30
Dec 2022
“1785. Saturday, January 1. Whether this be the last or no, may it be the best year of my life! Sunday, 2. A larger number of people were present this evening at the renewal of our covenant with God than was ever seen before on the occasion.” -John Wesley’s Journal John Wesley began the year 1785 in London, marking the new beginning with a celebration of the “Covenant Renewal Service” that many within the Methodist tradition still celebrate at the beginning of the year. Though dating back to Wesley’s time, for some......
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Jurisdictions & Conferences
What do you know about Jurisdictional Conference? This week the United Methodist Church will be in the news again, and I want you to be aware of it before it happens. Next week I’ll...
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Making a Difference
This month in worship we have focused on those small things that can make a big difference in our world. Gratitude. Perseverance. Humility. Prayer. Faith. These seemingly small things, in the hands of...
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Charting a Course
Thank you for your responses to the questions from Ministry Architects! We had more than 150 people respond, from all walks of life. In addition, we have listening groups meeting in person this weekend,...
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A Praying Church
How is your prayer life? So many people picture their grandmother, sitting in her rocking chair with her Bible in her lap, eyes closed while she talked to God. The reality is, this...
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Help for Ukraine
As we watch the news from Ukraine, it’s easy to feel helpless and fearful. As in other times of social anxiety, our Methodist tradition has direction for us. The United Methodist Church speaks against...
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Sharing Life
I spent two nights at Mingus Mountain United Methodist Camp this week. Like Pastor Sharon before me, I serve on the Board of Ordained Ministry. I believe it’s my fifth year? Time has escaped...
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Flaws
We had rain Thursday night at our house. This isn’t actually a new thing – we have been enjoying rain quite often these last few weeks. But this one was different. The thunder, the...
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Cleaning Out
I’ve found the most interesting and heartwarming things as I’ve been cleaning out my office in preparation for retirement. Just as examples, I’ve found tiny notes from children, letters of support, newspaper articles, copies...
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Random Thoughts
“I thank my God every time I remember you …” (Philippians 1:3) Along with this prayer of thanksgiving for all of you from Philippians 1:3, this prayer is on my heart this morning: New...
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