The United Methodist Church in Germany is loving its most vulnerable neighbors in wonderful ways.
God Stories (Liberian Connection)
See how the UMC in Liberia is connecting with the earth and people around them.
Deeper Dive Podcast (Releasing God's Best - Faithfulness)
Randy, Debbie, and Isaac talk about faithfulness and the phrase "the fear of God."
Listen in your device's podcast app – Apple version here and Android version here or use the desktop-only player below.
About the Authors
Randy and Debbie Reese are Co-Directing Pastors at Calvary UMC
Isaac Gaff is the Managing Director of Worship and Creative Arts at Calvary UMC
Teach Us to Pray (Releasing God’s Best - Faithfulness)
This Sunday in worship, we read the last part of Paul’s discussion about the fruit of the Spirit from The Message translation of the Bible. Here it is below:
“Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.”
Unnecessary comparisons seem to be increasingly amplified in our times (even through casual use of social media and group gatherings), but Paul reminds us that our life in the Spirit is not measured against each other – “Each of us is an original.” Prayer is a wonderful place to begin celebrating your unique and original experience in the life of the Spirit. We often pray for things to change in prayer, but in this instance, the Spirit calls us to embrace what we have in front of us – continuing to unleash the Spirit-powered life offered through God.
In recovery programs, the “serenity prayer” is often used to jump start this kind of contemplation in our lives. It’s a short prayer that can be used throughout your day to anchor you back to your identity in God. If you haven't yet incorporated this into your prayer habit, give it a try today.
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.”
Sunday Worship (Releasing God's Best - Faithfulness)
This week we'll be exploring Galatians 5:22-26, Hosea 4:1-3, Psalm 86: 10-13, and I Corinthians 1:4-9.
First, from Galatians:
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.
Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.
And now from Hosea:
Hear the word of the Lord, you Israelites,
because the Lord has a charge to bring
against you who live in the land:
“There is no faithfulness, no love,
no acknowledgment of God in the land.
There is only cursing, lying and murder,
stealing and adultery;
they break all bounds,
and bloodshed follows bloodshed.
Because of this the land dries up,
and all who live in it waste away;
the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky
and the fish in the sea are swept away.
And now from Psalm 86:
For you are great and do marvelous deeds;
you alone are God.
Teach me your way, Lord,
that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your love toward me;
you have delivered me from the depths,
from the realm of the dead.
And from First Corinthians:
I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Each Sunday you can find the live stream here or watch the archive here.
Who Is My Neighbor? (The Incarcerated)
Those incarcerated make Jesus' "when did we see you?" list in the last part of Matthew 25 - a list of our most vulnerable and marginalized neighbors. Read how this UMC in Tennessee is making a difference in the lives of the incarcerated; both while they're in prison and when they transition out of prison.
Love Your Neighbor (Hunger Ministry and Creation Care Partnership)
This UMC in Washington DC is combining creation care and ministry to the hungry in this example of love for neighbor.
God Stories (Jackie Robinson and Methodism)
As the major league baseball season heads toward a close, take a look at how one of its most influential players (both on and off the field) is tied to the Methodist church.
Deeper Dive Podcast (Releasing God's Best - Kindness and Goodness)
Randy, Debbie, and Isaac talk about Paul's use of "Goodness" and the larger context of Galatians.
Listen in your device's podcast app – Apple version here and Android version here or use the desktop-only player below.
About the Authors
Randy and Debbie Reese are Co-Directing Pastors at Calvary UMC
Isaac Gaff is the Managing Director of Worship and Creative Arts at Calvary UMC
Teach Us To Pray (Releasing God’s Best: Kindness and Goodness)
Proverbs 12:25 says “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” As you pray today (and throughout the week this week), ask God how you can participate in the cycle of kindness. If you need to be open to a kind word, ask God for ears to hear it; if you need to be the giver of that kind word, ask God for the opportunity to share it. In an ever anxious world, we can be agents of peace by kindness given and received through the power of the God’s love living in and through us.
Sunday Worship (Releasing God's Best: Kindness and Goodness)
This week we'll be exploring Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, Chapter 5, verses 22-25; and Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, Chapter 3, verses 12-13.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Each Sunday you can find the live stream here or watch the archive here.
A Light to My Path (Releasing God's Best: Kindness and Goodness)
Our Scripture for the coming week comes from Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, Chapter 5, verses 22-25; and from Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, Chapter 3, verses 12-13:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Question for Reflection:
How do you identify with the verbs in this passage: clothe, bear, and forgive?
Who Is My Neighbor? (KidVenture Flood Buckets)
The children (and their youth and adult partners) in KidVenture collected and packed 29 Flood/Cleaning Buckets on Wednesday night! These children wanted to help those devastated by the recent hurricanes and one of the first things people need are supplies to clean and disinfect their now mold-covered homes. A flurry of energy and enthusiasm filled the room as children from the ages of 4-11 worked together so that all the supplies were packed in a specific way in order to fit into the bucket. As the hurricanes kept coming and coming, one of our Calvary members talked to her coworkers and they donated supplies. Many of the buckets were donated by Lowes, through the coordination of one of these coworkers.
