Niagara Leader

Hope United Methodist Church Of Niagara County recently issued the following announcement.

Come, all you who are thirsty,

come to the waters;

and you who have no money,

come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk

without money and without cost. Isaiah 55:1

Dear friends,

Every so often we get a group of passages from the lectionary that are so encouraging that I want every single person to read them and embrace them. This week is one of those lectionary moments and I hope you’ll take the time this week to read these passages. They are all about God’s provision. I’m struck by how both the prophet Isaiah and Jesus in Matthew’s gospel connect the provision of the things we need, namely food, with God’s covenant love for us. Speaking from my own experience, I am often hesitant to embrace this message in the age of “health and wealth” theology that says that God wants to make us rich. I know that many people struggle from day to day to pay bills and not worry about money. Perhaps God doesn’t give us everything we want, but only what is needed for us to live. The rest is about finding abundant life in God, rather than material possessions. I would love to hear from you—what is your experience in this area of our faith?

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to you. This week is an important anniversary for me. Although all church appointments begin on July 1, my very first year in ministry began in August. I was late to the party but that’s a story for another day! In all seriousness, I am excited to celebrate beginning my 16th year as a local pastor in the United Methodist Church. It has been a wonderful journey of faith to serve alongside you as your pastor and each year is more meaningful for me. I am now in my 9th year of ministry at Hope Church and my 6th year of ministry at St. James. It has gone fast and we have celebrated many wonderful things together as disciples of Jesus. I look forward to serving at your side this year.

We have three opportunities to worship in August in the parking lots of both churches. St James and Hope Church will meet at their regularly scheduled times August 2nd, 16th, and 30th rain or shine. We will have a time of Bible teaching and a celebration of the sacrament of communion at each service. We will resume indoor worship on September 13th. Online worship in its current format will continue to be available each week. Please commit the safety and health of our church family to your prayers.

Thank you all for your continued faithfulness and strength in these challenging times.

With grace and peace,

Pastor Matt

Original source can be found here.