Is it always this hot in Key West? I have lived in Florida since 2004. We made our home in Palm Beach Gardens, Jensen Beach, Ocala, Boca Raton and now Key West. I have to tell you, this is the hottest I have ever been! I am so thankful for the blessing of air conditioning. We had some issues with AC in the parsonage when we first arrived but it is nice and cool now (thank you trustees)! I was laying in bed the other night thinking about the pastors and their families who lived in that house before air conditioning was invented and I can’t even imagine what it was like! Praise God for air conditioning! Amen!
Now, putting my rant about the weather aside, we love Key West! We have done some exploring - mostly of restaurants and we are just loving our new town! Now that we have finished unpacking the kitchen, my bedroom and Sara’s bedroom (hoping to finish the dining room and living room in the next few days) we are making plans to take a few days off at the end of the week and explore some more. We are thinking of the beach (to beat the heat) or maybe going out on a boat and doing the tourist thing. If anyone has any suggestions, let us know!
We are also enjoying getting to know all of you. This past weekend we spent time at Vacation Bible School which was loads of fun! A huge thank you to all of those who worked, contributed and volunteered this year! I also attended the adult ministries meeting led by Ralph Segar, our Director of Adult Ministries. Ralph’s group has a great start on some amazing plans and ideas for our church to connect with one another and our community and I am looking forward to being a part of those plans. I have also had the opportunity to meet with many amazing leaders in the church and hear their stories and and what God has placed on their hearts. In addition, we are looking forward to the Christmas in July concert this coming Sunday at 4pm in the sanctuary. There are so many gifted people here at KWUMC who’ve come together to share their gifts and talents in order to bring the Gospel message of love and salvation to the world! It is when we connect our gifts and talents together that we grow together in faith and make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
I am reminded of what Paul writes in Romans 12:6-8,
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
What are your Spiritual gifts? How are you using them? I would love to hear your story.
May the grace of God, the love of Jesus Christ and the Power of the Holy Spirit continue to guide us as we discern God’s path for us, both individually and as a community of faith.
Stay Cool!
-Pastor Madeline
