Write It Down…..Work It Out!

     Someone recently asked me what excited me most about Blackwater UMC.  I was glad they did not restrict my answer to just one thing.  Here are the things which excite me and point to a great future here at Blackwater UMC.  We have some of the finest facilities of any United Methodist church in the Louisiana Conference.  Some friends recently visited and were ‘blown away’ by the wonderful facilities here.  And, they are in a prime location in a growing area of Louisiana.  There are many places in the state where the population is declining, and growth of any entity, including churches is very difficult.  But not here.  Our city and school is expanding weekly, and we have a significant opportunity to grow.

 

     There are a number of indicators in the church that point to a spiritually, and emotionally healthy congregation.  Another person recently commented that in their 25+ years here, they had never seen the variety or intensity of missions, currently being pursued.  Some of our mission projects are literally across the street.  Others span the globe.  The measuring sticks of time, money, and involvement all speak to a desire to grow spiritually and live out our commitment to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

 

     Our youth program is alive and well, under the able leadership of Chris Dillard, and a core of committed parents and other interested adult leaders.  The scope of their ministry continues to both broaden and deepen.  They are very excited about their upcoming mission project to New Mexico.  And, the ongoing local outreach through the Jr/Sr Hi Sunday School class continues to be a source of inspiration.

 

     One of the obvious keys to ministry in this geographical area is the commitment to children.  Every time you read the Central News the bulk of the articles is about the children and their activities, whether it is at school, at church, or community-based initiatives.  Our recent staff addition of Linda Hagan is a major statement about our desire to be in step with the direction the community is moving.  I have the privilege of seeing some of the things Linda is working on, and I am convinced her work will yield some significant returns for the church.

 

     While our worship attendance has been down, our financial position has remained strong.  In fact it is the best financial position the church has been in for at least four years.  That does not mean that we can be complacent about stewardship, but it is an indicator that we are serious about being intentional in terms of the ministries we support.

 

     At a meeting of the Contemporary Worship Task Force, Chris offered an initiative concerning a Wednesday evening prayer time in the sanctuary.  After some discussion, we agreed to begin the first Wednesday in June.  Ann Merrill offered to prepare a light meal at 5:30 and then our prayer time would begin at 6:00 and continue for about  45 minutes.   We would conclude in time for choir members to