The Main Thing

3/14/2024

Greetings to all! 

You may have wondered about the title of this weekly message.  Years ago the following statement was ubiquitous: Make the Main Thing the Main Thing.  Stephen Covey, the author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, coined the phrase “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”  In other words, keep your focus and efforts on the most important goals.

The UMC latched onto the idea with everyone else.  In the midst of many distractions and new challenges, we as the church have got to keep focused on the “Main Thing” — to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. 

Union has done that.  The Vision Committee Report of 2022 identified four dimensions to our mission and steps to accomplish it.  We are still using that to guide us.  Last November the Administrative Council reviewed progress on Radical Hospitality and Risk Taking Mission; in February they did the same for Intentional Faith Development; in April they will review Passionate Worship; in June Extravagant Generosity.

Meanwhile, the Vision Committee met last month.  We discussed how to keep the vision before us; to adapt to changes and renew our commitment.  Consensus was that it’s time for a gathering of the church leaders this fall to refresh and reboot the vision.  We could hit the ground running in 2025.  I wholeheartedly approve.  I recommend it be the Committee Chairs who take on this task. 

And here’s where God does what only God can do in our story.  As I was thinking about the preparation and leading of such an effort, Judy Woodruff came to my office, totally unaware of these plans, and offered her expertise as a Certified Fund Development Consultant for non-profits.  She can walk us through the revisioning process.  I said yes, thank you!  Again, God provides!

P.S.  Being located on Main Street was also a factor in my choice of a title.  So friends, let us CONTINUE to make the main thing the main thing on Main St. 

I hope to see you Sunday.

In Christ alone,

Pastor Allynn