Photo via Pixabay.com, CC0 Creative Commons
United Methodists vow to uphold their congregation through their prayers, but it isn't always clear what that means.
A promise to pray: Honoring our United Methodist vow by Julie Dwyer
As part of The United Methodist Church’s Baptismal Covenant, new members promise to faithfully participate in a local congregation through their prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. But, how can they go beyond the words they profess to actually living into these vows? In a special five-part series, we’ll look at each aspect of this membership vow, beginning with prayer, and how United Methodists can answer the call to serve Christ through the local church.Mary Meyer carried index cards with her wherever she went.
On each was a list of names of people she needed to pray for or other concerns. She would jot down new names and prayer requests as they came to her, and then she’d tuck the cards into her Bible, her purse or even the cushions of her favorite chair.
If she had a free minute, she was praying.
“I think it’s honest to say she was never bored because of her prayer life,” said her grandson, Gilbert C. Hanke, top executive of the Commission on United Methodist Men.
Hanke said after his grandmother’s death, his parents helped clear out the family’s home and found more than a hundred of her prayer cards scattered around in books, drawers and other places.
“It was like seeds that she planted,” Hanke said. “I don’t have much from Grandma, but I do have this memory. Every time I see an index card, that’s what I think of.”
But it was their passion for prayer that stood out for him.
“Grandpa was the best prayer I’ve ever experienced. He prayed all the time. He prayed out loud. … Whether it was a concern about something happening in the world or a personal concern on his health, there was nothing too small or too great for him to pray about,” Hanke said.
Building a solid prayer life can be a struggle for some. While new members vow to uphold their congregation through their prayers, many don’t know what that means.
“We ask people, ‘Will you uphold this church by your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness?’ That’s great as far as it goes, but the average person has no real clue what they’ve said yes to,” said the Rev. Dan R. Dick, assistant to Bishop Hee-Soo Jung of the Wisconsin Conference. “Are we talking about praying daily, weekly, monthly, 10 minutes a day, 30 minutes a day? I don’t know that there’s a right answer.”
Dick said it’s important for faith communities to help members understand what is expected of them, not only when they join the church but also as they renew their vows. “If we want to hold people accountable to growing in their discipleship, there has to be a standard,” he said.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Dick analyzed more than 700 United Methodist congregations in his role with the General Board of Discipleship (now Discipleship Ministries). He studied healthy churches that were making an impact in their community, not only growing membership rolls but also helping people grow in their discipleship. The results of the study are published in his book “Vital Signs.”
“When there were clearly defined expectations, it was easier to measure — to say, how well are people fulfilling the vows, fulfilling the promises they made?” he said. “In the church, we pay lip service to how important prayer is, but I really saw that where churches have prayer as a common practice and a regular expectation, people were more engaged.
“It turned things from a negative energy to a positive energy, that these thing weren’t added-on burdens, requirements and obligations, these were wonderfully valuable ways to build relationships, both with God and with other people in the congregation.”
Eggester Jokomo, 82, is a pioneer of the early morning prayer program at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Harare, Zimbabwe. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UMNS. The power of prayer is evident at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Harare, Zimbabwe. The church hosts early morning prayer services that draw as many as 500 people.
Known as rumuko in the local chiShona language, the prayer gatherings are held from 4 to 6 a.m. each day and are focused on individual prayers. Eggester Jokomo, 82, a pioneer of the St. Mark prayer program, said some people travel more than 20 miles from nearby towns to attend on Saturdays.
“We mainly pray for ourselves, our church and our nation,” Jokomo said. “Early morning prayers are more powerful than those done at any other time of the day. It takes a lot of willpower to rise and leave the comfort of your bed at such an hour,” she said.
For those whose churches don’t offer prayer services or small prayer groups, Dick suggests finding a prayer partner for accountability and making a list of things to pray about regularly.
While index cards weren’t the right fit for Hanke (he prefers Post-it Notes), he has tried to incorporate what he learned from his grandparents into his own prayer life.
“When something comes up, I’ll write it down and stick it in a place where I know where it is. When I’m trying to work through something or I need a break … there’s that reminder of here’s a list of folks you need to be praying for.”
Dick said there’s no wrong way to pray and it’s OK to seek guidance. “The assumption is we’re lifelong Christians, we’ve grown up in the church, we know how to pray. And yet many laity said I don’t know whether I’m doing it right,” Dick said.
