Living as Easter People: A Wesleyan Perspective

We celebrated Easter, the resurrection of Jesus, this past Sunday. For us, as United Methodists, the Easter celebration holds special significance, as it embodies the essence of our faith and calls us to live as "Easter People" throughout the year. But what does it mean to be an Easter People from a Wesleyan perspective? 

Wesleyan theology, founded by John Wesley in the 18th century, emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace and the call to live a life of holiness and love. At the heart of Wesleyan teaching is the concept of "Christian perfection" or "entire sanctification," which John Wesley described as "loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and our neighbors as ourselves." This pursuit of holiness is intricately tied to the Easter message of redemption and renewal.

Easter is more than just a historical event to us; it is a living reality that shapes our identity and mission. Just as Christ triumphed over sin and death through his resurrection, We believe that we are called to overcome the powers of sin and darkness in our lives and in the world around us. This victory is not achieved through human effort alone but through the grace of God, freely offered to all who believe.

Living as Easter People means embracing the hope and joy that come from knowing Christ is risen. It means experiencing the power of resurrection in our own lives, as we are transformed by the love of God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live faithfully and fruitfully. As John Wesley famously proclaimed, "The best of all is, God is with us."

One of the key aspects of being an Easter People from a Wesleyan perspective is the emphasis on community and connection. Our Wesleyan theology places a strong emphasis on the importance of Christian fellowship and accountability in the journey of faith. Just as the early Christians gathered together to celebrate the resurrection and share in communion, we, as United Methodists, are called to support and encourage one another as we strive to live out our faith in the world.

Furthermore, being an Easter People means bearing witness to the hope and redemption found in Christ. We believe that we are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation, sharing the good news of God's love and forgiveness with a world in need of hope and healing. This mission is not limited to Easter Sunday but extends throughout the year, as we seek to embody the love of Christ in all we do.

Being an Easter People is a call to live in the light of Christ's resurrection each day. It is a call to embrace the hope and joy of Easter, to pursue holiness and love, and to bear witness to the transformative power of God's grace. As United Methodists the challenge is for us to continue to live as Easter People each day, proclaiming the good news of Christ's victory over sin and death, and striving to bring about God's kingdom of love and justice here on earth. Friends, with God's help, I believe we are up to the challenge!

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen

Where are you called to serve?

“But the one who is greatest among you will be your servant.” - Matthew 23:11 (ceb)

In Matthew 23:11, Jesus imparts a timeless message that resonates across generations and cultures. He states, "The greatest among you will be your servant." This profound declaration underscores the importance of humility and service in the lives of believers. As we reflect on this biblical wisdom, we find a compelling connection to the contemporary call for volunteerism.

Volunteering at church is more than a mere act of doing something; it's a transformative journey that enriches both individuals and the community of faith. It provides a unique opportunity to deepen one's spiritual faith. Whether it's through leading worship, participating in community outreach, or serving during church events, every act of service becomes a sacred offering, fostering a more profound relationship with God.

Serving creates a sense of belonging and camaraderie as we work together towards shared goals. The bonds formed while serving become a spiritual support system, offering encouragement and companionship on life's journey. There's a unique joy that comes from knowing that your efforts have a positive impact on others. Serving allows us to make a tangible difference in the lives of fellow worshippers and the broader community. This sense of purpose and contribution brings fulfillment and satisfaction.

Jesus challenges us to redefine greatness not by power or status but by our willingness to serve others. Volunteering becomes a practical expression of this humility, a tangible way to live out the teachings of Christ. By engaging in acts of service, we acknowledge our interconnectedness and demonstrate a commitment to putting the needs of others above our own. I encourage you to find new ways of serving so that you can grow in a new way in your faith.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen

The Shepherds Came to See . . .

Friends,

As we approach the joyous season of Christmas, our hearts turn to the timeless story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Among the central figures in the narrative are the humble shepherds, whose experience with the divine unfolded on that sacred night. Their story is our story . . .

The Gospel of Luke recounts how the shepherds were keeping watch over their flock by night when an angel of the Lord appeared to them, bringing tidings of great joy. In our United Methodist tradition, humility and service are fundamental values, and the shepherds exemplify these qualities. Shepherds were often considered lowly and marginalized in society, yet they became the chosen witnesses to the miraculous birth of the Savior. This reminds us that God's grace extends to all, regardless of societal status, inviting us to embrace humility and servant-hood in our own lives.

