Jump In: A Call to First & Wesley
If “Show Up” was our invitation to be present, “Jump In” is our invitation to truly belong. God never intended for us to be spectators in His house; He created us to be active participants in His mission.
This year, we are challenging every member of First & Wesley United Methodist Church to shift their perspective, moving from the pew to active participation, from being an observer to being an owner, and from asking, “What is the church doing?” to asking, “What can I do?”
As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good”. (1 Corinthians 12:7). You matter. You have a unique contribution to offer, and you possess a gift that God intends to use for His glory.
Finding Your Place
Jumping in means discovering where your specific gifts meet the church’s needs. Perhaps you feel called to teach, or maybe you find purpose in singing, praying, greeting newcomers, preparing meals, visiting the homebound, or mentoring our youth. You might simply be the one who offers a timely word of hope to someone struggling. While we aren’t all called to serve in the same way, we are all called to serve in some way.
As Peter writes, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”. (1 Peter 4:10).
First & Wesley needs more than just a congregation that attends worship; we need disciples who actively fuel the mission of Christ. If ministry is left to a small, select group, our congregation cannot reach its God-given potential. Jesus didn’t just invite His disciples to listen to His sermons; He invited them to follow, to learn, and to work alongside Him before eventually sending them out to sustain the movement.
Taking Ownership
Jumping in is ultimately an act of ownership. It means that when you see a need, you don’t wait for someone else to step in. It means reaching out when a neighbor needs encouragement, volunteering to mentor our children, or asking leadership, “Where can I help?”
We look to the early church in Acts 2:42 as our blueprint. They were a community that learned, prayed, worshipped, and cared for one another with profound devotion. The result was transformative: “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved”. (Acts 2:47).
Our Year to Participate
At First & Wesley, we have a unique opportunity to build a congregation where every generation; from our children and youth to our seasoned seniors finds a place, a purpose, and a ministry. We want our children to grow up watching adults serve. We want our youth to know their voices matter. We want our older members to know that their wisdom remains an essential cornerstone of our life together.
This year, don’t just attend. Jump in by doing any of the following:
- Join a ministry team.
- Volunteer your time.
- Encourage a fellow member.
- Pray for someone in need.
- Invite a neighbor to join our work.
Whatever you do, remember the encouragement of Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” We showed up, and now it is time to jump in. Let’s move from attendance to involvement, and from sitting in the church to serving through the church. Show Up. Jump In. Move Out.
Some Ways to “Jump In”
Next to each item is a person to ask for more information
- Knit a prayer shawl (Edith Mulligan)
- Sign up for coffee hour (Christine Chan)
- Become a worship leader (Christine Chan)
- Help with a Spaghetti Dinner (Mary Rolfe or Peggy Jerrell)
- Help prepare or clean-up at the Community dinner (Mary Rolfe)
- Join one of the choirs (Christine Chan)
- Learn how to do an A/V job (Jian Chan)
- If asked to be on a committee, try it for a year. (Pastor Frank)
- Put newsletter together. (Helen Smith)
Let us know a skill you have!