Strangely Warmed Thoughts from the Co-Pastor
Just as Methodism' founder, John Wesley, found his heart strangely warmed by the Holy Spirit at Aldersgate Street in London, I often have Spirit-led thoughts on a range of topics that I post here. - Co-Pastor Dana Ward
August 18, 2013
It is back to school time. That means fewer kids at the Mall, but more kids on the streets and sidewalks.Join me in praying for the safety and success of all students as this new school year begins.
August 2, 2013
Tracie Miles asks, "isn't summer supposed to be footloose and fancy-free? What happened to sleeping in and time to rest and unwind? Are relaxing summer days merely a thing of the past?"
She's right. Today it seems like the summer can get filled with days when the kids are bored, camps are cancelled, and the AC needs fixed.
It may seem that easy summers are gone. But, we can make it through the hectic days despite the chaos. In Psalm 29:7 God promises to "Give His people strength and Bless them with peace."
When we remember to focus on God's promises, instead of all the scribbles on our calendar, we can better manage our summer. And we can receive God's peace, even in this very busy and sometimes stressful time of the year.
July 22, 2013
They have just announced the performers for the 2013 edition of Farm Aid! Farm Aid is an annual concert that raises money and awareness for family farming and features performers from the worlds of Country, Gospel, and Pop music.
The Bible tells us that God is a farmer. At creation, God plants a garden in Eden. In later years, God is often portrayed as a vine-dresser (a grape farmer!).
So, it is certainly appropriate that we celebrate the efforts of musicians and others to help farmers in our modern day. Whether it is the fact that farming has been displaced by other means of food production, or that the recent housing crisis has so negatively affected farms, the need for help and justice remains.
In our church, our Green Team addresses some of these issues, not through music but through awareness. Be on the lookout for information from our Green Team about the Community Garden, the Church's produce table, and more in the coming weeks.