A Message from Rev. Pam

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in You, you will bear much fruit.

--John 15:5

As we encounter the story of God and his saving love in the Bible, we discover a holy story of sacred connections. We learn that God as Creator is deeply connected with the universe and with humanity made in the divine image. In Jesus, the human and the divine are one in ways we cannot fully comprehend in our minds, but we can experience in our hearts. The Holy Spirit binds all together in love and grace.

As September arrives in Geneva, we are very mindful of the bunches of grapes upon the vine. We understand there has been careful cultivation of the vineyards. We realize that air, light, rain, and soil each contribute to a bountiful harvest in unique ways. We know that each season is both the same and yet very different from the last. The wise farmer observes and adjusts to the season at hand.

In offering the image of Himself as a vine and humanity as the branches, Jesus beautifully shows us the interrelatedness of life in all seasons. One branch does not vie for superiority over another, nor do they fear the other branches reception of sun and rain. Furthermore, Jesus affirms that when we live in him - the True Vine "... his joy will be in us, and his joy will be complete." (John 15:11) In this Gospel lesson, Christ reminds us that our work is love for it is only in life-giving connections we will bear fruit.

We are a connectional church. In this issue of the Communicator, we are including the Five Pillars proposed by our Bishop and Leadership. The Pillars outline our work and our vision together as the Ohio branch of the United Methodist Church. I will be highlighting a Pillar each week in worship. As people of the Vine, we should not be surprised that the first Pillar is RELATIONSHIP! We are well on our way. For example, while we nurture our traditional mission projects, our Missions Team is discerning fresh ways to connect with our neighbors - person-to-person. For how can we live our mission of making and maturing disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world unless we reach out and create real connections with new friends and our neighbors? We understand that new branches bring life to the Vine and blessing to each branch. In addition, our Fifth Sunday Worship is designed to nurture our connection with God and one another through more active engagement than more formal worship styles allow.

In so many beautiful ways we at GUMC experience the beauty and holiness of connection in Christ. In times of sorrow, we uphold each other; in times of joy, we laugh together; at all times we pray together as we connect with the True Vine that brings abundant life and lasting joy.

Looking forward to a beautiful September in the Vineyard and of course, at the Grape Jamboree!

In Christian Love,
Rev. Pam