A Space for God to Solo

In Robert Gelinas’ book, Finding the Groove: Composing a Jazz-Shaped Faith, he asked the question, “Do you have time or does time have you?” He goes on to suggest that we are consumed with time, measuring everything in minutes, instead of moments.

I’ve attended lots of concerts and no matter the genre, there always seems to be a moment where the band, the chorale ensemble, and even the symphony, will take a break so that one instrument or one voice is featured. Maybe you have noticed in the Book of Psalms that you will sometimes see the word, “Selah.” The word is found at least 71 times throughout the Psalms. We are taught that it means to pause, to ponder, to reflect.

Gelinas reminds us that, “Sabbath and Selah are preplanned moments where we have time to listen. They are breaks in the cacophony of our lives.”

This past Sunday we celebrated Pentecost — a time of miraculous speech, but also a time of intentional listening. 3,000 believed and were baptized that day because they stayed around to listen, not only to Peter, but to God.

Dare we be so bold as to set aside time to listen to God? Dare we be so bold as to stop and listen to one another? Who knows — in doing so, we just might find the miracle of community in our own lives.

Pastor Jo

June 7, 2022

To Live What We Believe: An Eastertide Commitment

Yesterday in worship we received these questions to ponder. I admit, I was clicking right along until I got to #7… which calls me to slow down and truly enter into the life that is mine to live. If I truly want to grow in my relationships with Jesus, my church family, and my neighbors there must be intentionality on my part. As our church family moves forward in reconnecting to God, one another, and our neighbor, which questions stir a curiosity in you?

My Reconnect 2022 Eastertide Commitment

In John Wesley’s classes and bands, members met regularly for learning and personal accountability. The following questions were used daily for self-examination.

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?

2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?

3. Do I confidentially pass on to another what was told to me in confidence?

4. Can I be trusted?

5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habits?

6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?

7. Did the Bible live in me today?

8. Do I give it time to speak to me everyday?

9. Am I enjoying prayer?

10. When did I last speak to someone else about my faith?

11. Do I pray about the money I spend?

12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?

13. Do I disobey God in anything?

14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?

15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?

16. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy, or distrustful?

17. How do I spend my spare time?

18. Am I proud?

19. Do I thank God that I am not as other people — that I am not like them?

20. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I doing about it?

21. Do I grumble or complain constantly?

22. Is Christ real to me?

Pastor Jo

May 17, 2022

#BeUMC

May is a full month--Asian American Month, Foster Care Month, Pacific Islander Heritage Month, to name a few. And then there's May Day, Teacher’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Nurse’s Day, National Day of Prayer, Mother’s Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day… According to holidayinsights.com, each day offers something to remember and/or celebrate. And let’s not forget about graduations and the Kentucky Derby!

Each day invites chances to remember, explore, learn, and share. Each day offers an opportunity to find ways to celebrate and embrace our differences.

For those of us who are United Methodist, May 1 was a day that ushered in a different path for some of our brothers and sisters. Maybe you have read or heard about The Global Methodist Church (GMC). The GMC, according to umnews.org is defined as “a theologically conservative breakaway denomination.” All agree that it will take time to sort things out and I truly believe that ALL want to be a church that makes a difference for the cause of Jesus Christ.

I will remain a United Methodist for the very reasons I became a United Methodist--All Means ALL. All have a place at the table to share the Good News of Jesus and grow in love of God and neighbor. I see our church growing in numbers, energy, commitment, and hope. Now, more than ever, this should remain our focus… to love like Jesus loves.

#BeUMC,

Pastor Jo