The shepherd’s story is our story because upon hearing the angelic proclamation, the shepherds wasted no time in responding. They hurried to Bethlehem to witness the miracle that had been foretold. In our faith journey, we are called to be responsive to God's call in our lives, just as the shepherds were. Whether it be acts of compassion, justice, or love, our faith calls us to be active participants in God's transformative work in the world. The shepherds' swift response challenges us to listen attentively to God's voice and to act with urgency in fulfilling our divine purpose.

The shepherd’s story is our story because having encountered the Christ child, the shepherds did not keep the news to themselves; instead, they became the first evangelists, spreading the good news of the Savior's birth. We as United Methodists share this commitment to evangelism and spreading the love of Christ. Like the shepherds, we are called to be witnesses to the transformative power of Jesus in our lives and to share this message with the world. The shepherds' bold proclamation inspires us to be courageous in sharing our faith and to embody the teachings of Christ in our interactions with others.

The shepherd’s story is our story, so may we be inspired by the shepherd’s example as we journey through the Christmas season and into the new year, living out our faith with humility, responsiveness to God's call, and a commitment to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world.

The shepherd's story is our story because it reminds us that God often chooses the unexpected to accomplish divine purposes. As we celebrate Christmas, we are encouraged to embrace the unexpected ways in which God works in our lives and in the world around us.

How is the Shepherd’s story like your faith story?

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen

A Time to Give Thanks

– Psalm 100:4-5 (ceb)
Enter his gates with thanks;
    enter his courtyards with praise!
    Thank him! Bless his name!
Because the Lord is good,
    his loyal love lasts forever;
    his faithfulness lasts generation after generation.
 
As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, the words of Psalm 100:4 resonate deeply, reminding us to enter into God’s gates with thanksgiving and into God’s courts with praise. In the midst of the festivities and the delicious aroma of a Thanksgiving feast, we should take a moment to reflect on the profound meaning behind this verse and how it can shape our attitude of gratitude on this special day.

A thankful heart has the power to transform our perspective, allowing us to see blessings even in challenges. This Thanksgiving, may we strive to cultivate an attitude of gratitude that extends beyond the holiday season, shaping the way we approach each day with appreciation for the gift of life and the abundance of God's grace.

As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, let Psalm 100:4 be a guiding light for our celebrations. May our hearts be filled with gratitude, our voices lifted in praise, and our minds focused on the goodness of the Lord. As we enter God’s gates with thanksgiving, may this day be a joyful expression of our love for the One who is truly worthy of all our praise.

Happy Thanksgiving with Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen

Fall Again

Fall Again . . .

As the warm embrace of summer gives way to the crisp air and vibrant foliage of autumn, there is a sense of change and renewal in the air. This feeling of transformation is not only evident in nature but also in our personal and spiritual lives. The prospect of returning to church this fall brings with it a renewed sense of hope, community, and spiritual connection.

For many, the church is not just a place of worship, but a sanctuary of tradition, belonging, and communal support. The act of congregating, whether in the quiet reverence of the sanctuary or the joyful noise of the fellowship space, fosters a sense of togetherness that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. The routines and rituals of the church offer a sense of stability and grounding, allowing us to navigate the challenges of life with a renewed perspective. Whether through prayer, meditation or simply finding solace in the familiar hymns, the fall season invites us to rekindle the flame of our faith.

As we step into the church doors this fall, I suggest that we not only embrace the present moment but also look ahead with hope. The fall season reminds us that just as nature goes through cycles of change, our lives are also marked by seasons – and each season has its own unique gifts to offer.

Returning to church in the fall is more than a simple return to routine; it's a deliberate step towards nurturing our spiritual well-being and reconnecting with the values and traditions that ground us. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, we are reminded that life is a continuous journey of growth, transformation, and renewal. This fall, open your hearts to the beauty of the season and the nourishment that gathering in our spiritual homes brings to our souls so that you can fall deeper in love with God.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen

Summertime

Yesterday, June 21st, was the first day of Summer. My thoughts went to as the sun rises higher in the sky and the days grow longer, summer beckons us to embrace the warmth, adventure, and relaxation it brings. Summer is a season of abundant possibilities and an opportunity to deepen our connection with ourselves, others, and God. While many associate summers with outdoor activities and lazy days, it can also be a time to cultivate and nurture our spiritual lives. I encourage you to try something new that will allow you to listen to the Holy Spirit on a deeper level. Perhaps you can find new ways to connect with God by immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. Taking advantage of the longer days and the pleasant weather (once it stops raining). Explore a new beach, walking trail or scenic drive. Listen to the whistling of the wind, the drops of rain as they fall, or the symphony of the birds that are singing. Deepen your sense of creation.

