Presence

When We Give the Gift of Presence

Ken Sloan

When I joined the United Methodist Church, I promised to support the church with my prayers, presence, gifts, and service. In recent years, the church has added the pledge of witness as well. I remember this promise often (especially when I renew my vows), and I think I live up to them — although I know there is always room for improvement. Most of us can pray more. Most of us could probably give more sacrificially. There are always more places we could serve — although I’m aware many of you reading this probably feel you spend more time serving in your local church than you do at home! How are we at witnessing? I’m sure almost all of us could find more opportunities to share and live out our faith, to be not only a witness for Christ, but a witness for justice and compassion.

The vow of presence, I thought, was always the easiest. You just have to show up, right? OK, no problem — once a week I can make an appearance: potluck suppers, good people doing good things, worship, fun times and fellowship — presence is a breeze! I don’t have to worry about living up to that promise.

As the years have progressed, I’ve realized that my promise of supporting the church with my presence is about more than showing up. The main question asked is if you will “faithfully participate in its ministries by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service and your witness.” While potluck supper and fun activities fall in that category, there are times when offering presence is more challenging. When someone has lost a loved one (a parent, a spouse, child, or sibling), words seem so inadequate; but we can give the gift of presence. When violence or dishonesty has shattered a family, we can give the gift of presence. When natural disasters have ripped through a community, whether it is a flood 10 miles away, or a tornado 1000 miles away, or a typhoon 5000 miles away; we can give the gift of presence.

Our gift of presence can be through a personal, one-on-one visit. Presence can also be offered to the broader world through the work of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). When we support the offering during the One Great Hour of Sharing Sunday, we are able to give the gift of presence to people who find themselves in turmoil due to the various storms of life.

By responding in love to those we don’t know and may never meet, we experience a different kind generosity – a way for us to make real the love of the Savior we profess as Lord of our lives. Yes, we offer the gift of presence!

Ken Sloane is the Director of Stewardship and Connectional Ministries at Discipleship Ministries.

Presence

One of my favorite scripture passages is Psalm 16:11—“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

I love this passage because if I ever feel that God is far away I know that God “will never leave me nor forsake me” (Heb. 13:5).  Being in the awesome presence of God fulfills me and lightens my heart.  Being in the Christian community of Trinity UMC has not only filled a void for me but also has been a true blessing for my husband and our children.  Christ’s light and love truly shines in their eyes.  I feel the presence of the Lord and am challenged to follow the path set before me.  For this reason, it is my desire to know God and to make God known.

Key Word: Presence

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for always being present with me and filling my life with joy.  Help me continue the path you have set before me and being in your ever-loving presence. Amen.

Presence

“The Church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is not a resting place, the church is a people. I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together! All who follow Jesus, all around the world! Yes, we’re the church together” (UMH, No. 558).

I experienced a deeply spiritual moment recently. While dining at a restaurant, one of our church families walked toward my table. Their young daughter was leading the way. When she approached my table she came to an abrupt stop. She pointed toward me and said, “Look Mommy. Look Daddy. He goes to our church!”

It was clear to me that by “church” she wasn’t talking about our facilities and grounds. Thoughts of her church family were swirling through her mind — vivid images of the love and education she receives at our Trinity Learning Center, fun times spent at Kid’s Night Out, dancing through the playground after THE WELL dinner with chocolate frosting all over their mouths and cheeks. Looking into her eyes, I knew she was thinking about her Sunday School class and Children’s Time in worship. I could see the spectacle of The Pumpkin Patch, Trunk or Treat, VBS, Breakfast with Santa, and Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, the children’s musicals and so much more. I was deeply touched when she said “my” church. Do you hear the ownership in that? Trinity for her is not “the” church. Trinity is “her” church. Children’s Minister teaches the love of Jesus to our children.

Our Youth Ministry is growing stronger everyday. Ask our youth some time about Student Life, UM ARMY, the new Youth Choir and Youth Praise Band!

Our Music Minister oversees an amazing worship team of gifted persons.

All age-levels participate in our annual events: Missions, Fatted Calf, vibrant worship, prayer and care ministries.

When most of us tell people about “our church,” we’re not talking about bricks and mortar, utilities, or grounds keeping. We are talking about the people of Trinity being a Spirit-empowered community who loves God and follows Jesus.

While we have been blessed with a new sanctuary roof, parking lot, columbarium, playground, and the renovation of our narthex and Lowrie Worship Center, the greatest blessing is seeing so many new faces each week, and so many joining our church family.

The church is a people! Thank you for honoring our Lord and Christ through praying, being present, giving, serving, and witnessing to your faith