University Blog

Friends,

In the February 23rd blog, I wrote about the founding generation of University Church. The pioneering spirit of those leaders who came from Woodlawn UMC was shaped by their desire to see the ‘next generation’ have what they had: community and a deep encounter with God. 

It is one of the sacred privileges of my life and one of my favorite parts of my job to have people share their stories. This week I had two people share with me their stories, and I was again blessed and challenged. One was a man that when he found himself going through a divorce felt like the church wasn’t there for him in his toughest season. He came to see me to talk about how he could be a part of making sure that when others go through a similar season there is community, support and grace available to them. Two days later I am thanking the amazing volunteers that help make funeral receptions so wonderful for grieving families, and one of the woman said, “I want it to be different for others than it was for me when my husband died years ago.”

Our community has been greatly shaped by this commitment to make sure younger people had the blessings of the past. This week, I am thankful for people in our community that dedicate themselves to seeing the burdens and brokenness of the past healed and made beautiful for the future. 

But take care and watch yourselves closely, so as neither to forget the things that your eyes have seen nor to let them slip from your mind all the days of your life; make them known to your children and your children’s children. — Deuteronomy 4:9

Blessings,
Pastor Ben