Welcome,

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote and taught from an underground seminary (WWII) deep reflections of what it means to live in Christian community in his classic work, Life Together.

"So between the death of Christ and the Last Day it is only by a gracious anticipation of the last things that Christians are privileged to live in visible fellowship with other Christians.  It is by the grace of God that a congregation is permitted to gather visibly in this world to share God’s Word and sacrament…  Therefore, let him who until now has had the privilege of living in common Christian life with other Christians praise God’s grace from the bottom of his heart.  Let him thank God on his knees and declare: It is grace, nothing but grace, that we are allowed to live in community with Christian brethren."

Allow me with great joy to say welcome.   Welcome on behalf of the great people here that share life together at Monroe First UMC and myself.  Enjoy all the blessings that come God's fellowship.  Experience the grace of being loved, called and sent, all in Jesus' name.  Anticipate the journey God's great work that is bigger collectively than any one of us ... and that we will be changed into His likeness along the way!

It's my great joy to serve as pastor in this remarkable community who live in faith of Jesus … and to share Jesus' life together with you! 

John