Rev. Dean Prentiss, superintendent of the Greater Southwest District, shares a faith story from Vicksburg UMC about a dream that came true for this congregation.
DEAN PRENTISS
Superintendent, Greater Southwest District
The air outside Vicksburg United Methodist Church carried a distinct scent — charcoal fluid. It was the Day of Pentecost, and the congregation gathered in a circle, readying for an all-consuming fire. The circle was not around a barbecue but a bowl containing the mortgage, now fully paid off. They stood, remembering, reflecting, rejoicing, and bracing for the stack of paper to be set ablaze.
A few more squirts of charcoal fluid wouldn’t hurt.
As the congregation remembered, they recalled a dream. Many years ago, land was readily available on the outskirts of town to purchase and relocate to. But rather than leave the heart of the city of Vicksburg, the church decided to stay and dream big dreams. They realized their presence was important. They represented the love of Jesus Christ, so rather than moving away, they invested in connecting in new ways.
They would build a Family Life Center where people could come to grow, play, and feel a sense of belonging. The Family Life Center would be home to a children’s daycare throughout the week, with 150 children calling Vicksburg UMC and the Heart and Hands Preschool their home away from home. The possibilities for the Family Life Center would be as expansive as their imaginations. Pickleball, community meals, senior activities, and social functions would extend the gospel and be a blessing for generations to come.
Reflecting, the church members thought of the great cloud of witnesses, all those who contributed through the years to make this dream come true. This was the Day of Pentecost, a day to remember the movement of the Spirit and the beginning of something new. Romans 8:18 echoed in their minds, affirming that the sufferings of the present moment were not worth comparing to the glory that awaited them.
Rejoicing, they celebrated what God had accomplished and what God was continuing to do: a space for children, a place for adults, a mission and ministry where Christ was alive. They were ready for Rev. Gregory Culver and Rev. Bufford Coe to light the fire, bracing for the fireball, yet excited for the end of one chapter and the beginning of something new. They celebrated in song this moment: “Build my house of love, and paint my house with trusting, and warm it with the warmth of your heart. Make the floor of faith, make the walls of truth, put a roof of peace above. Only build my house of love” (words by Leonard Bernstein, from the musical Peter Pan).
The tears were joyful. And the congregation was thankful that no pastors were injured in the process.
This was just one of the countless stories of faith in the Greater Southwest District, throughout the Michigan Conference, and beyond. God is at work, and Galatians 6:9 reminds us that we should not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not lose heart.
Last Updated on July 15, 2025