Nature reveals through and through how we (especially Moms!) love our offspring. Watch the moms and goslings in Loring Lake for proof. Our God through Jesus Christ reminds us we are all children; we are all parents; we are all bound to one another through something even more powerful than blood! That is love. Can we fully realize this reality in Christ? Are we thankful?

UPDATE: Watch the Youth Video online now! – God of truth and knowledge, we ask your blessing upon these graduates. We thank you for those who taught and worked beside them and all who supported them along the way. Walk with them as they leave this part of their life and move on. Take away their anxiety and confusion of purpose. Strengthen their many gifts and talents and instill in them a confidence in the goodness of your grace and hope in their lives. May our prayers go with them always, and may they walk in the way of Christ wherever they go. Amen.

This Sunday’s service has a special musical emphasis and highlights care for the creation in conjunction with Earth Day.

The thrust of Methodism from the Wesley brothers is “to reform the nation, particularly the Church, and to spread scriptural holiness over the land.” United Methodists seek personal piety, social holiness and a catholic spirit. Our Mission: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!

We know that creation binds us all together – all that lives is loved by God. So we are called to love together in Beloved Community. How far can the boundaries of Beloved Community extend? To the City, to another Nation, even to the whole World? What does it take for us to act out of love in all that we do? God’s steadfast love endures forever – not just for us, but for all that live.

Our life is full of brokenness – broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations. How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful except by returning again and again to God’s faithful presence in our lives? ~Henri Nouwen… (keep reading…)

Watch last Sunday’s Sermon online, PLUS listen to Reggie Smith!

Turn to the New Testament reading  for today. Count the number of times you find the word “wisdom” and the word “foolishness.” The apostle Paul has strong feelings and beliefs about what is wise and what is foolish! Later in the letter… (keep reading…)

For the first time, Jesus tells the disciples where his road will lead. But Peter also had a plan – just think what a man of such power and authority could do for his people? Jesus was stern with Peter: don’t tempt me with another road! To what temptations do our “human minds” lead you? Do you want power and prestige? Or recognition? Are you willing to lose your life to save it?

Ring the bells that still can ring Forget your perfect offering There is a crack, a crack in everything That’s how the light gets in.  Life gives us challenges that make it hard to see the light. Listen to the song in worship. You… (keep reading…)