The summer also provides us with a plethora of opportunities to spend quite time with God. Find a quiet spot outdoors, whether it's on your front porch, in your backyard, a local park, or even a nearby forest. Sit in stillness, close your eyes, and bring your attention to your breath, allowing yourself to become fully present in the moment. Let go of any worries or distractions and simply observe the sensations, thoughts, and emotions that arise. Just rest with and in God’s presence.

Remember to make time to spend with friends and family in worship as well. Whether if it’s at Church on Sunday mornings or around a campfire spending time together. God created us to be in fellowship with each other, worshiping and praising our creator. So, let this summer be a transformative season, guiding us towards greater self-discovery, a place of inner peace, a deeper love for each other and  greater love for God.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen

Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers

Happy Mom's Day!

Mother's Day is approaching, in fact it’s this coming Sunday! This day is a good time for us to reflect on the importance of mothers and people who are like mothers in our lives. Mothers play an incredible. We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for our moms. From a Christian perspective, we recognize that mothers are a gift from God and that they can embody some of the most important values and virtues that we should strive to emulate in our own lives. We can recognize that mothers are the embodiment of sacrificial love. Just as God gave his only Son for the salvation of humanity, so too do mothers give of themselves selflessly for the sake of their children.

Even though Mother's Day is a time to celebrate the love, sacrifice, and dedication of mothers everywhere it can also be a bittersweet day because of those who have lost a child. It is a day that is often filled with memories, both happy and sad, and a reminder of the precious child who is no longer with us. This day is also a reminder to us of the mothers who are no longer with us, mothers who haven’t been what we have hoped for and a reminder for some of a hope of motherhood that hasn’t been realized. These situations can bring up a complexity of memories and feelings. The important thing to remember is that you are not alone. There are many others who have experienced this same pain, and they understand the depth of your grief. While the pain may never go away completely, know that God is there walking with you on this day. May you find comfort and healing in God’s arms.

As we celebrate Mother's Day, let us remember that mothers and those who are like mothers to us are reflections of God's love for us. So let us honor the mothers in our lives and let us thank God for the incredible gift of motherhood.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen

Lent: Beginning The Journey . . .

Greetings,

I have become intrigued with the advancement in Artificial Intelligence, AI, programing that seems to be popping up in the internet world these days. I spent a little time playing around on the ChatGPT website and I posed several questions and topics that produced some fascinating answers. I thought I would share one of the exchanges with you in this blog post. I wanted to see what the AI world would say about the season of lent. I posted the topic – “Beginning the Lenten Journey” and below is the response from ChatGPT:

The Lenten Journey: A Time for Reflection and Renewal

Lent is a season of reflection and renewal in the Christian faith, typically observed in the 40 days leading up to Easter. It is a time to focus on one's spiritual growth and to deepen one's relationship with God.

During Lent, many people choose to fast or give up certain luxuries as a form of self-discipline and sacrifice. This can be seen as a symbol of solidarity with Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross. It can also help to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the blessings in our lives and to develop a more compassionate heart towards others.

In addition to fasting and sacrifice, Lent is also a time for prayer and reflection. This can involve daily devotions, attending worship services, or participating in retreats or spiritual retreats. The goal is to deepen one's spiritual connection with God and to seek His guidance in all aspects of life.

Lent is also a time for charitable works and acts of kindness. This can involve volunteering at a local shelter, donating to a charity, or simply reaching out to others in need. By serving others, we not only show our love for God but also become more connected to our community and to the world around us.

To prepare for Lent, it can be helpful to take some time to reflect on your spiritual journey. This can involve reflecting on your past experiences, your relationships, and your relationship with God. You can also make plans for how you would like to grow during this season, such as setting specific spiritual goals or choosing a devotional to read each day.

