We Are Alive
Today I met with AQ and Sharon who joined Pine Valley United Methodist Church in June. All I had to do was ask, “Why PVUMC?” and an hour later I was still writing. I like to meet with people so I can “feel” their words. With AQ and Sharon, they radiate an excitement. This was an hour filled with excitement and passion for PVUMC!
The first thing that made Sharon know she had found her church was the presence of the Holy Spirit. She said the first Sunday, as soon as she walked in the door, she felt the Holy Spirit. After Tim’s sermon, he did an Altar call and they went forward. Pastor Barry asked what he could pray for them and Sharon said a renewed spirit. And that prayer has been answered here at PVUMC!
The sermons, Altar calls, the children’s moments, the prayers and the outline in the bulletin are all wonderful. At the end of the service they are excited. Sharon said she is excited to read her Bible again. Joshua 1:8, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” They find the sermons challenge them. Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
AQ says Tim is like an old friend that he has known forever. He loves that Tim speaks and welcomes first time visitors. Then he takes the time to speak to people at the end of the service. He says Tim’s sermons are Biblical and “right on”. 2 Timothy 4:1-2, "I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and teaching."
I am quickly told that it is not all about Tim. He said it is the people. From the first time they got out of their car in the parking lot people were greeting them. They said they think others are excited to be at church too! The Connection Cafe is where they have met many people in between Sunday school and church. They have become very involved in small groups which helps them to feel a part of the church. They are involved with United Methodist Women, Agape Sunday school, Wednesday night suppers, Barry’s Bible study, Ever 49er’s, and The Travelers! They feel they are part of a family here! Matthew 12:49-50, “And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.’”
AQ and Sharon have a renewed Spirit! 2 Corinthians 4:16, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” I think AQ summed up PVUMC when he said, “We’re in a family here. Who is the church? We’re the church!” In the Bible, the church is always a reference to people, not a place. The church is a body of believers that live out the Gospel in their words and actions. The church is at its best when people inside the building take Jesus’ message outside the building and serve those they meet.
If you know AQ, he is good at making you laugh and cry through his jokes and stories. He shared with me that “a person died at church and when they came to pick up the body they picked up four before they got the dead one they came for!” He laughed and said, “This is not the case at PVUMC!” Romans 8:10, “And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” Pine Valley United Methodist Church is ALIVE!!