It looks like summer has ended and people are returning to some old routines and establishing new ones. This is a great time to consider new ways to engage in what God is doing. Read as Pastor Melissa explores how we “reset.”
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I’ve always heard that we should pay attention when something keeps appearing in daily life; the Holy Spirit is up to something. Recently for me it’s been the word “reset.”
In general, I believe we all know what it means to reset. If we break a bone, it has to be reset. If we set our alarm clock for the wrong time, it has to be reset. If we find ourselves in the midst of a transition, we may reset our priorities. Reset, by definition, means to set, fix, or adjust in a new or different way. What does it mean for us as the body of Christ?
Over the past year and more, we have had to reset how we do many things. Many of us discovered that the “reset” is just what we needed in our lives. We realized different things were important to us and began to spend our time in new ways. This is true not only in our personal lives but in our spiritual ones. This time opened up the opportunity for us to be part of a divine reset. The past months have given us, the body of Christ, time to recalibrate and envision new ways to share Christ with people. We’ve begun to recognize how faith can intersect with all the facets of our lives. We experimented with new ways to gather for community and faith. We adapted our worship and service into spaces where people beyond the walls of the church had an opportunity to encounter Christ in places that felt more like “home” for them.
I believe this is what Jesus showed us through His life on earth. Jesus met and loved people beyond the walls of the temple. He healed and cared for those who were considered outcast by the religious authorities. He was sent by God to be on mission with all the people of the world and show them how God loves. He didn’t stop there. After the Resurrection, he told the disciples (and by proxy, us), “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you,” (Jn. 20:21). He sent us as the Body of Christ out to the world to share the Good News and to accomplish His purposes. As one UMC pastor put it, “When we go out to others in organized love, [we] flow with what God is doing in the world and what He wants for it.” Going out to others often means we have to reset our ways. We learn to let go of how “we do it” and look for ways to share Christ in ways that connect with those we meet. When we do, we can encounter Christ in the people who are outside of the church.
A reset can take many different forms. It can be joining others for coffee while sharing the stories of Jesus. It can be joining with people who share an interest and finding ways to connect the gospel message to what inspires them. It can mean taking on new roles in life. For me, this season will be a reset as I move from Children’s and Family Ministries to Discipleship and Congregational Care. I will be working to care for and encourage growth in people who are already “in the church,” and I will be exploring how we can best reach people “outside the church” with the love of Jesus.
I invite you to join me in exploring what it means to reset our faith. Do we need to take on or give up something to strengthen our relationship with Jesus? Is God calling us to do something that feels daring and outside the box? Are we experiencing faith in a renewed way and hoping to find space to explore it with others? If any of these resonate, reach out to me or one of the other pastors here at RUMC. We would love to help you find ways to reset, to connect you with opportunities that will help you go deeper with Christ and share His love with others.
Peace and Blessings,
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Thank you, Melissa! I hope each of you can find a moment to reset what is going on in your life and plan to join us on Sunday morning in worship.
Look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning!
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RUMC Board of Stewards
RUMC Board of Stewards will meet on Wednesday, August 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel. Questions: Lori Walsh, 770.261.1707.
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Job Networking
Our next virtual meeting is Monday, August 23 featuring six key workshops starting at 10 a.m. Our inspirational speaker at noon is Shaunna Fretwell, Communications Associate at RUMC. A guest workshop will follow at 4 p.m. about “8 Ways to Shorten Your Job Search” led by Marty Gilbert, Founder and CEO of the NorthShore Executive Networking Group. For more information or to register, go to our website.
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RUMC Discipleship on the Road
On Friday, August 27 travel with us to the Biblical History Center, an archaeological museum, to explore daily life in ancient times. We will depart RUMC at 8:15 a.m. and return around 4:30 p.m. The entire experience is $60 per person and includes your tour, the Biblical experience meal, and transportation. Space is limited. For more information, click here or contact Rev. Melissa Kime-Hall.
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Charis Gallery
Doors, the fourth awarded exhibit is on display in the Charis Gallery through August 29. Stop by to view the exhibit and vote for your favorite piece for the People’s Choice Award.
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Wednesday Night Supper
Wednesday Night Supper returns September 8, 4:30-6:45 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall! Pre-orders with credit card are accepted online or pay by cash or check at the door. Cost is $8 for ages 13+ or $4 for ages 12 and under with a $30 family maximum! No charge for ages 2 and under. $30 family to-go meals are also available for pick-up with pre-order. For more information, check out our website.
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RUMC Kids and Roswell Student Ministry Update
In accordance with the Fulton County School System, masks will be required for children and youth ages 3 and up. Information: (Children’s) Nancy Spence or (Youth) Jason Scott
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Celebrate Wonder
Every Sunday at 10 a.m., children 3 years old through 5th grade are invited to engage with stories from the Bible and reflect on how these stories are helpful in living our lives today. Following Sunday School, children in grades 1-5 are invited to attend worship with their families. Nursery is provided for children birth-Kindergarten. For more information, contact Nancy Spence.
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Volunteer
Are you a people person? Or maybe you are tech-savvy and want to serve in production. Maybe you have a heart for Missions or you love to rock babies in the nursery. No matter what your skills or background, we have a place for you! To learn more about how you can get involved, check out our website.
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The RUMC Foundation, Inc.
Thanks to the earnings from the Douglas Thomson Family Endowment, more children who do not have English language support at home are able to receive after-school tutoring and mentoring at Vickery Mill Elementary through the Mighty Mentes tutoring program. For more information, go the the Foundation website.
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Job Openings
We would love to have you as part of our family! Click here to learn more about open positions at Roswell UMC.
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