Submitted by Pastor Bill Hargis, Rock Port and Watson United Methodist Churches

Throughout the Bible we are told to “lift up and encourage each other.” My wife, Cher, and I are now in the beginning of our third month with Rock Port/Watson United Methodist Church. Since we have been here, there have been three Holy communion services, one fifth Sunday potluck dinner (still suggesting third Sunday potluck dinners are better), a few diverted crises, Vacation Bible School, the fair, countless meetings, one nursing home worship service, several visits and meet and greets, and one baptism. We did finally get our furniture – thanks NFM! Cher and I have both felt overwhelmed for most of this year. A sudden retirement, a just as sudden move, family issues, church issues; in other words, life happened!

We knew we made the right decision the day we arrived in Rock Port. People were still working on the house when we arrived, there was food in the refrigerator, neighbors brought treats and welcomed us to town, we were given advice on where to shop, and things to do. We felt like part of the community. This is exactly what we are called to do as Christians. We feed the hungry. Clothe the naked, visit the imprisoned, care for the sick, and invite the stranger in (Matthew 25:35-36). By the way, if you read this chapter, it becomes clear; we do not want to be in the goat pen.

There will always be someone who needs help. There will always be a crisis looming on the horizon. There will always be someone trying to tear down what we have – that sense of community. Do not give in to the temptation to judge, to condemn, or to argue over things that are useless. When we do these things, the devil wins. All arguing will get us is hurt feelings and more animosity, which will lead us into a place where there is no way to mend fences. The alternative? Love them all, make them feel the way this community made Cher and I feel. Not |just welcomed, but loved and needed in the community.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.” Keep up the good work folks. God