Dear Friends,
From its inception, Methodism has been a movement dedicated to helping people grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that assists people in developing and maturing in God’s grace. Methodism began as a renewal movement within the Church of England in the mid-1700s. It emphasized worship, prayer, Bible study, small group accountability, and acts of mercy and service. Many Anglican clergy saw the Methodist movement as a threat to organized religion and would literally run Methodist leaders out of their town. The beginning years of Methodism were difficult.
These difficulties prompted Charles Wesley to write the hymn “And Are We Yet Alive?” in 1749. The opening verse says, “And are we yet alive, and see each other’s face? Glory and thanks to Jesus give for his almighty grace!” These were heartfelt words because it was such a difficult and turbulent time. They didn’t know if they would physically see each other again. Charles’ hymn became an anthem that early Methodism would rally around. His brother, John, had this hymn sung regularly at Methodist Society meetings and conferences. John Wesley understood that Methodism would only live if people were connected to Jesus Christ and each other.
My friends, this great hymn of the church begs the question of us today at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church: Are we yet alive? These past 10 years have not been easy. We unexpectedly had a church splinter from us. We experienced a worldwide pandemic. We weathered a denominational schism.
Yes, we are alive in the grace of Jesus Christ. Because we have stayed connected to Christ. We are a church that is planning and preparing for the future.
We continue to grow in worship—welcoming over 65 new members and baptizing 29.
We continue to grow in discipleship—offering 21 free courses to over 600 registered participants.
We continue to grow in hospitality—hosting 7 support groups and 6 distinct 12-Step Recovery programs that serve hundreds of people each week.
We continue to grow in outreach—serving hundreds of individuals through The Hope Center, distributing hundreds of blessing bags, over 4,000 cans of food, and 885 Heart Pillows.
We continue to care for the church and beyond—growing Arts for All to three times its original size, paying our conference apportionments in full, and unanimously voting to improve our ministry and our campus through the Grow Together capital campaign.
At the end of his life, John Wesley said this about Methodism: “I am not afraid that the people called
Methodist should ever cease to exist either in Europe or America. But I am afraid, lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power.”
My friends, when we are connected to Jesus Christ, we have power. And so, I ask again, are we yet alive? Yes. Very definitely, yes. Here at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church, we are alive; moreover, we are thriving!
In the love of Jesus Christ,
REV. JASON ADAMS
Senior Pastor
