The Invitation

The Mulvane United Methodist Church recently came up with a new Vision Statement.  A little over a year ago, we received a new Pastor and when He got to the church, we were lost.  His solution...a vision statement.  So I believe He put together a team of people to be on the Vision Committee and this is what they came up with after countless meetings.

Inviting all to experience the life-transforming love of Jesus Christ.

That's it?

Yep.

That's it.

Usually, vision and mission statements tend to get all wordy and confusing.  Not this one.  It is simple and to the point.

Inviting all to experience the life-transforming love of Jesus Christ.

Yesterday's message was about the first word of the vision statement.  Inviting.  PR did an incredible job and I left there on a mission to invite.

You know how good it feels to be invited somewhere?  To a party...to a dinner with friends...to a meeting where your input matters...it just feels good to be needed.  PR asked us about extending that invitation to our friends, family and neighbors.
PR said yesterday we are not supposed to just come to the church, but we as a congregation are to BE the church.  We are to extend the invitation to those who don't have a church home...who don't have His love in their lives.  Because we know how important it is.  We've been invited.  Every one of us.  We were invited to come to church.  Maybe the invitation came from the Lord.  Maybe it came from our parents.  Maybe the invitation came from a friend in the middle of your own personal valley...but it came.  And it made a difference in our lives. 

I was talking with a friend about this and they said..."I don't like to pressure people into doing things they don't feel comfortable doing."  Okay...I agree.  BUT...I know my God.  I trust my God.  I know that if I put the offer on the table and that person comes...it is because He got them there.  He knows before I even extend the invitation if it is the right time or not...and he knows when they need it and who it is coming from.  But if I never put that offer out there, they may feel unwelcome.  They may feel like they didn't get told about Jesus...and if we are the body...why aren't our arms reaching?  Of course there are going to be people that say..."No thanks"...or "too busy"...or "I have my own personal reasons for not attending church."  And I can respect that.  But if I never put it out there...and they never know Christ...ugh.  I can't even finish that sentence.  So friends...here you go.


You are cordially invited to join us at the United Methodist Church for an opportunity to experience the life-transforming love of Jesus Christ.

When:     Sunday Mornings at 8:15am in the Sanctuary, 9:30 in the Multipurpose Room and 10:45 in the sanctuary.

Where:    Mulvane United Methodist Church   http://www.mulvaneumc.com/ 107 S Central, Mulvane, KS  67110

Who is invited?  ALL.  Everyone and anyone in need of His love.  If you know anyone who fits this description, please pass the invitation on. 

Because I care about you.  Because some of you I know very well.  Because God's love is such an important part of my life...I am inviting you to come to church with us.  If not at our church...find a church that fits you.  The beautiful thing about God's love is that it is everywhere.  His love fills churches and homes all over the world...let us help fill the ones that don't have it.

Have a blessed day!
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