Christ Methodist Church of Auburn

There are signs of growth all around us. The other day I was carrying a rather large box through the garage of our previous home and noticed some familiar marks on the wall near our back door. I am sure you have these marks in your home or at the very least are familiar with the marks and what they represent. They were small dashes near the door frame accompanied with a name and identifying date. The marks started about halfway up the door and continued to climb until they were over my head, signifying the height of our children over the years we were blessed to call that house a home. They were noted in a fairly regular interval, but the space between each varied, some smaller, and between others the space was quite large, growth spurts - when they were growing taller seemingly almost by the month.

Growth is a natural part of our lives. Physical growth in the younger years as our bodies stretch to the point the Lord has intended, but also emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and spiritual. All of these areas are critical to our development through the various stages of life, but the last of these is where I want to focus today.

In the heart of the Wesleyan tradition, growing up in faith is not just a process of spiritual development but a dynamic journey marked by grace, personal growth, and a commitment to living out one’s faith. At Christ Methodist Church, our Wesleyan heritage deeply influences how we nurture the next generation in their faith journey, ensuring that they grow up grounded in the principles of love, service, and holiness.

From the earliest moments of a child’s life, Wesleyan teaching emphasizes the grace of God that is present even before we are fully aware of it. In our Sunday School programs and children’s ministries, we introduce young ones to the concept of prevenient grace—God’s love that reaches out to us before we even recognize it. Through engaging Bible stories, hymns, and simple prayers, children are introduced to a God who loves them unconditionally and desires a personal relationship with them.

As children mature into teenagers, their faith journey takes on a more personal and reflective dimension. Wesleyan theology encourages a growing understanding of personal responsibility in faith. Youth groups, confirmation classes, and Bible studies become avenues for teens to explore the idea of sanctifying grace—how God’s grace continues to work in us to transform our lives. We emphasize the importance of personal holiness and the call to live a life that reflects God’s love in actions and choices.

Teenagers are also encouraged to engage in acts of service, reflecting John Wesley’s belief that faith must be lived out in practical ways. Through mission trips, community service projects, and youth-led initiatives, they learn that their faith is not just about personal salvation but about making a positive impact in the world around them. Entering young adulthood, individuals face new challenges and opportunities to apply their faith in diverse aspects of life. The Wesleyan tradition teaches that faith is a journey of continuous growth and transformation. At this stage, young adults are encouraged to seek God’s guidance in their career choices, relationships, and personal development.

Our church supports young adults through mentorship programs, small groups, and leadership opportunities. These experiences help them to integrate their faith with their daily lives, reinforcing the Wesleyan call to live out one’s faith with integrity and purpose. The principles of love, justice, and service are central to their spiritual formation, guiding them as they navigate the complexities of adulthood.

Growing up in faith is a lifelong journey that continues throughout one’s life. Wesleyan theology places a strong emphasis on the idea of “going on to perfection”—a continual process of growing in grace and love. At Christ Methodist Church of Auburn, we believe that spiritual growth is a dynamic and ongoing process, supported by the entire faith community. We are committed to providing opportunities for all ages to engage in worship, study, and service. Through our programs, sermons, and communal activities, we aim to foster an environment where faith can flourish at every stage of life.

Let us continue to support and uplift each other as we grow together in our Wesleyan tradition. May we nurture the next generation with the same love and grace that has been poured out to us, celebrating the rich journey of faith that unfolds in every stage of life. See you Sunday!

In Christ, Pastor Tony

Gathering in the lobby for coffee, water and doughnut holes at 9:00.

Please be in your seats by 9:25 for the prelude to begin. The service will start at 9:30am.

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*We are still in the process of gathering names and street addresses of those in our congregation who do not receive our weekly Newsletter by email. We would like to begin mailing them a copy of our email. If you know of someone who would like the weekly Newsletter mailed to them, please let us know.

Let's continue to make a habit to check the Connect Cart and tables as you enter the lobbies for worship each Sunday. In addition to hymnals, we have guest name tags as well as regular name tags for regular attendees who forgot theirs (Pastor Tony appreciates those as he learns everyone’s name). Also, there are "Our Daily Bread" devotional booklets, volunteer forms, car stickers and magnets, packets with CMCA note pads and pens to have or share with friends, maps to Sunday School classes, order forms for plastic magnetic name tags, worship kits for children (they can take home), offering envelopes, Connect Cards (place in offering plate), VBS flyers, etc. Another suggestion is to give your worship bulletin to a friend and invite them to worship with us.

*As you arrive at Lee-Scott on Sunday mornings, we encourage you to be aware of marked parking spaces in the back entrance and to make sure you park in a marked space. Please be aware that the trailer used to transport our equipment will be parked at the back entrance and does not need to be blocked so that it can be moved or it can be opened in the rear area. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter!

*Please start making it a habit to check our website on a regular basis for updates and events at www.christmethodistauburn.com

We are so grateful for each and every one of you and for your commitment and faithfulness to serve our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Please continue to pray, and pray some more for our body of believers as we move forward together and seek God’s guidance in the days to come. You are all so loved and appreciated!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Christ Methodist Church of Auburn

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