Christ United Methodist Church, Plano, Texas

Christ United will host a Kids' Night Out from 5 - 8 PM for children infant- 5th grade. It's a night of games, crafts, movies, play, and supervised activities. Dinner and snack will be provided. Cost is $25 per child. We are so excited for you to join us for the first Kids' Night Out of the New Year!

REGISTER | https://bit.ly/4aJMiKg

For the TONIGHT'S presentation, Lindsey Encinias, Hope Squad manager for the Grant Halliburton Foundation, will offer an in-depth discussion of depression and su***de prevention along with current statistics on mental health concerns and su***de in our communities. Participants will learn to identify the signs and symptoms of depression and suicidal crisis, prevention, and intervention strategies for helping struggling individuals; and recommendations for resources and support. She will also share positive coping skills to build mental wellness. For additional information or questions, please contact, Barb Petsel at [email protected].

We hope you will join us this evening at 6:30 PM in room N255. This monthly learning event will take place on the 2nd Mon of the month.

Monthly “Pathways to Insight” forums provide information and discussion on various topics. These forums are open to all members/visitors, and registration is not required.

Live stream our 8:45, 9:45, + 11 AM worship services online at cumc.com/livestream for the best viewing experience. You can watch live, check-in, view the bulletin, submit prayer requests, give, and more!

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 | https://cumc.com/traditionalstream/
𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 | https://cumc.com/modernstream/

Join us for the first Sunday of the New Year!

Join us at 8:45, 9:45, + 11 AM in traditional and 11 AM in modern. Rev. Raegan Gilliland will preach in traditional from Matthew 2:1-12 with Rev. Julie Henson preaching in modern from Luke 2:41-52.

Traditional Worship | https://cumc.com/traditionalstream/
Bulletin | https://bit.ly/3S82QEo
Connect | https://cumc.com/connect/

Modern Worship | https://cumc.com/modernstream/
Bulletin | https://bit.ly/41JAkfH
Connect | https://cumc.com/connect/

Join us as we kick off the New Year at Sunday Night Youth with a Dodgeball Tournament! Bring your friends and get ready to compete!

If you are interested in learning more about our youth ministry, upcoming events, missions, or general information please visit cumc.com/youth or email [email protected].

Turning | Chris' Commentary | January 4, 2024

The day comes after Epiphany each year in the Dowd household, and it’s always a bummer for me. I’m talking about the annual ritual of taking down the Christmas decorations. It always gives me a sense of melancholy, because it’s a reminder of the passage of time. Each of us is only allowed a finite number of Christmases this side of heaven, and stowing everything away is a tangible reminder that one more of them is in the books.

I love the Christmas decorations we’ve accumulated over the years, and waking up to them every day during the Advent and Christmas seasons is truly a joy. It probably won’t surprise you to know that we have quite a collection. Copious Christmas lights out front. Two Christmas trees in the house, loaded with the ornaments we’ve collected over the years. Lights on the banisters of the stairs. Garland. Stockings. Santas. Candles. Various kinds of Christmas art all over the walls. The nativity set that we bought in Bethlehem (which stays on the fireplace mantel year-round). For almost two months every year, our family is surrounded by these reminders of the season.

But once all the decorations are back in the attic, there’s a surprisingly satisfying transformation. Our home seems lighter somehow. The rooms seem cleaner, or at least less cluttered. We’ve turned our attention away from the crazy pace of the holiday season, and turned our attention to new starts. New goals. New projects. New possibilities. New adventures.

The turning of a new year is a gift from God, after all. With all the blessing and challenge and joy of trying to live each day as a faithful follower of Jesus. So there’s no need for me to stay mopey about the Christmas decorations being stowed away for another year. As of today, it’s just over ten months until the decorations go back up, after all. And since the older I get, the faster the days seem to go, the re-decorating will be here before you know it!

The Book of Revelation is one of the least understood, and therefore most egregiously misinterpreted, books in the Bible. Despite the strange, sometimes frightening, metaphors throughout, I love its sense of triumph and hope, a sense of triumph and hope that is ours as God’s faithful. Near the end of the book, in a vision of the new heaven and the new earth, there is a wonderful proclamation of our faith: “And the one who was seated on the throne said, ‘See, I am making all things new’” (Revelation 21:5).

At the turning of a new year, may God richly bless the new possibilities before us all.

