A Letter from the Pastor

In recent weeks, I have been preaching about prayer.  I ended that series of sermons talking about some questions that we need to ask God when seeking His guidance.  "What's next?"  It is a simple question that we should use for our life, our family, and even our church.  In doing so, I asked the congregation a couple of questions.  First, "Are you happy with your experience at Hartford FUMC?"  Second, "Do you know where the church is going?"  I was not surprised when no one raised a hand to the second question.

I did not ask this or enter into this topic to upset anyone or to discourage our congregation in any way.  I did this to simply highlight our need for a time of visioning and refocusing on our purpose as a church.  I absolutely believe that God put Hartford FUMC here for a reason.  God put you here for a reason and I simply want each and every one of us to fulfill God's purpose.

I asked you over 2 years ago to pray for me specifically for God to give us a vision for our church.  I assure you that God has been building us in several different ways during this time.  He has been working in our church and in the lives of our members.  God has been revealing different aspects of an overall vision for our church.  He has placed a burden on me for Hartford and ways that we can make a major impact in Hartford and the surrounding area.

As I have prayed and wrestled with the things that God impressed upon me, I have longed to begin casting that vision for our church.  Each time I have wanted to begin He has answered with "Not yet".  The timing wasn't right.  Last week God brought the answer and the direction he wanted me to make as the pastor.  "Get the church ready.  Get my people focused."

New ministries are going to be born and new people are going to be reached with the good news of Jesus Christ.   Our first step is to get ready.  We are going to begin a re-visioning process together.  We will begin this process Sunday evening, September 18th at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall.  We will begin to answer some questions and refine the mission of Hartford FUMC.  Once we have focused on that mission we will move to the next step of structuring what we do as a church to fulfill the purposes of God.

I am excited about this journey that we are on as a church.  I am happy to be part of such a great group of people who are ready to experience the power that God will unleash when His church aligns its purpose with His will.  Pray for our church as we enter into this process of focusing on our mission.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Jimmy Cook               9/1/2011