We’ve probably all heard at one time or another the phrase, “Let go and let God.” It seems cliche, but the truth is some of God’s best work happens when we stop trying to get in the way.
Last year, Richland United Methodist Church experienced this first-hand after receiving a ministry grant from the Foundation to support their SWIFF ministry (Second Wednesday is Food and Fellowship). The SWIFF ministry plan had Richland UMC opening its doors to the community once a month for a catered meal and a time to connect. However, it had been difficult to get the word out about the dinners and disappointing when more people didn’t show up.
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21
God had a special surprise in store.
It would have been easy for Richland UMC to pat themselves on the back for a good attempt and leave it at that.
Not long after receiving funds for their SWIFF ministry, Richland UMC learned that the local Narcotics Anonymous group had lost their meeting space. The church offered to provide space for the group at no charge, which the group accepted, as other churches had only agreed to offer meeting space for a fee.
Richland soon discovered that there was more to this relationship than just a physical meeting space. Since the Narcotics Anonymous meetings were “open,” two of Richland’s board members began attending and were welcomed with open arms. Soon after, a member of the church offered to watch the children of those attending so they had something to do during meetings.
As Cindy Payne, Richland UMC Administrative Council Chair, explained:
“From this beginning, the relationship evolved. And this is where [the Foundation] grant helped us. We asked if we could offer a meal to the group at their monthly Celebration of Recovery meeting, which includes families. They graciously accepted, and a few of our members became servers at that meal. I was one of them, and it was a transformative experience for me. Our church was filled with people who were willing to share their stories and allow me to just listen and serve and even share my own… I wished that everyone in our church could have experienced that evening. And then a church member said, ‘Why not?’”
Richland decided to host the next Celebration of Recovery dinner as a potluck and invited their entire congregation to attend. They were able to use SWIFF ministry funds to purchase a ham, drinks, and paper products. The rest of the meal was provided by those attending the dinner.
What had originally begun as a disappointment turned into a blessing. Richland UMC learned that bringing the dinners to the people is what made all the difference!
As Cindy explains, “Our goal for SWIFF was not to gain new members for RUMC, but to open our church to show Christ’s message of love and acceptance.”
And, then, God had one more surprise waiting for them! A couple from the NA group soon decided to begin attending Richland UMC regularly with their daughter. “We cherish them, and they bless us,” says Cindy.
Christianity truly is about connection and relationship. It’s about hope and trust. It’s about loving God and our neighbors. Richland UMC’s story embodies all these things, and the Foundation is honored to have played a small role in it.
What are YOU dreaming of for YOUR church?
Twice each year, the Foundation Board receives and considers proposals for ministry projects from United Methodist churches and related agencies throughout Missouri. Applications can be found here, and must be postmarked by April 1 for Spring consideration and October 1 for Winter consideration.
Dream big, friends! You never know what can happen.
“For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26