“And in his name unbelievers will hope.” Matthew 12:21 The Blessed Hope – The Candle of Hope Like the prophets in the Old Testament, we hope for a Messiah to save us from the sin in the world (Isaiah 9:6-7). We anticipate our Savior’s arrival. Link to YouTube Video From Pastor Will Shewey: Shades of Grace: A United Methodist Congregation reminds me much about how the church is defined in…Keep Reading

Rev. Nate and Julie Ware Deserving God’s Love “Ephesians 2:4-9” Our son-in-law took this photo off his back patio. Are we as wise as an owl? It depends . . . However, we can count on the Lord because he is “All Knowing” and we as humans cannot be. We are not perfect; yet He loves us. Many of us have difficulty recognizing His knowledge and receiving the enormous Blessings…Keep Reading

JOY of FAITH “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” “Luke 2:15” This time of the year presents the church with a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the joy of our faith. When I was a pastor, I never could wait until December…Keep Reading

LORD HEAR MY VOICE “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” “Psalm 5:3” Bright and Morning Star, please shine on us. I do not ask this so that our day will be favorable and easy, but that we might reflect the brightness of your love. We all have some thorn in our flesh, but whether it is…Keep Reading

Luke 16 Link to YouTube Video – Psalm 100, Luke 16 From Pastor Will Shewey: Shades of Grace: A United Methodist Congregation reminds me much about how the church is defined in the book of Acts. I am thankful for the privilege of serving all God’s children. Meals are served five days weekly, along with many other needs. Saturdays are set aside for worship and Sundays are our day “off”….Keep Reading

Rev. Nate and Julie Ware Bioluminescence of the Soul – What Is This Photo? “It is Bioluminescence of Wood.” It is the production and emission of light by living organisms. It is a form of chemiluminescence. In this photo, it is fungi on older wood lying in the forest. One has to venture out into the night to see it. In the case of fireflies, the enzyme catalyzes the oxidation,…Keep Reading

Black Friday vs Good Friday “…I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.” “Philippians 4:11” Today is “Black Friday.” Does that mean that Thanksgiving is over? If contentment had a color, what would it be? I think I would choose green. “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.” What a miraculous feast they had yesterday! Jesus had fed a multitude…Keep Reading

Rev. Nate and Julie Ware The Promise! Hebrews 6:13-20 The Certainty of God’s Promise 13 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”[a] 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. 16 People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the…Keep Reading

A Thankful Heart “Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint[a] of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair….Keep Reading

Not Why, but What “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” “Psalm 42:11” Can we be thankful to God even though we can’t get the answers to our “why” questions? Some of you have heard me say to your situation, “I don’t know why, but I do know this, “God…Keep Reading

Rev. Nate and Julie Ware REASONS to Be THANKFUL Luke 12:22-32 What do we need from God that we can’t provide for ourselves? “Acts 17:28, reminds us, “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being.” Every beat of our hearts…….Every breath we take, comes from the Father. He also meets our EVERY need, “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory…Keep Reading

HOW CAN WE SAY THANKS “From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.” “John 1:16” “How can I say thanks For the things You have done for me? Things so undeserved, Yet You gave to prove Your love for me; The voices of a million angels Could not express my gratitude. All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee.”…Keep Reading