The stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, and the message is clear: He is risen! But Easter Sunday isn’t the finish line of our faith; it’s the starting blocks. If the Resurrection proves that life triumphs over death, then our response cannot be static. Easter is our "marching orders."

We are called to be a "Resurrection People," which means carrying the light of Sunday throughout the week. Loving our neighbors isn't a passive sentiment; it is a verb that requires us to move, to provide, and to advocate.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." — John 13.34

"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." — 1 John 3.18

This season, let’s challenge ourselves to turn our "Alleluias" into action.

"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." — Mark 16:15

Our mission is to live in such a way that people don’t just hear about the risen Christ—they see him through us. Amen.

I am writing this about 36 hours before our first Lenten Lunch. As we enter the reflective wilderness of Lent, we often ask ourselves what we should "give up" or “take up.” This year, in particular, our Lenten Lunch series invites us to consider what we might "take up."

We are embarking on a six-week journey titled "The Great Way: A Heart Prepared for the Cross," and I could not be more excited or hopeful!

Together, we will explore the intersection of the Great Requirement, the Great Commandment, and the Great Commission—discovering how these mandates provide a roadmap for a life that truly makes a difference!

While the first two weeks may seem out of order (due to a scheduling change), I love that we are beginning by diving straight into the heart of the Gospel: Love Mercy. As I spend time in Washington, D.C., this first week for a "Faithful Resistance" event, I am reminded that our pursuit of justice must always be seasoned with the radical mercy Jesus modeled!

By connecting the suffering of Jesus to our own call to do good, we will see how the scriptures offer a blueprint for a life of purpose. I trust these lunches will offer nourishment for both body and soul. Amen!

As we begin a new year, I’ve been spending some time reflecting on my One Word for 2026: Consistency.

I discovered this word back in early December during a bit of lament. I realized that my exercise and therapy schedule has’t been as consistent as I’d like. So, this year, I want to focus on consistency in the areas that matter most.

For me, that includes what I call Time With God—regular prayer and Scripture—along with exercise, self-care, sermon preparation, and perhaps others. All of these will benefit from faithfulness over time.

Scripture reminds us that steady faithfulness is what really shapes us. Paul writes, “So let us not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6.9, NLT). And Proverbs offers this wisdom: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance” (Proverbs 21.5a).

Consistency is not really flashy. It’s quiet. Repetitive. Often unseen. Yet it’s one of the primary ways God forms us—step by step, day by day.

So, my question for you to is this: Where might God be inviting you to practice simple, faithful consistency in the year ahead?

Many of us are carrying questions right now—questions that ask us to choose courage over fear. Decisions that feel heavy. Circumstances that feel uncertain. If that feels close to home, hear this word of reassurance: it’s going to be okay.

Not because the situation is simple. Not because the path ahead will be painless. But because God is with you.

Scripture reminds us again and again that nothing is too hard for God. That doesn’t mean life won’t stretch us or challenge us. It means we are never facing those challenges alone. God is not asking us to have all the answers or to see the whole picture. God is simply inviting us to take the next faithful step—one step grounded in trust, obedience, and hope.

And when the weight feels too heavy for words, there is always prayer. Sometimes the most honest prayer we can offer is the one Jesus prayed in the garden: “Not my will, but yours be done.” It is not a prayer of defeat, but of trust—placing our lives in God’s hands.

That prayer carried Jesus through the cross. And by God’s grace, it can carry us through whatever lies ahead as well.

—Pastor Randy

The seasons of the church year come around quickly. One moment we are celebrating Easter, and before we know it, Advent is upon us again. Because it returns every year, it’s easy to slip into routine—to light the candles, sing the hymns, hear the readings, and simply go through the motions. But Advent invites us to something deeper. It calls us to prepare our hearts!

Jesus urges his followers to “stay alert” and to be “ready” (Matthew 24.42, 44). Advent is not passive waiting; it is alert, hopeful expectation. The prophet Isaiah speaks of a day when people will “walk in the light of the Lord” (Isaiah 2.5). That’s the kind of transformation Advent makes possible: learning to walk in God’s light, even when the world feels dark or hurried!

So how can this Advent be transformational?

1. Create a daily moment of stillness. Even a few minutes of quiet prayer, Scripture, or breath can reorient your heart. Try a simple prayer: “Come, Lord Jesus.”

2. Practice one intentional act of kindness each week. Advent hope grows when we extend hope to others—through generosity, encouragement, or simply being fully present with someone.

