June 2023
Let Us Not Become Weary in Doing Good!
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time. We will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:9-10)
A few weeks ago, I walked through my garden, wondering why spring has not come yet. It still felt cold and a soft wind was blowing. It smelled like spring, even though I couldn’t see any flowers. Then, I found a few Korean herbs sprouting out in my garden. It was what I had brought from Chicago when I moved here to Wisconsin. I was surprised that many of the herbs were sprouting in my garden. I was disappointed with my garden again last year because it seemed to grow poorly ever since I planted it in 2019. But, this year, the plants spread, making more family plants throughout it. It took four years to spread all over my garden. In other words, it took four years for them to settle in my garden in Wisconsin. It was terrific to see how a plant settles in the ground and grows.
My plants are like me. I came here alone in August 2019. I didn’t have any friends or family members with me. Then, I settled in Wisconsin, made friends, and made many family members in Jesus Christ like all of you. I am very similar to the Korean herb I planted in my garden, am I not?
A few weeks ago, I had a meeting with the Atlas Administrative Council members, and we discussed the financial crisis that church is facing. Lots of concerns came to mind, but one of them said, “But we still have hope because it is the church of Christ.” Atlas UMC is located in a small farming community, but it has younger members, Sunday School kids and youth confirmands, which is hopeful. We decided to write a letter to the church family and friends to address our situation and ask them to support us more if they can. We met with District Superintendent, Rev. Barb Certa-Werner, to discuss this issue. She suggested meeting with our parish representatives to see if we could share this burden as one parish. So, we met with the Staff-Pastor Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) members, treasures, and Administrative Council chairs. We all have a positive mind, share the burden, and plan to move forward together. We will care for one another and support one another. We decided we go forward together as a parish.
Atlas Administrative Council shared a scripture verse through the letter, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:9-10). Yes, don’t become weary in doing good for God’s ministry. It is not only an issue for Atlas; we may all face it, or something similar sooner or later. However, if we don’t give it up, God also will not give up on us. The fact that we have kids in Sunday School and youth group in our ministry is such a blessing. As much as we can’t give our kids up, we can’t give our church up.
Think of our children and youth ministry. We have a youth director and youth and kids’ gatherings. They meet typically every other Wednesday, and we have Sunday school, even if it is a small group. Sometimes they seemed to prefer to play games, and not focus on the scripture or Christian teachings, but they are growing in faith. I am sure they will never forget their church experiences as children, even after becoming adults. Like planting a garden, we are planting seeds of faith in their minds and souls, and then the Holy Spirit will make them grow and bear fruits, even though it takes longer than we expected. This year, we received a grant for the Vocational Bible School (VBS). So, we plan to have VBS and youth camp this summer. What a beautiful ministry! Your prayers and commitment are essential to our ministry. Let’s go together, sharing the burden! “Do not become weary in doing good!”
Blessings,
Pastor Jenny
