Tom is solo pastor at Path of Grace UMC in Maplewood, MN. To learn more: pathofgraceumc.org SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20, The Message (Notice the 3 voices: God, Samuel; Eli.) 1-3 The boy Samuel was in training in the temple serving God under Eli’s direction. [Eli was a renowned priest in Jerusalem.] This was at…
We are in the liturgical season of Epiphany. It begins with the arrival of the Wise Ones, the ones who held precious the prophecy of ages and followed the signs to the Star of Bethlehem. The ones who were led across the desert on a previously unknown road to find the Prince of Peace. These same Wise Ones discovered, also, a threat snaking its way beneath the veneer of peaceful platitudes, one that caused them to – once again – travel by another, new road. The sumptuous gifts they leave behind will resource yet another desert journey to be taken. What might we hear in this ancient story that guides us on the next leg of our own journey? It is winter, and the Base Camp of our church community is warm. Let’s keep the gift of Sabbath; rest a bit in community; sing and pray together; reflect, refuel, and refresh our sense of reverence.
Bishop David Bard, resident bishop of the Michigan Conference and the Minnesota Conference’s interim bishop in 2021, shares his commitment to working with Minnesota United Methodists toward a more vital and vibrant Methodism in Minnesota; to keeping before us our gospel imperatives of growing in love of God and neighbor, reaching new people, and healing…
Where is your hope anchored? This worship service explores that question. Our five district superintendents each share a personal story of hope made real in their lives, and their messages are interspersed with incredible musical arrangements provided by United Methodist Churches throughout Minnesota. As we prepare to enter a new year during a global pandemic, this…
Advent begins in the dark and anticipates a brighter day. Our waiting for dawn is far from passive – it is filled with planning, wondering, firming our roots and gathering our resources for growth, all while keeping an eye on the horizon. As we gather to worship and meditate this Communion Sunday, we will continue our Advent collection of symbols. Each of you is invited to bring to your worship window – along with simple elements for Communion – something that is an emblem of what is currently bringing light into your life, reminding you that Christmas is near. Above the manger hangs a star of light – shining through the dark. It is winter, and the Base Camp of our church community is warm. Let’s keep the gift of Sabbath; rest a bit together, and reflect, refuel, and refresh our sense of reverence.
Advent begins. It is as simple as that. It begins at the beginning, long before the star or even the first birthing cry. It begins with a need, then a hope, then a vision; a messenger, an inkling, and then – then a long growing season – a journey toward light and life. As we gather to worship and meditate this Sunday, we will begin a collection that will grow in the coming weeks. Each of you is invited to bring to your worship window something that is a space waiting to be filled – be it object, sign or symbol. An empty manger. A promise of new life. A star in the dark. It is winter, and the Base Camp of our church community is warm. Let’s keep gift of Sabbath; rest a bit together, and reflect, refuel, and refresh our sense of reverence.
