Pastor seeks hidden treasure in Florence
Mark Moore, pastor of Florence United Methodist Church, is on a mission, a mission to bring the people of Florence together in a spirit of community and positiveness.
As a member of Leadership Marion County, Moore has developed an interest in networking, bringing people together.
"The hidden treasure of Florence is covered over by events, issues, and attitudes," Moore said. "The people of Florence are the treasure, and God wants His treasure to be seen for what it is, to no longer be hidden from view. He wants it to shine forth! When His treasure is seen, it brings God glory."
He contends the town needs a new trend toward the positive. He suggests several ways this can be done: 1) one-a-day — find one person every day to whom to say or do something positive; 2) organize block parties; 3) when hearing something negative, respond with something positive; 4) invite the person you are at odds with to lunch with one agenda, to open your heart to that person and just listen.
"It's about personal responsibility," Moore said. "I choose how I will use my power of speech.
"We are guardians of each other's dignity. We have a moral obligation to treat all people with respect, to work together in such a manner that the human worth and dignity of each is preserved.
"When we come into strong disagreement over important issues, it becomes especially necessary to pause, regain our objectivity, re-determine that people always take precedence over politics, then proceed to deal with issues at hand."
The Christian and UMC churches of Florence have worked together for several years in conducting programs for youth and elementary school students.
They are reaching out to others in the community to develop new ideas for bringing the community together in positive ways.
"I don't apologize for ideas," Moore said. "Actions spring from ideas."
The action begins tonight, Wednesday. A meeting is being held at the Methodist church to pray for a blessing on the community. Flyers posted around town invite people to the meeting who love Florence and are interested in being a blessing to the community or receiving a blessing from the community.
"Our cause has to be greater than a personal agenda," Moore concluded. "It has to serve the greater good. Each one of us has the power to minister to others right where we are, whether we are aware of it or not."
