Rest in Your church

A Childhood of Fear I grew up in chaos. My father was a violent alcoholic and a former Marine who used his skills as a sharpshooter to threaten us. He told my mother that if she ever left, he wouldn't just find her—he would hunt her down. Violence was my "normal." I saw furniture flipped, supper thrown against the ceiling, and my mother nearly choked to death. Once, in a fit of rage, my father even threw me in front of an oncoming train. By the grace of God, I landed across the tracks just seconds before the train passed between us. During those years, I was also being abused by others outside the home. They threatened to hurt my parents if I spoke up. I stayed quiet for years out of a desperate love for my family, until I finally reached a breaking point and fought back. Eventually, God provided a way out, and that abuse stopped. The Night Everything Changed The most important moment of my life happened when I was nine years old. During one of my father’s viol...

  Thank you, Denise!  Today is the day Jesus rested in the tomb. While the world felt silent and dark, something incredible was happening behind the scenes. Think about  Joseph of Arimathea . He was a respected leader with a lot to lose—his status, his wealth, and his reputation. Following Jesus wasn't exactly a "safe career move" back then! He probably spent a lot of time pacing his room, thinking,  "If I ask for His body, everyone will know I’m one of them." But Joseph took that brave, terrifying leap of faith. He put everything on the line, and look what happened! Because he offered his tomb to Jesus, that very tomb became the  headquarters of the greatest miracle in history.  His "place of death" became the "evidence of the Resurrection." Do you have a "tomb" in your life right now?  Maybe it’s a shadow of loneliness, a season of loss, or a difficult trial. The Lord is calling the "Josephs" of today! If you bring your ...

Good Friday Online Service | April 3, 2026 Good Friday Today is Good Friday. Children often ask us, "Why do we call the day Jesus died 'Good' Friday?" Death itself usually means separation, suffering, and pain. However, Jesus’ death is "good" for us because it gave us life. Although we cannot gather in person today due to the weather, I believe we are gathered as one through the Holy Spirit, who works beyond any physical location. I feel a bit of sadness holding my last Good Friday service with you online. But I believe God is speaking to us today—telling us that wherever we may be in the future, we will always be one in Him. Originally, I planned to walk the "Way of the Cross" with 16 readers. Instead, I invite you to meditate on this word from your own homes. If possible, please prepare a single candle to light during our time together. Lydia will assist me by reading the Holy Scriptures.   The Lamb in the sacrifices of Leviticus  T...

  After the crowds shouted “Hosanna!” on Palm Sunday , Jesus entered the Temple on Monday to cleanse it. He overturned the tables, stopping the misuse of the Temple where animals were bought and sold for sacrifice. He showed us that He is the New Temple , and because of Him, animal sacrifices are no longer needed. On Tuesday, He boldly proclaimed His teachings in the Temple, challenging the religious leaders with His wisdom. On Wednesday, a woman anointed Jesus, declaring Him the Messiah who would die for us by pouring out perfume worth a year's wages. Today, on Maundy Thursday , we remember the Passover—how God saved Israel from Egypt through the blood of the lamb. At the Last Supper, Jesus revealed the unspoken truth : He is the Lamb of God for our own Passover. Tonight, He prayed with such intensity in the garden that His sweat became like drops of blood. Why don’t we bring our own prayer requests, sufferings, pains, and health concerns—physical, emotional, or spiritual—to ...

                                 Thank you, Jeanie, Chrissy, for a wonderful Sunday school as usual!  Yesterday, I had the privilege of leading two services at Hodgdon and Stetson Memorial UMC . When I walked into the Hodgdon church, it felt as if I had returned to my childhood home. My original church family welcomed Esther and me with their whole hearts. So many memories and emotions overlapped. I told them how much I appreciated them being my "guinea pigs" during my early ministry before I went to Patten, and they all had a good laugh. When it was time for me to leave immediately after the sermon, I was deeply moved by their kindness. They were sad to see me go, helped me pack my bags, and even made sure I didn't leave without Easter eggs and other small gifts. I felt a lump in my throat from their overwhelming love. Then, I had to hurry to the next service. Thankfully, I followed all the traffi...