Hello, beloved of God!
Last week I had the opportunity to attend a lunch & learn at the Denton Wesley Foundation that focused on how we minister with young adults. Since I came to faith through the work of a Wesley Foundation, which is what we have traditionally called United Methodist campus ministries, I know in my soul the importance of being a place where young adults can ask question, struggle with their faith, and figure out who it is that they want to be, often during their first opportunity in creating an identity apart from their parents.
Here are the notes I took during the session: “Belonging – not where, but who.”
That shorthand makes sense to me, but to fill you in on the back story, Rev. Marianne Brown-Trigg, the campus minister in Denton, shared that most churches approach her as an expert on young adult ministry with one question – “What should we do to be in ministry with young adults?” They are usually looking for a program or an ideal day to meet or the best place to meet and gather young adults. They are looking for what. They are looking for where.
But the answer is who. Young adults, like people of all ages, feel belonging when they find people who genuinely care about them and want to be in relationship. Who is really the answer for all of us. I felt like I belonged at the Wesley in Central Arkansas because my friend invited me (repeatedly) and the folks there welcomed me, engaged with me, surrounded me with a community of steadfast love. I hope you have a similar story about your experience at Grace.
This all reminds me of a song from the Okee Dokee Brothers that has become one of my favorites called “If You Want a Song.” It goes like this:
If you want a song (you want a song)
You gotta sing (you gotta sing)
If you want a song (you want a song)
You gotta sing (you gotta sing)
‘Cause once you find your song
Then the world can sing along
If you want a song (you want a song)
You gotta sing (you gotta sing)
If you want change (you want change)
You gotta change (you gotta change)
If you want change (you want change)
You gotta change (you gotta change)
‘Cause once you change yourself
Then you can change something else
You want change (you want change)
You gotta change (you gotta change)
If not now, then when?
Not later, not then
If not us, then who?
It’s gotta be me and you
If you want love (you want love)
Give it away (give it away)
If you want love (you want love)
Give it away (give it away)
And the best place to start
Is inside your little heart
If you want love (you want love)
Give it away (give it away)
Better yet, watch and listen to it here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EOV0yWIKK0.
Beloved, we all belong and we all deserve to feel like we belong. So let’s be the who for others who need to know they belong in God’s big, messy family.
I’m praying for you. I hope you are praying for me. See you Sunday!
grace & peace,
Pastor Jessica.
Thank you again for a successful week for Family Promise and our guests while they stayed at Grace UMC. It takes a team effort, for sure. They loved all the meals and appreciated the way that we accommodate their food sensitivities and preferences. I think they also enjoy having conversations with the people at Grace. They know we do this because we care about them and their success in the program. In case you ever wonder what impact it makes, the volunteer that came to get the trailer told me that he and his family had been a former participant in the Family Promise Rotation program when it was first starting in Grayson County. He said he was happy for the opportunity to give back.
That is what it is all about. Your hours, effort, and compassion for people do so much good. We have a little time to relax as our next week to host is Dec. 31-Jan. 7. Yes, New Year’s Eve, but what a way to ring in the New Year and perhaps have a little bit slower pace the first week of the year.
Peach Portman
Grace UMC Family Promise coordinator