The overwhelming message of the Christmas story is the assurance that we, too, are children of the Holy One. In this, our very presence is a gift if we will only allow the Spirit to move in and through us. Every day of our ordinary lives, we can show up – be present – and […]
It is time we celebrate the opening of the most precious gift of presence we know – the birth of the Christ Child, the Light of the World.As we light our candles, we open our hearts to becoming part of the gift of light in the world. Like the choice the shepherds face, will we […]
The faith narrative is careful to show us a lineage from King David to Jesus. It is no ordinary lineage, it is one that began in the shepherding of sheep, of leading and delivering the people in search of a home. Mary’s womb becomes part of that lineage of love, offering the world the gift […]
The presence of loved ones offers us comfort, and the pain is palpable as we grieve their absence whether through death, strained relationships, changes in life circumstances, and other situations. We are in the middle of our Advent/Christmas series, “The Gift of Being Present.” Pastor Mary’s Blue Christmas message is based on John 1: 1-4, […]
The words of the prophet Isaiah offer a prophetic vision that Jesus will also claim in his ministry. Likewise, we are called to claim the gift of being fully present with all people – those who mourn, those who grieve, those who have suffered indignity and oppression. Mary’s Song (the Magnificat) is prophetic as well. […]
My Story – Faith in Film 2024 Worship Brainstorming Thurs., Dec. 7, 2023 at LHUMC 12:00 p.m. Potluck 12:45-3:00 p.m. Brainstorming for Worship January 7- February 11, 2023 (6 Sundays) Our faith in Jesus Christ is grounded in Scripture. Telling our own faith story is a powerful witness to others, influencing how we think about, […]
Preparing the way for new beginnings, fresh starts, and a clear path, is a classic theme in the faith narrative and in our own lives. Life can contain many chapters. The Good News is that the Holy One is continually making a way for do-overs. In this we can find peace, even when life doesn’t […]
Our spiritual ancestors cried out in the midst of their political occupations: “Save us!” The idea of a Messiah went hand-in-hand with the need for God to help the in their distress. The Roman occupation of Jesus’ time and of the early Christian community is expressed with a sense of waiting, watching, and anticipation of […]
Too often fear can keep us from experiencing the fullness of God’s blessings. We stand on the sidelines instead of making deeper commitments to use God’s gifts as a part of building God’s Kingdom. But our faith story is full of people who followed God faithfully and found great joy in loving and serving, and […]
It’s easy to feed our fear of rejection by paying more attention to what others think of us rather than remembering that we are loved and beloved by god. How do we stop doing the things that feed feelings of rejection and instead take on practices that help us overcome it? This is the second […]