Jan. 1 annually brings with it the hope that things are going to be different this year.
This is the year I'll get in shape. This is the year I'll quit smoking. This is the year I'll read more and watch TV less.
We make resolutions and promises. Unfortunately, most of those resolutions fall by the wayside pretty quickly. By the time February rolls around, we find that the new year seems pretty much just like the old one.
We shouldn't be surprised. Change doesn't happen accidentally. It doesn't happen without intention.
Wanting to be in shape doesn't happen if you don't get a gym membership, grab a partner, and go ever every day. You'll never quit your bad habit if you keep spending your money on it. You'll never read more if you keep turning the television on as soon as you get home.
But, the beauty of the New Year is, just like God's grace, it keeps coming around. We have chance after chance to make a change...to work toward something better. And we have yet another chance to be intentional about it.
What new thing is God calling you to this year? What new thing is God calling Broadmeadow to this year?
More importantly, what are you willing to do to make this new thing a reality?
Epiphany Sermon Series - "Jesus: Man of Mystery"
As Jesus' public ministry began, he remained a somewhat mysterious figure. He played things close to the vest and revealed things only when he was ready. So, who was he? Who IS he? You're invited to join us at Broadmeadow in this season after Epiphany as we explore "Jesus: Man of Mystery."
Pastor's Corner for December 2017
Nobody's really likes Advent.
See, Advent is all about waiting. And, seriously, who likes waiting?
Sure, we like the things we're waiting for. In this case, we love Christmas. We love the lights, the presents, the carols. But, waiting for those things? Blah.
So, most of us just don't. We skip right to Christmas. We start singing "Joy to the World" as soon as Thanksgiving's over (or, maybe Halloween).
But, Advent is important for the very reason we'd rather not deal with it. Advent makes us slow down in a season that tempts us to run at full speed. Advent invites us to notice things we would rush right by.
Look, I'm not going to try to tell anyone not to listen to Christmas music until December 24. It's already playing around my house. But, I do hope that you pause. I hope that you breathe. I hope that you take a moment to notice God in the busyness of the season.
One thing I hope all of you do is bring one new person to church with you this month. Just one. It can be a friend, a relative, a neighbor, or a complete stranger. Invite them to slow down for just a moment and join you in the expectation and excitement of Advent.
Coming Soon...
The coming of Christ into the world plays out like an epic movie. We watch and wait with excitement and expectation. All December, through the seasons of Advent and Christmas, we'll be excitedly watching and waiting together. You're invited to join us at Broadmeadow all through December for our series: "Coming Soon..."
"Death & Other Good News"
People have a difficult time talking about death. People in the Church are no different. We do just about anything we can to avoid the topic. And, yet, even in death...especially in death, followers of Jesus find hope. Join us at Broadmeadow UMC from All Saints until Reign of Christ Sundays as we talk about "Death and Other Good News."
Bluegrass Sunday
Broadmeadow UMC's grass will turn blue on Sunday, October 15! Join us for a beautiful service of traditional bluegrass music and hymns performed by Bill Ellison and Temperance Babcock. Everyone's invited!
Enemies of Gratitude
In October, we'll be calling out the things that keep us from being truly grateful. In each sermon, we'll see how a misplaced focus - on how things could be or used to be better, how we're not getting what we think we deserve, or simply how life's struggles are keeping us down - prevents us from seeing all the blessings that are right in front of us. You're invited to join us each Sunday as we discuss the "Enemies of Gratitude".
No Fair!
Life can be unfair. We often do not get what we believe we deserve.
For the the rest of September at Broadmeadow UMC, we'll be focusing on three passages from Matthew's Gospel that challenge our notions of fairness, and how God's idea of fairness is fortunately very different from ours.
Everyone is invited!
New Class!
We're excited to begin a new young(ish) adult class this upcoming Sunday! We're going to be reading through Brian McLaren's "We Make the Road by Walking". If you're interested, you can order a copy on-line, download it to your e-reader, or contact the church office, and we'll get some ordered. We'll see you there!
Get Behind Me
What does Jesus mean when he says, "Take up your cross and follow me"? Is being a follower of Jesus just saying you believe, or is there something more? We'll be talking about that this Sunday at Broadmeadow. Everyone's invited to join us!
