I belong to Caton's Grove United Methodist Church just a half mile from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park entrance. It was founded in 1903. At one point it was overflowing but over the years many of the members have died out and their kids have moved to town and attend churches there.
There are only 11 members left but we are paired with a sister church that has a membership of about 40. We have a circuit pastor who preaches at our church first and then heads over to Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church for a second sermon. We do a lot of church dinners and get togethers as one unit and consider both churches as one family.
Being the first Sunday of the year, we discussed our hopes, dreams and goals for the coming year. Each spring the church is invaded by tons of ladybugs. A former pastor, Elizabeth, said we should pray that one day we have as many members as we have ladybugs. Several of us admitted we still pray the ladybug prayer, hoping for an increase of membership.
My own personal goals included trying to be more diligent with my business, to spend more time on my writing and to finish all these unfinished projects around the house. It has been a year since I moved in and I still have stacks of unpacked boxes.
Leroy, our pastor, pointed out that we can make all the plans we want but we should also take time to make sure they are the plans God has in mind for us. Sometimes we get an idea and get so excited about pursuing that goal that we forget to stop and ask God if that is a goal he wants us to achieve. Remember to pray for guidance in all pursuits.
Happy New Year
Linda :)
No comments:
Post a Comment