The Next Chapter | January 15 Devotion

The Book of Exodus devotes several chapters to the construction and funding of the tabernacle, all its appointments, implements, decorations, and various altars. The tabernacle was to be the place where God’s presence was experienced, and strength gained for the people’s journey.

You shall make bars of acacia wood, five for the frames of the one side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the frames of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the frames of the side of the tabernacle at the rear westward. The middle bar, halfway up the frames, shall pass through from end to end. You shall overlay the frames with gold, and shall make their rings of gold to hold the bars; and you shall overlay the bars with gold. …..You shall make a screen for the entrance of the tent, of blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen, embroidered with needlework. You shall make for the screen five pillars of acacia, and overlay them with gold; their hooks shall be of gold, and you shall cast five bases of bronze for them. (Exodus 26:26-29, 36-37)

Since the tabernacle was carried as the people journeyed, all its furnishings had to be portable. But they also had to be highly functional, both beautiful and durable.

The people of FUMC Waynesville have a long history of “traveling” with God. Our congregation is known for being generous with our resources and for our willingness to share the church’s facilities (our “tabernacle”) with over 40 groups throughout Haywood County. But now our buildings need repairs and upgrades if we want to continue our role as a significant resource in the community and live out our vision of being the living Body of Christ.

One of the most critical needs for repair is our HVAC system. It is so old that refrigerant and parts are unavailable. Reliable and efficient climate control ensures that every group—from children and choirs to seniors and community partners—have a comfortable place to gather to be served and/or to serve. The addition of solar panels helps us to honor God’s creation while reducing utility costs and reducing our environmental footprint.

Let’s refurbish our “tabernacle” and enhance our mission of hospitality.

As we enter The Next Chapter of our journey as the people of God, we invite you to consider a gift to the capital campaign with this word of devotion:

Most gracious God, you urged your servant Moses to build a place of worship, appointed skilled craftsmen to oversee the work, and sought the many gifts of the community to beautify it. May our hearts, like theirs, be stirred and our spirits be willing to glorify you through the renovation of FUMC Waynesville. Accept our gifts of “silver and bronze,” so that walls, floors, doors, and systems enable gathering as a community, just as God’s generosity and hospitality have welcomed us. Transform our freewill offering for walls, floors, doors, and systems into the embrace of God’s love for all. May our light shine, in the name of Christ. Amen.

-Adapted by Reverend Donna Gaither