Always tough questions ...

After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews.

These words are from John 19:38-40.

The two gentlemen they speak of were, by all evidence, disciples, or followers, of Jesus. Yet, as far as Scripture gives evidence, they were not a part of Jesus' small group of followers/disciples. Jesus does indeed reach beyond the local church setting. There is no doubt of that.

• So what is the calling of Arlington UMC to reach beyond ourselves again?
• What is my calling to do so?
• And, if you are an active part of the body of Christ, what is your calling to reach beyond the walls of the church.
• And if you are not a part of a church-setting, what is your part in reaching beyond yourself?