In conclusion, the Lenten journey is a time for reflection, renewal, and growth in the Christian faith. It offers an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God, to serve others, and to become more fully alive in our faith. Whether you are new to the Lenten season or a seasoned observer, may your journey be filled with joy, peace, and a deeper sense of purpose.

For being a computer-generated response, I thought it was quite good. The response gives us the basics of what Lent is and how Lent is a time of reflection and preparation for Easter. I am sure that the AI technology is going to get better, and I wonder if it will ever get to the place where it would replace sermon writing. I guess one can hope, LOL. I am sure that it will become a tool to use, but really, I don’t think it ever will replace it because in the process of sermon writing, and really a lot of other communication we use, there is a movement of the Holy Spirit. A movement that is sometimes illogical, unexplained and comes from something greater than the writer. A Spirit that comes from God and God alone.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen

Church on Christmas?

Church on Christmas Day?

Y’all, I have been struggling with the question of having a Christmas Day service this year since this summer. Yes, I started planning for Advent and Christmas in May with my preaching team. Christmas falls on a Sunday on average every 7 years, but there are times when it’s only 5 or 6 years apart and other times when it’s 11 years apart. The last time Christmas was on Sunday happened in 2016, and the next time it will happen is 2033. I am sure preachers and church leaders will be struggling with this question again. But I won’t struggle with it. I won’t struggle with it because Sunday is our day to worship God and why wouldn’t we worship God on the day that we celebrate Jesus’ birthday. On Christmas Eve, we celebrate Jesus’ birth, God coming to be with us, which is a great! But on Christmas Day, like every Sunday, we gather to worship God for the fact God sent Jesus, his son, to walk among us. We gather to worship God, because Jesus lived, died and is resurrected. We gather to praise God for all the blessings God has given us. We gather to praise God for the forgiveness that we receive as we confess our sins. We gather to glorify our risen savor as we raise our voices in song. We gather together to learn and grow as we hear God’s word read and proclaimed.  This is why we worship. We worship God. It’s not about the preacher, or about what songs we sing, or even the place we are in, it’s about God.

We will Worship God Together on Christmas Day!

Friends I encourage you to find a way to spend some time in worship with God on Christmas Day.

If you are out of town or find family obligations overwhelming, take some time and get away. You could read scripture together with your family. I would suggest reading Isaiah 52:7-10 and John 1:1-14. Reflect on what it means that the Light of God has come into the world for you.

If you are in Beaverdam, we will gather together on Christmas Day at BUMC to worship God, the creator of all that is good. The service will be simple. Nothing fancy. Show up in your causal Christmas clothes. We will pray together, sing together, read scripture, and share a meal. Please come to God’s house to worship on Christmas Day, it’s the greatest gift we can give to God.

The important thing is to find a way to worship the God who created us and saves us.

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Owen

Summertime . . . Finding Rest

Only in God do I find rest; my salvation comes from him. - Psalm 62:1

It’s the end of July and the summer feels like it is just about over. Tina and I are leaving for vacation to Niagara Falls and Maine on Monday. When we get back on the 15th, Tina will be getting ready to start school in less than a week. Please pray for safe travels for us. If you need emergency pastoral care while I am gone please reach out to Nancy Lear (804-304-3525) or Martha Slayton (804-449-6337). They will be able to connect you with pastor who is on call for me while I am on vacation.

Summers are usually a time that we think of as a time for rest and relaxation. And it is, for this summer we took a break from small group studies and the daily devotional time to rest and find rejuvenation for what we have planned in the fall.  One of the things that I enjoy about “trying to find rest” is that it really lets your mind wonder down paths sometimes you don’t venture down. This is one of the benefits in being able to find rest in God because for me, this summer of rest has been one of pondering how we can reach out to those in our community in a different way so that we can build relationships. I have also been thinking about the spiritual foundation needs of our congregation as well. With that in mind, our daily devotional time on Facebook will start back up in September. I am planning to use a devotional guide based on selections from some of John Wesley’s sermons. We will see where this takes us. We will also be starting a couple of new small group studies this fall. One on Monday nights called “Breaking the Code”. In this study we will be exploring the book of Revelation. The second small group study will be on Wednesday mornings. We will be delving into the Psalms.  Be on the lookout for the details in the Circuit Writer.

We all need to take the time and find rest. By finding rest, we allow God to open us up to the Holy Spirit. How are you finding rest in God this summer?