Hanke agrees, and said he often struggles with his own prayer life.
“I’ve prayed some prayers that were pretty angry and pretty self-centered and then came back and went, ‘Sorry about that.’ … It’s something that is a work in progress for me. It’s probably a work in progress for everybody.”
Dick urges church leaders to get back to the basics and help members be successful in upholding their membership vows through spiritual disciplines.
“We live in a culture right now where trust is pretty low, where one person’s word or promise is not always valued too highly,” he said. “Calling people to a level of integrity, to say nobody is telling you what you ought to do, but when you say you are going to do something, it’s important that you do that. I love that message.”
Julie Dwyer is a writer and editor for United Methodist Communications. Reach her atjdwyer@umcom.org. Eveline Chikwanah, a communicator of the Zimbabwe East Annual Conference, contributed to this report.
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October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and there’s still time to do your part. We asked some ministers to tell us what acts of goodwill mean the most to them.
A pastor is wedded to his or her church family as we are to our own families. But it’s definitely not a thankless job. In honor of dedicated clergy, we asked several ministers to share some of the ways church members had made them feel valued and found that for congregants and clergy alike, simple acts of caring help build a connection beyond the pulpit.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T — Find out what it means to me
Aretha Franklin knew of what she sang. The first component of a healthy and rewarding relationship is respect. If you disagree with something clergy are saying or doing, let them know respectfully, and in private. Give them a chance to respond and to explain, as well as to hear your side. They will appreciate your discrimination and better receive your advice.
What then can I offer?
When my great-uncle died, three different pastors made the drive to speak at his funeral. A quiet and humble man, he had made their jobs easier simply by taking on the tasks that no one else would. From cleanup to chairing committees, he had been the one person they could count on when no one else stepped up, but until his eulogy, no one knew the impact he had made by having such a deep commitment to the life of his church. You may not feel you have a particular talent like music or financial skills to offer, but your time and attention may be the greatest gift of all.
Photo by Kathleen Barry, UMNS.
The Rev. Sherry Cothran receives a hug of appreciation from a young member of her congregation.
(More than) 10 ways to appreciate your pastor
A UMC.org Feature by Laurens Glass*
I remember the first time I heard the phrase “a mother’s work is never done" as a child and thinking that sounded pretty daunting. Perhaps I would be a writer or astronaut instead. If there is one other person besides your mom who is on call practically around the clock, it’s probably your pastor.A pastor is wedded to his or her church family as we are to our own families. But it’s definitely not a thankless job. In honor of dedicated clergy, we asked several ministers to share some of the ways church members had made them feel valued and found that for congregants and clergy alike, simple acts of caring help build a connection beyond the pulpit.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T — Find out what it means to me
Aretha Franklin knew of what she sang. The first component of a healthy and rewarding relationship is respect. If you disagree with something clergy are saying or doing, let them know respectfully, and in private. Give them a chance to respond and to explain, as well as to hear your side. They will appreciate your discrimination and better receive your advice.
What then can I offer?
When my great-uncle died, three different pastors made the drive to speak at his funeral. A quiet and humble man, he had made their jobs easier simply by taking on the tasks that no one else would. From cleanup to chairing committees, he had been the one person they could count on when no one else stepped up, but until his eulogy, no one knew the impact he had made by having such a deep commitment to the life of his church. You may not feel you have a particular talent like music or financial skills to offer, but your time and attention may be the greatest gift of all.
The Rev. Lily Ramirez and family. Photo courtesy of Rev. Ramirez.The way to a pastor's heart
We hate to generalize, but United Methodists enjoy food. Asking your pastor to dinner or making them a meal — especially if they are single or have children — can mean a lot to someone who is on the go.
The Rev. Lily Ramirez, pastor to a Hispanic congregation in Paterson, New Jersey, said that while visiting an English-speaking church, she was touched that members had prepared recipes from Colombia where she had lived as a child. In the Hispanic church, she said, "It is common for families to prepare traditional foods from their countries of origin — such as Mexico, El Salvador or Puerto Rico — and to share them with their pastor." Celebrating another's culture is great way to get to know them better and to express gratitude for them just for being who they are.
Speaking of children, Ramirez added that church members have been helping babysit her two girls "since they were born." Because church members expect that she will "show up for activities with her daughters," she says it has been a natural process for people to act as surrogate parents while she is involved in worship or committees.
