60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?" 61 But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, "Does this offend you? …66 Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67 So Jesus asked the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" 68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:60-61, 66-69
There is an old axiom that asks; “If every church member acted like me what kind of church would we have?” Well what’s your answer? Everywhere we are challenged by our predominate culture that continually, whether consciously or unconsciously, defaults to the practice of: “leave it up to someone else”. Following the advice of another old axiom; “if you are not part of the solution then you are a part of the problem”. What type of example are you personally setting, in your actions and response to your pledge commitment?
When we join the community of faith we were asked; will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church, and do all in your power to strengthen its ministries? Followed up with this question; As members of this congregation, will you faithfully participate in its ministries by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service and witness? And when new members join we welcome them by a renewed covenant pledge to continue to give in support of the church: As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of
The United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and witness that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
