In the salutation to the Ephesians, Paul so movingly wrote, “Grace to you and peace from God.” I do pray you are experiencing God’s richest blessings of grace and that grace is consuming you with an eternal peace.

I write this pastor’s corner in the midst of organized chaos, praying for God’s grace to provide peace as construction on Algiers UMC continues.  We are also in the middle of Vacation Bible School, where talented, creative, caring people are utilizing the basement/fellowship hall as their “One Room” do-it all place. 

You see, when the roof leaked, the interior was damaged.  The sanctuary, the youth room, the kitchen, and the entire educational wing revealed the wounds of unwanted substance, in this case water.  With the interior damages getting worse everyday, it was hard to see the beauty of the once new building.  Something had to be done so the beauty could once again surface.

God is good and I mean all the time!  We started last year with a leaking roof, no funds to repair the roof, much less the interior, and very few funds for program ministry.  After praying for a solution, the pieces started coming together.  The insurance company agreed to help.  There was a small grant.  Then there were kind, giving hands of individuals and even some partnering churches.  

From these blessings, we were able to provide needed ministries to the community, get a new roof, and repair the interior.  Praise God for these many blessings.  I can’t wait for everyone to see what has been done to the building.  I can’t wait to tell you about this years ministries.  I can’t wait to see what God accomplishes through us in the days and years that follow.

You see, God has provided the means to get rid of the unwanted substance in our church and will do the same in our life.  In life, the unwanted substance, which separates us from God and diminishes our beauty, is sin.  God’s solution, to remedy sin, is that we ask for forgiveness, repent, and accept Jesus the Christ as one’s Savior.  Simple isn’t it.  Yet difficult, isn’t it.

“Let any one who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink” (John 7:37-38).  All of us experience a thirst that at times is unquenchable, however, God is ready, willing and able to provide grace, through Jesus Christ, which does away with chaos and unwanted substances in our life.   Just like an old building, we become renewed, restored to what God intended.   

Please come and see what God has done.  Come and experience what God is doing.  We are blessed and would like to share these blessings with you.  At Algiers United Methodist Church “We are faithfully bridging together in order to get to the point of making disciples for Jesus Christ.”

My love and prayers to all. I am just another servant of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Your Pastor