October 2018
Friends,
While on vacation in August I read four “non-church” books. I spend so much time reading in preparation for sermons and other church related activities that I had forgotten how great it is to read just for fun. But now I am back at the church and deep into reading church related materials.
One of the responsibilities that cause me to read a lot is choosing what we will offer for studies and I think I found a doozy (as my grandpa used to say). Adam Hamilton, the senior pastor of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas is the author of the book Confronting the Controversies.
Confronting the Controversies tackles the often-contentious topics of separation of church and state, creation verses evolution in public school, the death penalty, euthanasia, prayer in schools, abortion and homosexuality. This class will generate great discussion and learning. Dates and times are noted elsewhere in this newsletter.
As we change season (it was summer three days ago and fall yesterday) I am reminded of how we all face change. Technology changes so we change what and how we do things, family dynamics change so we adjust to a new normal, neighbors and neighborhoods change, and the list goes on and on.
Our churches and church activities change. Mora UMC is changing from Jesus After School to Jesus After Supper, and we adjust. Change isn’t always easy, but it can be fun and exciting.
Change is all around us and sometimes we are challenged to keep up. God does not change and his presence with us never wavers. Our challenge is to hang on tightly to God as we adjust to that which is ever changing. Hang on and enjoy the ride. God is in control!
Your Sister in Christ,
Pastor Deb