No one can serve two masters.” – Matthew 6:24 (NIV)\
I recently had the chance to visit the historic Lovely Lane United Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland. This is the Mother Church of American Methodism. The denomination, the Methodist Episcopal Church (and later, The United Methodist Church), began at the Christmas Conference at Lovely Lane Chapel in 1784.The building I visited is the fifth Lovely Lane site since that historical moment. The current building was constructed in the 1880’s.
Now one of the highlights of my time at Lovely Lane was the visit in the basement of the church building. The basement included a number of historical items connected to John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, and the early Methodist movement. I was quickly reminded of the life of John Wesley and the simple and faithful way in which he lived in the Eighteenth Century. Many of the items displayed hinted at the frugal way he approached ministry.
One of the sermons people remember from John Wesley was his message, “The Use of Money.” In the sermon, Wesley said a person should, “Gain all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can.” Wesley’s message was that money is a neutral gift from God that should be managed through these three simple rules. And just to make sure Wesley words made an impact, he practiced what he preached. As his income increased over the years, partly from revenue that came from book sales, he lived on the smaller amount. That was an incredible display of discipline and love for neighbor.
This month we will have an opportunity to reflect on Wesley’s message during our Stewardship Campaign entitled, “Companions on the Journey.” During worship services on October 18 and 25 we will speak about the ways the church budget helps us do the ministry we are called to do. Because of the faithful giving from each of you, we have a budget that allows us to engage in the ministry needed. I invite you to be in prayer this month as you consider your giving level for the year to come!
Peace and blessings, Pastor Scott