Pastor Hannah writes a letter to the congregation every month, which is published here and in the Newsletter.
A desire to serve God through seeing our communities cared for, needs being met, and those people facing oppression receiving love, has grown within us. It has grown to such a level that it is pouring out of every heart, and we are doing what we can to serve the Lord.
Is this the last month of summer? Do the kids go back to school in a couple of weeks? Time does fly!
I see you, and I thank you for allowing me to see you. I see you, and I love you.
The ultimate desire was that it would be used to help launch a new and vital ministry in the life of the church. Through the prayerful discernment of the Education Committee and the Leadership Board, we believe that time has come.
As I sat in the Five Stars Honduras Restaurant on Friday, April 25th, Jaime and I talked about the tragedy unfolding before us. Earlier that day, there were reports of I.C.E. activity in the Coraopolis neighborhood.
I would be willing to bet most of us have never heard a sermon on The Song of Solomon. In addition to this entire book, did you know there are 119 Bible verses that talk about sex? Yet, sex seems to be a topic that is off limits to discuss from the pulpit.
March, what good happens in March? In January, we have New Years Day and the excitement of a new year. In February, it is Black History Month and the celebration of love. April showers bring May flowers, which to me sings of hope, especially since it is often when we celebrate Easter. But what about March?
When playing cards, there always seems to be that one person at the table who has a hard time holding their cards close. If they are sitting next to you, this is particularly challenging. You don’t want to see their cards. You don’t want to cheat, but it is really difficult to even look past them or in their general direction without getting a glimpse of what they have.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if new seasons, new projects, new relationships, new visions, new missions, new treatment plans, new weight loss journeys, new, better, mental health practices, new financial fitness goals, new (you fill in the blank) things started with the overwhelming expectation that Jesus was going to show up!?
My daughter, who is only 9, just said the other day, it seems like time goes by “in like two seconds.” AKA super fast!
For my Pastor’s Peace this month, I have included my Pastor’s Report for the 2024 Church Conference year.
For us, here at Sewickley UMC, October is the month where we will see the most visitors coming to our doorsteps and maybe even through our basement. Will it also be the month that we see the most people experience the love of Jesus, a change of heart, a forgiveness of sin, a desire to be in the presence of God?
During our VBS storytelling time, I asked the kids, “Why are we to be happy about having hard times?” This is a hard concept for an adult to get, let alone someone with minimal life experience. Yet, Lucia boldly spoke up and said, “Because they are opportunities to show the love of Jesus.”
The school bus has clearly gone through many design changes over the year, except for one feature. Can you guess what that feature is?
I praise God for continuing to encourage us and equip us to offer V.B.S. as an educational tool for our kids to build a faith-filled foundation upon. I praise God for the many other ways we have found to nurture our kids’ faith. I praise God for the people who have said yes to being a part of this very important work. Now I ask you, “Will you please be a part of it?”
As members of the United Methodist Church, we can proudly say we celebrate Pride and stand against continued oppression of our LGBTQIA+ siblings no matter what form or what institution it comes from. That is what being an ally is after all. It is making a commitment to use our resources to protect and serve those who find themselves in unjust positions.
The United Methodist General Conference that meets every four years is currently underway in Charlotte, North Carolina. The official conference began on April 23rd and will end on May 3rd.
Following a recent conversation, someone said, “Is there really anything we can count on being good now-a-days?” My response was quick: “Easter is coming!”
I would like to report to you that the Leadership Board is working on some very exciting and culture changing, church transforming, administrative things at this moment, but we are not.
Love, Lent, and Leadership! If I were to title the Pastor’s Peace for this month, that is what I would call it. There are a lot of good things to talk about, and it is hard to decide which one deserves attention.
