Mission Statement

HENDERSON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Mission Statement

"Caring for One Another"

".. and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving on another, as God in Christ has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32)

It has been a joy to serve among such faithful and giving communities of faith. San Juan and Henderson truly live into Jesus' call to "feed my sheep" (John 21:17). Both churches are addressing and struggling with poverty. San Juan, in a collaborative ministry with the Erie City Mission, holds a five-day a week free lunch program which 50-70 people are served each day. Henderson sponsors a food pantry that serves 50-70 families every two weeks. We offer monthly food boxes for senior citizens and a six-week (4 days a week) summer program for neighborhood children.

We are aware that many of the issues we encounter are symptoms of a deeper, complex problem. Henderson and San Juan are trying to offer hope. We are trying to create a sense of community that will foster mutual care, respect, and worth for all individuals. One of the five areas of focus for our Conference is Ministering with the Poor. The key word is "with." Members of Henderson and San Juan are the marginalized and poor. We struggle with the same concerns as our neighbors; some of us are stuck in the cultural limitations of poverty. However, we have hope and joy through our faith in Jesus Christ. We are passionate about learning what it means to be a disciple. We want to share the hope and love we have found. The problem is that we do not always have the resources to reach out effectively in spreading the Gospel. Therefore, we need the support of the larger community of believers who can work with us in ministry.

We have connected with our sister congregations through Erie United Methodist Collaborative Ministry. Through this connection, we will be able to do bigger and better ministry throughout the city. We are looking forward to a New Year's Eve gathering of worship and fellowship. Early next year we will join together as we raise money for camping scholarships. We also connected with our brothers and sisters in Clarendon through worship and fellowship, first in Clarendon and then in Erie. God is working to tear down all that divides us!

This year has also had its moments of struggle. Both congregations are feeling the tension between what we feel God is calling us to do and the reality of dwindling financial and human resources. Some of our leadership has experienced the loss of a loved one, some have had significant health issues, while others are challenged by family issues. In many ways members have reached out to each other in concern, and I am awed by the love they have for each other. I pray that we can continue to ".. and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32)

I look forward to the coming year as we grow in our understanding of God's grace and respond with renewed passion and energy.

Blessings of Grace,

Pastor Mary

December 2016