In the last few weeks, lots of people have stopped by my office to share their stories. I love to hear the stories of what is happening in people’s lives. We all have these amazing adventures and experiences.
More than that, these stories are sacred. Its grace that forms us and love that compels us forward. I think there is a holy design in every life. And sharing the stories of friendships that are forming, experiences we’ve had, prayers answered and unanswered, even our anxieties, it all reveals our souls.
We have a listening God. In Psalm 116, we read “I love the Lord because he hears…” That makes listening a holy act. When we share our stories, our listening heart takes the shape of a bowl and others pour their lives into ours. No matter how different we are, even if we have different opinions and ideas, comedy or tragedy, we can meet in the good stories of our lives.
I visit Aunt Ann in the nursing home and it’s the stories that bring healing.
This morning someone said “I didn’t know you had had cancer.” They listened as I told the story of my cancer. Afterwards they simply said “wow.” (There is no wow about my cancer. I got off easy.)
My granddaughter tells a funny story about a dog she loves and we laugh and that story provides a platform of love.
I bought a manikin on Saturday. It’s a funny story.
The story of a first kiss. The story of a camping trip. The story of a broken leg. The story of a hometown flood.
A friend becomes a friend, when we know something of their story.
So this Sunday in our morning worship we will share the story of Hagar from the Old Testament. (The Bible does a very good job of telling stories—lots of suspense and dilemma and human fumbling.) At our 5 pm worship, (our response to the United Methodist General Conference Decision), we will listen to someone from the Des Moines Story Tellers tell about a time when they were called to courage. And we’ll talk too, sharing our stories.
Our prayer this year at WDMUMC is Today God, let me faithfully live your story for my life, my church, and my community. Yes, let us live God’s story and tell it to others.
Every blessing to you,
Pastor Cindy
Pastor Cindy Hickman
West Des Moines United Methodist Church
720 Grand Ave
West Des Moines Iowa 50265
515-279-0826
Like us on Facebook or visit us at wdmumc.org.
We worship on Sundays at 8:30am in a traditional way, 11am in a casual celebration, and at 5pm with storytelling and sharing. We would love to worship with you in whatever style is right for you. You are invited.
This week at WDMUMC:
March Madness tonight! Supper at 5:30 followed by a Basketball Trivia event like you have never seen! Celebrity experts, cheerleaders, and lots of fun! Lots of prizes! Supper is a free will offering with the proceeds supporting neighborhood hunger projects. Be there!
Mental Health Forum Dawn G is an activist for Mental Health. She is a member of our church and this is her ministry. Tonight at 6:30 she is inviting everyone to a forum to talk about mental health issues and how our church might develop a mental health ministry. You are invited!
Our Little Pantry needs canned fruit, pasta and pasta sauce. Can you help? Our little pantry distributes 35 items a day. From our hands, to hungry persons to create a healthy neighborhood. God smiles.
Trip to the Science Center to see the Mental Health Exhibit. When we know more, we can do more. The Mental Health display at the Science Center is getting great reviews. Morganne is taking a group to see it on Sunday afternoon. Email her at mreinboldt@wdmumc.org if you would like to go.
And next week: are you one of those people who is not going off to some exotic place for spring break? Feeling a little left behind? Morganne is hosting a Tropical Pajama Party on Wednesday evening at 7:30. We will travel to the pacific as we watch Moana. Who knows? Maybe there will even be (non-alcoholic) drinks with little umbrellas in them. Contact Morganne if you would like a little beach time.
Grateful to be living the story of this church.
#pastorcindysdevotion #westdesmoinesunitedmethodist
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