Every year, the bishop and cabinet in our annual conference consider where each pastor would best fit within all the churches of the conference. Although the long-term needs of the churches and pastors is the primary factor, there is always a possibility that the pastor could move. This system of itinerancy helps strengthen the laity by more widely sharing the gifts and graces of the clergy and ensuring that each community of faith is focused on Christ as the primary influence rather than an individual’s personality.

This year, I have been asked to move, but the request was primarily motivated by the cabinet’s support of my recent marriage. I am truly grateful for the chance to live with my wife, but I will miss all of you here in Yuma. These past two years at First Church have gone quickly, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. This Sunday I will briefly reflect on serving at First Church, and we will look at how Christ role modeled ministry for us, always willing to go wherever he was needed.

Special music for June 11, 2023 by the chancel choir.

Prayers of the People for June 11, 2023 by Dave Cridland.

This Sunday is Pentecost, the day of the year in which we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit to the first disciples as they gathered to pray and discern what to do after Jesus had ascended to heaven. Of course, we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit every day, but this was a special occasion because it also signifies the birth of the church. This is a turning point in the history of the Christian community, when the comforter which Jesus had promised to send was received by the disciples. Join us this Sunday as we reflect on what it means to be the church and how we can support each other as we learn to more fully express the spiritual gifts God has given each of us.

Special music for May 28, 2023 by Sheryl Clifton.

Prayers of the People for May 28, 2023 by Katie Fuchs.

Prayers of the People for May 21, 2023 by Jim Essinger.

Special music for May 21, 2023 by the chancel choir.

This weekend, we will be celebrating Mother’s Day. This is a day set aside to express gratitude to our mothers for all they have done for us and to lift up the attributes of motherhood that are often taken for granted throughout the rest of the year. Although it may be practically impossible to fully live into all the ideals of motherhood, the women who serve in the role of “Mom” clearly deserve recognition for the positive impact they have had on our lives. Even the act of accepting our gratitude can sometimes be a lesson in patience and encouragement as our moms, for example, might receive a once-a-year homemade feast that may not quite come out as intended.

Join us this week as we reflect on the parallels between God’s love for us and the ideals of motherhood. We will look at Paul’s speech to the residents of Athens, explaining how his understanding of God differed from theirs, and we will review the final words Jesus left with his disciples before he was taken away for trial. On this Mother’s Day weekend, we will consider the maternal nature of our relationship with God.