Our Church & The New Changed Mission Field

We at Independence United Methodist Church have been in continued prayer for our new pastor, Steven Howe as he starts his ministry. We know that God has sent him to us for a purpose. We feel that God is with us as we face a new year of service to God and others. We want our church to carry out the United Methodist Motto: Open minds, Open hearts, Open Doors and to be known as a safe santuary where all can come to study God's Word, share in fellowship and worship with a loving and caring congregation, and to receive the message of God's  "salvation plan" for their lives. We have discussed as a congregation the changes of the mission field and we seek to have a greater, shared awareness of service. We are starting to see eyes being opened to the needs of so many who live within a close proximity of our church.  We are praying and seeking God's guidance for projects and ideas to get them into our church. Also we want to continue to serve those who need our help within our community and the world outside our rural area. We seek to strengthen our church groups who help organize projects for these missions: UMM, UMW, UMYF.  Our prayer for 2014 is to let our eyes and hearts be opened more by the Holy Spirit. We want to work more closely as a three church charge to have a like-minded focus toward this mission field and to share in many projects and services as we serve. Our prayer is for unity as a charge ( Independence, Coles, Temple Hill) and dedication as congregations to carry out these goals. We know that with God's guidance we can become the " Hands and Feet of Christ" as we serve and witness. ........ submitted by Patricia Lassiter