The Common Ground

New year, new promises—but why do so many of them fade so quickly?

As a new year begins, many of us take time to reflect on our lives and set New Year’s resolutions or personal goals. We promise ourselves that this year will be different. Yet studies show that nearly 80–90% of resolutions are abandoned within the first few months.

In this episode, we explore how you can be part of the small percentage—about 8–9%—who succeed in keeping at least some of their goals. We’ll focus on the four F’s: Faith, Fitness, Family, and Finance, and how intentionally prioritizing just one or two of these areas can lead to a healthier, more successful year.

Most importantly, we’ll be reminded that even when our promises fall short, God’s promises never fail. No matter the outcome of our goals, His faithfulness remains unbroken.

Over time, even the strongest foundations can develop weak spots or cracks. The foundations that hold up large buildings and homes can wear down, suffer damage from fires or earthquakes, and after years of stress, they sometimes need major repairs—or even a complete rebuild.

So when is the best time to rebuild a foundation? Most building experts will tell you that in the Midwest, summer is ideal because of the weather.

But what happens when our faith foundation begins to crack? What if it’s been shaken by hardship, worn down by time, or strained under a load that feels too heavy to carry? When that happens, how do we strengthen it—or rebuild it altogether? And when is the best time to do that?

Rebuilding our faith means re-centering our lives on Jesus Christ. And there’s no better time to do that than at Christmas—a season that reminds us of hope, renewal, and the solid foundation we find in Him.

Episode 55- I’m Still Here

We all have a place in this world. God brought us into the world and gave us purpose and value. Sometimes we forget our value and just how much we mean to those around us. When we feel pushed out or set aside it can be emotionally draining and even painful. This week we will dig into the tools that God offers us to deal with this feeling. Some of the scripture that helps us deal with this is  Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 

With the holidays in full swing, it’s so easy to place unrealistic expectations on ourselves—trying to do more, give more, and be more than we were last year, or even yesterday. But what happens when those expectations fall short? When things don’t go as planned?

This week, we’re diving into how we can release the pressure we put on ourselves and lean into God’s expectations instead—expectations rooted in grace, peace, and the hope He brings. Join us as we explore what it means to embrace the season with a heart aligned to Him.

On this thanksgiving we are giving thanks for the Children, Family and Youth Programs we have. This week I am Joined by Emmy Theis and Sandy Delgado and we discuss the great ways we are reaching children and youth and the ways we the youth are giving back as well. For information on any children, family and youth programs going on you can email [email protected] or [email protected]

As we head into advent and the season for giving Pekin First has grace flowing thru it. From the Cunningham tree to the open table, Pekin First is bringing light to the world. This week we will dig a little deeper into our what and why of just some of the ministry going on. Weather you are on the giving side or a person 

As life happens it is so easy to just expect that negative things are going to happen. Most of us are waiting for the “other shoe to drop” if you will.. But what would happen if we were grateful for everything that happens in our life! Even the tough stuff! If we look at stories in the bible we see many examples such as Job, Jonah, and even Jesus where life got tough but there faith and there gratitude to God never waivered. This week we will explore how we can continue to be filled with gratitude in a world so determined to get us down.

What is it like to be a Methodist? Why would someone want to join a denomination? In this episode of the Pekin First Podcast Pastor Sean and myself will summarize the 4 week small group that just took place. We will hit some of the hot button issues and go in depth on why we welcome EVERY ONE to be a Methodist.   Join the conversation on youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcast, And Amazon Music.