Kitty Williams
First United Methodist Church Garland …
I love the way this church bonds together to get ministry done.
Perhaps this German word, “gestalt” applies.
It means “an organized whole that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts.”
That is what happens here.
It is amazing to see how God works through people to bring God’s “kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.”
Serving with you has been my honor and pleasure.
Musically, I am always amazed at the beginning downbeat.
I am thankful for the years of practice from each individual making that one note (and the music that follows) a beautiful sound, in tune and on time.
There is an intangible understanding that causes music to inspire and move us to do God’s will.
So to all the choirs, all the tech people, all the set builders, all the financial supporters and all those who encourage and pray for the music at First United Methodist Garland, gestalt – thanks!
Rummage sale!
Does God work through fundraisers? Yes, on multiple levels!
First, it causes us to clean out the excess in our homes.
Second, we grow together as a community as we work and organize.
Third, we meet neighbors who don’t normally come into the building.
Fourth, items go to places where they are needed.
(I’m personally excited that a small church will be using the John Markley Sunday School class pulpit. There are several more stories about other items finding a perfect home. Ask me about it!)
Oh yeah – finally, Pure Joy! Youth Choir earned over $5,000 for their annual choir tour.
Pure Joy! is truly grateful! To all who donated, organized, and worked together on rummage sale – gestalt – Thanks.
This year Pure Joy! Youth Choir’s theme verse is Galatians 5:22-23:
“the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.”
As many of you know, because of school district schedules, we had a winter break choir tour instead of a spring break choir tour. We traveled to Atlanta, with stops along the way.
We sang in churches, a youth correctional facility and a halfway house for women.
As we brought the message to others, we learned what it means to truly live and walk by the spirit.
(I hope you were able to come to their show last Sunday.)
To all Pure Joy! Youth Choir members, Diane Owen (faithful accompanist,) the college students interns, youth choir parents, and to those who hosted us – gestalt – thanks!
To Betsy Henderson and all the children’s choir directors for the foundation that you give both musically and spiritually, gestalt – thanks!
Finally, I encourage you all to seek first the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ and do good. Make love your aim.
Sometimes, you might feel like you are not “good enough” or “spiritual enough;” however, as stated in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10:
“‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.”
Although we each have weakness, by humbly coming together, wonderful things happen for the upbuilding and glory of God’s kingdom.
To the people (both in heaven and on earth) of First United Methodist Church Garland for the past 16 years of ministry together – gestalt – thanks!
First Reflections 