I think most of us know what a mission statement is. Basically, the mission statement
should represent the purpose of existence for that business, organization, church, etc… Second,
yes, churches do have mission statements. Third, yes, St. Paul has a mission statement. Last,
our mission statement is, “Helping Connect People to God”

I think all organizations have some type of mission statement. See if any of these sound
familiar to you: Lowe’s Home Improvements, ”Let’s build something together.” Mary Kay, “To
give unlimited opportunity to women.” Wal-Mart, “Wal-Mart’s mission is to help people save
money so they can live better.” Walt Disney, “To make people happy.” One of my favorite
mission statements comes from Starbucks, “To inspire and nurture the human spirit—one person,
one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.” Who knew coffee could do so much?
The mission of the church is very simple, “To make disciples of Jesus Christ.” Jesus
said, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations….” (Matthew 28:19). Most churches have
mission statements that are built on the foundation that Jesus was talking about. We are called to
make disciples as followers of Jesus Christ.
As a result of sin, humanity is broken and dis-connected from God. Jesus came into the
world that we might come to God through Him. Disciples are made when they “connect” with
God through Jesus Christ. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, connect means, “to
become joined.” I like that definition. As a church, our mission is to help connect people…”to
become joined” to God.

There are many opportunities for church members, visitors, and groups to “connect” with
God through are various ministries. Some of those opportunities are: weekly worship services,
youth group, S.W.A.T. youth group, Sunday school classes, FPU classes, Head Start, singing in
the choir or band, going on an Emmaus Walk, teaching a class, participating in Upward soccer,
serving in Upward soccer, serving on our various committees, being involved with our mission
team, giving of our resources to help fund our ministry budget and second mile mission giving,
boy scout groups, TOPS, Narcotics Anonymous, St. Vincent’s Bariatric Support Group, home
extension clubs, UMW, UMM, Leisure Timers, Highland Village Neighborhood Association,
working and fellowshipping together at IU concession stands, BEES, hosting 5-K runs, and….
the list could keep going!

Our church is alive and does so many things. I don’t think we really stop and think about
all the “doors” that are opened through our church that give people an opportunity to be in this
building, to be in relationship with others, to serve God and others, AND to “connect” with God.
We should celebrate who we are, what we’ve done and look forward to the future. There is
much work to do for God’s Kingdom and we know what our mission is….

”Helping Connect People to God!”

Frank

I believe asking for help is a sign of maturity because we finally get it. The “bulb” has officially come on…we know we can’t figure out all of life’s problems by ourselves. Help is a good thing. This following article really hit home with me when I read it. I hope it has the same effect on you.

“I was parked in front of the mall, wiping off my car. I had just come from the car wash and was waiting for my wife to get out of work. Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society would consider a bum. From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes and no money.

There are times when you feel generous, and then there are other times when you just don’t want to be bothered. This was one of those “don’t want to be bothered” times. “I hope he doesn’t ask me for any money,” I thought to myself.

He didn’t.

He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop, but he didn’t look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus. After a few minutes he spoke. “That’s a very pretty car,” he said. He was ragged, but he had an air of dignity around him.

I said, “Thanks,” and continued wiping off my car.

He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between us widened, something inside me said, “Ask him if he needs any help.” I was sure that he would say, “Yes.”

“Do you need any help?” I asked.

He answered in three simple words that I shall never forget. We often look for wisdom in great men and women. We expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments. I expected nothing from this man but an outstretched, grimy hand. His answer took me completely by surprise. “Don’t we all?” he said.

I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a bum in the street, until those three words shook me to the core. “Don’t we all?”

“Don’t we all?” Those words really hit me too. No matter who you are, how accomplished you may be, how much you may have, we all need help. As people of faith we believe our help comes from God. I think the Psalmist had it right…..”I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)

I know I need help. I know some of you believe I need help! That’s okay….like the Psalmists, my help comes from the LORD. I hope you can be honest enough to admit that you need help and that you know where your help comes from and who is giving it.

Frank