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.
First Reflections 