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CANAL DISTRICT

Newsletter

June/July 2018

Current Newsletter
and Message from the Canal District Superintendent, Rev. Ed Peterson

Help us to be People of Faith”

Greetings Friends!

Life changed in an unexpected way when I began serving as a superintendent. As a local church pastor, we rarely get a glimpse of what the rest of the world looks like on Sunday morning, because we are in church. As a superintendent, I’m often on the road on Sunday mornings, and I see what the world looks like at that time. I’ve discovered that the world pretty much goes on as usual. I see people in the grocery stores; people out jogging/biking/walking; people out doing yard work. I see kids playing on their sports teams. I see people washing their cars in the driveways. I see people having breakfast in restaurants. Everyone seems very happy and content and satisfied with their lives. No one appears to be in despair that they are not in church. They all seem to be very fulfilled. On Sunday mornings, going to church seems to be another activity in which some people participate if they choose. It is not over and above or set apart in a different way. Today, church is often another activity that competes with shopping, household chores, recreation.

So, how will people find their way to into the life of the church and experience the life-changing love of God? Well, I’ve observed what often doesn’t work. Expecting people to simply walk in to the church uninvited doesn’t often work. Having a young pastor with children often doesn’t work. Having a beautiful building often doesn’t work. Having a great choir often doesn’t work. Having an active women’s group often doesn’t work. Looking to the pastor to bring in new people often doesn’t work.

Today, people find their way into the life of the church by accompanying us in entering through the back door; by joining a mission trip, helping in a food pantry, joining a small group, serving in a local mission. Sunday morning worship is often their last stop in a new church, instead of their first stop. God help us to be people of faith who someone else might want to accompany through the back door of our church.

Love ya,
- Ed

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