Prevenient Grace, and other Methodisms

If you've read my previous blog post on Shrek the Musical, you'll know that I haven't been part of the Methodist denomination for very long. As of the time of writing this post, it will have been officially 315 days to be exact. So you might be wondering why I decided to join the Methodist church, rather than just sticking with my Lutheran roots and attending Centenary UMC as a non-member. Here are a few things that I've discovered about being a Methodist that I love:

1. Prevenient Grace - I've heard many mentions of grace and spent a lot of time thinking about God's grace in my Lutheran experience. But a word that I haven't heard explained in such a way is regarding Prevenient Grace. Prevenient Grace is summarized to be the grace that "we didn't know that we needed." The grace of God that comes before us and leads us into relationship with God. The grace that holds us in relationship as one of God's beloved. We do nothing to earn it, and we can't possibly be worthy of it on our own merit, but it proceeds us and follows with us and carries us. What a beautiful illustration of the love that God has for us.

2. Wesleyan Quadrilateral - I would've made this the top of the list, but it doesn't start with a P. All kidding aside, the Wesleyan quadrilateral is a great tool to use to practice, explain, and explore our faith. The quadrilateral provides us with four "lenses" in which to frame our understanding. Of these sources, Scripture tends to hold the most weight. The others are used together to frame our understanding of Scripture.

As we're studying a Scripture, we can use Tradition to understand the context of what is written. We use our Experience to frame it into our current understanding and to apply it to today's society. And we use reason to understand if the text holds truth using our reasoning with these other sources of context. (The Ravenclaw in me really appreciates this tool of understanding, as it feels very scholarly.)

3. Social Justice - I think that there is a general understanding that Christians are called to service. To be the hands and feet of Jesus is a generally accepted idea among all Christian churches. However in my experience, the Methodists hold this to utmost importance. I've heard Methodism be called "the do-er" denomination. And Centenary UMC is no exception. There are many ways in which social justice is at the forefront of our minds at Centenary.

• Book study - the entire congregation regularly reads books together on topics of social justice. Food security, racial inequality, and economic equality (and more) are discussed regularly as a result of our studies. And not just a read-and-move-on type of experience, it's truly being adapted into our culture and we strive to work on the issues being brought forward as a result of our studies.
• Social justice theatre - performing plays is not just a way for us to express our love of theatre. Topics are chosen carefully to bring awareness to the community - acceptance for all people, the value of every person, and more. And the performances will continue to be free of charge, with a free-will offering taken for a nonprofit that suits the nature of the topic.
• Breakfast church - the Holy Grounds ministry is an opportunity for free breakfast 6 days a week. People from many different backgrounds come to meet at an equal table to experience life together, and to be in community with each other. A partnering of resources from the community is made available on-site to provide opportunities to reach those services that would be otherwise difficult for some individuals. 

These are just a few of many ways that the church that I love puts ministry in the hands of the people. If you're looking for a place to call your (church) home, I invite you to join us for a Sunday, Wednesday night dinner and activities, or even just breakfast if you're hungry.

Positivity for Today

Sometimes being positive is an action that we force upon ourselves rather than a natural joy that comes from within us. Especially if we're struggling with something - food insecurity, an insurmountable amount of bills, experiencing grief or pain, health struggles, and more. It is hard to feel positive when burdens drag us under. Today I pray that you can experience some moments of levity in the midst of daily struggles. Know that you are loved, you are worthy, and you are strong. There are resources available to help you lighten the load. And often the first step is reaching out for help. I am always available for a listening ear, a hug, or just to be present with you. God loves you, and so do I.

Peace,
Positively Pastoral Jessica