Beacon in the City

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." --Matthew 5:14, 16

There it stands. God's Holy Oil Can. Right there on University Circle. It used to be Epworth-Euclid, now it's University Circle United Methodist Church. And its copper-green spire stands atop the church for all to see as they find their way through the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Church historians and lovers of architecture will immediately see its resemblance to Mont Saint-Michel, a beautiful cathedral built atop-- or into-- an island. Its spire cannot be hidden; it rises high above its surroundings. So, too, does University Circle UMC's green oil can.

It's a landmark. Coming across the city, everyone recognizes it, tells their friends to watch for the oilcan church and you're almost there.

The Cleveland Clinic grows up around it, and still the spire rises like a beacon above the landscape.

Pretty amazing, actually.

But what is more amazing is the light shining inside this place. 

There are plenty of churches in Cleveland. 

Some would even say there are too many churches. 

Some would say that if a church's membership is declining, if it can't pay its bills-- well, then maybe it's time to close the doors.

But some people maybe should check with God first.

Aging, shrinking congregations. Beautiful-- yet needy-- buildings. Urban flight. 

Sounds like a recipe for disaster, if you're a church. 

But our God, who brings life to spots where we might least expect to find life, has a better idea.

And in this church that has served as a beacon offering hope and light to the city for many, many years, is born a new mission, a fresh dream.

People who love God and love each other have come together to shine God's light in the dark. They come bearing life and love, smiles and sharing, reaching out to a diverse community in desperate need of a promise.

Really, they are just doing what a church is supposed to do. Love God, love each other. Affirm one another as children of the Almighty.

Look around you. How is your church doing? For that matter, how are you doing? Is your light shining? Are you offering the love of Christ to the world?

Or are you just hoping maybe someone else will "take care of them" for you?

Let your light shine. It might be as simple as offering a smile, or holding a door open for someone with their hands full. 

Life is short. What are you waiting for???

If not you, who?

If not now-- when?