The word has just been announced: St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church will cease to exist. Who would notice? What difference would it make? Better yet perhaps, why should an article from the Pastor begin with that statement? (Which, by the way, isn’t true.)

I think it was Mark Twain who answered rumors of his being at the point of death in this manner:  “The report of my death was an exaggeration.” Those were the words he penned and signed (although the whole “grossly exaggerated” phrase probably made for better press). Which brings me to a couple of points: 1) oftentimes, rumors sell better than truth, and 2) if St. Andrew’s truly did cease to exist, who would notice? Why would they notice?

The old adage of Christianity always being one generation from extinction has an element of truth. I believe St. Andrew’s UMC, DeSoto, will do well to stop and consider the ‘why’ of our existence – how do we want to be known? What is the message people are hearing? Why should we matter? I also believe our times are, in a way, dictating that we stop and measure out the ‘why’ of our existence. Many would agree that it is nearly always better to decide How we want to be known, than to be left with How we want to be remembered.

God continues to change lives. Jesus continues to be Lord. The Holy Spirit continues calling people. May we be continuous in our prayers to catch the vision God has for us in being difference makers in DeSoto…for generations to come.