The Rev. DJ del Rosario preaches at Bothell United Methodist Church in Bothell, Wash. Video still, courtesy of Bothell United Methodist Church.A simple "Thank You" will do
The day I asked my pastor if he would email me a copy of the sermon was the day I realized people don’t always take the time to say thanks for a job well done. For the Rev. DJ del Rosario, pastor of Bothell United Methodist Church in Bothell, Washington, personal thank-you notes “can make a world of difference — especially ones that clarify faith development and discipleship.”
The letter he treasures most came from a young man he had befriended at a fellowship group earlier in his college career: “Thanks for taking the time to introduce me to your friends and make sure that I found a space. I didn’t grow up going to church, but I am now because of people like you who took the time to say hello and look me in the eye.”
It’s just my size
Music teachers tend to get a lot of paperweights with eighth notes and treble clefs, and pastors probably get the United Methodist equivalent. Not that there’s anything wrong with giving Cross and Flame bookends (especially, if you already have), but for the Rev. Darian Duckworth, currently serving St. Luke United Methodist Church in Cleveland, Mississippi, it was the personal touch that touched her the most.
The Rev. Darian Duckworth models a necklace given to her by her church secretary. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Duckworth.
At her first appointment, Duckworth received a long string of beads and wooden pieces from the church secretary: “I know you get a lot of crosses and angels and fish symbols since you’re a pastor. I wanted you to have something that was you.” The jewelry not only matched Duckworth’s style — Christian yoga teacher and granola eater — she was touched to be appreciated for her “individuality as a person — not just as a pastor.”
Air miles or thinking outside the box
Not everyone or every church has the money to reward a pastor in the way they might like to financially, but sometimes a little creativity can go a long way toward making a difference in someone’s life. When members of Brecon United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, learned the Rev. Jacob Lee's mother was facing surgery in his home country of Korea, two members donated their air miles so he could make the flight to be with her in her hour of need.
Photographs and memories
Creating a scrapbook of photos and mementos or a digital slideshow of images of the events and people at your church is a wonderful gift — especially if your pastor is moving to a new parish. Photos of services, families, community projects and fellowship will express your gratitude and enrich their memories. Be sure to make a copy for your church as well.
At her first appointment, Duckworth received a long string of beads and wooden pieces from the church secretary: “I know you get a lot of crosses and angels and fish symbols since you’re a pastor. I wanted you to have something that was you.” The jewelry not only matched Duckworth’s style — Christian yoga teacher and granola eater — she was touched to be appreciated for her “individuality as a person — not just as a pastor.”
Air miles or thinking outside the box
Not everyone or every church has the money to reward a pastor in the way they might like to financially, but sometimes a little creativity can go a long way toward making a difference in someone’s life. When members of Brecon United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, learned the Rev. Jacob Lee's mother was facing surgery in his home country of Korea, two members donated their air miles so he could make the flight to be with her in her hour of need.
Photographs and memories
Creating a scrapbook of photos and mementos or a digital slideshow of images of the events and people at your church is a wonderful gift — especially if your pastor is moving to a new parish. Photos of services, families, community projects and fellowship will express your gratitude and enrich their memories. Be sure to make a copy for your church as well.
The Rev. Ivana Prochazkova is a pastor near Prague. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Prochazkova.Walking the talk and trusting your preacher
Keeping the faith, putting your beliefs into action may be one of the greatest gifts you can give your pastor. It’s sort of like taking your college professor’s advice and majoring in chemistry. For the Rev. Ivana Prochazkova, a preacher in Sedlcany (a small town near Prague in the Czech Republic), the greatest demonstration of pastor appreciation is “living fellowship among the members of my congregation and a living relationship with God.” She says this is most visible as “mutual solidarity — in having open hearts to varied people, in mutual respect and empathy.”
“When people in my congregation share their lives, joy and worries, their faith, I feel that my ministry is meaningful and appreciated.”
Happy birthday, dear pastor
A friend of mine told me that every year her congregation takes the time to pick out a birthday card that suits their pastor — and they all sign it. A greeting card to honor the anniversary of your pastor’s first day on the job, to wish that person a Merry Christmas or offer comfort if that person is under the weather is just as treasured as it would be by a member of your own family.
Money
There, we said it. For most pastors, as for most people, a gift of cash is greatly appreciated. Some churches take up a voluntary contribution among its members, and some churches include a clergy bonus in their yearly budget. Several people mentioned gift cards — especially to a restaurant. Sharing prosperity is a very real and meaningful way to show of gratitude.
Prayer
We are all in need of prayer — pastors are no exception. Praying for your church leaders is one of the best ways you can care for them. Ivana Prochazkova related that two older ladies from a parish where she served years ago still regularly pray for her, her family and her ministry. When Prochazkova’s daughter became ill, the women prayed for the entire family for three months — every day. “I am very grateful to God and to them for all these things. They are fruits of the Kingdom of God among us.“
During a Pet Blessing Service, the Rev. Gene Martino Jr, prays with a parishioner mourning the loss of her dog. Photo by Laurens Glass.In closing…
While working on a video project, the Rev. Gene Martino Jr, shepherd for Lambuth United Methodist Church in Gallatin, Tennessee, telephoned to say he was on the way but running a bit late. A member of his flock had died in the middle of the night, and he had gone to be at her side in that final hour.
Why do people choose a profession in which they have to minister to people, not only at the happiest moments of their lives, but often during the worst? For Martino, it is because he feels called every day "to be the bridge between the Eternal Holy and God's children."
“To hold the hand of a dying saint and metaphysically place it in the hand of God as they pass is a sacred and humbling responsibility. It is akin to pouring water over the head of an infant, symbolically entrusting them to the care of God and Church, and having a hand in that responsibility and a share of that joy!”
Many celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month in October. "We don’t really celebrate Pastor Appreciation Day," several churchgoers told me. "We try to show our appreciation year-round."
That seems like a fitting goal.
Laurens Glass works for United Methodist Communications. She may be reached at LGlass@umcom.org or 615.742.5405.
This story was first published on October 10, 2014.
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Christians can sometimes wonder whether to celebrate the secular holiday that falls on October 31. In our Ask the UMC feature, we share info about All Hallows’ Eve.
Many local churches offer safe alternatives to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating. Others turn the focus to more on giving than receiving. Collecting for UNICEF or giving Fair Trade chocolate are ideas for using the occasion to "treat" or give to others.
Have questions? Ask the UMC. And check out other recent Q&As.
Learn more:
John Wesley was fond of All Saints Day. "John Wesley. Stipple engraving by J. Posselwhite" licensed under CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
November 1 is All Saints Day, a sometimes-overlooked holy day in United Methodist congregations. It is not nearly as well known as the day before, All Hallows’ (Saints’) Eve, better known as Halloween, but is far more important in the life of the church.
John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, enjoyed and celebrated All Saints Day. In a journal entry from November 1, 1767, Wesley calls it “a festival I truly love.” On the same day in 1788, he writes, “I always find this a comfortable day.” The following year he calls it “a day that I peculiarly love.”
This may sound odd. United Methodists don’t believe in saints. Right?
Well, yes… and no.
Wesley cautioned against holding saints in too high regard. The Articles of Religion that he sent to the Methodists in America in 1784, include a statement against “invocation of saints” (Article XIV—Of Purgatory, Book of Discipline ¶104). Wesley did not see biblical evidence for the practice and discouraged Methodists from participating.
However, he also advised against disregarding the saints altogether.
John Wesley, founder of Methodist movement, celebrated All Saints Day, calling it a “festival I truly love.”
TRADITION: A THEOLOGICAL GUIDELINE
In studying John Wesley’s theological method, scholars have found four, inter-related theological guidelines: Scripture, tradition, experience, and reason. These are the sources of our understanding of our faith.
By tradition we mean all that has gone before us in the Christian church. We are part of a long history that goes back through John Wesley, to the early days of the Church, and the apostles of Jesus. When we think theologically we need to keep in mind the creeds, prayers, sermons, books, music, and all other ways Christians have understood the work of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in their lives.
In an All Saints Day journal entry dated Monday, November 1, 1756, Wesley writes, “How superstitious are they who scruple giving God solemn thanks for the lives and deaths of his saints!” If your 18th century English is as rusty as mine, it might help to know that the word scruple means, “to be unwilling to do something because you think it is improper, morally wrong, etc.” (Merriam-Webster.com).
