There was a lot of laughter. There was
gentle and good natured teasing. There
was a full and rich discussion with everyone
around the table sharing their thoughts.
What was this? A group of friends? A
family gathering? The Church Council
meeting? Yes, yes, and yes! The June
monthly meeting of the Church Council
gives me the opportunity to praise the
leadership of Bethany.
I felt prompted to do so in the Scripture
I read the following morning. King
Jehoshaphat, who ruled Judah gave this
counsel to the leaders in Jerusalem.
“This is how you shall act: in the fear
of the Lord, in faithfulness, and with
your whole heart” (2 Chronicles 19:9).
Immediately the previous night’s meeting
came to mind. The men and women
that serve on the Church Council represent
the various ministries of the church. They
serve under the authority of our Lord;
there are no egos looking for glory or
recognition. They serve faithfully, giving
of their talents and time sacrificially,
following the example of Jesus as
servant-leaders. Finally, they bring their
passion and love of the Lord to every task
before them. I praise God for each and
every one.
They have been working especially hard
this year. On Sunday, July 25, following
the second service, they will be making a
presentation on their work -- sort of a mid
year State of the Church report. They are
truly committed to keeping the congregation
informed! Come and hear about the
progress we’re making towards being ever
more faithful to our mission to make
disciples of Jesus Christ. Please be sure
to come. Afterwards we’ll have a luncheon
meal together, all provided by the
Fellowship team.
And for those of you not on the Church
Council, there are many places to serve at
Bethany. Do you love children? How
about helping out on Sunday mornings or
at Vacation Bible School? Do you have an
outgoing personality? How about being a
greeter? Do you have a knack for numbers?
How about helping count the offering
Monday mornings? Do you have an eye
for design? How about helping create a
welcoming space in the lobby and worship
place in the sanctuary? Just give me a call
and remember my guarantee: Bethany
needs your gifts and I will find a place for
you to serve!
In Service for His glory,
Pastor Allynn
Rev. Allynn Walker was taught as a child about the Lord and nurtured in her faith at Jerome Methodist Church in Springfield, IL. That faith community developed in her a love for the local church that is still alive in her heart. She desires that those who come to Bethany will experience the love and grace of Jesus, and hopes to see them equipped to become His faithful followers in all they do.
She received a B.A. from SIUC and an M.A. from the University of Missouri-Columbia. For many years she loved working with students, teaching Sociology and doing academic advising at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Texas-Austin.
After accepting God’s call to ministry, she completed an M.A. in Pastoral Studies from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis. She was ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church in 2002. Her current status is Local Pastor as she transitions to Elder's Orders. In 1997 she began serving on staff at First UMC in Springfield, IL. She served at Main Street UMC in Alton 2002-2008.
She and her husband David Blackburn live with three cats (but she’s really a dog lover!). She has been blessed with two wonderful stepchildren, Laura in Collinsville and Luke in Edwardsville.
“For those who want to save their life will lose it,
and those who lose their life for my sake,
and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.” Mark 8:35 |