Happy New Year!
Chris

Join us tomorrow Jan 4 from 10 AM - 12 PM in N253 for a morning of coffee and games! We are so excited for this opportunity to connect and spend time and fellowship as we look to grow our Senior Adult Ministry in 2024!

Join us for a special evening of high energy, spectacular Broadway music as performed by the Youth Choir of Christ United! This show is the Youth Choir’s only annual fundraiser, and the proceeds enable this ministry to reach into the local community and far beyond. The money raised will support our 2024 Summer Choir Tour.

Interested in purchasing one of our VIP tables? We host Silver VIP tables of 8 for $250, and Gold VIP tables of 8 for $400. This is an awesome way to support our fundraiser as a group! Please contact [email protected] to learn more.

Performances will be on Jan 26 - 27 at 7 PM and Jan 28 at 2 PM.

Purchase General Admission Tickets | https://bit.ly/47jJqks

As we look forward to the new year, we do so with hope, anticipation and gratitude for all that we accomplished together in 2023. We added new members to our church family, witnessed our ministries grow, and lived out our mission of loving God, serving others, and transforming lives.

We look forward to all that is to come in 2024!

Live stream our 8:45, 9:45, + 11 AM worship services online at cumc.com/livestream for the best viewing experience. You can watch live, check-in, view the bulletin, submit prayer requests, give, and more!

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 | https://cumc.com/traditionalstream/
𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 | https://cumc.com/modernstream/

Join us as we worship together on New Year's Eve!

Join us at 8:45, 9:45, + 11 AM in traditional and 11 AM in modern for New Year's Eve worship. Let's enter the new year with hearts full of faith and gratitude. Please note that there will be no children's or youth Sunday school.

We hope to see you then!

Traditional Worship | https://cumc.com/traditionalstream/
Bulletin | https://bit.ly/41HtWp9
Connect | https://cumc.com/connect/

What a year it's been! Christ United is a growing church, and continued growth requires resources. Any contributions, no matter how big or small, whatever you have the ability to give will make a difference. Thank you for all you do to support our church home.

There are 4 easy ways to make sure your year end gift is considered delivered by December 31, 2023:

1. Postmarked no later than 12/31/23

2. Given online before 11:59 PM 12/31/23 at cumc.com/give

3. In the offering plate during services on 12/31/23

4. Placed in the mailbox located in the south parking lot on or before 12/31/23 if the offices are closed.

Reminder | Chris' Commentary | December 28, 2023

I hope you’ve had a wonderful Christmas, a restful holiday, and a blessed end to 2023!

During this mostly quiet final week of the year, I think of something written by an influential theologian of the past century. I like to share it annually as my last Commentary of the year.

Howard Thurman was a crucial figure in the American theological landscape of the 20th century, albeit one about whom many, perhaps most, American Christians have never heard. Valedictorian of both his undergraduate class at Morehouse College and his seminary class at Rochester Theological Seminary, he served as the first dean of Rankin Chapel at Howard University, teaching at the Howard University School of Divinity for over a decade.

He later joined the faculty of Boston University, a Methodist institution, teaching at the Boston University School of Theology and serving as the dean of Marsh Chapel. His 1949 classic Jesus and the Disinherited is a masterpiece of theology that deeply influenced Martin Luther King, Jr. Which means that Thurman’s interpretation of Jesus’ teachings helped shape the Civil Rights Movement.

Thurman wrote a reflection on Christmas that I believe captures the heart of the gospel, and that’s a good reminder before the turning of the new year.

“When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flock, the work of Christmas begins: to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among others, to make music in the heart.”

As we turn our attention to 2024, may the work of Christmas begin anew.

In Christ,
Chris

Our Serving Others’ Ministry will be collecting pop-top cans and easy open pouches for those facing food insecurities. Donations can be dropped off from Jan 7 – 19 inside the North and South Entrances.

You can email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Join Rev. Chris Dowd for his new Bible Study on the book of Mark. The class will be Sundays starting Jan 14 from 4 – 5 PM in Room N255 A-D.

Register | https://bit.ly/3uQaKsP

Live stream our Christmas Eve services online at cumc.com/livestream for the best viewing experience. You can watch live, check in, view the bulletin, submit prayer requests, give, and more!

