From the Desk of the Executive Director.
Pam and I attended a Leadership Conference this spring. The topic for the conference was Belonging. As we attended our first sessions and workshops, I was taken aback by the question, "What does it mean to belong to UME?" After some thought and about 12 hours of driving, I think I came up with my answer: We belong to a family of caring couples. We can choose to withdraw and disassociate with them, but they still care. So, what does a family of caring couples look like?
We belong to a CORE that cares about our marriage. They provide opportunities for fellowship and fun, regardless of our attitude or availability. Instead of chasing other opportunities, they prioritize their time for our benefit. Participating in CORE realigns our priorities. When it’s not a priority, our marriage drifts. What an amazing group to belong to!
We belong to a group called the Annual Marriage Builders. They are some of the most generous couples we have had the honor of serving alongside - giving each month, year, quarter, or as God calls them. They give faithfully to married couples they may never meet or never know.
We belong to a group of Prayer Warriors like none we have ever been a part of. It is humbling to and together with them to seek God's grace and mercy on behalf of our members in need.
We belong to another prayer group: the Prayer Scroll. With almost 300 couples praying for a Weekend, Satan has his hands full! Often couples report a supernatural presence during the Weekend. We know it is a direct result of the Praying Couples. It is fulfilling and joyful to belong to this group.
We belong to the Iowa-Illinois Community. This group of caring couples helps us grow by having Community Events, Weekends for our friends and church to attend, YOU-Nites celebrating volunteers, and special events to transform marriage. Plus, they are a great group of married couples who hold the same values as us.
We belong to a group of Presenting Team Couples who are closer to us than our family. We have heard their stories, struggles, pains, victories, and hopes for the future.
I think you get the point. UME has much to offer to couples that want to belong and we hope you have found a place to belong to a family of caring couples.
Blessings,
Steve Chapman
Executive Director
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