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen

Ordinary Time . . . but is it really?

Romans 8:28 - And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (NLT)

Welcome to summer!

Did you know that our Church year has different seasons that we call Liturgical Seasons? There are six of them, starting off with the season of Advent, then Christmas, Ordinary Time, Lent, Easter and Ordinary Time again. I am sure you can guess what most of the seasons represent but there may be the question “What is Ordinary Time?” The first Ordinary Time (from Christmas to Lent) is a time when we focus on the calling of the disciples and the early ministry of Jesus. The second period of Ordinary Time (from Pentecost till Advent) is the time where we support our living into our discipleship by supporting each other as we live out the gifts and callings that we discerned during Easter and commissioned Pentecost. *

Why am I bringing this up? Well, it’s because sometimes the summertime, ordinary time, it can feel like not much is going on in the life of the Church, but really it’s here where we learn that Christianity is not just Christmas and Easter. That being a Christian is a daily adventure and it never stops, or takes a break for the summer. For you see there is work being done behind the scenes at Church. I for one, use the summertime to attend online webinars on all sorts of subjects that pertain to faith development and Church operations. It’s during this time that we start pulling together the small group studies for the fall and we start our planning for Advent. This year we have a team, The Guiding Coalition, that is beginning to meet to strategically think about the future ministries here at Beaverdam and Rouzie’s Chapel.  The goal of the team is to provide a plan in how we are going to live into our new vision – “We are a Church that worships the triune God as we connect with, and serve all of our community”.  The members of the Guiding Coalition Team are Lauren Easter, Fredy Calderon, Jay Marsh and Nancy Lear.  I ask that you hold them in your prayers as we seek clarity into where God is leading us as a Church in our community. 

I hope you are enjoying this ordinary time and growing in your faith this summer.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen

* https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-is-ordinary-time

Lenten Journey

“Be careful that you don’t practice your religion in front of people to draw their attention. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 6:1, CEB

What a couple of beautiful springish days we have had. The sun has been shining. We can tell that spring and summer are right around the corner, but we aren’t there yet. We still have a way to go. There will still be cold temperatures and I can even remember some large snows that happen in March, but we are on the journey to spring and summer. Lent is the beginning of a journey as well, a journey to the empty cross of Easter morning. We have a way to go, but we will get there.

So, what do we do during this time? How do we get ready for Easter? How do we prepare for a journey that is different for each one of us? We take that first step. We remember what the season of lent is for, to prepare our hearts and lives for the resurrection of Jesus on Easter morning. We remember that we come from dust and to dust we will return. We remember to confess to God that we are sinners, and that we repent for those sins. We begin a process of self-reflection and self-denial so that we can renew God Spirit that is in each one of us.

Usually at the beginning of lent, on Ash Wednesday, we give up something until Easter or we add something to our prayer life. Some abstain from things like ice cream, chocolate or Facebook. Some add a daily devotional, or they attend a small group study. Others try increasing their quite time with God or they start practicing a new spiritual practice. What Jesus is tells us in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, is that don’t get showy with what we are doing for lent. Let it be between you and God. Let your sacrifice be known to God. Let your time in prayer and fasting be between you and God. Let it be between you and God. For you see, really God isn’t interested in us showing off for the world all of the things that we are doing, no, God is interested in what is in our hearts, what is the intent in which we are doing what we do. But you know this doesn’t mean that we have do it all alone. Sure, we have God to help us, but we also have each other as well. The disciples had each other, the early Christians had each other, and we today have each other, a faith community that surrounds us.

Friends, as we go through this season of Lent my prayer for you is that you find one or two fellow believes that you can walk with you on this journey. People who are willing to help hold you accountable in love. Folks who you can, in turn, can help hold them accountable in their faith journey. We are stronger when we walk together in building our faith. Sure, each one of us is on our own path but we all striving to know and worship God on a deeper level. As we start this season of Lent in 2022, what does your journey hold for you? Where are you feeling the Holy Spirit move in you, to grow closer to God? What are you going to give up? What are you going to start? Invite God to help you. Allow God to lead you to others that are on a Lenten journey too and walk with them, just like God is walking with you.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen

