Do you remember a time when you found yourself in a new situation? Maybe it was your first day of a new school and you did not know where to sit for lunch. Or maybe it was your first day at a new job and you did not know where your workstation was located. Or maybe it was when you were invited to a neighborhood cookout and you did not know who to talk with. These moments can make us feel awkward and anxious; they are uncomfortable moments.
Now think about the first time you went to church. Or maybe the first time you came to church at Royston First UMC. Maybe you did not know where to sit, or where the bathroom was. Maybe you felt alone and did not know who to talk with. Or maybe you were not sure when to stand and when to sit, or what the Lord’s Prayer is. Going to church can be an awkward and uncomfortable experience for some people, and we sometimes forget those feelings because we are used to how things are done.
In John’s gospel, Jesus is teaching his disciples about something they have never heard of before — he’s telling them about their betrayal, his arrest, and his crucifixion. It was new territory for all the disciples, and they were afraid. As Jesus begins to teach them about heaven and this new place, he offers these words of comfort, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am,” (John 14:1-3).
I believe that God has gone before each of us and prepared a place for each of us in the church. But even more than that, I believe God is STILL preparing a place for those who have not been to the church yet. And I believe that we have that responsibility to prepare a place for all people in God’s church. There are people in our community who need to know about Jesus, and I would love for them to be able to experience Jesus and experience God’s love and grace through the worship and ministries of Royston First UMC. Let’s be ready for those who are uncomfortable, those who are awkward, those who are lost, and those who want to know Jesus. Let’s help them know we have a place for them here at Royston First UMC.
I’m glad that you are part of this church, and I hope you have found a place in the church. If you are still searching, let me know and I would be happy to help you find a place where you can connect. No matter where you are in life, I believe there is a place for you at Royston First UMC!
Have a great week and I look forward to being with you this Sunday in worship!
Grace and peace,
Matt
P.S. Have you checked out one of our Sunday School classes on Sunday mornings at 10 AM? We have some wonderful opportunities for you to connect with other people and discover how God is working in your life. If you want to know more about Sunday School or need help figuring out which class is right for you, reply to this e-mail and let me know. I’d love to help you make a connection.
Royston First United Methodist Church 