While modern society expects us to do more and produce more, Jesus invites us to trust in him and rest.

That's right, Pastor Efraín's first day in the pulpit with us will be THIS SUNDAY, July 2! Please be sure to join us for worship at 10:00 am and help our new pastor, wife Michelle, and daughter Michaela feel back at home in Yuma and especially at First United Methodist Church!

Special music for July 2, 2023 by the chancel choir.

Prayers of the People for July 2, 2023 by Katie Fuchs.

As we prepare for our new pastor as of July 1, we have been talking a lot in worship about partings, moving on, grateful farewells, and new beginnings.  However, what about those circumstances when we must separate or move on against our will; when saying  "goodbye" is not our choice?

This week we look at the story of Hagar, servant of Abraham and Sarah, and her son Ishmael.  It was not Hagar's idea to leave Abraham's home; the scripture indicates Sarah insisted upon it.  We read that Abraham was conflicted about the situation, and Hagar was (understandably) fearful for her son's life.  What lessons can we take from the story of this painful departure?  Join us this week as we consider how God's continuing love and care can offer us hope even when our paths diverge.

Special music for June 25, 2023 by the chancel choir.

Prayers of the People for June 25, 2023 by Allison Essinger.

Special music for June 18, 2023 by Sheryl Clifton.

The parable Jesus tells in Matthew 25: 31-46 is one of the last things Jesus says to his disciples before his betrayal, arrest and crucifixion. On a first quick reading, one may think  - Oh, yes, I remember this one - the sheep and the goats when the Son of Man is on his throne judging the nations. On closer examination, the parable has a lot more to say to us than just to remember to do good things. What is necessary first is that relationship with God the Father and Jesus the Son that so fills our hearts with love that we naturally extend love to others as a matter of course. And although the parable is framed as an end times parable when judgements are made, we are also invited to meet God in the here and now, in the real and concrete needs of our neighbors. God has a history of showing up in places we wouldn't think to look - in a stable in Bethlehem rather than the halls of power, on a cross rather than at the head of a mighty fighting force. In the face of the homeless, the migrant, the hungry, the prisoner. 

We are also blessed this week to have as a guest speaker Veronica Davis from CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) to tell us about the important work that CASA volunteers do, and how we can become involved. She will be available after the service to answer more questions.

Prayers of the People for Sunday, June 18, 2023 by John Dumermuth.