We are surrounded by some incredible churches in our community. Churches of all sizes and styles that are growing, reaching people, and sharing the love of Jesus. And while there are so many wonderful places to worship in our area, I’ve found myself thinking lately about what makes PTCUMC special. What makes people choose to call PTCUMC home?
Our church is growing. We’ve welcomed twice as many new members this year as we did last year, and there are so many things to celebrate! But when I think about what makes our church special, I keep coming back to something that isn’t necessarily new or trendy.
We are a multigenerational church.
And I think that’s one of the greatest gifts we have to offer.
In everyday life, we tend to build friendships with people who are in the same stage of life as we are. But there’s something special about getting to know people whose experiences and perspectives are different from our own.
One of my favorite examples is our Bible & Brew men’s group. Twice a month, men ranging in age from their twenties to their seventies sit around the same table, talking about life and Jesus. Retired pilots share stories with pilots who have only been flying for a year. Men who might never have crossed paths otherwise are learning from one another and building friendships rooted in their faith.
I think there’s something beautiful about that.
It’s also the heart behind what we’ve been building through Women’s Ministry this year.
When I joined the church staff, I realized that even though serving the church was now part of my job, God was still tugging on my heart to serve in another way. As it turned out, two of my best friends, Erin Villarreal and Joanna House, were feeling that same tug.
We wanted women of all ages to have a place to come together. Not because they were in the same stage of life or had everything in common, but because they were part of the same church family. A place to laugh together, learn from each other, worship together, and build friendships that might not have happened otherwise.
We started with a potluck (because we’re Methodists, duh!), gathered for a beautiful Night of Worship in August, and next Saturday, November 7, we’ll be together again for Brunchy Bingo.
As I look back on this year, I find myself feeling especially grateful for the people God has placed in my life through this church. People who have encouraged me, taught me things I didn’t even know I needed to learn, and reminded me what a gift it is to belong to a church family.
My hope is that whether you’ve been part of PTCUMC for a few months or a few decades, you’ll take the opportunity to experience this gift for yourself. There are so many wonderful people in this church, and I hope you’ll take the time to get to know them.
Sit across the table from someone you don’t know. Get to know someone whose life looks different from yours. Make room for friendships you might not have expected.
Because I truly believe God has placed us in this church family for a reason. And I hope He uses the people here to bless your life as much as He has used them to bless mine.