3. Slow a tradition down. Whether lighting the Advent wreath, setting up a nativity, or reading Scripture, do it deliberately this year. Reflect on what it points to: Christ’s coming.

May this season not just pass by, but shape us into a people ready for Christ’s coming—again and again!

We live in a time of great turmoil and division. As followers of Jesus, silence is not an option when truth and compassion are at stake. Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel once said, “I swore never to be silent whenever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” His words remind us that faith is not passive—it is active love in the face of injustice.

My former bishop, Jane Allen Middleton, who ordained me, left a comment on one of my Facebook posts recently, “We must find our voices to proclaim a gospel of love of neighbor, inclusion of the marginalized, generosity, and to hold ourselves and our leaders to these principles.” The gospel compels us to speak, even when it’s uncomfortable, because love demands courage.

The prophet Micah reminds us what God requires: “To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6.8). And Jesus said, “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5.14, 16).

In this season of deep division, may we be people of light—speaking truth in love, standing with those who suffer, and embodying the hope of Christ. Silence may feel safe, but love calls us to something greater.

Let us find our voices and use them for God’s justice and peace!

For the past several weeks, we’ve been inviting one another to pause & pray each Friday at noon. The idea is simple: wherever you are, stop for just a few moments and turn your heart toward God in prayer!

There’s nothing magical about this specific schedule. God hears us whenever we pray. But what can make this meaningful is knowing that we are not praying alone. Even if we are scattered across homes, workplaces, and schools, we are still united in spirit. When the clock strikes noon, we can trust that others in our church family are also lifting their hearts to God. That sense of connection is a gift!

Of course, grace abounds. If you forget, or if noon is not possible for you, choose another time. The heart of this practice is not about keeping a strict rule but about cultivating a rhythm of prayer. What matters most is that we are turning to God regularly, seeking peace, wisdom, and strength for our lives, our community, and our nation.

A practical tip: consider setting an alarm on your phone, which can help us remember to pause & pray.

Let’s keep encouraging one another in this practice. Our prayers—offered in unity and faith—make a difference. And whether we feel it or not, we can be confident that God is at work.

Wherever we are, we are not praying alone!

On Sunday, August 24, we gathered to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 100 years of being the hands and feet of Jesus at Wehnwood United Methodist Church. What began in 1925 at the Logan Township Fire Hall has grown into a century-long witness of God’s presence and faithfulness in Altoona.

The world looked very different when this church began. The “Roaring Twenties” were in full swing, automobiles were becoming common, and jazz filled the airwaves. Altoona was at the height of its railroad prosperity, with tens of thousands employed in the Pennsylvania Railroad shops. In that moment of growth, God planted a new congregation that would serve the community for generations to come!

Over the past century, the world has changed dramatically—radio to television to smartphones, medical breakthroughs, space exploration, and social progress. We have also weathered hard times—depression, wars, terrorism, and global pandemics. Yet through it all, God has been faithful!

We give thanks for the pastors who have shepherded this congregation, for leaders like Rev. Samuel Wachter who grew up here, and for special moments like welcoming Rev. Jane Harrison to preach during our anniversary, whose father, Rev. Charles Zimmerman, once served this church.

Our ministries have grown, too. We’ve expanded our building, welcomed brothers and sisters from Faith UMC and Grace UMC, and found new ways to connect through our church app.

As we look back with gratitude, we also look forward with hope. The past reminds us that while much changes, one thing never will: God will continue to be with us. May the future be filled with faith, service, and God’s transforming love! Amen.

In a time of information overload and constant connection, it can feel overwhelming to navigate the sheer volume of voices vying for our attention. As followers of Jesus, we are called to a higher standard of discernment.

1 John 4.1 reminds us …
Dear friends, don’t believe every spirit. Test the spirits to see if they are from God because many false prophets have gone into the world.

This divine instruction is more relevant than ever when it comes to sifting through information and avoiding the pitfalls of conspiracy theories.

So, how do we "test the spirits" in our daily lives?

First, anchor yourself in Scripture. Does the information you're encountering align with biblical principles and God's character revealed in Christ? This is always a good place to start.

Second, seek out credible sources. In an age where anyone can publish anything, consider the source's reputation, expertise, and potential biases. Look for information from established, reputable sources.

Third, exercise critical thinking. Don't blindly accept everything you hear or read. Ask questions: Is there evidence to support these claims? Are there alternative explanations? Does this information appeal to fear or prejudice rather than reason?

