How do we show our love to people? To show is the key idea here. Telling people is typically not enough, and assuming they know defiantly does not work. There is a bigger idea as a church, though: how do we show people that we are a loving community? If a stranger walks into our building this coming Sunday, how do they know we are a community that cares?
Over the last couple of weeks, there has been talk about the lift project and how expensive it is, and we may not try to install it in the church. As the congregation continues to age, the ability to use the stairs for some may become more difficult or impossible. I have also asked how this congregation wants to project itself to the community. Are we one of inclusivity or one of acceptance when convenient? These questions do not just apply to the lift but in general to issues of accessibility, hospitality, education, congregational care, and service.
Building accessibility is just one part of the answer to these questions. With limited resources of money and volunteers, how do we fully show people that we are a loving community and not closed off? I do not have the answers. I have ideas. If you have thoughts come forward and talk with me about those ideas. Over the next 6 months, we will begin talks about intentional discipleship. These questions are vital to the beginning of that process. As United Methodists this is our mission to make disciples of all people. To do so, we must have a plan in place.