10/20/2026
PJ’s Thought of the Day – October 20
Discovering Marshall: A Story Still Being Written
Philippians 1:3-5
Last night, we wrapped up our three-week class, Discovering Marshall, and I have to tell you, my heart is full! When I first began preparing for this class, I wasn't exactly sure how it would go. This was my first time teaching a class like this, and I wanted it to be more than just a class about joining the church. I wanted it to be an opportunity for us to grow together, to understand what it means to be United Methodist, to discover the beautiful history of Marshall UMC, and most importantly, to recognize how God's grace has been working in each of our lives.
Over these three weeks, we talked about grace, belonging, and the covenant vows we make as members of the church. We laughed, we learned, we shared stories, and yes, we may have gone a little longer than planned a couple of times! Of course, that might have had something to do with the fact that I could talk about the history of our church forever. But seriously, there is something powerful about looking back at where we have been.
As we explored the history of Marshall UMC, I couldn't help but think about the faithful saints who came before us. People who prayed for this church, who showed up, who gave sacrificially, who served their neighbors, and who shared the love of Jesus Christ with their community. They didn't always know what the future would hold, but they trusted God enough to keep moving forward. Through their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness, they helped build something that would outlive them. And here we are, all these years later, still worshiping, still serving, still sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
But as much as I loved sharing the history of Marshall, something even more beautiful happened during our time together. I got to hear their stories. I listened as people shared how God brought them to Marshall UMC. Some came looking for a church home. Others found themselves here through circumstances they never expected. And each had a reason for staying. Those stories touched my heart more than I can put into words. Because as I listened, I was reminded of prevenient grace. Long before we recognize God working in our lives, God is already there. God is already reaching out, opening doors, placing people in our paths, and inviting us into something greater than ourselves.
I believe that is exactly what God has been doing at Marshall. Each person who walks through our doors has a story. Each person has experienced joys and struggles, moments of faith and moments of doubt. And somehow, through God's amazing grace, our stories begin to come together. That is what makes the church so beautiful. We are not simply a group of people who happen to worship in the same building. We are a family brought together by the grace of God.
And belonging to that family means that we pray for one another, show up for one another, share what God has given us, serve together, and tell the world about the love of Jesus Christ. Not just through our words, but through the way we live. That is what our membership vows are really about. They are promises we live out together.
As I think about those faithful saints who came before us, I realize that they were once standing exactly where we are today. They were the ones entrusted with the future of Marshall UMC. They were the ones God called to continue the work. And now, that responsibility belongs to us.
One day, someone may sit in a class and hear stories about the things God is doing through this congregation today. They may hear about the people who welcomed strangers, loved their neighbors, taught children about Jesus, cared for those who were hurting, and stepped out in faith when God called. What a beautiful thought! The story of Marshall UMC didn't end with those who came before us. And it doesn't end with us, either. God is still writing the story, and by His grace, we get to be part of it.
I am so thankful to God for these past three weeks. Thankful for the conversations, the laughter, the stories, and the opportunity to walk alongside people whom God has brought into this church family. I may have been the one teaching the class, but I can promise you that I learned just as much from those sitting around the table.
And perhaps that is one of the greatest gifts of the church. We don't have to walk this journey of faith alone. As a friend of mine says, “We get to.” I cannot wait to see what God has in store for Marshall UMC and for each person who calls this church home. The faithful saints before us have passed the torch. Now it is our turn to carry the light.