Outside the Box: Everyone Can Be Their Authentic Selves

Dear Fellow Ministers,

Thank you for your attentiveness to our worship series, The Journey From Hurt To Wholeness. You can view last week’s “Reaffirmation of Baptism” service here. This week we are going to be looking specifically at Psalm 40:1-11, but also looking at this scripture in the context of the larger picture of the entire psalm. It is a reminder that we need to always consider more than the words we are “supposed” to say. As we move to wholeness, God is able to handle our true thoughts and feelings.

The founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley is said to have gone to his Moravian missionary friend, Peter Bohler, about his own struggle with faith. Supposedly, Wesley asked Bohler, “How can you preach to others if you don’t have faith yourself?” Bohler responded, “Preach faith till you have it; and then, because you have it, you will preach faith.” There is a lot to unpack in that, but what a great reminder for all of us to be honest in our words and thoughts on our journey of faith. I am so thankful to MUMC for providing the atmosphere where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Please remember our major upcoming events over MLK, Jr. Weekend: The Conference Worship Service at University City UMC on Saturday, beginning at 10 am; the Peaceful March from Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church to Matthews Town Hall on Sunday at 2:30 pm (meet at Mt. Moriah); and the Commemorative Worship Celebration at Mt. Moriah on Monday at 10 am. All of these events are open to everyone.

All church members, elected leaders & volunteers across all ministry areas are invited to attend our Leadership Connection in The Commons on Saturday, January 24, 9:00 – 11:30 am (check-in, fellowship & refreshments begin at 8:30 am). Please register by this Sunday, January 18!

Thank you for being a part of a church that is seeking to be a “Healing-Centered Church.” I am grateful for the many ways you offer the healing of Christ. I look forward to being in ministry with you “outside the box” this week (view my video update here)!

In Christ’s Service,
David

Did you know that Pastor Corey is engaged!?! Corey and Will Cecil became engaged on Christmas Day! We celebrate this wonderful couple along with Will’s daughter, Avery. Congratulations to this new, sweet family on a lifetime of love together.

Did you know that the Handbell Quartet had an informance (an informative performance) for Tasty Tuesday yesterday? The quartet consisted of Maxine Starner, Annette Clary, Sara Sheffield and Susie Verrill. ?They played a variety of music and shared with the folks about bells, techniques and history of their participation as a bell ringer.

Did you know that, after studying the “Vine and the Branches” scripture in John 15, Family Worship families decorated a vine with flowers depicting how they want to grow in Christ in 2026? The 100-foot vine, along with its inspirational flora, will be on display in the Children’s Wing beginning this Sunday.