A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity – all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved. – Acts 2: 43 – 47
I have never been one to be the center of attention, the life of the party; in fact, it could be said, I am very much an introvert. Perhaps that has more to do with my growing-up years than I care to share at this juncture of my life. Nonetheless, I find being in crowds intimidating, even when sharing space with those whose call is similar to mine.
However, since last fall, I have had the opportunity to engage in our Conference’s New Faith Communities Common Learning Days – the first in Durham and the second in Wilmington. In both cases, I have sat around the table with colleagues who have either answered God’s call to plant a church in our Conference or at the very least, are discerning the possibility. These days have been equally rewarding in the sense we have shared life together in worship, the Sacrament of Holy Communion, mission and service, Holy Conferencing, and meals. Sound familiar? Yep, you guessed it – Wesley’s Means of Grace; the same means of grace shared by Jesus’s disciples; the same means of grace shared by the early church; the same means of grace the church is called to share today.
Though I don’t carry an “official” title of church planter, I do have the privilege of serving as the Associate Pastor of The Mills Church, a young church plant under the leadership of Pastor Laura Wittman, from whom I am learning much. For those that are not familiar with The Mills Church, it is a Reconciling Ministries Congregation, dedicated to working for the full participation of all LGBTQ+ people through the life and leadership of the church. In other words, The Mills Church exercises Wesley’s Means of Grace; and, the Lord is graciously adding to their number.
I give thanks for The Mills Church and all churches desiring to be places whereby Wesley’s Means of Grace are actively being lived out within, and more importantly, outside the walls of the church. May we continue to be a gracious and grace-filled people called United Methodist, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Rev. Renee Edwards serves as the pastor of Mount Hermon UMC in Elizabeth City, NC; associate pastor at The Mills Church in Rocky Mount, NC; and a chaplain with The UM Collective of the North Carolina Conference.
Our theme for this year’s Lenten reflections is Graceful Hospitality. 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the Ten Dollar Club, now known as the New Room Society. We give thanks for our Conference’s ongoing commitment to co-creating new places for new people to gather in communion with Jesus Christ and extending graceful hospitality to all of God’s children.