Holy One, Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those in Uvalde, Texas. We recognize, however, that this isn’t enough. Mobilize us, God. We do not want to be desensitized to violence. Stir something deep within …
Observing a Long Lent
It is difficult to believe that the Season of Lent is upon us once again. It seems like it was just Christmas. I continue to receive delayed Christmas cards every day; so it still feels like the holiday season….
Repentance
Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, and Lent offer a time for repentance. During Black History Month, our church continues to repent from its complicity with the sin of systemic racism. Learn more…
Jan. 31 Cabinet sermon illuminates Jesus’ ‘New teaching’
The Rev. Bumkoo Chung, West District Superintendent, offers a new sermon for churches to use in worship on Sunday, Jan. 31, or another appropriate Sunday. His sermon, “New Teaching,” is taken from Mark 1:21-28. It can be viewed on the Conference YouTube …
Sermon: It’s time for wise, courageous leadership
The Rev. Evelyn Kent-Clark, South District Superintendent, offers a new sermon for churches to use in worship on Sunday, Jan. 24, or another appropriate Sunday. Her sermon, “Called for Such a Time as This,” is drawn from Esther 4:14 and Mark 1:14-20. It …
A fresh wind of peace…
A Prayer for this Weekend and the Week Ahead
Holy Lord, in the shadow of last week’s violence, and in the potential and fear of more to come, we draw our hearts and minds to You. Forgive us—all of us. In our pain, in our brokenness, in our anger, in our isolation, in our fears, in our moral failures, in our grief, in our idolatry…
Role of Anger in Working for Justice and Love
The Rev. Darryl Stephens, new chair of Eastern PA’s Order of Deacons, reports on the order’s recent discussion about anger, hate, love and justice in the ministries of Deacons. Learn more
‘Do No Harm’
By Bishop Peggy A. Johnson
The “Three Simple Rules” offered to us by our Methodist founder John Wesley are:
- Do no harm.
- Do good.
- Attend to the ordinances of God (that is, spiritual disciplines that keep you close to God).
Listening with the heart
Learning to humbly and openly listen and engage with those longing to be heard is an invitation to spiritual relationship that goes beyond just hearing and responding in conversations. Learn more…
Knitted Together in Love
By Bishop Peggy A. Johnson* For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face. May their hearts be encouraged, …