We renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the Church by

our prayers,
our presence,
our gifts,
and our service,

that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

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I believe that it is important to keep the promises we make.

I know this because I have broken a promise or two in my lifetime and have suffered the consequences thereof. (I note with interest, though it is beside the point, that most of the promises I have not managed to keep have been to myself.) In every case, however – whether the promise was to myself or to someone else – breaking that promise has diminished me as a person.

On the other hand, I have noticed that promises kept – particularly at a cost to one’s self – make a person stronger, deeper in spirit, better equipped to face the real world.

As United Methodists, we renew our membership vows every time we welcome new members into our church. We vow that we will faithfully participate in the ministries of the Church through

our prayers (for one another and our ministries!)
our presence (we will be here!)
our gifts (we take seriously our financial responsibilities!)
our service (we will give our time regularly to serve others!).

It is not easy to be a Christian because something is required of us. Sometimes much is required of us. And yet – because of our love for the Lord – sacrificial living is exactly what we have promised of ourselves.

I encourage each of you, my brothers and sisters, to faithfully keep the promises you have made to Christ Jesus and his Church. It is good for the Church, it is good for those whom we serve, and it is good for you.

I really believe this. Peace and joy to all,

Pastor Mark