Those to glory gone
All Saints Day is an opportunity to give thanks for all those who have gone before us in the faith. It is a time to celebrate our history, what United Methodists call the tradition of the church.
From the early days of Christianity, there is a sense that the Church consists of not only all living believers, but also all who have gone before us. For example, in Hebrews 12 the author encourages Christians to remember that a “great cloud of witnesses” surrounds us encouraging us, cheering us on.
Charles Wesley, John’s brother, picks up on this theme in his hymn that appears in our United Methodist Hymnal as “Come, Let Us Join our Friends Above,” #709. In the first verse, he offers a wonderful image of the Church through the ages:
Charles Wesley wrote hymns that express his theology. "Charles-Wesley-preaching" by William Gush, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Alongside the likes of Paul from the New Testament, Augustine, Martin Luther, and John and Charles Wesley, we tell stories of the grandmother who took us to church every Sunday. We remember the pastor who prayed with us in the hospital, and the neighbor who changed the oil in the family car. We give thanks for the youth leader who told us Jesus loved us, the kindergarten Sunday school teacher who showered us with that love, and the woman in the church who bought us groceries when we were out of work.
Retelling these stories grounds us in our history. These memories teach us how God has provided for us through the generosity and sacrifice of those who have come before us. The stories of the saints encourage us to be all God has created us to be.
Saints on earth
Charles Wesley’s hymn tells us those “to glory gone” are joined by the “saints on earth,” whom we also celebrate on All Saints Day. We think of the inspirational people with whom we worship on Sunday, and those across the world we will never meet. We celebrate fellow United Methodists who inspire us, and those of other denominations whose lives encourage us. We give thanks for those with whom we agree, as well as those whose views we do not share.
Additionally, we remember and pray for our sisters and brothers in Christ who faithfully follow Jesus in places where being labeled a Christian puts them in harm’s way.
One song
On All Saints Day, we recognize that we are part of a giant choir singing the same song. It is the song Jesus taught his disciples; a tune that has resonated for more than 2,000 years; a melody sung in glory and on the earth. Our great privilege is to add our voices to this chorus.
The last verse of “Come, Let Us Join our Friends Above” encourages us to sing faithfully while on earth, so we might join the heavenly chorus one day.
Thanks be to God for the lives of his saints.
*Joe Iovino works for UMC.org at United Methodist Communications. Contact him by email or at 615-312-3733.
This story was first published on Oct. 28, 2015.
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Photo by Roland zh/WikiMedia Commons
Photo showcases pumpkins and gourds.
Does The United Methodist Church have a position about Halloween?
The United Methodist Church does not have an official statement or position regarding Halloween. Church members are free to make their own decisions about participating in Halloween activities.Many local churches offer safe alternatives to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating. Others turn the focus to more on giving than receiving. Collecting for UNICEF or giving Fair Trade chocolate are ideas for using the occasion to "treat" or give to others.
Have questions? Ask the UMC. And check out other recent Q&As.
Learn more:
- Redeeming Halloween by Rediscovering Allhallowtide
- Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF: Eradicate Poverty and Promote Global Health (video)
- Equal Exchange: Fair Trade Your Halloween
- Power of Pumpkins (video)
- Fair Trade Halloween (video)
The day after Halloween was a time when John Wesley urged Methodists to remember and give thanks for saints gone to glory and those still living.
"All-Saints" 15th century. Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
On All Saints Day we remember those who have gone before us in the faith.
All Saints Day: A holy day John Wesley loved
A UMC.org Feature by Joe Iovino*
John Wesley was fond of All Saints Day. "John Wesley. Stipple engraving by J. Posselwhite" licensed under CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.November 1 is All Saints Day, a sometimes-overlooked holy day in United Methodist congregations. It is not nearly as well known as the day before, All Hallows’ (Saints’) Eve, better known as Halloween, but is far more important in the life of the church.
John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, enjoyed and celebrated All Saints Day. In a journal entry from November 1, 1767, Wesley calls it “a festival I truly love.” On the same day in 1788, he writes, “I always find this a comfortable day.” The following year he calls it “a day that I peculiarly love.”
This may sound odd. United Methodists don’t believe in saints. Right?
Well, yes… and no.
Wesley cautioned against holding saints in too high regard. The Articles of Religion that he sent to the Methodists in America in 1784, include a statement against “invocation of saints” (Article XIV—Of Purgatory, Book of Discipline ¶104). Wesley did not see biblical evidence for the practice and discouraged Methodists from participating.
