Thank you for a great CSports Flag Football season! Our church’s stated goals are to “Love God, Love People, and Change the World”. Because of your service we have done that, over and over each season of each sport. Now, beginning this evening, we begin soccer. I hope you will participate and even volunteer to lead in some capacity. Last Tuesday our weekly staff devotion was led by our Minister of Pastoral Care, Rev. Shaun Kaulfers. His message was both inspiring and challenging. He started with the passage found in Ephesians 4:11,12 which says, “It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the Body of Christ may be built up.” Among the “pastors and teachers” I can include coaches, team parents, field and desk volunteers, as well as the Rec staff who spend so much time keeping the fields and equipment ready for play. Then, Pastor Shaun shared Jesus’ words from Matthew 7:21-23 where He said, “Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of My Father who is in Heaven. Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from Me you evil doers!’” That took a while for many of us in the room to digest! We work hard to do what God has called us to do, but, as we thought about it…do we still “know Him”? Do we still take the personal time, not when we’re working or serving, but quiet, private time, to read scripture, to pray, to listen, and to feel His Spirit within and without?

As I am moved often to check my spirit and habits, I encourage you to do likewise. Be sure your “cup is full” so that it can pour out God’s love and blessings onto those with whom you come in contact. Thank you all for what you mean to this ministry and to this community. Be safe and I’ll see you soon!

In His Service,

Steve Ellisor, Recreation Minister

Christ United Methodist Church

251-706-3326

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6