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All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore
and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey
everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you
always, to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:18-20
Backpacks
and school supplies - symbols of our faith? Methodists believe in the
importance of education. The Methodist movement began as a college
ministry! Our heritage includes the founding of numerous schools, at all
levels of learning. Millsaps College is an example. Bishop Galloway
touted the imperative for quality education, including that for African
Americans when such was an unpopular notion in the South. Both Millsaps
and Tougaloo College have buildings named in honor of Bishop Galloway; a
current testimony to our local heritage.
Blessing
backpacks and school supplies symbolizes the sincerity of baptismal
vows. We promise to nurture and care for those entrusted to us. As we
include Brown School in the act of worship in which we seek God’s
blessing upon students, schools, teachers and administrators, we
understand that our faith calls us to extend ourselves, to care about,
and to care for others with whom we must make intentional efforts to be
in relationship. It is our heritage. It is who we are. Jesus’ final
instructions in the Book of Matthew call us to
Go
to
Make
to
Baptize
to
Teach
to
Remember.
The School year begins. May we pay heightened attention, extend the
classroom, and live into our calling.
Kindergarten through College age Students will have their backpacks
blessed, while also seeking blessing for the school supplies of others.
In so doing we will know God is not just at church; God goes with us to
school. By receiving a blessing, we also realize we are to bless
others, and accordingly, will see servanthood in action. Bring your
backpacks this Sunday for both 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Worship!
Joey and Connie Shelton
Email Connie:
CShelton@gallowayumc.org
Email Joey:
JShelton@gallowayumc.org |
