By Rev. Johnny Epps
Three years ago, I came to Wesley Grove UMC in Cottageville and have since seen that God is faithful to do what we ask of Him if we are patient to wait on Him.
In 2018, I suggested that my congregation initiate a motto contest.
The members would submit church mottos to the be tallied and voted on after one month of submissions. The winning motto would be placed on the church bulletin and printed on a tee shirt for the membership to wear in the community.
We followed through with the idea, and when the final vote count was taken, the winning motto was: “One God, One Church, One Community # Just Believe.” The acronym was “1G1C1C”.
It was truly a moment of bonding, fun and fellowship between the members. We felt the motto perfectly encompassed God’s plan for the church’s image and personality.
Unfortunately, before we could print shirts, the congregation encountered unexpected financial problems. The shirts were placed on the back burner. The onset of the Pandemic also dashed the hopes of the printing, although the motto was still printed on the church bulletin every Sunday as a reminder.
But church members never gave up on the idea of the shirts. God says that if we are faithful to believe and trust in Him, then He will hear us.
Even though the pandemic presented all churches with new challenges, they never stopped serving God. Churches were still able to carry out special community programs and fund raisers that allowed ministries to stay afloat.
In our small church, thanks to God’s goodness, after almost four years, we were able to purchase 50 tee shirts for all the members, free of charge.
By employing the fruits of the spirit, patience and faith, (Gal 5:22) the church was able to see the abandoned project come to light. At a time when uncertainties loom worldwide, we all need is this same motto: One God, One Church, One Community and We Believe”.
