Let us pray...

   Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” It speaks to the need for leaders to envision the future and connects dreaming and visioning with life. Yet, local church leaders face challenges and obstacles to dreaming. 
   I believe that many leaders struggle to dream about the future in a hopeful manner when the prevailing narrative surrounding the life of the modern church is one of decline and despair. But the obstacles don’t stop there. Despite being convinced that Epworth’s next, best step is for a small group of leaders and representatives to embark on a vision-seeking journey...I have been slowed by questions of who, how and when. 
   We call Pentecost the birth day of the church. But, before this day of visions and bold declarations could happen, significant factors in the personal lives and communal life of the disciples came together. The disciples overcame fear, came together in prayer, spent time patiently waiting for God’s direction and studied the Scriptures. A way forward opened up after leaders prayed.
   So, last week I asked our Church Council to begin praying. Adapting two different little prayers from the United Methodist Book of Worship, I offered this prayer as a guide for our combined efforts. I am asking you to join us. 
   On September 25, 1960, 49 people gathered in a little home in the newly-built Winchester neighborhood to start a new church.  It did not happen without prayers and pulling together. I believe our next 53 years depend, in part, on the vision we capture for the coming season of ministry together. Let us pray.... 
   Grace and Peace, Scott