“To survive does not mean one is living,” theologian Dorothee Soelle explains in her book “Death by Bread Alone.” She makes the distinction between our existence in the world and the depth of life we find in God. We can be so busy with life and our busy schedules that we can neglect our relationship with God and our neighbor. Yet, our souls, not just our bodies, need to be nourished. We need the bread of life. After all, we are not called to just survive, but to live…and to live abundantly. 

The beginning of Methodism was not marked by a “Systematic” Theology. John Wesley did not write all-encompassing theological treatises. Rather, he was primarily concerned with addressing real-life issues in a practical way. He wanted regular people to experience happiness and joy in this life. He dedicated his life to this. So, what does it look like when the church prioritizes people over dogma? How can we work together to make this world a better place?

Have you ever celebrated Aldersgate Sunday?  I have to admit, in my 50-plus-year involvement with the United Methodist Church, I can't remember that I ever have.  It is an exciting opportunity to remember our specific heritage as United Methodists under the guidance of founder John Wesley, who had a particularly meaningful spiritual experience in Aldersgate Street in late May of 1738.  Join us for our Aldersgate Sunday observance as we continue to have our hearts "strangely warmed!" (Come on Sunday to learn more about that phrase.)

I like telling people I am a Pentecostal. I grew up in a very charismatic church: people danced, spoke in tongues, and were slain in the Spirit. While I have not attended that kind of service in some time, I still love being surprised by the Spirit’s movement. In Acts I read about the Spirit being poured “upon all flesh.” The Spirit moves in all people, regardless of age, gender, or economic status. I thank God for that. It is both an acknowledgment of our diversity and a call for unity. After, if the Spirit does not discriminate, why should I?

As I think about the way God protects us, I think about my daughter. Every day, I try to protect her as much as I can. I would like to shield her from pain, suffering, heartbreak, and difficult situations. Unlike God, I am not omnipresent. I cannot be there physically by her side every hour of the day. So, I have to guide her and trust in her. I have to trust that, when the time comes, she will make the right choices. I believe God’s protection involves much trust. We are sent into he world, and God wants us to, when the time comes, make the right choices. So, we have to be sanctified (in other words, we have to be mature), in order to live according to God’s will for our lives.

When I try to get somewhere, I use the GPS on my phone. How did I even get places before this technology was available? Just like our GPS helps us go in the right direction, so is the Holy Spirit constantly guiding us, moving us. Let's call the Spirit our GPS (God Positioning System). Where is the Spirit taking you today?

Sermon for February 4, 2024 by Michelle Olivares.

Prayers of the People for February 4, 2024 by Debbie Pallack.

Special music for January 28, 2024 by the chancel choir.

Prophets seem to be appreciated the most when their work is appreciated in retrospect. I imagine they could have been polarizing figures at the time of their important ministry. Even today, speaking truth to power can make your life very difficult. Yet, these voices are necessary. Churches need to be receptive to them. We need to embrace them and nurture them. I believe God is still raising up prophets for all of us, but are we willing to listen?