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sermon spiritual growth

What the Babylonian Exiles Teach Us About Justice Today

We just heard Brad and Diane share incredible news: $420,328 in First Fruits giving toward Tomorrow First. Take that in for a moment. That number represents more than money—it demonstrates faith in action. You’re investing in future generations you may never meet, trusting that God transforms present resources into lasting blessings. This is what happens […]

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justice sermon spiritual growth Uncategorized

Amos and the Call to Justice in Modern Times

Have you ever been in a meeting where everyone knew something was wrong, but nobody wanted to say it? The project was failing. The budget wasn’t realistic. The elephant in the room grew bigger with each passing minute. Yet everyone smiled, nodded, and moved to the next agenda item. We’ve all been there—that uncomfortable moment […]

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faith ministry Sharing Christ transforming the community

Social Holiness in Action: AI for Justice Ministry

Wesley’s insistence that there is “no holiness but social holiness” reminds us that personal salvation cannot be separated from social transformation. Justice ministry isn’t optional for Methodists—it’s essential to our identity. AI tools can amplify justice work by identifying needs, coordinating responses, tracking impact, and connecting local efforts with broader movements. Here’s how to leverage […]

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Bible Christian living church sermon spiritual growth transforming the community worship

God’s Vision of Unity Amidst Diversity

Last week at Walmart, I watched what looked like a grandmother navigate the back-to-school aisles with what I assumed were three grandchildren. Each child gravitated toward different supplies—one wanted sparkly notebooks, another chose plain black, the third picked folders covered in dinosaurs. She smiled and said, “You each know exactly what you need.” That simple […]

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Bible bible study changing lives Christian living church faith family life ministry sermon transforming the community united methodist church worship

Finding Renewal Through Stories: Lessons from Dragons and Scripture

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 […]

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Bible bible study changing lives Christian living church faith life ministry sermon Sharing Christ spiritual growth transforming the community transition worship

Building Hope in Unexpected Places

Picture this: You’re at a family reunion, catching up with relatives you haven’t seen in years. As you share stories, you realize how many of you ended up somewhere completely different than you planned. Maybe you’re living in a town you never meant to stay in. Maybe you’re in a job that was supposed to […]

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Bible changing lives faith sermon spiritual growth transforming the community united methodist church

Embracing Transition: God’s Call in Our Lives

On this Father’s Day, many of us arrive with hearts full of gratitude for the fathers and father figures whose voices have shaped our lives. Some carry complicated emotions about absent or imperfect fathers, while others celebrate cherished memories and ongoing relationships. Today also marks a significant transition as we celebrate Deacon Jeanne’s years of […]

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Bible changing lives Christian living faith sermon spiritual growth transforming the community united methodist church worship

Bridging Divides: Faith and Community in a Complex World

The first day of June puts us right between seasons. Around McPherson, we see the signs – graduation ceremonies just finished, swimming pools ready to open, and colorful gardens blooming while farmers watch their crops grow. Many of us feel pulled between wrapping up spring activities and starting summer plans. Think about times in your […]

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transforming the community

Zimbabwe: Church and Community (5 of 8)

In Zimbabwe, there did not seem to be a separation between personal holiness and social holiness. One of the sites that we visited was planning on drilling a water well that would be able to provide water for the church members and the community. This would prevent the need to get up at 3:00 or […]