While other ministries can measure their success through the number in attendance, Congregational Care is one that cannot.  Therefore, people called to these ministries cannot really see or experience external rewards.  Their rewards are internal.  Internal rewards are basically what Christian ministry and mission are about.  In Congregational Care, we lose people through deaths and the times when we gain people, it is because their health has deteriorated and they need care.  However, in explaining the different facets of congregational care to the son of a parishioner, it dawned on me that the reign of God is definitely here at FCFUMC and the kingdom of God is here and now.  In explaining to the son of the parishioner whose health has been declining these last two years, he showed me cards that his mom received and wanted to know which groups they came from.  He asked me about his mom going to church when she does not drive anymore and wanted to know who takes her to church.  He was intrigued that they not only come to pick her up, they go to her room to get her if she is not out and waiting.  He wanted to know who these congregational care visitors are who come to visit his mom.  He wanted to know who knits the prayer shawls as his mom received one.  He wanted to know who brought a live wreath in December and hung it on her door.  He wanted to know about the Double Nickel luncheons that he has heard about from his mom and how she goes to them.  He was intrigued that people from our church go to the nursing facility to conduct worship service once a month.  He was intrigued that when people are physically unable to take the van that they can hop into cars that will take them to church.  He was totally amazed at the congregational care network at FCFUMC.  It was after I answered his questions and provided him with information on some other congregational care support available to his mom as her health continues to decline, I realized that this is what it means when we hear it being said, “The Kingdom of God is here and now.”  This is what Jesus meant when he said the Kingdom of God is here.  I want to encourage all of you to continue to embody the Kingdom of God through your prayers, actions, and words even when you do not see or experience the external rewards.  The crucified Christian life is really not about external rewards or growth; it is about the reign of God.  Our parishioner passed away and her congregational care visitor came to be with her family even before the mortuary came and people were praying for them.  They stood amazed at the body of Christ being so alive and well.  Jesus told Lazarus to get up and he did.  The Christian life does not end with the crucifixion but begins with the resurrection.  Rise up people of God!

Rev. Cynthia Paquette

Administrative Pastor