After celebrating Easter Sunday… what do we do next?

 Jesus didn’t rise from the dead just so that we would have some place to go on Sunday morning and something to celebrate every year. He rose from the dead because Jesus is the “Light of the World.”

 But just like the candles, we have our excuses:

We don’t feel ready and need more preparation.

We’re busy with meetings to get better organized.

We’re trying to get our life together.

Shining lights in dark corners in not our gift.

 In a letter written by James in the Bible: "What good is it, if we claim faith, but have no deeds?"

 How do we shine our light into the darkness around us? Know this:

God has a purpose for each of us.

The primary "calling" or ministry for most of us is our family or work place and our community.

Most of us are inexperienced in talking about our faith.

So, the primary task of our church is to develop you as mature disciples for ministry in the world.

We must learn how to talk about our faith with humility in a fast-changing society.

 Questions:

What does Fredericksburg UMC offer to help me grow my faith?

In what ways could our church encourage you to own your own growth as a disciple?

What could you do differently to take more responsibility for your growth?

Is our church doing everything we can to offer opportunities for you to grow and mature?

Are we being intentional about those opportunities?

 How should we describe our church? A football game to watch or a hospital actively involved.

 This little light of mine. I’m going to let it shine. This little light of mine. I’m going to let it shine. This little light of mine. I’m going to let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine.