Hello Carleton United Methodist Church family!

At the moment Lisa and I are in Petoskey and packing our belongings to move down to Carleton. At the same time, we are preparing our hearts and mind to see the new Church family at Carleton. It is a bitter-sweet moment for us because these Churches are my first appointment to serve, and I have many memories of the six years I have served in these communities. owever, we are excited to see all of you and have a couple of ministry plans to do with you when I see you at the church.

I will share with you these two ministry Ideas that I want to do with you.

Servant Leadership

My ministry priority would be servant leadership. The gospel of John is one of my favorite gospels. I like to share with you my favorite verses in John 13:12-15 “When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” Jesus talked about servant minis- try to his disciples.

I believe that the Church ministry is a ministry of service. It is what Jesus Christ tried to teach his disciples and all peo- ple who want to be disciples. The best model of the ministry of service is to imitate the life of Jesus. He lived a life dedicated to service. Christians ought to emulate what he did and told his disciples in his early life and ministry. In the Bible, he demonstrated how to serve and love one another. He cleans his disciples’ feet, and he asks them to do the same for each other. Again, I humbly ask you to serve God and people because we are called to participate in Jesus’ servant ministry as servants of God and people.

Bible and Prayer Fellowship

Jesus’ earthly ministry focus was teaching the word of God and healing people by prayer. I believe Jesus has called his disciples to follow the example of his devotional life. An example of the devotional life of Jesus was to study scripture and prayer. So, whoever decides to imitate Jesus’ example should do so by reading the scripture and through interces- sory prayer. It helps Christians to be able to present the right message from the Bible, and also, through prayer time, Christians can take a time of self-reflection. These holy practices also help Christians continue growing in God’s grace to be messengers of God’s word and live in a deeper level of the Christian life. Through these faithful servant ministry manner and practice, Christians attending in Carleton UMC can be sanctified in any manner of his attitude of life, way of speaking, and growing in grace for Christian perfection and Christ-likeness.

These are my ministry plans that I want to do with you while I am serving at Carleton United Methodist Church. Let us be humble before God and people, and let us follow the example of Jesus and participate in his ongoing ministry in our Church together.

I will see you on the Fourth of July at Carleton UMC.

July~August.2021

Rev. Cloud Poy

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