However, he also advised against disregarding the saints altogether.
John Wesley, founder of Methodist movement, celebrated All Saints Day, calling it a “festival I truly love.”
TRADITION: A THEOLOGICAL GUIDELINE
In studying John Wesley’s theological method, scholars have found four, inter-related theological guidelines: Scripture, tradition, experience, and reason. These are the sources of our understanding of our faith.
By tradition we mean all that has gone before us in the Christian church. We are part of a long history that goes back through John Wesley, to the early days of the Church, and the apostles of Jesus. When we think theologically we need to keep in mind the creeds, prayers, sermons, books, music, and all other ways Christians have understood the work of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in their lives.
In an All Saints Day journal entry dated Monday, November 1, 1756, Wesley writes, “How superstitious are they who scruple giving God solemn thanks for the lives and deaths of his saints!” If your 18th century English is as rusty as mine, it might help to know that the word scruple means, “to be unwilling to do something because you think it is improper, morally wrong, etc.” (Merriam-Webster.com).
Those to glory gone
All Saints Day is an opportunity to give thanks for all those who have gone before us in the faith. It is a time to celebrate our history, what United Methodists call the tradition of the church.
From the early days of Christianity, there is a sense that the Church consists of not only all living believers, but also all who have gone before us. For example, in Hebrews 12 the author encourages Christians to remember that a “great cloud of witnesses” surrounds us encouraging us, cheering us on.
Charles Wesley, John’s brother, picks up on this theme in his hymn that appears in our United Methodist Hymnal as “Come, Let Us Join our Friends Above,” #709. In the first verse, he offers a wonderful image of the Church through the ages:
Let saints on earth unite to sing, with those to glory gone,
for all the servants of our King in earth and heaven, are one.
On All Saints Day we remember all those—famous or obscure—who are part of the “communion of saints” we confess whenever we recite The Apostles’ Creed. We tell the stories of the saints “to glory gone.”Charles Wesley wrote hymns that express his theology. "Charles-Wesley-preaching" by William Gush, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.Alongside the likes of Paul from the New Testament, Augustine, Martin Luther, and John and Charles Wesley, we tell stories of the grandmother who took us to church every Sunday. We remember the pastor who prayed with us in the hospital, and the neighbor who changed the oil in the family car. We give thanks for the youth leader who told us Jesus loved us, the kindergarten Sunday school teacher who showered us with that love, and the woman in the church who bought us groceries when we were out of work.
Retelling these stories grounds us in our history. These memories teach us how God has provided for us through the generosity and sacrifice of those who have come before us. The stories of the saints encourage us to be all God has created us to be.
Saints on earth
Charles Wesley’s hymn tells us those “to glory gone” are joined by the “saints on earth,” whom we also celebrate on All Saints Day. We think of the inspirational people with whom we worship on Sunday, and those across the world we will never meet. We celebrate fellow United Methodists who inspire us, and those of other denominations whose lives encourage us. We give thanks for those with whom we agree, as well as those whose views we do not share.
Additionally, we remember and pray for our sisters and brothers in Christ who faithfully follow Jesus in places where being labeled a Christian puts them in harm’s way.
One song
On All Saints Day, we recognize that we are part of a giant choir singing the same song. It is the song Jesus taught his disciples; a tune that has resonated for more than 2,000 years; a melody sung in glory and on the earth. Our great privilege is to add our voices to this chorus.
The last verse of “Come, Let Us Join our Friends Above” encourages us to sing faithfully while on earth, so we might join the heavenly chorus one day.
Our spirits too shall quickly join, like theirs with glory crowned,
and shout to see our Captain's sign, to hear His trumpet sound.
O that we now might grasp our Guide! O that the word were given!
Come, Lord of Hosts, the waves divide, and land us all in heaven.
On All Saints Day, let us give thanks for both the saints in glory and those on earth, who have led us to Jesus. As they have shared the gospel with us, may we add our voices so someone else may hear about the grace and love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.Thanks be to God for the lives of his saints.
*Joe Iovino works for UMC.org at United Methodist Communications. Contact him by email or at 615-312-3733.
This story was first published on Oct. 28, 2015.
The United Methodist Communications
The communications agency for The United Methodist Church
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