Week 2 - Marylin Smith

My name is Marylin Smith. I am a member of Kingston United Methodist Church. The mission for our church is to “feed more sheep.” The question for the mission is, “How are you responding to God’s call to feed more sheep?” That means me. What am I doing?
1. Stewardship – I am attempting to be a better steward. A steward is someone who “oversees” the needs of the church; it can be possessions, business affairs, property, etc. Christ taught accountability and faithfulness. Life and all its possessions are our trust fund from God so we are to manage our time, abilities, and possessions to God and his kingdom to receive the greatest return. At my age, I am not physically able to contribute to some projects such as racking, painting, etc. (things that I would love to do), so I respond by helping the leaders with monetary help for things such as repairs, kitchen supplies, fund raisers, and giving to the building fund regularly.
2. Supporting Church Activities – By attending classes to become better informed about the Scriptures and Bible interpretations, I become more knowledgeable when talking to others about my faith. When I am paying attention to feeding more sheep, I want to be well informed about the comments I make.
3. Hospitality – Hospitality means being hospitable to everyone – members, visitors, and guests; greeting and welcoming people to come and visit with us; treating all people in a friendly manner. Staying for fellowship time after the service is a wonderful way to be hospitable, getting to know people, exchanging ideas, getting better acquainted. The ‘pot luck’ gatherings are another way to show hospitality. I am trying to do that; I can do that!
4. Kind Acts and Deeds – We need to be kind to all people, not just at church, but anywhere – people you meet on the street, at the grocery store, anyone you meet in your daily life. I will give you an example: In the grocery store you see many chances to be helpful. My chance came when I saw an elderly lady shopping alone, struggling to read the price and the date on an item and having a problem trying to find it. She looked at me a time or two, and I thought I sensed her need. I asked her if I could help her, and she said I could, so I read the information she needed. She was so grateful; she smiled at me and touched my arm and said, “You are very kind.”
5. Discipleship – I am striving to become a better disciple by following the teachings of Jesus because his instructions and commitments are the principals that I believe in. I am attempting to attend church regularly and have the opportunity to learn and understand the meaning of the Scriptures in a very rewarding way. I love my church and my church family, and I am hoping I can feed more sheep by “letting my light shine.”
February 13, 2026