“Midweek and I Want You to See What is Happening at WDMUMC” Pastor Cindy’s Devotion 09/12/2019

That’s our focus this month.  Do you recognize the people in this picture?  That’s Morganne taking the selfie and from left to right you will find Hannah, our communications coordinator; Rachel, our director of administration; Pastor Cindy; Pastor Trevor; and Nancy, the director of our preschool.  We are laughing because there is something hilarious about sticking your face through a sign.

And in case you are wondering, the letters on the red t-shirt stand for “God is greater than my ups and downs.”   Two teens in our church and their mom created this.  Very fun!

Can we see all the people?  That question opens all sorts of challenges, doesn’t it?  

First, are we too busy to look around and actually see people?  Are we so task-driven, that people are simply an obstacle in the way? 
 

And when we do see people, do we see them as the people they are?  People who are someone’s son or daughter.  People with skills and talents and abilities.  People with their own story of how they came to this moment.  People who are the culmination of who they love and who love them.  People who have faced ups and downs.

God sees all the people. In some amazing way far beyond our capabilities, God sees and cares for all the people.  And as disciples, we are invited to do the same. 

So an assignment for you for this week.  See someone. Take a moment to really see them, ponder their story.  Offer encouragement and acceptance.  Look at them with the assurance that God sees them too. 
 

And this Sunday when you come to worship, stop by the sign and take your picture.  When we stop to see all the people, something very beautiful happens.  

One more note:  I wrote this early Wednesday morning and I was preparing to send it—and people began popping into my life.  It was really a very nice day of meeting unexpectedly with lots of people.  I had been praying that I might “see all the people” and God seemed quick to answer. 
 

Blessings to you all this day,

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 at 8:30 and 11 on Sunday mornings and we would love to worship with you.  

What’s happening at wdmumc?

#SEEALLTHEPEOPLE, our sermon series continues this Sunday.  Ever feel lost in the crowd?  Pastor Trevor will share his thoughts.  Read Luke 5:1-11 to prepare!  

Bar+Church Begins this Sunday!  Pastor Trevor is launching this new ministry at Fox Brewing at 1 pm. Join in if this is what you have been looking for.  And keep this exciting new ministry in your prayers.  

BIG Transparency Meeting!  WDMUMC is preparing for the fall stewardship effort.  That’s the time when we are asked to make financial pledges to support the church.  Before we do that, we want everyone to know how the church is doing.  Are we growing as disciples?  Are our ministries making a difference?  Are we being faithful in supporting the church financially?  On Wednesday, Sept 18 at 7 pm. Carol Litscher, Mike Powers, Jenny Blackford, and church leaders will share lots of information about what is happening behind the scenes at the church.  You are invited!

Senior Disciples Luncheon September 17 at 11:30.  Good food and great company!  Call the church at 279-0826 if you would like to attend.  And bring a guest!

NAMI Walk!  The National Alliance on Mental Illness is hosting a walk on September 28. Go to https://namiiowa.org/ to join in!

Calling all Kids!  The Chimers Children’s Bell Choir and Children’s Choirs begin September 25!  Adults:  are there children in your life who love music?  Invite them!  Chimers rehearse at 5 and the choirs meet at 5:30.