It’s that time again, when we look at the close of one year and enter into a new year of the unlimited possibility of God’s Kin-dom. How will God’s Spirit be at work in our lives this year? Many of us may be glad to see the end of 2024 and happy to move on into 2025
Joseph was a good man, and who could ask for more? He is clearly not the biological father of Mary’s child but Joseph isn’t concerned with who is the father when he decides to quietly call off the engagement. According to my study bible, Joseph’s decision to call off their engagement
Every year, since I was a child, I would ask my father what he would like me to get him for Christmas. As a child, I had a somewhat limited budget saved in my piggy bank. The reply was always the same; “You can get me some new socks and world peace.”
I love Advent! There’s something so moving when we light the first candle on the Advent
wreath, it reminds me of the unimaginable possibilities of living in God’s Kin-dom. It’s as if that flame on the candle focuses our attention on all the things we crave and wait for in our lives-hope, love, joy and peace
Jesus had a very busy and exhausting day. In Mark Chapter 1 Jesus is calling to the disciples to come and join him, he’s healing the sick and casting out demons from the crowds of people who came to Jesus for healing. Then, before sunrise, Jesus rose to pray alone
God is also calling out “All aboard!” to each of us in every moment of eternity, offering us salvation through God’s love and grace. Because God is eternal, divine time is all about what’s happening right now, at the right time and now is the time for salvation!
This weekend I was at the Caregiver Renewal Retreat held at our church. Our retreat leader, Rev. Shawn Callender Hogan, set up a series of prayer stations where we could pause for reflection on where we are in our caregiver journey. One prayer station caught my attention because it was about time.
Lately, I really feel like the clock is ticking and that I never have enough time to get everything done. I keep looking at my watch and my calendar and time seems to be accelerating. As humans, our concept of time is linear. We see our lives stretch out from birth to death.
What is it that God wants from us? This is the question that Israel asks when the prophet Micah points out their failure to uphold their end of the covenant that God made with Israel. God has been faithful to Israel, but they have fallen away from loving God.
When we chose to rely on God and put the needs of others before our own, we create a caring community. Caring followers of Jesus are at the heart of every faith community. It takes courage to choose to give up time in our very busy schedules, to care for people in need.
Time after time Jesus modeled caring behavior by his response to the suffering of others. In this scripture, Jesus models the courage to be vulnerable. Jesus is in crisis, he knows he is about to be betrayed, arrested, tortured, and crucified-all for our sakes. Jesus knows he’s not doing this for himself,
Job’s story is one of devastating financial and personal loss, of disease and suffering, betrayal and marital discord, anger and finally transformation. Job’s life was broken and poured out in front of him, and in his despair and suffering he asks God that eternal question we all come to ask, “Why me?”
Together we can turn the nation’s largest weekend of football into the largest weekend of giving. Youth group members will be collecting monetary donations at each service this Sunday and will then send the donation to the Turning Point United Methodist Food Pantry in Trenton. Your generosity will be very much appreciated. The link below will take you to our PushPay system. You can select “Give One Time” then use the Fund Selector to choose “Souper Bowl of Caring.”
PEDAL for PROMISE – SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2019: Medford United Methodist is fielding a team for the Urban Promise fundraiser “Pedal for Promise.” This year the ride begins and ends at Valenzano Winery in Shamong. You can register to ride, make a donation to the team or register as a spectator to enjoy the party and cheer on our team.
Go to urbanpromiseusa.org/pedal for more information about the event, to donate, or to register as an individual. OR you can go directly to the TEAM MEDFORD UMC page at www.crowdrise.com/team-medford-umc.
Questions or need help? Speak with Pastor Kathleen, Wayne Richards, or Heidi and Mike Polhemus
