A Renewed Commitment to Grow and Invite

The beginning of each year our church gathers and talks about new goals for the new year. One goal we discussed was not necessarily new, but one we wanted to bring emphasis and intentionality to. This is the goal of invitation.

Jesus calls us to “make disciples”. We are called to invite others into a relationship with Christ. There are a variety of ways in which we do this. At Milton UMC we have quite a few different connection opportunities each month. We host family oriented events, ministry and mission happenings, fellowship gatherings, study groups… such as: a Family Bowling day, a fall car show, our annual Valentine's Spaghetti Dinner, MOME’s free clothing exchange, the GIFTS men's homeless shelter, the Share Food Program… We have Bible study classes, Sunday school classes, exercise groups, Girl Scouts… We have missions’ trips to various places in the US. And of course we have our weekly worship services – traditional and contemporary styles with voice choir, bell choir, guitar, piano, drums... depending on which service you attend.

There is so much good happening in our church. And this church is doing so much to reach out in our community – sometimes I think we are just busting at the seams! This doesn’t mean we are perfect. We don’t offer something for absolutely everyone. But I believe we can offer a message of hope to the people we know, who don’t have a church home.

If you are a member or regular attender of MUMC, would you think about whom you know – this may not be a close friend but an acquaintance or neighbor – that would really benefit from an invitation? Invite that person to come to worship and then brunch afterwards. Invite that person to our Valentine's Spaghetti Dinner and then church on Sunday morning. Invite that person to one of the Bible study classes and then a church service the following Sunday.

If you aren't a member or attendee of MUMC, but attend another church, this same request holds true for you. Invite someone into a relationship with Jesus Christ through your church. More people come to be a part of a church through invitation than any other means. More people stay active in a church when invited to participate in ministry, music, media, mission, bible study, children and youth groups... because they are invited.

MUMC has much to offer and many people want to be connected. They are just waiting for that invitation. Let's share this good news, this great joy, with the people around us. Make it a priority this year to invite people into a relationship - to be a part of your church.

Blessings to you my friends,

Patrick