Enjoy the Journey

Ralphie and I just got back from a New Year’s Eve hike at North Anna Battlefield, and I felt the Spirit inspiring me to write you all a note. The park had a lot more hikers today than we normally see on a Friday. I noticed that some of them seemed to be in a hurry, really pushing the speed of their hiking.  Now, I am not a real fast hiker, I am steady and will get there when I get there. I am not one to rush because when I do I miss the intricate details of nature that are around me. I am sure that the hikers that seem to be rushing might have missed seeing the tiny raindrops hanging on to the pine tree needles that were glistening in the sun or the squirrels and deer that were off in the distance looking for acorns. This made me think and wonder.  We are all on a faith journey, a journey that is leading us to God and to heaven, and maybe God wants us to slow down and enjoy the journey. As we are faced with a New Year starting, I encourage all of us to enjoy the journey. Enjoy each other’s company in worship. Enjoy learning and growing in knowledge of our creator. Enjoy the little signs of God’s grace that are all around us, signs that we can see if we slow down to look for them. 

Happy New Year,

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen

It's Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is Here! 

It’s time to celebrate the birth of our King! 

Christmas means many different things to each of us. To some, it means that Jesus came as a great gift of forgiveness, that we are being set free of our sinful actions. To others we see in Jesus a connection with our creator in a deep spiritual way. And to some, Jesus’ birth is the start of the life that instructs and guides us in a way to live.  To me, the birth of Christ is a combination all of the these and so much more because it means that God came to live among us, to be with us, to show us a way to live and to love. It’s humbling when you think about it, that Almighty God, the creator of the world, would love us so much that God would come down from heaven to live among us and show us how to love. To feel that type of love goes beyond my comprehension. My prayer for you this Christmas is that you find the time to pull away from the activities of the season and reflect on what it means for you that Jesus was born because God loves you.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen

Stay Healthy!

I enjoy this time of year, Advent and Christmas. There are so many activities going on and I want to experience them all because it feels good to gather with those whom we love. We are preparing for what is perhaps the greatest gift of love that the world has ever seen. The gift that come in the form of itty, bitty, little baby . . . Jesus. Showing love comes in many forms and one of the ways that I think we can show love for each other is to stay home. Yes, you read that right. Stay Home! . . . that is if you are sick. We can show love for each other by staying home when we are not feeling well when we are possibly contagiously sick. If Covid has taught us one thing, it has taught us that we all can get sick and one of the best ways we can help deter the spread of virus is to stay home and take care of ourselves. So take care of yourself! I encourage you to stay home from worship, from work or from school if think you could possibly be sick. I admit, this is going to be tough for me because I usually try to power through . . . but I am going to try. It will be one of the ways that I can so that I love you. Hears to staying healthy!

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen

Where did the time go?

Where did the time go? 

Wow, it was cold this morning. Frost on everything.  It seems like yesterday that we were in the dog days of summer. The seasons have changed and it’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is less than 3 weeks away and Advent starts in 23 days. Where did the year go? I don’t know about you, but this year has been full of anxiety, fear, busyness, fun and hopefulness for the future. Hopefulness in the sense that the Spirit is moving in our community. The conversations around our Church vision have been inspiring and there is an energy in the air that is building.

That energy is leading us in trying new things and reaching out to our community in different ways. For example, this advent season we will be trying some new activities as a Charge.  We will be holding a “Hanging of the Greens” service with a fellowship time at Rouzie’s Chapel to kick off the Advent season. Beaverdam and Rouzie’s Chapel will be joining with Shiloh to host a Drive-thru Living Nativity as our gift to the community on December 17th.  We will have combined services for Christmas Eve and the Sunday after Christmas.

This is shaping up to be an exciting time of year but let’s not rush it. Let’s stop and take a breath and remember from where we came. Let’s remember who we are as the body of Christ. This Sunday we will be remembering those people who are no longer with us this year. We will recall those who have died in the last two years, and we will remember those people who played an important role in our spiritual development.  Join us for worship this Sunday as we remember.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen

How is it with your soul?

One of the ways that we live into our distinctly Wesleyan heritage as United Methodist is by answering the question that John Wesley would pose in a small group setting, How is it with your soul? The question is meant to help us express those areas in our lives where we see God active as well as the areas we might be struggling.

