Dear First Church Friends,

What the Lord Requires

Last week in worship we shared together in a Covenant Renewal Service that dates back to the mid 1700s. John Wesley, Methodism’s founder, prepared the service as a way people of faith could renew their covenant with God each year. We renewed our own faith together last Sunday and it was very special.

In the liturgy to that service, there is one part in particular that always speaks to me. It says, “Christ has many services to be done. Some are more easy and honorable, others are more difficult and disgraceful. Some are suitable to our inclinations and interests, others are contrary to both.” I always find myself cheerfully fulfilling the “services” of Christ that are easy and honorable, especially those that fit nicely within my interests. I am happy to lead worship each Sunday, prepare a Bible study, visit with our parishioners who are sick, and sit down to coffee with our new members. These things make me happy, and also are fairly “easy” for me to achieve. They “suit” me well.

On any given day, however, I am also asked to do all kinds of things that I would rather not do. It may be talking with a rude person over the phone or handling a delicate situation with someone in the community. It may be running a seemingly useless errand or handling a family situation I would rather avoid. You know how the list goes on.

In the liturgy last Sunday it read, “It is necessary, therefore, that we consider what it means to be a servant of Christ.” Indeed, we must take time to consider this. And I cannot imagine a better place to do this than at 400 Biscayne Blvd. in downtown Miami. We are at the center of both the “suitable” services and the “difficult,” aren’t we? I know that is why many of you choose to call this your church home. You know that through this congregation you will better learn what it means to be a true servant of the Lord. That is a gift, and we recommit to that covenant with God and the challenge that lies before us as we begin a new year. I look forward to renewing this covenant with you as we seek to serve the Lord together in downtown.

Coming Up

This Sunday, January 8 we will share in a Service of Reaffirmation of Baptism. All who are already baptized will have an opportunity to reaffirm your baptism. Those who have not yet been baptized are welcome to be baptized this Sunday. It will be a special service of Water & the Word and we invite all to come and participate at both our 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. worship services.

Blessings to you, Servant Friends, and see you in worship!

Pastor Cynthia

Dr. Cynthia Weems, Pastor

First United Methodist Church of Miami

Experience L.I.F.E. Downtown

Living, Inclusive, Faithful, Emerging



www.fumcmiami.com