There was, for at least one morning, an energy, an intention, an attitude swirling in the SUMC sanctuary.

“Speak out in defense of those who face oppression”

“Speak for those no one listens to”

“Strive for equality… notice who is left out and why that is… work to include and welcome them”

The Fellowship of the Cross youth, through a prayer station on Mother’s Day, asked their church family, “How can we shine brightly for Jesus in a dark world?”

We wrote our answers on paper stars and hung them on the walls of the tech booth. Our responses clustered around a common theme.

“Be inclusive in all we do”
“Have courage to show God’s love to all”
“Stand up for one another”
“Love everyone”
“Acceptance”
There was a call to well-established fundamentals. “Pray and be joyful”
“We need to pray and have faith”
“Learn more about Jesus’s love for us”
“Pray that we all keep love in our hearts”
“…pray for the afflicted”
“Shine with joy and thankfulness”
“Shine your light for all to see”
“Welcome all with love and understanding”

There was energy to nurture within the walls of the church.

“Pray for people who are here”
“We should be intentional about growing in faith”

There was an energy to go beyond our walls.

“…reach out…”
“Keep making disciples”
“Love and respect each other, we need to invite people to join us”
“…go out to people instead of waiting for people to come here”
“Be open and active in helping others”

There was consideration for our youth.

“Connect with young people”
“Encourage young people”

There was confidence.

“We need to trust each other and do the right thing”

We have intention. We have energy. What do we do with it?

(Note: The prayer stations offered by FOTC on Mother’s Day generated more than 300 prayers. We tied 100 ribbons to a wooden cross as a thanksgiving prayer for the women in our lives. We pushed more than 120 pins into maps, lifting prayer that touched every continent, more than 30 states, and Puerto Rico. We lifted prayer for more than 40 people who influenced our faith walks. We had more than 40 responses to the “How can we shine…?” challenge. We’re not sure how many prayers were buried in the sand boxes. The Fellowship of the Cross thanks all who participated.)