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 […]
Have you ever tried to delete your past? Maybe you’ve purged old social media posts, shredded embarrassing photos, or desperately wished you could unsend that angry email. As we gather just days before Thanksgiving, maybe you are dreading certain conversations around the holiday table, wishing we could erase past hurts or start fresh. An ancient […]
As we gather this Sunday after a momentous election, our nation continues to process varied emotions and reactions to the results. Some feel elated, others disappointed; some hopeful, others uncertain. In times of such division, Jonah’s story speaks powerfully to us. Like today, his world knew deep social and political fractures. He faced the challenge […]
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 […]
I enjoy taking care of our yard. It is good for my soul. Last fall, I did not have a chance to get in a final raking as the snow fell early and stayed on through most of the winter. This meant that we were left with a mess of wet and matted leaves to […]
Rev. Andrew Conard 