Rest in Your church

  The Song of My Youth I am a "baby boomer" from New York, and in the world I grew up in, the church was the absolute center of gravity. It wasn't just a place we went on Sundays; it was our social life and our family. I essentially sang my way through the sanctuary, starting in the Cherub Choir and eventually finding my place in the High School choir. Back then, the lines were very clearly drawn. We were the "Methodist Youth Fellowship" (MYF) kids. I remember being so deeply involved in our church activities that I barely knew the girl who lived just down the street because she went to the Catholic church. Even the Girl Scout troops were separated by denomination. While I’m glad those walls have come down today, that early immersion in the Methodist tradition planted seeds in me that I didn't even recognize at the time. Leadership seemed to find me early, whether I was looking for it or not. I ended up as the president of the sub-district for the MY...

      From Mandu(Korean Dumplings) to Holy Communion Every holiday, we used to gather at my grandparents' house to make Mandu (Korean dumplings). Mandu was never just food; it was our family identity, our culture, and our tradition. As we folded the dough, we shared our lives, laughed over old memories, and grew closer. I have taught my children the special way of folding Mandu that my grandmother taught me, and now, my children and I are teaching others. Last Friday, as we made Mandu together, we were really "folding" love into our lives. In Korea, those who eat together are called Sik-gu , which literally means "family of the mouth" or "those who share food." It was such a joy to host the Mandu cooking class with our Patten family. I hope that through these "modern-day sacraments"—sharing recipes and eating together—we continue to become one family in Jesus Christ. Korean Dumplings recipe    The Spirit of Bibimbap: Planting Roots in Aroost...

The Gold and the Flame: Lessons from Children I have always loved helping with children’s sermons at church. Children ask honest questions. Sometimes one simple question can teach more than a long sermon. I remember one Sunday when I was talking about rainbows. We have a picture of our church with a rainbow ending right at the front door. I told the children, “Good things happen at the end of the rainbow.” Then a young boy named Christopher looked at me and asked, “But where’s the gold?” Everyone laughed, and I laughed too. I said, “The gold is out there in the pews!” But later I kept thinking about his question. He was right. The real gold is not money hidden somewhere. The gold is the people of God. It is their love, their giving, their service, and their faithfulness. Without the people, the church building is only wood and stone. Another children’s sermon has stayed in my heart for years. I lined up several children and lit one candle. Then I used that candle to light another, and ...

           Easter Continues!!    We had a wonderful time celebrating our April Family Worship and Coffee Hour last Sunday. It was so good to be together! Celebrating Our Church Family: Happy Birthday to Inara, Madi, Ted, Roberta, Chrissy, Leslie, Sue, and Debbie! Happy Anniversary to Penny and Ross ( 49th ) and Bob and Jean ( 48th )! May your special days be filled with blessings! Dickie is Back! Since last November, his health has kept him away from the pews, so we have been praying for him.  God answered our prayers in a big way last Sunday!  Not only did Dickie make it to church, but he pulled a total "pro move" and  drove himself here.  I wasn't sure he could pull it off, but there he was—shining brighter than the altar candles—reading his beautiful testimony for all of us to hear.   Dickie’s Testimony: A journey of faith, service, and laughter  Sermon: "Living Resurrection Love" (1 & 2 Thessalonians)...