Wesley identified the means of grace as channels through which God conveys preventing, justifying, and sanctifying grace to believers. These ordinary practices—prayer, Scripture study, communion, fasting, and Christian conferencing—become extraordinary when met with faith. As ministry increasingly includes digital dimensions, we must thoughtfully consider how technology can facilitate access to these means of grace while […]
Have you ever missed an important phone call because you didn’t recognize the number? You let it go to voicemail, only to discover later it was exactly the opportunity you’d been hoping for. We live surrounded by notifications, yet often miss the most important messages – especially when God is calling. Here’s what I’ve learned […]
We gather this first Sunday of Advent fresh from Thanksgiving tables and carrying both gratitude and grief – some of us still feeling the warmth of family gatherings, others mourning empty chairs, like those who gathered Wednesday to celebrate Carl Kasey’s 101 years of faithful living. In these days between giving thanks and preparing for […]
In Manhattan last night, both teams faced pivotal moments. For KU, a crucial fumble ended their hopes of breaking a sixteen-year drought. For K-State, wisdom under pressure led to a game-winning field goal. These moments of decision – whether to dive forward or protect the ball, trust your preparation, or doubt yourself – reveal some […]
Day 2 of the UMC General Conference began with an inspiring morning worship, featuring a jazz combo that led us in singing century-old hymn lyrics in a refreshed way. The music was fantastic and set a positive tone for the day. Bishop Holston’s episcopal address took us on a journey through the years since the […]
Day 1 at the UMC General Conference was filled with reconnecting with friends and colleagues from across the connection. It’s inspiring to see people from all across the UMC, including the highest concentration of bishops, and to have opportunities to catch up with friends from near and far. I’ve connected with a variety of people […]
Last night, Nicole, our kids John and Anne, and I had the incredible opportunity to see the transformative power of storytelling and music at the opening night of Godspell at Music Theater Heritage in Kansas City. Godspell is a beloved musical that brings the gospel to life through a series of parables and lessons from […]
Imagine the buzz in Jerusalem the week after that first Easter. The crucifixion, the empty tomb, the appearances of the risen Jesus – the city must have been electric with wonder, confusion, and anticipation. Can you imagine the roller coaster of emotions experienced by the disciples? And now, we find yet another twist: Jesus’ ascension […]
Imagine being one of the women who discovered Jesus’ empty tomb on that first Easter morning. Whether you’re here out of habit or curiosity, the message of the resurrection is just as powerful today as it was back then. The empty tomb reminds us that hope wins over fear and doubt. It promises that new […]
Picture a moment in your life when everything seemed uncertain, and you longed for a sense of direction. Perhaps you’ve faced challenges that overwhelmed you or doubts that shook your faith. In times like these, we all need a source of guidance and hope. Today, as we explore the words of Jesus in Mark 13, […]
It is a season of transition. I have had the opportunity to serve as the preacher at Berryton United Methodist Church since July 1, 2018. On Sunday, I announced during worship that I have received a new appointment from Bishop Ruben Saenz to serve as the pastor at Susanna Wesley United Methodist Church in Topeka […]
It is not often that I confess in writing. Most often, I confess verbally. There is something different about putting your sins down on paper. Seeing the words on the page makes them more tangible and seem more ugly. The sheet of paper is filled up with things of which I am not proud in […]
Rev. Andrew Conard 