Finally, cultivate a spirit of humility and prayer. Acknowledge that you don't know everything and be open to challenging your own preconceived notions. Pray for wisdom and discernment, asking God to guide you toward truth and protect you from deception.

By applying these principles, we can honor God by being good stewards of truth and living as lights in a world often overshadowed by misinformation.

In July 2009, I wrote a prayer as I began a new year of ministry. This prayer has stuck me with me. I want to share it with you as my prayer for our ministry at Wehnwood UMC …

O God, give us clean hands and pure hearts, hearts like yours. Break our hearts for what breaks yours!

Give us strength. Be our Rock, our firm foundation. Provide us with the spiritual grounding we need for the journey ahead. As we build our lives on Christ the solid rock, develop your character in us!

Give us favor with the people you call us to reach and the people you call us to be in ministry with! Give us wisdom to lead well, and discernment to sift through all of the distractions in order to focus on the things you call us to be about!

Give us patience and persistence to stay the course in the midst of the challenges and obstacles that will arise during the slow-going work of transformation! Fill us with passion and energy that will sustain us for the long haul! Give us courage to do what’s difficult. Help us to follow you even when it’s hard!

Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and help us to bear much fruit! Do something unpredictable and uncontrollable. Please use us to make your name great!

Through your leadership in our lives, expressed and lived out in all of the places we serve, create a strong community of faith that will be fully engaged in the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world! Amen.

Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, mountaintops and valleys. As followers of Jesus, we long to walk the right path—to follow God faithfully, even when the way forward isn’t clear. The Psalms offer plenty of guidance along the way.

In a recent sermon, I shared four verses. In Psalm 25.4 (NLT), the psalmist prays, “Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow.” This is a humble prayer of someone seeking direction—not just any path, but God’s path. When life presents us with decisions, we too can echo this prayer, asking God to reveal his way.

Psalm 27.11 (CEV) continues this plea: “Teach me to follow, Lord, and lead me on the right path.” Following is not automatic—it requires learning, listening, and sometimes unlearning our own assumptions. The psalmist seeks guidance, but also but formation — a heart trained to follow God faithfully!

God does not leave us guessing. Psalm 32.8 (NLT) offers a promise: “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” God is not distant; he is an active guide!

And in Psalm 143.10 (NLT), we find this heartfelt request: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.” As we grow in trust, we learn to walk not just where we want, but where God leads!

Wherever you are on your journey—facing uncertainty, seeking clarity, or simply needing strength for the next step—these Psalms (and many others) remind us that we have a Guide who walks with us. Let them be your prayers as you travel with God!

Prayer as a vital lifeline connecting us to the grace of God and fueling our commitment to action in the world around us. It is through prayer that we open ourselves to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, allowing God’s love to shape our hearts and guide our actions in the world!

This call to prayer is an invitation to deepen our relationship with God. It is a recognition of our dependence on God’s wisdom, strength, and compassion as we navigate the complexities of our lives and strive to be agents of healing and reconciliation in our communities and beyond. Just as Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness (or, deserted places) to pray (Luke 5.16), we too need moments of quiet reflection and conversation with God.

We are excited to announce a new prayer opportunity: 1st Wednesday Prayer & Quiet Time. Beginning on Wednesday, May 7, the sanctuary will be open from 7AM to 9AM on the first Wednesday of each month (most months) for personal prayer and quiet reflection. Check Events in the app for the schedule each month.

Come and pray for anything and everything that is on your heart – for your family, your neighbors, our church, our nation, and our world. A handout with suggested prayer points and relevant Scripture verses will be available to guide your time. This is designed to be a personal experience, allowing you to come and go as your schedule allows and to stay for as little or as long as you wish within the 7:00 to 9:00 AM timeframe.

Let us embrace the words of Philippians 4.6-7: “Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.”

Amen.

Lent has been a time of reflection, and recently, I've been thinking about justice and basic human rights. As United Methodists, these aren't just abstract ideas – they are rooted in our faith and clearly articulated in our Social Principles, recently updated at General Conference (read them here).

Our Social Principles affirm that all individuals are entitled to basic human rights and freedoms, a truth grounded in God's creation and revealed through Jesus' love. As a church, we are called to actively protect these rights within our community, work to reform society so everyone can flourish, and to stand against any attempt to deny dignity and basic rights.

So, how do we live out this call to justice? Here’s a simple plan:

Pray Intentionally: Let us consistently lift up prayers for justice, both in our personal lives and for the wider world, including our nation.