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 | https://cumc.com/traditionalstream/
𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 | https://cumc.com/modernstream/

𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐀𝐒 𝐄𝐕𝐄 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐋𝐄:

𝟒 𝑷𝑴 - 𝑴𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒏 | Underwood Hall | Rev. Julie Henson

𝟔 𝑷𝑴 - 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 | Sanctuary | Rev. Chris Dowd
This service will include our sanctuary choir & orchestra!

𝟖 𝑷𝑴 - 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 + 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏 | Sanctuary | Rev. Raegan Gilliland

𝟏𝟎 𝑷𝑴 - 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 + 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏 | Sanctuary | Rev. Chris Dowd
Our talented Youth Choir will be singing for this service!

We look forward to celebrating this special day of worship with our wonderful community.

Join us for Christmas Eve worship as we celebrate the birth of Christ as a community!

𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒎𝒂𝒔 𝑬𝒗𝒆 𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒍𝒆:
𝟏𝟎 𝑨𝑴 - 𝑪𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒏'𝒔 | Sanctuary
This service is specially made for families with elementary-age children and younger, but all are welcome!

𝟒 𝑷𝑴 - 𝑴𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒏 | Underwood Hall | Rev. Julie Henson

𝟔 𝑷𝑴 - 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 | Sanctuary | Rev. Chris Dowd
This service will include our sanctuary choir & orchestra!

𝟖 𝑷𝑴 - 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 + 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏 | Sanctuary | Rev. Raegan Gilliland

𝟏𝟎 𝑷𝑴 - 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 + 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏 | Sanctuary | Rev. Chris Dowd
Our talented Youth Choir will be singing for this service!

𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐒 - 𝐒𝐄𝐄𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆

Then the temple police went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not arrest him?” The police answered, “Never has anyone spoken like this!” Then the Pharisees replied, “Surely you have not been deceived, too, have you? Has any one of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, which does not know the law, they are accursed.” Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus before and who was one of them, asked, “Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?” - John 7:45-51
___________

I think the character of Nicodemus is fascinating. He is the one who came to Jesus under cover of the night to talk with him about God’s all-encompassing love and mercy. At first his spiritual “blindness” kept him from knowing God’s grace, but as he continued his journey, he began to slowly see how God was at work in the life and ministry of Jesus. His seeking culminated in his public care for Jesus as he helped prepare his body for burial after the crucifixion.

I believe Nicodemus represents the seeker in all of us. As we continue to grow in our faith and know more of God’s grace in our lives, the darkness that can sometimes cloud our spiritual vision begins to fade. With this is our realization that the One we are seeking will come to us and meet us where we are. He will continue to guide us in all our days and give us the assurance that we too are his beloved children.

As we near the end of this Advent season, may we know that the One we seek will always reach out to us no matter who we are, where we come from, or what we have done.

𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑:
God of all our journeys, we give you thanks for the gift of life and light that your Son Jesus freely offers to everyone. May we always remember that you are reaching out to us to lead us to a place of shalom. Amen.

Rev. Mike Flynn
Director of Care Ministries

You can now watch "Hark! A Festival of Christmas Music" online! Relive the musical moments and enjoy the sounds of the season as you hear from the orchestra, sanctuary, youth, and children's choir.

Watch Now | https://bit.ly/41yBgmL

𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐒 - 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐒𝐄𝐓𝐒

1 I will sing of your steadfast love, O LORD, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. 2 I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. 3 You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to my servant David: 4 ‘I will establish your descendants forever and build your throne for all generations.’” - Psalm 89:1-4
___________

I am biased, but I am the mother of two of the best girls in the world. And I pray every day that they know the faithfulness of God. Passing on our faith to the next generation is one of the most critical aspects of our Christian lives. It is another reason I am beyond excited to be even more part of that journey for the children at Christ United when I take on the role of Children’s Director starting January 1st.

I treasure the Bible that my grandmother gave me as a gift for my nineteenth birthday. It contains these words:

My Dearest Kristin,

You are such a precious gift from the Lord. How I thank God for your presence in my life. Always keep the Word of God close to your heart and the Holy Spirit will strengthen you with God’s wisdom and guidance.

I Love You,
Mima

My Mima passed away in 2009, and it was devastating for me. However, we continue as a family to share stories of her and her faith, which went through many trials and tribulations, but she remained steadfast to God’s love. Her favorite time of year was Advent. The joy in preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ meant my grandmother displayed the most extensive nativity collection of anyone I ever met. When I was about nine, I counted her collections, which totaled 46; I can only imagine how that increased before she passed. I inherited several of those nativity sets, which I set out during Advent at home, but I display a special one in my office all year. It was one that I gave her one Christmas. It reminds me of the faith she passed down to me and one that I hope to share with the next generation.

𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑:
Glorious God, we sing of your steadfast love forever. Challenge us this Advent season to remember the important people who passed their faith to us and encourage us to share in this vital activity for the next generation as we now prepare for Christmas Eve. In your son’s name, we pray. Ame

Kristin Steed
Director of Children's Ministries

Pageantry | Chris' Commentary | December 21, 2023

My family watched The Polar Express last week as part of our annual Christmas traditions. It’s a movie that I absolutely love, even though I find the animation a little…off, in an “uncanny valley” way. If you’ve seen it, or read the book that it’s based on, you know the story.

A boy is at the age and stage when he’s wrestling with what he believes. Specifically, he’s become skeptical that Santa exists. So a magic train shows up in front of his house on Christmas Eve to take him, along with a group of other children, to the North Pole to meet the big guy. Because, as the conductor says, “This is your crucial year.”

So off they go. There are adventures along the way, a ghost on the train with wisdom to share, and of course some seasonally appropriate refreshment (Hot! Hot! Hot Chocolate!). When they get to the North Pole, there’s an especially poignant scene. It’s a wonder-filled moment close to the end of the movie, when Santa makes his grand entrance, walking out to his sleigh for the journey that captures every child’s imagination on Christmas Eve. It’s a moment of pure pageantry.

The children are crowded around, along with thousands of elves cheering for one of the most legendary figures in our culture. There’s a line of herald trumpets playing a triumphant tune. The reindeer are harnessed with hundreds of bells, all jingling as they kick and dance with anticipation. There’s a palpable sense of excitement and joy, as everyone thrills to the significance of the moment.

Which is, of course, exactly what Christmas Eve should be.

I will always believe that there is no way to overdo the pageantry on Christmas Eve, because this celebration of our faith deserves all the energy we can muster. At Christ UMC, there will be thousands of people. Hundreds of poinsettias. Brilliant white Christmas lights on trees and garland everywhere. The soul-stirring sound of the orchestra. The beautiful voices of our choirs. A sense of anticipation and excitement and joy, as everyone thrills to the significance of the moment.

Just as there was on the night Christ was born.

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven.’” (Luke 2:13-14). Because at the birth of Christ, God broke into the darkness of an often-all-too-dark world, bringing hope and peace and salvation in an event that changed human history, and that continues to redeem you and me with every breath we take.

What else are we to do except gather and sing and pray and laugh and feel the wonderful significance of the moment on our most holy night. As you celebrate Christmas Eve this year, may the pageantry of the season remind you of the glory of God, and the Messiah who came to save us all.

Merry Christmas!
Chris

And Mary said,
‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him; from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.’
- Luke 1:46-55
___________

"I know now you're my only hope." These are the words written to a song that was featured in the movie A Walk to Remember over 15 years ago. This song's placement in the movie has caused most people to believe that this song was written as a romantic song. But in fact, it is a song written to God. As I listened to this song, I began to get a glimpse of what Mary might have been thinking and feeling after the angel Gabriel came to her. It is both the most terrifying and the most abundant of messages. Leaving us with an image that is necessary for us at Christmas. An image of the hope and fears of all the years, met in thee tonight.

Mary’s initial response is perplexed and afraid, and she asks 'How can this be?' Not looking for a sign as much as clarification. She is asking WHY ME? Sometimes we ask 'How can this be' when we are seeking answers to the unexplainable. We see Mary's response to the angel in what is called "Mary's Song of Praise." In moments of mixed emotion, she praises God. She prays that her role and her actions may be an extension of the words she proclaims so she may live out the coming task with full faithfulness.

This is what Mary does. She takes the words of the angel and extends them into how she will live out not only her pregnancy but also her motherhood and life of faith in the years to come. We hear how Mary’s response echoes what God is doing, what God will do, and what God has done.

With the joy and faith of Mary, we too wait for what God has promised.

