Over the course of my short 28 years, I have realized a couple things: Lucky Charms is hands down the best cereal on the market and church is a worthwhile task on Sunday mornings, even with small kids.

While there are times I really don’t want to get out of bed on Sunday mornings, even though I’m the pastor, I find it worthwhile each week.

Whether it’s receiving just a slight bit of encouragement, realizing that people outside my immediate circle care about me, or maybe just being a part of something greater than myself, it’s worthwhile. Some reading this have been hurt by the church, or maybe by someone who claimed to be a Christian. If that is you, I want to apologize on behalf of them.

While we (the body of Christ) are all saved, it doesn’t mean we are perfect. Rather it means we are human and are in need of just as much grace as everyone else.

We long to feel appreciated, cared for and loved by someone. As humans, we tend to look for love in any place we can get it, whether we are a 13 year old being told we are loved by our boyfriend or girlfriend, or whether we are over the hill still looking for stability in our life.

Our society has told people throughout the ages they don’t matter, they aren’t loved and not one person cares. I care, and so does my God.

If you are looking for a church, we would love to have you at First United Methodist at the corner of Fifth and Center streets, but if you are just out of the habit and belong to a different church I’m sure they would love to see you as well.

I’m not old enough to remember the Golden Age of the church, but I am old enough to know that God is alive and desires each and every one of us to feel His grace, love and concern for our lives.

May you return to, or begin going, to church this Sunday so you may find great hope for the future and meaning for the present.

 

Caleb LaFond

Family Minister

Ironton First United Methodist Church