Reflect on Our Vows: Throughout Lent, we've revisited our membership vows. Let's remember our commitment to renounce evil, resist injustice and oppression, and serve Christ. These aren't just words; they are a call to action.

Seek Understanding: Take some time to read the excerpts from our Social Principles (at the link above). Consider how these principles apply to our community and the world around us.

Look for Opportunities: Even in small ways, we can live out our commitment to justice. This might involve supporting organizations working for human rights, speaking out against injustice when we see it, or simply treating everyone with the dignity they deserve.

May God empower and use us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God!

We always have much to pray for—our families, friends, church, community, nation, and world.

Each week, I share a short prayer as a notification in the app, and I plan to do so more regularly. If you haven’t signed up yet, it’s easy—just open the app, go to your profile (top right corner), scroll to Notifications (under App Settings), and toggle on General.

Scripture reminds us of the importance of praying for the world:

Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance. – Psalm 2.8
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray … I will heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7.14
My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations. – Isaiah 56.7
Seek the peace and prosperity of the city … Pray to the Lord for it. – Jeremiah 29.7
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. – Matthew 6.10
I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people. – 1 Timothy 2.1
The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord. – Habakkuk 2.14
Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream. – Amos 5.24
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. – James 5.16

May we continue to lift up the world in prayer, trusting that God hears and moves!

God bless you!

As you may know, I’ve been choosing a One Word for the year for a number of years. As I’ve said, sometimes the words choose me, and sometimes I have to really search, as I did this year. But, finally, the word Abandon chose me!

Abandon isn’t about giving up hope; it’s about complete and willing surrender—a wholehearted “going all in” with God. It’s relinquishing control, trusting God’s perfect plan, and embracing the risks of following God’s lead.

Going all in signifies a deep commitment, not a lukewarm approach. It’s pouring our entire selves into our relationship with God and his purposes. This means surrendering our desires, plans, and fears to God’s loving guidance, trusting God knows what’s best, even when the path is uncertain.

Abandon also speaks to the courage to take risks. Following God often requires stepping outside our comfort zones. It might involve a leap of faith in a new ministry, a difficult conversation, or trusting God in challenging times. These risks can feel daunting, but when we abandon ourselves to God’s will, we find strength and courage.

Abandon is a call to deeper trust—believing God is faithful, will provide, and will never leave us. It’s trusting God’s plans are greater than our own.

As we journey through 2025, whether Abandon is your word or not, let’s embrace Abandon. Let’s surrender our lives, go all in with our faith, and have the courage to take the risks God calls us to. May we experience the joy of truly abandoning ourselves to God’s love and purpose. Amen!

How you do discern God’s will for your life? Is that something you aim for, or do you just hope for the best? The New Year is a good time to think about God’s will and the spiritual gift of discernment. And the idea is certainly pertinent in my life right now as we are making decisions about where our son, Ethan, will go to college.

Well, I’ve always loved the language of “figuring out God’s will.” It comes from Romans 12.2 (CEB), which challenges us …

Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature.

It’s not a magic formula, but a call to a transformed life. Discerning God's will isn't about finding hidden clues, but aligning our hearts with God's. Erwin McManus said, “God’s will is not something you add to your life. It’s a direction you walk in.” This process involves renewing our minds through Scripture and prayer. Fellowship with other believers also provides wisdom and accountability.

Sometimes, God's will is clear in commands like loving our neighbors (Matthew 22.39). Other times, it's about choosing between good options. In these moments, we seek wisdom, trusting that God guides our steps. It’s a process. It's not always instantaneous but unfolds over time. We must be patient. God — our Emmanuel, who promises to be with us always — will lead us and guide us. May we live for the glory of God!

Join millions in the global generosity movement that has developed in recent years — it follows Black Friday & Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday gives us the opportunity to do good with our finances, and we invite you to make Wehnwood UMC part of your Giving Tuesday …

Make a Difference This Giving Tuesday!
This Giving Tuesday, join us in living out our mission to invite, serve, and grow in Christ. Your generous support empowers Wehnwood UMC to make a lasting impact in our community and beyond.

Support the General Fund: Help us sustain our worship, ministries, and outreach.

Invest in Missions: Extend Christ’s love by supporting local and global initiatives that change lives.

Build the Future: Contribute to our Building Fund to maintain and enhance the spaces where faith and fellowship flourish.

