In the Midst of Bad News, Winning a Quilt Was What I Needed!

I never win anything. When we do raffles, I know that I am just contributing to the effort, because my chances of winning are most likely nil. Then, at church , in the midst of bad news, I decided to participate in the Women’s Ministry raffle for a quilt that the women of the church made together, paying my five dollars but not expecting to win. You can imagine my surprise when I won! I actually didn’t have any quilts. The pictures of the heavy and beautiful quilt are above! I love seeing pictures of quilts, and I had thought about starting to take quilting lessons when I finish my degree. But, now I am dedicating my time to trying to save our church.

Two weeks ago, I was already tired from spending eight hours at the university, so I didn’t need more bad news about our church. But life doesn’t always play fair. I had become a member of the Leadership Team this year because so many people have left our church over doctrinal issues. We barely have 50 people each Sunday, compared to over 120 before the exodus of so many friends and fellow Christians. It was my first meeting as part of the team, and now I know why leaders appear stressed so much. It’s because they are the first to hear bad news and must find ways to disseminate it without causing widespread panic and hopelessness.

Our church will most likely lose our pastor, as we join with another United Methodist church and share their pastor. The other pastor earns less than our pastor, and by sharing her, we would cut expenses for the preacher by 50 percent. The good news is that we can still operate as a separate entity, but we can hardly keep the lights on. I knew something had to change quickly if we were to save the church, but I really like my pastor. When I heard the news last week, it hit me like a ton of bricks, and in disbelief and intense sorrow, I shouted at her, “You are leaving?” It took my breath away!

On the next Sunday, the whole congregation learned the news, and we had our regular First Sunday meal together. It was barbecue brisket, and it was good which made the occasion a little less sad. I also had a piece of chocolate bundt cake, and sugar always makes bad news go down better. so, winning the quilt made a bad day joyful. I am determined each day to find a reason to be joyful. That way, I am a winner every day. As for the church, I have put its future in the Lord’s hands, and I believe He will guide us to know His perfect will.

Copyright ©
All posts on my blog, Help From Heaven, are my intellectual property protected by copyright. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.