Shakespeare, in King John, correctly said, “To guild refined gold, to paint the lily, to throw perfume on the violet, to smooth the ice, or to add another hue onto the rainbow … is wasteful and ridiculous excess.”  So it is today; if we wish to improve upon God’s plan of salvation by our own deeds, our own righteousness or goodness.  Then we are trying to add purity to the pearl, luster to its moonlight whiteness.  With St. Paul we need to say, “By grace ye are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves.  It is the gift of God: not of works; lest any man should boast.”  (Ephesians 2:8-9) 

At Kingswood United Methodist Church we celebrate and share the gift of God without ever claiming exclusive ownership.  We are simply beggars telling other beggars where to find bread.  And there is plenty for all!  Welcome to our congregation’s new website.  We are grateful for a talented staff and for willing and loving parishioners.  We hope you will like what you see and visit us often on line and in person.  God bless you.

Joseph H. Reams, Pastor

.

 

 

Pastor Joseph H. Reams

A note from Pastor Joe from July's Newsletter:

David Anderson in his book, Breakfast Epiphanies, recounts a great story of a friend of one of his church members. He was at a church supper and his member approached him and introduced her friend to him. The woman reached out her hand and said, “We’ve met. Do you remember me?” Anderson admitted that, no, he didn’t.

“You witnessed the signing of my will,” she said. After a moment, it hit him; yes he was called into the room of a dying woman whose family needed a witness for the signing of her final will and testament. But here she was. This was the same woman. Only she was pink and healthy and on church property eating at the church supper! Anderson was taken aback, and blurted out, “You didn’t die. Why didn’t you die?” The woman, somewhat shaken herself, said she didn’t know exactly why she in fact didn’t. All she knew was that she had lost the desire to live and her life was slipping away. She didn’t even feel like eating anymore. The nurses would put the trays of food in front of her, but she wasn’t interested. Then one day they brought her favorite meal: mashed potatoes and gravy and meatloaf. She ate a little bit of it, then a little more. It was then she realized that she needed to eat in order to live. After that, no matter what they brought her, she ate it. Four years later she was alive and well and looking for good church suppers.

You may not have thought of this, but there is a strong relationship between faith and eating. When Jesus raised a little girl from the dead in Mark 5:43, his first instruction was, “Give her something to eat.” To enjoy a good meal with Christian friends is to model a larger reality: That life is good and worthy of human endorsement and investment. Pessimism is opposite to Faith. Starvation is not what we are about at this church! If you want proof, just ask Greg Mann and the Wednesday Lacefield volunteers.

Come to 5200 Perin Road and be filled with many good things.

Pastor Joe