Giving online is easier than ever and makes a big difference! Simply visit WehnwoodUMC.com/Give to make your contribution quickly and securely. Or, you can also give in the app!

Whether it’s your first time giving online or you’re a seasoned pro, every gift helps invite others into God’s love, serve those in need, and grow deeper in faith. (You may also give by cash/check.)

Let’s shine Christ’s light this Giving Tuesday—because together, we are the church!

So, as I write, there are 8 days until the election. And you will likely read this before the election. So, none of us know for sure how it will turn out.

Like anyone else who cares about the future of the nation and the world, I have a deep interest and concern for this election. And I take seriously the privilege of playing a role in our democracy by voting.
 
Now, as followers of Jesus, we can always put our TRUST IN GOD — no matter if we are happy or unhappy on the day after and beyond.

Here are some encouraging words in this season …

Proverbs 3.5-6 (NLT)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.

Psalm 20.6–7 (CEB)
Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
      he will answer him from his holy heaven
      with the saving might of his right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
      but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Isaiah 26.3-4 (NLT)
3 You will keep in perfect peace
    all who trust in you,
    all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
4 Trust in the Lord always,
    for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

May God add his blessing to the reading of his Word — and give you peace! ??

Journaling can be a helpful practice, offering a simple yet profound way to reflect on life’s journey. Here are 5 things that I’ve found helpful …

Self-awareness
Journaling helps you process your thoughts and experiences, leading to greater self-awareness. By writing regularly, you can gain deeper insights into your own heart, mind, and emotions.

Spiritual growth
Writing down your prayers, reflections, and spiritual experiences can foster a closer connection with God. Journaling helps you track your spiritual progress and reminds you of God’s faithfulness.

Clarifying thoughts
Sometimes, thoughts can be unclear or jumbled. Writing them down often brings clarity, helping you sort through what’s important and what needs further reflection or prayer.

Stress relief
Journaling is an effective way to relieve stress and process difficult emotions. It provides a private, safe outlet for feelings that might otherwise remain bottled up.

Personal growth
Through journaling, you can track your personal development over time, observing patterns and changes. It allows you to see how far you’ve come, offering encouragement to continue growing.

Embrace the practice of journaling—it’s a simple tool that can lead to profound insights and growth.

Life gets busy, and often, we approach reading the Bible as just another task to check off our list. We skim through chapters, gathering information but missing something deeper. What if we approached Scripture differently?

M. Robert Mulholland, in his work on spiritual formation, challenges us to see the Bible not just as a book of facts but as a tool for transformation. He encourages us to allow Scripture to "form" us—changing our hearts, renewing our minds, and shaping us into the image of Christ.

This approach requires a shift in mindset. Instead of rushing through our Bible reading, we should slow down. Take time to meditate on the words, letting them sink into our souls. The goal is not to gather knowledge but to experience the presence of God through his Word.

When we allow the Bible to shape us, it becomes a source of nourishment, guiding our decisions and influencing our actions. We become more Christ-like, not just in what we know, but in how we live and love others.

So, next time you open your Bible, don't just read it—let it read you. Let the Word of God shape you, transforming your heart and life in ways that go beyond mere knowledge.

Amen.

Life is certainly not easy. We need a guide, a compass, a way to live.

I remember one time while reading through the Psalms a number of years ago when a verse from Psalm 86 (verse 11) jumped out at me …

This has become my prayer. I hope it will become your prayer, as well. We are disciples — people who strive to be like our teacher!

“Teach me your way, Lord.”

Few qualities are more important for a disciple than teachability. Disciples—learners, students, apprentices—by nature, must be teachable. Disciples of Jesus want to know his way so that they can walk in it.

And disciples of Jesus should have one sole focus—honoring God’s name. I love the last sentence in Psalm 86.11: “Make my heart focused only on honoring your name.”

This is a great verse to memorize and make it our prayer.

Amen.

The postponed 2020 General Conference finally took place this year. As I wrote beforehand, “I am choosing to trust the process.” That is still the case, and I am still trusting God to continue to lead and to bless the United Methodist Church!

As I also said, “There will always be struggles” as well as “a variety of theological positions on a host of social issues.” And that’s okay.

Following General Conference, we had a total of 27 people attend one of the webinars presented by the delegates from our Conference. We are currently waiting to receive more information in print as well as a possible recording of the webinar. We will share whatever we can!