During Worship on August 29th we handed out journal notebooks with a two fold purpose. First, providing you with a place of reflection for answering the question, How is it with your soul? by writing down your thoughts and prayer concerns. Then I encourage you to track how you see God answering your prayers. Secondly, We would like for you to pray for the future of our Church and write down your dreams for Beaverdam and Rouzie's Chapel. It is my hope that you would bring to worship on September 26 this part of your journal so that we can pray over our dreams. Then the leadership councils of the Churches will take them, read them and continue to hold our dreams in prayer as we move forward with discerning where God is leading us.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen

Change - Good or Bad?

Change - Good or Bad?

People deal with change differently.  Some like it, some hate it.  I land right in the middle.  I like it, if it is a change that I want to make, but I don’t like change if it is forced onto me or if it is out of my control.  I wonder how the Israelite’s felt about the change they went through coming out of Egypt.  On one hand, they wanted to see the change, to be freed from their slavery but on the other hand there was the unknown.  Following Moses, passing through the Red Sea, eating quail and manna, and wondering in the desert for 40 years before entering the promise land.  They got the change they wanted, freedom, but it came with a change in how they followed God. They had to learn to trust God in a new way.  This came to mind as I was thinking about how there are things that I need to change in my life as it pertains to my spiritual disciplines, my prayer life and how I read scripture.  My spiritual life had become a little stale and I wasn’t feeling a close connection to God. It wasn’t that I thought that God was pulling away, but more like that I was in a rut, and I needed a refresh, a renewal in my spiritual disciplines.  Have you ever felt that way?  Felt like you needed a change but weren’t sure where what that was or where to turn to for help?  We all go through this, and I think one of the best things we can do is to lean into the close trusted relationships with have with our spouse and friends.  It’s here that we really embrace what it means to live in Christian community.  We can ask others to pray for us and we can seek ideas of how they are staying connected to God.  That is what I did. I got turned on to a Lectio Divina app, Lectio 365, that leads me through a morning and evening devotion time. I really like it and I am in the process of making a part of my daily rituals.  I can tell you that through it I am feeling a better connection with our creator.  What are you doing for your spiritual growth?  I would love to hear about it. 

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen

The Power of Transfiguration . . .

“He was transformed in front of them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light.” Matthew 17:2 (ceb)

This Sunday we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday.  This story is found in they synoptic gospels: Matthew, Mark and Luke and tells of Jesus taking three of the disciples up on a mountain top.  While on the mountain Jesus is joined with Moses and Elijah and the disciples see Jesus in his full glory. It is a powerful experience. Melinda Quivik writes about the power of the transfiguration this way, “The power of the Transfiguration is that it plants in our hearts and minds the brilliance of eternity on the mountain with the greatest prophets, emboldening us for the journey together as the body of Christ. The Transfiguration thus prepares us to come to terms with our humility, our soil nature, our utter dependence on God.”   I appreciate her views because it speaks to me of powerful nature of Christ and in turn how we are fully dependent on listening to God and following God in order to be the body of Christ for the world.  That we as the church are not called to have power over others but to rise up as dust that has been formed by the creator and given the breath of life from God.  So that we can share this same breath with others, so they too can come into light of the love that is found in Jesus. 

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen

New Year . . . New Possibilities

Don’t remember the prior things; don’t ponder ancient history.
Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it?
I’m making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness. – Isaiah 43:18-19 (ceb)

I enjoyed the week between Christmas and New Years a lot when I worked at Acorn. That week was quiet, the phones were quiet, emails were light, customers’ demands were down and there just wasn’t a whole lot going on. It gave us a time to breathe and to look back on the past year and what was ahead for the coming year. The funny thing is, the same is still true. I find myself sitting a quiet office, reflecting on the year that is ending. Reflecting on the challenges we faced in 2020 with Covid, the election and the racial unrest in our country. It’s been hard, it’s been frustrating, and it’s been far from perfect, but in the end we are doing alright. I am sure we would like to put it all behind us, but can we? Can we forget what has taken place in 2020? I don’t think so, but I also think that it doesn’t mean that we should dwell on the past either. We can and should move forward and continue to anticipate with joy what 2021 holds for us. I am sure, as prophet Isaiah tells us, God has a new thing for us next year. What is that new thing? I am not sure but with God’s help we will see it and it will be great. The challenge for us is to look, see and listen for where God is leading us in 202, and then follow. Remember, with God all things are possible. So, here’s to a New Year and New Possibilities!

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Owen