Stories change how we see the world. A good movie can shift our perspective, revealing possibilities we never imagined. In “How to Train Your Dragon,” a young Viking named Hiccup discovers everything his village believed about dragons was wrong. These weren’t mindless monsters but intelligent creatures capable of friendship and loyalty. The film resonates because […]
Spring in Kansas brings storm season, when dark clouds gather and warning sirens test our readiness. Many of us know that feeling when the sky turns eerily green, signaling it’s time to seek shelter or watch from the porch – depending on your strategy. Consider moments when you’ve faced a different kind of storm – […]
Spring break has wrapped up, and many of us are settling back into our routines. You might have just returned from a family trip, catching up on accumulated emails, or simply enjoyed a quieter week at home. Regardless, there’s something about returning—the familiarity of your own bed, the comfort of regular routines, the sense of […]
The Valentine’s displays are already marked down at Walmart, heart-shaped chocolate boxes sit half-eaten on kitchen counters, and some roses are starting to drop their petals. Now that the commercialized romance of February 14th is fading, we might find ourselves thinking about love in deeper ways. What does it mean to love extravagantly? How do […]
Family stories have a way of shaping us, don’t they? Whether it’s the tales of our grandparents’ sacrifices, the funny anecdotes shared at reunions, or even the painful chapters we’d rather forget – these narratives form the fabric of who we are. As we reflect on our church’s 150-year journey, we’re reminded that we, too, […]
From generation to generation, for 150 years, our congregation has been a testament to God’s enduring faithfulness. As we celebrate this milestone today, we’re reminded of Abraham gazing at the stars, each point of light representing a promise that would unfold across centuries. Have you ever considered how your faith today connects to those who […]
Day 8 of the UMC General Conference 2020(4) was an ecumenical day, with guests from various ecumenical connections worldwide. During morning worship, we recognized full communion with the Moravian church, which is significant in Western North Carolina. Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay, the general secretary of the World Council of Churches, delivered a powerful message during […]
Over the past few days, I have continued in prayer for Charleston. I want to share a portion of my response to the Charleston Church Shootings which I preached this morning at First United Methodist Church. I believe it is important and inadequate. You can find the entire sermon and manuscript online here. Let me […]
At the young adult clergy booth at the Kansas West Annual Conference, participants were invited to add a post it note sharing wisdom for ministry. The responses were (in no particular order): Be who God created you to be. You! Don’t worry. Be happy. 🙂 Have Fun!! 🙂 BE a blessing Quit living in Fear! […]
Rev. Andrew Conard 