As many leaders have said, some are celebrating and some are grieving over changes related to human sexuality. As I’ve said in a couple of different meetings, I’m not necessarily grieving or celebrating. The good news is that pastors can follow their conscience and churches can set their own policy for the building. In the months ahead, we will develop a building use/wedding policy after a season of prayer, study, and conversation. I’ve asked Pastor Ray to help me lead this effort (as early as the fall).

In the meantime, please pray for …
— A renewed focus on our mission of making disciples of Jesus!
— God’s blessings upon our church’s ministry!
— Those who are grieving.
— Humility, peace, love, grace … and extra grace!

Thanks for your prayers!

Ordained United Methodist clergy are encouraged to take renewal leaves of at least one month every 4 years. The SPRC and the Bishops and Cabinet have approved a renewal leave for me for June 7 through July 9.

What is a renewal leave?
A renewal leave (mini-sabbatical) is not a vacation; it is a scheduled time for personal renewal, leadership development, and spiritual growth.

What will Pastor Randy do on renewal leave?
Joleen and I have done one renewal leave previously — in 2016, which included a mix of travel, reading, and visiting/observing fruitful churches. This time around, it will consist mainly of a roadtrip through several western states to see and enjoy some of God’s creation. I plan to read/listen to some books for spiritual growth and leadership development. Journaling, as always, will be especially helpful in remembering and processing the experience!

What will take place at Wehnwood UMC?
Area United Methodist pastors will be on call for pastoral emergencies. Please contact call the church office if there's a need.
 
Guest preachers will cover the Sundays I will be away. I am pleased that the following will each cover one Sunday (9 & 11 AM, except the 5th Sunday) …

6/9: Rev. Dr. Kathy Kind (Director, Connectional Ministries)
6/16: Rev. Elaine Shafer-Stroud (Retired)
6/23: Rev. Dr. Tom Salsgiver (Assistant to the Bishop)
6/30: Todd Coleman (5th Sunday; 10AM only)
7/7: Rev. Ray Kovach (Retired)

Thanks for your support and your prayers!

The long-awaited General Conference of the UMC is set to take place April 23 to May 3, 2024 in Charlotte, NC.

Here are some of my thoughts & prayers …

I am choosing to trust the process. As United Methodists, General Conference is an important part of our church — it’s the highest legislative body of the UMC. Each delegate has been elected by their own conference and sent to General Conference. Of the 862 delegates, 482 will be from the U.S., 278 from Africa, 52 from the Philippines, 40 from Europe, and 10 from concordat churches with close ties to the UMC.

I am trusting the Holy Spirit to guide this global body in their worshipful work!

Many have put a lot of emphasis on this particular conference (in light of the recent division in the UMC). But remember, it’s one session of General Conference. There will be General Conferences after this one — possibly an extra one in 2026, and then resuming a normal 4-year schedule in 2028. This conference won’t be the end of all debates on any social issue, including human sexuality. There will always be struggles over all kinds of issues. The church has a variety of theological positions on a host of social issues. And, frankly, what should cause us to pause is that the church has not always handled social issues well in the past (e.g., slavery, racial and gender justice/equality, etc.).

Please pray for …

— Safe travel & safety at the event.
— The strong presence of the Holy Spirit.
— Godly wisdom.
— Humility, peace, love, grace … and extra grace!

As a church, we are works in progress, going on to perfection. And we are in this together! Amen.

I’m writing this in the wake of my last sermon — “For Sake of the Gospel” (2/25).

The sermon text began with Peter rebuking Jesus, whom he had just proclaimed as Messiah. Jesus responded: “Get behind me, Satan. You are not thinking God’s thoughts but human thoughts.”

We naturally think human thoughts because we’re, well, human. But, as followers of Jesus, we must also stay in tune with God — to think God’s thoughts.

We must stay humble, and that includes our theology. In the past, Christians have struggled — and sometimes fallen on the wrong side — with issues like Jewish Christians welcoming Gentile Christians (Acts 15), slavery, and the role of women in the church, to name a few.

Staying humble matters because there are, and will continue to be, other issues, and we must make every effort to think God’s thoughts. We won’t always get it right, so it matters how we treat people in the process.

As I write, I remember saying years ago, during a time when the three congregations I was serving were considering merging: “It matters what we decide, but not as much as how we decide!”

Once again, I appreciate this statement from Stephen Bryce …

“I am utterly convinced that God will have all kinds of grace if we got the theology wrong. I'm not entirely sure about how God will take it if we got the loving other people, seeking justice, and choosing mercy part of life wrong.”

Theology matters. But we can’t get the other parts wrong!