In packing the buckets, another blessing took place as older children were engaged in helping younger children. For instance, the 5th graders were paired to be buddies with the 4 year olds, the 4th graders with the Kindergarteners, etc. This reinforced the concept that we all work together and help each other in the body of Christ.
After the buckets were filled, everyone in the room stretched out their arms and prayed a blessing over these supplies and those who would be using them. What an incredible gift for these children to give to those who have been so ravaged with hurricanes.
These buckets will be taken to the United Methodist Midwest Mission Distribution in Chatham, IL, where they will then be distributed to those who need them. If you’d like to learn more about that incredible ministry, check out the newsletters here. This ministry is also supported financially by Calvary through your Outreach Team. Thank you for your support!
About the Author
Debbie Reese is the Co-Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC
God Stories (UMC Kids Serving)
Deeper Dive Podcast (Releasing God's Best - Patience)
Randy, Debbie, and Isaac talk about patience in light of other instances in the Bible.
Listen in your device's podcast app – Apple version here and Android version here or use the desktop-only player below.
About the Authors
Randy and Debbie Reese are Co-Directing Pastors at Calvary UMC
Isaac Gaff is the Managing Director of Worship and Creative Arts at Calvary UMC
Teach Us to Pray (Releasing God's Best - Patience)
As you pray today, let patience be the foundation and framework of that prayer. Almost 1700 years ago, a Christian named Cyprian talked about how important patience is to the life of faith. Reflect on these words as you build your house of prayer with a patient foundation:
"...It is patience that both commends us to God, and saves us for God. It is that same patience which tempers anger, bridles the tongue, governs the mind, guards peace, rules discipline, breaks the onslaught of lust, suppresses the violence of pride, extinguishes the fire of dissension, restrains the power of the wealthy, renews the endurance of the poor in bearing their lot, guards the blessed integrity of virgins, the difficult chastity of widows, and the indivisible love of husbands and wives. It makes men humble in prosperity, brave in adversity, meek in the face of injuries and insults. It teaches us to pardon our offenders quickly; if you yourself should offend, it teaches you to ask pardon often and with perseverance. It vanquishes temptations, sustains persecutions, endures sufferings and martyrdoms to the end. It is this patience which strongly fortifies the foundations of our faith. It is this patience which sublimely promotes the growth of hope. It directs our action, so that we can keep to the way of Christ while we make progress because of his forbearance. It ensures our perseverance as sons of God while we imitate the patience of the Father.”
St. Cyprian of Carthage – “The Good of Patience”
About the Author
Isaac Gaff is the Managing Director of Worship and Creative Arts at Calvary UMC
Sunday Worship (Releasing God's Best: Patience
This week we'll be exploring Galatians 5:22-25; 1 Timothy 1:15-17; and James 5:7-11.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Each Sunday you can find the live stream here or watch the archive here.
A Light To My Path (Releasing God's Best: Patience)
Our Scripture for the coming week comes from Galatians 5:22-25; 1 Timothy 1:15-17; and James 5:7-11
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Question for Reflection:
How do you approach patience in your spiritual life?
Who Is My Neighbor? (Habitat for Humanity)
It’s not always about a new house, is it? This fall, Calvary partnered with Habitat for Humanity and with Luis Ortolaza and his wife, Evette Rios to rehab a Habitat House formerly occupied by someone who was able to ‘upgrade’ to a larger home! What a wonderful way to be a part of the Habitat plan. Louis and Evette are thrilled that they get to be homeowners and are going to be living on Fuller Court in Bloomington. They are also very appreciative of the people who came from Calvary to help make their dream come true.
Calvary’s Habitat Team worked on 8 Saturdays in August, September and October, putting in 185 volunteer hours between 20 people. There were 15 people who worked on the house and another 5 who provided refreshments for our hard-working house flippers.
Habitat For Humanity’s Mission is: “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.” Those who apply for, qualify, and are chosen for a Habitat House must work alongside the Habitat onsite staff as well as volunteers in order to fulfill their end of the contract. The family receives an affordable mortgage that they can manage and the community gains wonderful neighbors in these new homeowners!
What’s next? The United Methodist Churches in Bloomington/Normal are coming together to do a ‘United Methodist’ Habitat Build in 2018. While all of the UM churches in town participate in their own outreach ministries, the pastors thought it would be wonderful to unite in doing something very important. The idea blossomed into a Habitat Build. We look forward to working alongside our new and old friends at the other United Methodist Churches in town in 2018 as we help to make a difference for another family in Bloomington/Normal.
About the Author
Debbie Reese is the Co-Directing Pastor of Calvary UMC
Love Your Neighbor (UMC Helps Wildfire Victims)
The UMC is loving neighbors displaced by the California wildfires. Read more here.