with St. John’s and First UMC. With God’s help and with focused intention-ality, all churches can reclaim their vitality.