Spirit Alive is a twice a month blog that looks at different aspects of mission and ministry throughout the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference and beyond.

October 24, 2017

Signs of Life:

...in Kuna, Idaho

Years ago, when I served as a pastor in Filer, Idaho, I was amazed by how many congregations there were in town. If my memory is correct, there were approximately twelve small churches in that town of 1,500 people. But not every church ended up serving the whole community. Many of them focused their attention lovingly on their own members, but forgot about the needs of the entire community.

As United Methodists, we are called to live out the gospel in a different way...one that is socially aware and outward reaching. Whenever we do this, we not only embody the United Methodist Church at its best, but in the process become something much more. We become the community's church as well...a place where anyone and everyone can turn for guidance, resources, and support...a setting in which all can be fed by what is taking place there.

The United Methodist Church in Kuna, Idaho is such a place. From emergency food to haircuts for school-aged children and much more, Kuna UMC is at the center of that community's life. And in many ways, they also represent the community's heart!

Take a look at what Kuna UMC is doing in their small town.

 Watch the video

I have a quote on my desk at home from John Cage that says, "Begin anywhere." These seem like two very simple, even innocent words. But once you start living with these two words in mind, ministry just seems to show up everywhere...no matter where you are. In fact, anywhere is a great place to begin!

Let us walk in the light of God's love,

Lowell

Spirit Alive is a twice a month blog and email by Rev. Lowell Greathouse, Mission and Ministry Coordinator for the Oregon-Idaho Conference. It seeks to identify where the spirit is alive in our congregations and communities. Check out past editions, or subscribe to the email list.