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Dear Friends in Christ,
What a blessing it has been! That is all that I can say about our transition to First UMC Kingsville. From the introductory meeting to the move in, this time has been a blessing. As with every blessing there are times that are bumpy as well. Yet through all of the joy and the trials, there is one fact that is never shaken. The fact is that God is in the midst of our lives, and we are the people of God.
You all have been very welcoming from the time of the first meeting we had with the Staff Parish Relations Committee where Sharon and I were introduced. We were made to feel welcome by our District Superintendent who then introduced us to the committee. No matter how many times I have done this, it was still very nerve wracking. From the very first words exchanged, we were made to feel welcome and began to see God at work in this move.
Now, it was not in our plan for Sharon to have major surgery in the midst of the moving; however, that is what happened. We felt your presence with us in this time as you prayed for her healing, my sanity while supervising a three-year-old with the move growing ever closer, and in our settling in here. I wish I could say all the boxes are unpacked but I cannot. We have a friend who said to us in the midst of all the help we had to pack, God wants you to have Christmas in June every time you open a box! I would have to say that has been a true statement. We are always surprised when we open a box as to what we will find.
In all of the moving and in the time we have been here, I can see God at work. God has a plan for us all to know and live in God’s grace. It is a bit overwhelming to think about that, yet it is the place we gain our strength and hope for life in the faith. God’s grace is always with us and at work in our lives. You and I are the beloved ones for whom God has offered Christ. Even more God’s amazing grace is here not only for each of us but also for all. For all! The problem is that many never hear or see the grace of God lived out. You and I are here to show the world that loving grace.
This is the beginning of a new time for us together. It is a time of great expectation and a time of great concern. We need not worry as we put God first and do as God asks each of us to do as part of the Kingdom. We have the grace of God, and God will do even more than we can ever imagine. God’s grace is more than enough for us all.
Grace and
peace,
Sheldon
