The UMC in Romania Celebrates 10 Years!

Milestones serve as an encouragement in the lives of individuals, families, groups communities, and even churches. When we reach the end of any given season there is a sense of accomplishment when we look back at what was done. Whether the season was high school, college, planting or harvest seasons on a farm, or any other “season” of life, taking the time to reflect and look back so that we can then look forward is rewarding.

Although a faith filled community doing ministry work in and around Cluj-Napoca has been in existence many years, this September marked the 10 year anniversary of identifying ourselves as United Methodists and continuing the work under the newly defined (though not all that altered) identity of United Methodists. The last Sunday in November, marked our Sunday of remembrance and looking forward.

In the 10 years since we joined the United Methodist movement worldwide, we now have 3 different campuses, multiple ministry projects, partnerships with many NGOs and many churches in America. We wanted this to be a space where we could look back and remember what God has done so as to refuel ourselves in faith for what He will do in the days, weeks, months, and years to come. All three campuses as well as representatives from NGOs were able to gather together for musical worship in both English and Romanian, experience reminders of work and experiences over the years in this remembrance "10 Year Anniversary Video," and hear thoughts from the hearts of all three of our Romanian pastors. After our worship celebration, many stayed for a lunch to continue on in fellowship and celebration.

There is no doubt that this was a great day of remembrance and celebrating those who God has called together to be vessels of His ministry in Romania. Even greater than the remembering though is the anticipation of what the next 10 years and beyond will hold