Blog:FOREST LAKE TALKS

When I think about FLPC, I am grateful for our congregational culture – the feel of this place – and the unique ministries that grow out of the faithful worship and study. I had a visitor recently tell me that he had searched all over Columbia for a congregation who was committed to being engaged in the local community and serving those who need help. He heard that FLPC provides many of the mentors at Forest Lake Elementary. It was those FLPC members, who give an hour of their time each week, to encourage at-risk students at Forest Lake Elementary, that got him through the doors of our church. When he visited, he said he instantly felt a kinship with the people he met.

Engagement in the community takes many, many forms here at FLPC, but I want to tell you about two that make us unique.

First, FLPC has a Woodshop in our building that is available to members and community members who have an interest in woodworking of all sorts. Our congregation has invested heavily – time and money – to renovate an old, existing woodshop and to upgrade the equipment to make the shop safer and more of a resource. Under the leadership of Mike Bliss – himself an excellent wood worker – a Steering Committee and others skilled in woodworking have taught others to use the equipment safely, taught classes on basic skills, done repairs for many, and welcomed Cub Scouts to make pinewood derby cars! The Woodshop currently has 25 members (50% are FLPC members and 50% are from the community), and over 700 individuals have used the Woodshop since we began keeping track in May 2023. This is a unique way to build community and to help others. If you’d like to know more, there are “Woodshop Hours” every Monday and Wednesday from 9:30-3:30. Drop by and see this unique opportunity for ministry, and tell them I sent you!

And, FLPC also has a garden on our grounds that provides organic produce to feed our neighbors through the Rehoboth Methodist Food Pantry. Julie Lott leads our congregational commitment to environmental stewardship [This means we take seriously our status as CARETAKERS of earth rather than considering ourselves owners], and the Garden is just one of the ways we live out our commitment to keep God’s good earth! Every Monday, Gayl Fallucca comes and collects the food that has been given and the produce from the garden (all provided, grown, and picked by members of our congregation!) and takes it to Rehoboth Methodist. See the picture of tomatoes from just ONE Monday below!

None of us can do everything, but all of us are responsible to do something to live out our faith. What is your passion? What are your skills? What belongs to you to do, so that people will meet you and know that you are committed to the love and servant ministry that Jesus calls us to live? Jesus said, “Follow Me!”

Glad to be at FLPC!