First United Methodist Church, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA

What is our legacy as First United Methodist Church of Cedar Falls?  This was the concluding question at January’s Celebration of the Past.  Each group expressed their dream for our church in a legacy statement.  Here are the responses for your reflection…

Building our Legacy of Good Works

“And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God…”

Colossians 1:10 NIV

“We are nurturing our faith and putting it into action.”

“We want to be disciples serving God by ministering to others through music, small groups and missions.”

“We are a Christ-centered community church, serving the needs of the community.  Having a strong education and music program.”

“We are a supportive and caring community of believers in Jesus Christ who worship and serve God through varieties of worship, music, Bible Study, outreach and service to our community.”

“We want to pass on our outreach to the community through our music program and Angel Food.  Our legacy is the participation by the members in church who are always willing to serve.”

“Leaving the world a little better than when we found it.  Getting others to join the spiritual journey.”

“We want to pass on our outreach to the community through our partnership with Lincoln School, music programs, Ignition and Youth Programs, Scrap Buddies, Community Meals and Angel Food.  Our legacy is the participation by the members in church activities who are always will to serve.”

Building our Legacy of Love

“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

1 John 3:18 NIV

“We want our legacy to be an active church that demonstrates Christ’s love through a caring ministry and missions.  To be an inviting church to those seeking a journey with Christ.”

“Our legacy is a tradition of welcoming, serving, giving, teaching, growing, loving, sharing, caring and singing praises to God, the source of mending and unchanging love.”

“Our legacy is a warm, cozy hug.”

“God’s love is like a circle-we want our circle to be here when we are gone-a circle of people that love each other and the community-because that love is the key.”

“Our mission is to be Christ-centered, mission driven, unconditionally loving church that has something for everyone.”

“Growing…Christians to live the presence of Christ in the community and the world.”

“We want to leave as our legacy that those that follow us will know that no matter where they go, what they do, who they are with, or what happens to them a living, loving God is there behind them helping them through.”

“Our legacy is that we want to continue to be a welcoming and accepting church-one where once people are here, we can implant in them our message of our statement and beliefs.  We want our legacy to reach beyond ourselves and into our community and beyond.”

“To be a church known for showing concern for members in our own church family, outreach to others in the community and beyond, and being a welcoming church by inviting other people (including UNI students) to join us.

Building our Legacy of Growing

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

Ephesians 4:15-16 NIV

“Pass on a church that is rich in tradition and relationships.  A church that welcomes and values all generations, and maintains outreach and willingness to change and grow with a Christ-centered focus.”

“A welcoming home where we feel we can go to grow as a church family in our relationship with Christ.”

“A welcoming, Christ-centered church with a balance of tradition and willingness to change.  Presenting diverse opportunities to worship and serve.  Continue an active presence it the community.”

“Be a witness for Jesus Christ by providing food for the body, mind, spirit, and soul.”

Building our Legacy of Nurturing

“When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

Mark 10:14 NIV

“Our legacy should include: a vibrant children’s and youth ministry, active engagement in small group ministry, a strong and joyful music program, and an inviting and welcoming congregation reaching out to others.”

“We are welcoming and caring.  We are a church that serves local and beyond.  We encourage the children and youth.”

“Our legacy is to continue to give children love and teach them to share in prayer with Sunday morning gatherings with our pastor.”

Building our Legacy of Worship

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.' "

Luke 4:8 NIV

“Having a worship experience for everyone (ex. Ignition)”