Dear Editor,

Joy Rushing learned that our pastor, Rev. Mostly Wright, reports vital signs of Utmost United Methodist Church as a part of the "Vital Congregations" initiative and looked up the vital components. "Small groups" in the church is one component.

Joy decided to start a women’s prayer group. She set a time and date, arranged a location, and set about to announce its launch. In addition to bulletin announcements, she sent an "all call" email. At the appointed time, she showed up and waited for more than an hour, but no one came. She was crushed.

Later she met with Rev. Wright and poured out her heart. Before pursuing the idea further, together they decided to gather a small planning team to seek more information and to discover the needs and interests of local women.

Joy was encouraged that he did not pour cold water on her idea, but encouraged a more deliberate and thoughtful approach. She said, "I guess I rushed forward with more enthusiasm than skill. It will really make a difference that the planning group is giving more depth and content to the idea."

Time will tell if we are off to a more solid start.

Until next time ...
Homer Heardmore
Rhodes Crossing, GA