PRAYER:
I give you my destiny
I'm giving you all of me
I want your symphony
Singing in all that I am
At the top of my lungs
I'm giving it back”
So, I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours, I pray
To be only yours, I pray
To be only yours, I know now
You're my only hope

Rev. Julie Henson
Pastor of Modern Worship & Adult Discipleship

As we approach the holidays, we acknowledge that this time of year may bring a unique set of challenges, especially for those who are experiencing loss or grief. Join us tomorrow, Dec 21, for the Service of the Longest Night at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary.

This service is a safe space for anyone who finds the holiday season challenging due to loss, grief, or any form of hardship. Let us come together to acknowledge the depth of these emotions and find strength in the support of our community.

𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 - 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐓

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surround his people from this time on and forevermore.” - Psalm 125:1-2
___________

Trust may be one of the most important qualities in a relationship. We value trust deeply. However, in today’s world, we doubt a lot and feel as if we can’t trust people, news, or even circumstances. We have become distrusting, pessimistic, and doubtful. As we experience life and go through challenges, heartbreak, or see and read about the atrocities across the globe, our trust in God can wane. As much as we want to trust in God’s goodness and steadfast love, it can be challenging nonetheless. When I reflect back on the lives of our faith ancestors and all they endured and as I read the story of God coming to us, these verses take on new life. Sometimes I picture that my feet are planted firmly, as strong as a mountain. The rest of my body may move and sway through the hardships of life, but my feet will not move. We certainly aren’t untouchable and life impacts us greatly, but there is something about having a firm foundation that goes beyond the ground that we stand on. Our strength is like strong roots because our trust and faith are in God. The last part of this verse can bring me to tears because not only does the Lord surround us, God is with us. God came to be right with us and promises to be with us until the very end of the age. This is something I choose to trust in.

𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑:
God, we want to trust in you more than anything. As life does its best to knock us down and the struggle continues to be felt, we pray that our feet would be unmovable and that our spirits unshakeable. Help us grow in our trust in you. Amen.

Rev. Raegan Gilliland
Pastor of Outreach and Engagement

𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 - 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐄

"Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people from this time on and forevermore." - Psalm 125:1-2
___________

One of my annual vacation spots is in Puerto Vallarta, which is a beautiful tourist location on the Pacific Ocean side of southern Mexico. I always look forward to seeing the mountains as the plane is descending into the city. They are a majestic sight that surrounds the area and offer protection from the water and wind.

How much more so is our reassurance that God’s love and grace continue to surround us each day. No matter what challenges we are facing, and no matter what season of our lives we are journeying, we know that the One who loves us walks with us in all our days. As our Lord promises us, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). I am grateful each time I remember this promise and that I am never alone.

𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑:
Protector God, during this season of love, we thank you that your grace continues to surround us each day. May we always be reminded that your love is greater than anything we will ever face in our lives. Amen.

Rev. Mike Flynn
Director of Care Ministries

Our Serving Others’ Ministry will be collecting pop-top cans and easy open pouches for those facing food insecurities. Donations can be dropped off from Jan 7 – 19 inside the North and South Entrances.

Please email [email protected] for more information.

𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 - 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐎𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐆𝐎𝐃

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power; 11 put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, 12 for our struggle is not against blood and flesh but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly place 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on the evil day and, having prevailed against everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand, therefore, and belt your waist with truth and put on the breastplate of righteousness 15 and lace up your sandals in preparation for the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. - Ephesians 6:10-17
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My favorite verse in this reading is “and lace up your sandals in preparation for the gospel of peace.” Not only can I vividly imagine lacing up sandals in the first century, but the rest of the metaphors for this passage hang on the phrase “gospel of peace.” There are strong uses of words that conjure up images of battle and war, from “whole armor” to “flaming arrows,” but we must look at these metaphors through the lens of peace.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. When we examine the ministry and life of Jesus, it is one of peace. When we are strong in the Lord and the strength of his power, we then focus on loving God and loving our neighbors. That love looks like renouncing the spiritual forces of wickedness by going against societal norms, just as Jesus did. Instead of looking out for us as number one, we want to include those deemed not includable. We offer kindness and extend love to our neighbor when society tells us the situation calls for divisiveness or hurling insults. When we put on the whole armor of God, it is not to draw lines in the sand of our side and your side; it is to say to the world there is a better way to live, and it is for the gospel of peace.

𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑:
Prince of Peace, we lift up your life and ministry as one we strive to follow. Encourage our spirits to stand firm in faith and our actions to be guided by peace. We pray in your name. Amen.

Kristin Steed
Director of Children's Ministries