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As I reflect on the current state of the church community, Jesus’ parable of the wedding banquet often comes to mind (Mt. 22:1). The call goes out to those who are invited, said Jesus, and the feast is prepared, but the guests do not come. We all know what that is like, don’t we? For some, it is one of our worst fears. Why won’t they come?
There could be any number of very good reasons, but in this story Jesus offers only one reason (with several examples). They “make light of it,” Jesus said. So one goes to the farm, another works through the weekend, and some, I imagine, stayed at the beach. Others, we are told, actually became combative when the disciples tried to follow-up with them.
Just for fun, I like to imagine that many of those guests indicated on their RSVP that they planned to watch the wedding banquet on the livestream from their undisclosed locations. With great love and longing for the fellowship of those on the guest list, what might Jesus have said to them then? It was a nice gesture to be sure. However, if that was all they were willing to do in response, what difference would it make in the end?
This is a parable of the Kingdom, after all.
Out of this curiosity and concern, the leaders of this church have sought several intentional measures to increase our hospitality over the past year in the interest of greater engagement and participation. In this season of our life together, we are reaching out for the purpose of response.
While we recognize that we cannot manufacture transformation ourselves, or even convince others of the irresistibility of God’s reign, we do aspire to help create an environment where such discovery can be found. When guests do come, they need to know (at the very least) that we are up to something around here, for heaven and earth’s sake!
For years now, I have tried to lead the congregations I serve with three questions in mind:
Do we genuinely love them? Why do we love them? How will they know that we love them?
For me, these questions are a heart and gut check for the church as a whole, both clergy and laity, as well as an opportunity for clarification. Who is the “them” to which we are called? Is that just the folks on the original guest list? Or does that include everyone else out on the street, the good and the bad (Mt. 22:9-10)? And what will we do if they come and “fill the hall”? What is the thinking that guides our response? Is it sound theology, or mere ideology? Old habits or new hope?
Here is a list of recent activities and accomplishments which account for our most recent response to these questions. Much of our focus, as you can see, has been on laying the groundwork for greater hospitality.
● The addition of Danny White as our full-time building steward has been a game-changer in our daily operations and in our ability to manage our existing resources for mission and ministry faithfully.
● A substantial decluttering effort, with 30+ furnishings donated to the Open Doors Thrift Store in Mobile.
● New flooring in the Wisteria Parlor.
● New sinks and other repairs were completed for the preschool facility.
● A newly paved and resealed parking lot.
● Replacement and renewal of outside lighting systems.
● Restoration of the “shade sails” and necessary beams for the playground, which were damaged during this year’s surprising “snowpocalypse.”
● We are currently working to update the Fellowship Parlor with new paint and furnishings to accommodate a variety of guests and create further opportunities for the assimilation of new members.
● A newly renovated coffee stand is on the list of future aspirations.
We also recognize that a substantial project is on the horizon, to repair a number of parapet walls within our facility. My thanks to our Trustees for their oversight on this matter. More details to come in the near future.
In addition to the improvements within our walls and around our campus, another priority for APUMC has been to continue its faithful witness of service and support to the surrounding community. Examples of our love of neighbor include:
● The ministry of the Joseph Project helps feed hundreds of people every month through our partnership with the Dumas Wesley Community Center.
● The prayer shawl ministry creates, blesses, and distributes handmade signs of agape every week.
● A generous collaboration of response and support through the ongoing work of our missions board.
● A thriving Ashland Place Preschool, under the leadership of Mary Hunter Fuller and Camille Hieronymus.
● A cheerfully growing children’s ministry under the loving direction of Linda Noble and Caitlyn Lambeth.
● An ever-determined pursuit of youth ministry, led by the steadfast efforts of Joseph Griggs.
● A dynamic, collaborative, and talented music ministry led by the gifts of Alicia Luttrell and Jon Miller.
● The celebration of 11 new confirmands in 2025. Also, a total of 27 new members in the last year and 7 baptisms.
● The recent Kickoff Cookout: Flag Football and Community Tailgate (August 24, 2025) was a tremendous success, bringing new guests and new friends!.
● Monthly hosting of the “Third Thursday” luncheon for clergy of the SW District.
● The revival of our Acolyte ministry with a number of children and families stepping up to serve.
● A future vision of the Every Voice Music Academy, a God sized dream for the city of Mobile.
These are just a few of our recent highlights. Of course, none of this would be possible without clergy and laity working together. Imagine what more God could do with this momentum in 2026!
By now, I trust that you have received your invitation to our Consecration Sunday on October 26. Be assured that a banquet is being prepared in celebration of the Kingdom that is yet to come, and that is also already underway. Let me encourage you, do not make light of it! This is an important date for our church–a day to respond to the very One who keeps reaching out to us, so that we might reach out to others in His name.
Come to me, come to us, you who are burdened.
Come to the Word, and come to the meal,
come without question or pressure or price:
Come, be embraced by the body of Christ.
Darren
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