Read Matthew 1:18-25 “LIVING FAITH” Christ Born of Mary 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being [a]a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things,…Keep Reading

Rev. Nate and Julie Ware “What Is a Chaplain” As many know Nate was a Career Navy Chaplain. He served the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Gaurd and Merchant Marines . . . Some might ask: What do Chaplains do? THE NAVY CHAPLAIN CORPS are religious ministries to meet the rights and needs of its personnel. From its inception, the naval service has recognized its responsibility to provide for the second…Keep Reading

Luke 1:34 “How can this be…?” “OPPORTUNITY TO SAY YES” The first recorded words of Mary were spoken to the angel Gabriel when he announced God’s plan for her life. She would give birth to the Christ, Jesus the Son of God. She was so young (a teenager in our language); how could she begin to understand all that God’s plan would mean to her and the world? Her first…Keep Reading

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” “Link to YouTube Video – THE HAVES AND HAVE NOTS – GOD’S PROMISE TO “ALL” From Pastor Will Shewey: Advent began in a joyous celebration today at Shades of Grace, a United Methodist congregation. Our 10:30 am worship service was well attended….Keep Reading

Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” “CHRIST WALKS WITH YOU” There are many unexplainable mysteries in our everyday lives. Some call them coincidence, if they are favorable they may get called lucky (a word that Christians can…Keep Reading

1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” “THANKFUL IN EVERYTHING” “God’s goodness hath been great to thee. Let never day nor night unhallowed pass but still remember what the Lord hath done.” –Shakespeare Not everything that comes our way is the will of God, but it is the will of God that we are always thankful. This is…Keep Reading

Philippians 1:3 “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” “GRATEFUL FOR FINGERPRINTS AND MEMORIES” The U-Haul truck was packed, and we had asked the parsonage committee to go through the parsonage to see that we were leaving it clean and ready for the next pastor. Bethany was a baby and Pat saw little fingerprints on the door. She started to clean them when a friend said, “Leave them…Keep Reading

Luke 2:38 “Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God…” “Thankful for the Unseen Presence of God” Anna thought about the life that she had lived. These many years have passed so quickly; “Where has time gone?” Some people say that life is not fair, but she did not think that way, even though it had been difficult at times. Sure, there had been lean…Keep Reading

Acts 10:4 “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.” “WHEN GOD IS IN IT” The Lord watched as his faithful servant stepped up to the pulpit. There had been many great preachers to stand in that Holy spot, but none of them were any more useful to the Kingdom of God than this man. Sermons are delivered in different styles, and this man certainly…Keep Reading

1 John 5:13 “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” No Ifs, Ands, or Buts about Our Salvation There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it.” Do you remember hearing those words from a parent who had just “laid down the law” to you about something? We certainly did…Keep Reading

Psalms 103 “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name…” “Link to YouTube Video – SERMON OF THANKSGIVING GO ALONG WITH THANKSLIVING From Pastor Will Shewey: Worship is at Shades of Grace Church – This is a United Methodist Congregation for ALL people. Dress is always casual . We will continue learning lessons from Luke. God will use our tests and messes…Keep Reading

Ecclesiastes 11:6 “For you do not know what a day may bring forth.” “LOVED BY GOD” Each day is a new story, and the book of our life on earth is uniquely written by the Author and finisher of our faith. Should our book be placed in Heaven’s Library, the title of each one would be the same: “Loved by God.” I always think of this story around Thanksgiving. I…Keep Reading