Category Archives: inclusion

The same big sky

Josh Medlock, Director of Student Ministries

I love taking pictures of clouds in the sky.

I don’t know when this fascination of mine started, but I really enjoy all the different ways that clouds form in the sky.

And it isn’t just the clouds.

The way the sun dances across them and reflects different colors and different times in the day can be mesmerizing.

I have taken pictures of sunsets and sunrises that have colors in the clouds and sky that seem impossible.

I have also taken pictures of storm clouds that look like they were going to flatten the entire city.

Awe inspiring. Breathtaking. Beautiful. These are the words that come to mind when I look back on the pictures.

I realize that saying something cliché right now like “we are looking at the same bright sun in the same big sky right now, even though we are 1,000 miles apart” would be just that, cliché.

I mean, come on, if we are 1,000 miles apart, we may be looking at the same sun, but we are definitely looking at a different part of the that “same big sky”.

Still, it does seem to make us feel more connected to each other to think that way.

The truth is. we are connected, and that is one reason why I love the United Methodist Church so much.

We are connected to one another because we are part of the same big tent that allows us to serve and journey together, even though we don’t agree on how to do that.

It is heartbreaking to me to know that there are those who have decided that the tent just isn’t big enough anymore, and that the connection isn’t what it is about.

Not true for me, not true.

God’s tent is always big enough for everyone. Our tent is big enough for everyone.

We just must get over ourselves and realize that it is big enough and start welcoming everyone in.

I think if everyone just stopped and admired the beauty of the clouds every once in a while and realized we are under the same big sky, things might be a little better.

It doesn’t matter how big things seem to be, be humbled by looking up and realize the beauty of what is around us and what we are a part of.

We are all truly connected in so many ways The clouds in the sky remind me of that almost every day.

My prayer is that you can find that something that reminds you as well.

Why I’m a United Methodist

Scot Bontrager, Senior Pastor

In a few weeks we will begin a sermon series on “Why I’m a United Methodist.” where we will discuss what Methodists believe and why.

As part of this sermon series, we want to videotape people answering questions about their experience of being Methodist, and being part of our faith family here at First United Methodist Church Garland.

The questions are:
 

  • Why are you a United Methodist?
  • What sets Methodists apart?
  • Who in your church do you admire?
  • What is your favorite thing about First United Methodist Garland?


Since I believe good shepherds lead the flock from the front, I’m not going to ask anyone to do anything that I won’t do.

So, here are my answers to the questions. 
 
I am United Methodist because I grew up in the UMC. I was shaped and formed by good Methodists lay people and pastors.

The United Methodist Church was where I felt safe and included.

And over time I’ve come to see that the people called Methodist are people who go out of their way to include others.

The United Methodist Church is my home and has been for most of my life.
 
What sets Methodists apart is their willingness to disagree and still get along.

We understand that we won’t always agree, but we can sit in the same pew and praise God even if we disagree about which political candidate will do a better job, or about what a passage of scripture means. 
 
I admire Joey Fisher. He is at the church all the time, doing the grossest jobs, and always seems to smile as he’s doing them.
 
My favorite thing about First United Methodist Garland is how warm this church has been in welcoming me into the family.

I don’t think people are just making nice because the Bishop sent me. I get the feeling they really do like me as a person, even if I’m a bit silly or odd at times.

And the stained glass. I really like the stained glass.