So, let’s see, what’s new since I last wrote to you... Early this week Bishop Devadhar sent an email closing all UMC facilities and ending ALL gatherings, including Drive-In Worship and Blessings. He said it’s time for the churches who have not begun using digital platforms/social media to do so. It was the right decision … Continue reading Part of the Family Update
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Together in Christ: April 2020
A letter from Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar Dear Beloved in Christ: Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I am writing this letter on the 5th Sunday of Lent, with the lectionary focus on the death of Lazarus (John 11:1-45). In raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus not only demonstrates his deep comfort to … Continue reading Together in Christ: April 2020
Prayer for March 27, 2020
During these difficult days, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar and the members of the Extended Cabinet are sharing a daily prayer based on the Revised Common Lectionary for the week. God of compassion,as we stand alone on this vast plain surrounded by dry boneswe recall the prophecy:“When I put breath in you, and you come to life,you … Continue reading Prayer for March 27, 2020
Part of the Family Update: March 2020
Hello members of God’s Beloved Family! I sure do miss all of you as I’m sure you are missing each other! How different our patterns of life have become. Routines are not so routine. “We’ve always done it this way,” no longer applies to just about everything – from handwashing to spontaneous trips to the … Continue reading Part of the Family Update: March 2020
Prayer for a Pandemic
by Cameron Bellm Holy God, May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake. May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable. May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent. May … Continue reading Prayer for a Pandemic
Pastor’s Corner for January 2020
I was writing about gifts and their meaning and the meta-meaning (meaning behind the meaning) of a gift when I was struck by these words from Matthew’s Gospel: “... they returned by another way.” The decision to go another way. This act of re-turning is a defining moment in the birth narrative of Jesus. This … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner for January 2020
Pastor’s Corner: December 2019
Here’s the summary of the Stew Event from the prophet Haggai. We all have something to contribute to the stew: large or small We all need to keep putting into the stew pot, even when there’s something “distasteful” in it. That’s the only way we can change the stew. We all need to share our … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: December 2019
Pastor’s Corner: November 2019
The Fellowship Hall was clearing out. The last of the Trunk or Treaters and parents made their way to the doors where wind and rain awaited their arrival outdoors – dampening costumes, clothes and coats but not spirits. Weary but happy parishioners packed up what was left on the tables of treats and made their … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: November 2019
Wisdom in Job
This week, our discussion of the wisdom books moves to Job which examines how we can trust God when life seems unfair and bad things happen to good people. https://youtu.be/GswSg2ohqmA The Bible Project; The Book of Job In this book, a prosperous man named Job, who has always done as God wanted. One day, Satan … Continue reading Wisdom in Job
Pastor’s Corner: October 2019
I’ve truly enjoyed these past months of reading and studying, pondering and praying the Books of Wisdom. Knowing the larger arch of life the three primary books lay out has brought me to a new appreciation and love for these scriptural texts.Proverbs = the Young, Bright, Optimistic Academic, who’s reading to take on the world … Continue reading Pastor’s Corner: October 2019
John Street United Methodist Church 