"John said, 'Master, we saw someone throwing demons out in your name, and we tried to stop him because he isn't in our group of followers.'" - Luke 9:49 (CEB)
I have been here almost two years, and I still find myself saying, "I didn't know that!" when I discover yet another ministry or great work connected to FUMC Plano. The discovery surprises me and humbles me at the same time. Sometimes my pride rears up; I will hear of great work not attached to our church that a member is doing for many and think, "They should be doing that for their church." That is when I fall into the same sin as John who essentially complained the same to Jesus. Jesus corrected John (and me) saying, "Don't stop him, because whoever isn't against you is for you" (vs.50).
This Sunday we will celebrate the many things the many people do for our community through our church. It will be visual, it will be personal, it will be surprising, and it will be humbling. The impact of our church's ministries will be witnessed just as Jan Samuels did so well in the video shown last Sunday. I encourage you not to miss worship and I also challenge you to bring a friend. You will be proud and they will be surprised. I promise that after church, the conversation you have together will have you both saying, "I didn't know that!"
See you in the surprising place this Sunday.
He is risen indeed!
Matt Gaston
Lead Pastor