Show Up: A Call to First & Wesley United Methodist Church
As we embrace our church theme for the year, “Show Up, Jump In, and Move Out,” everything begins with one simple but powerful step: Show Up.
Throughout Scripture, God works through people who make Rev. Frank Sarpong themselves available. Abraham showed up when God called him to leave his homeland. Moses showed up at the burning bush. Isaiah showed up in the presence of God and declared, “Here am I; send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). The disciples showed up when Jesus called them to follow Him.
At First & Wesley United Methodist Church, showing up is more than attending worship on Sunday morning. It is a commitment to being present where God is at work. It means showing up for worship with an open heart, showing up for Bible study with a desire to learn, showing up for prayer with faith, and showing up for one another in times of joy and need.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.” Hebrews 10:24–25
Our presence matters. When we gather faithfully, we strengthen one another. A warm greeting may encourage someone who feels forgotten. A prayer may give hope to someone facing a difficult week. A listening ear may remind a hurting person that they are not alone. Every person who shows up contributes to the spiritual strength of the whole church.
Showing up also means being spiritually present. It is possible to be physically in the building while our hearts and minds are elsewhere. God calls us to come with expectation, ready to worship, receive, serve, and respond. The psalmist declared, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord’” (Psalm 122:1).
That spirit of joy and expectation should shape our gatherings. For First & Wesley UMC, showing up means being committed to the life of our church and the people of West Haven. It means being present at worship, fellowship, community programs, outreach opportunities, children’s and youth ministries, prayer gatherings, and church meetings. It means supporting the ministries of the church not only with our words, but also with our time, presence, prayers, gifts, service, and witness.Showing up is especially important in a season of renewal and growth. Churches grow when people become dependable, visible, and available. Visitors are more likely to return when they encounter a congregation that is present, welcoming, and engaged. Children and young people are more likely to develop lasting faith when they see adults consistently participating in the life of the church. The community is more likely to trust us when we faithfully show up beyond Sunday morning.
Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20). Every time we gather, we create space for Christ to meet us, change us, and send us. Our presence may seem ordinary, but God can use it in extraordinary ways.
This year, let each member of First & Wesley United Methodist Church make a personal commitment: I will show up. I will show up for God. I will show up for my church. I will show up for my brothers and sisters. I will show up for the people of West Haven.
When we show up faithfully, we become a stronger church, a more loving family, and a clearer witness to Jesus Christ.
First & Wesley UMC, let us show up with faith, show up with expectation, and show up ready for God to work through us.