June has been a very busy month for Saint John. The month began with annual conference, which has resulted in a lot of discussion centered around the future of the United Methodist Church. Sadly, 113 local churches chose to disaffiliate during this annual conference, and this upcoming Sunday will be their last worship service within the UMC. This past Sunday, David Salter delivered the report of the annual conference during the worship service, which was followed by a hope centered message, and I encourage you to view it on the website when you can. It’s located under the sermon section titled: Trusting in God: Signs of Hope.
After the week of annual conference, Saint John held its week-long Vacation Bible School, which was very successful. It’s always wonderful to see children gathering together to learn about God and His Son Jesus Christ. Children always bring a certain joy and energy wherever they happen to be, and we are so blessed by their presence here at Saint John—not to mention—they are the future of Christianity. So, let’s keep the children in our prayers as we move forward together in ministry.
Speaking of prayers, during the last Sunday of June, we gathered together for our first prayer service at 5pm, and it warmed my heart to see so many people come together in prayer. The service was focused on our concern for the Church in the world and how we, as God’s people, can join God’s mission to bring the Gospel into the world. The service lasted about 30 minutes and afterwards, everyone fellowshipped over “finger-foods” in the BPW building. The next prayer service will be in August (specific date tbd), and we hope that you will join us as we move forward as a prayer driven church. God bless all of you!
Rev. Kendell Healy