“A Pastoral Letter:  A Day of New Beginnings”

     Grace and peace to you through Jesus Christ, from a grateful heart for the impact you have had upon my life, as well as the lives of Ann, Kevin, Andrea, Hannah, and Austin.  We give thanks to God for you, because you know that you are children of God, brothers and sisters in Christ.
     As I step into a new beginning of the phase of life called retirement, we are about to embark on a new beginning as a congregation, with a new senior pastor, a new minister of music, and a new administrative assistant.
     It is an optimum time for us to reflect upon our DNA – the very nature of being Calvary United Methodist Church.
     Our United Methodist Church says that we are to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  That means that we are to offer Christ to a hurting world.  This means, in the very least, that we are going to search for ways to let others know what we know:
     God is saying, “I love you; I have always loved you; I will always love you; and there is nothing that you can do that will stop me.”
     That is what God said with the sign of the rainbow – the covenant never to stop loving all of humanity.
Bishop Robert Schnase has said that the most fruitful churches practice:

     •    Radical hospitality
     •    Passionate worship
     •    Intentional faith development
     •    Risk taking mission and service, and
     •    Extravagant generosity.

     I invite you to visit this site:  http://www.calvaryumc.com/files/foh/sermon_letter_from_vin_walkup_for_calvary_website.pdf to read the text of my sermon from June 9.  And then think about the practices of Calvary.
     Write one adjective beside each of the following “practices” that for you describes that “practice” at Calvary:

                                                                                   Hospitality
                                                                                   Worship
                                                                                   Faith Development
                                                                                   Mission and Service
                                                                                   Generosity

     Peace to you, brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  May you know that every day of your life is blessed – so live fully and love wastefully in the way of Christ.

                    Grace and peace,


                    Vin Walkup