Journal (Page 5)

Let’s begin this month’s newsletter with a portion of Scripture from Acts 2:42-47 They devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching and to fellowship, to breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke…

Ready for Something Cooler? I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for some cooler weather, and it looks like the upcoming days are not going to be as hot. Last week, a small group met and started planning for the Fall festival, which is a sure sign that cooler weather is just around the corner. In addition to that — I’m thinking that perhaps we can plan for an outdoor worship service in the picnic area one Sunday morning—just…

For Everything There is a Season Moments ago, I sat down to write this very article that you are reading, and the Spirit kept on nudging me toward those beautiful words in Ecclesiastes chapter 3 about having a time for every matter under the sun. I fully believe that right now, the Holy Spirit is wanting you to take a moment and reflect on these words. Surely, we will all read this portion of Scripture through our own experiences, and…

June has been a very busy month for Saint John. The month began with annual conference, which has resulted in a lot of discussion centered around the future of the United Methodist Church. Sadly, 113 local churches chose to disaffiliate during this annual conference, and this upcoming Sunday will be their last worship service within the UMC. This past Sunday, David Salter delivered the report of the annual conference during the worship service, which was followed by a hope centered…

Right now, we are in the middle of a sermon series on conviction, which began on May 14th with the idea that it is not enough to simply believe in something rather there must be a certain conviction that comes along side of your belief that enables you to act on it. This, I believe, is at the heart of James 1:22 where it states, “But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.” I am continuously praying and…

We’re going to jump right into things this month: WoodCarving Group On April 10th, a new group was formed at Saint John — A Woodcarving Group hosted by Rusty Busbee. About 15 people gather together and Rusty instructed them how to carve crosses. The group has been a very big success and will be gathering regularly — so, be sure to check the calendar for future gatherings — the next one will be on May 8th. Here is write-up from…

Reflecting on Holy Week By the time you read this newsletter, we will be preparing for Holy week, which begins on Palm Sunday when Jesus made his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. From that point forward, the mood turns somber as Jesus prepares for his final moments on the cross of Good Friday, which is the most difficult day of Passion week. Can you imagine the intense thoughts and emotions that Jesus must have experienced throughout his final week? The truth…

Something New  The Church is now in the season of Lent, which is very much a season of reflection. During the Lenten season, it is customary to reflect on the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness—just before he began His ministry. Also, during Lent, many people will choose to “give up” something, which, in some way, mirrors Jesus giving up food and water while he was in the wilderness. The purpose of giving up something is a form…

Drawing Nearer to God Here we are “again” in the month of February and I’m still trying to settle into 2023. I am realizing more and more that it is true that the older we get the faster time seems to go. In just three short weeks the Church will be entering into the Lenten season beginning with Ash Wednesday (the 1st day of Lent). During the time of Lent, Christians are called into deep spiritual reflection in preparation for Easter,…

Many Thanks To God For His Blessings! (Reflecting Back while Forging Forward) Naturally, this is the time of year (the last week in 2022) when many of us reflect on the past year, and as I look back, the one thing that comes into view is God’s many blessings. God has enriched Evelyn and me through calling us to Saint John and we are so thankful. All of you have expressed the truest love and Christian hospitality toward us, which…

What A Beautiful Mess             On my way into the office this morning, I passed through the space in the educational building where Bible study occurs. On most days, it’s orderly and everything is in its place, but as of late the space is a beautiful mess and I love it. It’s a mess with preparation for the Christmas worship service that the children are getting ready to for. The same can be said for the Darby building, which has decorations…