Seriously, I cannot believe how time flies by. On February 14, we celebrated the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday and on April 1st we will celebrate Easter. Oddly enough, it seems as though the faster that time goes by, the more you have to do and the less time you have to do it in. Thank God for lent! Lent is the time for one to slow down, take some time for God and yourself and reflect, re-evaluate,…
On November 26th, 2017, I preached on Matthew 25:31-46 where Jesus is saying that when you feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome a stranger, clothe the naked, take care of the sick, and visit the imprisoned then we do it for him as well. That sermon way back in November has held my heart, mind and soul for some time urging me to do those things. It is my desire to love God more and serve…
The Christmas message spoke of the gift we have been given through the birth of a Savior. I ask you, have you received and opened our gift? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal lord and savior and are you living a life reflective of his life? Has the church accepted the teachings and revelations of Jesus Christ and allowed it to lead its work of ministry? The New Year lectionary scriptures speak of the gifts that were brought…
‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and didn’t do anything to help you?’ 45 Then he will answer, ‘I assure you that when you haven’t done it for one of the least of these, you haven’t done it for me.’ Matthew 25:44-45 This scripture was part of the lectionary gospel scripture November 26th the Sunday before Advent. How fitting it is to hear these words as an…
Stuart-Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church Well we did it? One year down and only 49 to go! (Smile). It has been my joy, and pleasure being your pastor. This first year I have really just been getting my footing. Getting in the swing of things, and becoming more informed on how things are at Stuart-Mt. Vernon. IT is often said that the first year of an appointment is the honeymoon period. Well the honeymoon is over and now life begins….
I had the amazing opportunity to attend the Leadership Institute at the Church of the Resurrection in Leewood KS. Sept. 27th-29th and then a Discipleship Pathway seminar on Sept. 30th. Here are just a few thoughts that I have captured my attention: ¨ Food for thought: The preaching moment is one of the most important & valuable times that I have to relay God’s love & purpose for us. How well do I relay that message while striving to change lives,…
As I am getting back into the routine of things both at home and at church there before me lies great excitement for what’s to come. In preparation and planning and looking ahead at the calendar I am already tired for the busyness of it all. But it’s going to be a good busyness and I can hear my grandmother say, “Idle hands are the devils workshop.” So let’s get busy and more importantly let’s get excited! Here are…
As our new Bishop Laurie Haller gave her first Address to our 2017 Annual Conference she laid before us a question, “Have you fruit? Then make a difference!” She also presented a newly crafted mission and vision statement for the Iowa Annual Conference. I am reminded that a mission statement is a statement of intended purpose while a vision statement speaks to how to carry out the mission. Our mission and vision as a conference is as follows: Mission:…
The Rev. Bill Cotton, who I admire and am greatly enriched by, weekly writes a memo for preachers. I would like to share one written for a first Sunday of July focusing on Independence Day. Excursus: “For the Love of God and Country” Once upon a time the Pilgrims came to America, settled and declare that God is at the very center of our lives. The Pilgrims were a bit oppressive and to guard against their insistence upon their version…
We have just finished our post resurrection sermon series, “Living a Life in His Name,” that was birth out of the book of John stating Jesus’ post resurrection presence and teaching was told so “that believing, you will have life in his name (John 20:31 common translation).” From this series I discovered: ¨ The joy of understanding the word of God. ¨ That Jesus is the way only to God for He is the way, the truth, the life. ¨ If God…