Colemanville UMC

Being able to shine, doesn't just happen. An oil lamp needs to be filled; an electric light must be connected to a source of power. Jesus, using a different analogy, talked about the source of our power to shine: "Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me" (from John 15, The Message, Eugene H. Peterson). Much of what we do together is an effort to stay connected with Jesus.

A light must also be well placed! Ever try to read in a room where the light was in the wrong place? Jesus had something to say about this as well: "No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp-stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others…" (Matthew 5:15-16, New Revised Standard Version). As a result, some of our most important work happens when we are not together, not "at church"… It is very important that we are the church in the world of our daily lives and not just when we are gathered together on Sundays

Eugene Peterson's version of Jesus' words sum it up well: "You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world…. I'm putting you on a light stand…. God is not a secret to be kept…. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God" (from Matthew 5, The Message).

That's what we're about: staying connected to Jesus so his love can shine through us and brighten not only our lives, but the world. The grace and peace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, be with you… And, let it shine!

Jim Goudie

P.S. If you do not have a church that you call home, you are certainly welcome to become involved in the life of our congregation, at your own speed and in the ways in which you feel led. Feel free to be in touch. -- jgjm@voicenet.com or pastor@colemanvilleumc.org.

	Colemanville United Methodist Church To Love Others As God Loves Us

	Being able to shine, doesn't just happen. An oil lamp needs to be filled; an electric light must be connected to a source of power. Jesus, using a different analogy, talked about the source of our power to shine: "Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me" (from John 15, The Message, Eugene H. Peterson). Much of what we do together is an effort to stay connected with Jesus. A light must also be well placed! Ever try to read in a room where the light was in the wrong place? Jesus had something to say about this as well: "No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp-stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others…" (Matthew 5:15-16, New Revised Standard Version). As a result, some of our most important work happens when we are not together, not "at church"… It is very important that we are the church in the world of our daily lives and not just when we are gathered together on Sundays Eugene Peterson's version of Jesus' words sum it up well: "You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world…. I'm putting you on a light stand…. God is not a secret to be kept…. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God" (from Matthew 5, The Message). That's what we're about: staying connected to Jesus so his love can shine through us and brighten not only our lives, but the world. The grace and peace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, be with you… And, let it shine! Jim Goudie P.S. If you do not have a church that you call home, you are certainly welcome to become involved in the life of our congregation, at your own speed and in the ways in which you feel led. Feel free to be in touch. -- jgjm@voicenet.com or pastor@colemanvilleumc.org.