All Saints Day, observed on November 1st, has its origins in the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The Christian church adopted this festival, transforming it into a day to honor saints who have lived lives that reflect the love and teachings of Jesus. In the United Methodist tradition, saints are not canonized but are recognized for their significant impact on our faith journey, whether they are biblical figures or personal mentors. The twelve disciples of Jesus, despite their diverse backgrounds, were united in their mission to follow Jesus and spread His teachings. This unity in Christ serves as a powerful lesson for us today, encouraging us to find common ground in our shared faith and work together for the common good. As we remember the saints who have gone before us, let us strive to be saints in our own right, pointing others to Jesus through our actions and love.

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

All Saints Day is a significant occasion in the Christian calendar, celebrated on the first Sunday of November. It is a day to honor the saints who have blessed our lives and our church community. This celebration is not just about remembering the past but also about embodying the values of love, grace, and unity in our daily lives. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 10:1-8, we see how Jesus brought together a diverse group of apostles, teaching us that our faith community should transcend political and ideological differences. John Wesley's timeless advice on navigating political divisions—voting with integrity, speaking kindly about opponents, and maintaining unity—remains relevant today. By following these principles, we can promote a spirit of love and respect, reflecting the values of the saints who have gone before us.

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

Hello and welcome to Wesley Church's podcast of *That's a Good Question* where we invite and encourage questions that you have wanted to ask the church.

Questions? Email us at [email protected]

Join Wesley United Methodist Church as we explore the theme of God's unstoppable love and power. Discover the importance of community in our faith journey, highlighted by our community garden's generosity. Learn how to show commitment to God's work through pledges, tithes, and acts of service. Experience the power of worship and prayer in connecting with God's presence. Reflect on ways to offer gratitude to God and actively respond to His love. This message encourages us to embrace and share God's love through service and kindness, making a significant impact in our community.

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

In times of tragedy, it's natural to ask, 'Why me, Lord?' This question often arises when we face life's unpredictable challenges, such as job loss, illness, or personal hardships. Understanding that the world's brokenness, not God's will, is the root cause of our suffering can transform our perspective. Jesus' teachings in Luke's Gospel clarify that suffering is not a reflection of God's judgment but a consequence of living in a broken world. Instead of asking 'Why me, Lord?' in protest, we should ask it in gratitude, recognizing the abundant grace we receive from God. Kris Kristofferson's song 'Why Me, Lord?' exemplifies this shift in perspective, encouraging us to focus on our blessings. Embracing gratitude helps us navigate life's ups and downs with a heart full of thanksgiving. Reflect on the blessings in your life, express your gratitude, and draw closer to God, even amidst challenges.

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

Explore the profound lessons of generosity from Jesus' actions in the miracle of feeding the 5,000. Despite His personal grief over the loss of John the Baptist, Jesus chose compassion and provided abundantly for a large crowd. This sermon delves into the broader scope of generosity in Christianity, emphasizing that it encompasses our time, resources, and priorities. Learn how small acts of generosity can lead to significant, widespread impact, a concept known as missional multiplication. Discover how our youth ministry exemplifies this principle, creating a space for young people to grow in faith and serve the community. Reflect on how you can apply these lessons in your daily life, showing compassion and generosity even in challenging times. Keywords: Generosity, Jesus, Feeding the 5000, Compassion, Missional Multiplication, Christian Giving, Youth Ministry, Abundance, Scarcity, Community Impact. 

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

In this powerful message from Wesley United Methodist Church, Pastor Michael McIntyre explores the importance of investing in the Kingdom of God. Discover how active worship, the power of confession, and the act of offering can transform your spiritual journey. Learn about biblical teachings on financial success and why our heart follows where we put our money. Pastor Michael emphasizes the need to invest in our eternal home rather than temporary earthly possessions and challenges us to reflect on our current investments. This sermon is a part of our series on being rooted in generosity, highlighting the significance of raising our standard of giving and becoming major shareholders in God's kingdom. Join us in this journey of faith and generosity, and find out how you can make a lasting impact. Keywords: investing in the Kingdom of God, active worship, power of confession, offering, biblical teachings on financial success, eternal home, generosity, Wesley United Methodist Church, Pastor Michael McIntyre.

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

Hello and welcome to Wesley Church's podcast of *That's a Good Question* where we invite and encourage questions that you have wanted to ask the church.

Questions? Email us at [email protected]

Discover the profound impact of children's ministry and the role of generosity in fostering these initiatives. Children hold a special place in Jesus' heart, as highlighted in Mark 10:13-16. It's our duty to bring them to church and introduce them to Christ's love. Faith education should also continue at home through Bible reading, songs, and prayers. The growth of our children's ministry at Wesley United Methodist Church is a testament to the community's generosity. Volunteering and financial support are crucial for sustaining and expanding these programs. By prioritizing children's ministry, we follow Jesus' example and contribute to the growth of God's kingdom. Keywords: children's ministry, Jesus, Mark 10:13-16, faith education, church, generosity, volunteering, financial support, Wesley United Methodist Church. 

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

Discover the transformative power of living a life rooted in generosity. In this message, we explore how generosity extends beyond finances to include our time, talents, and resources. Drawing from Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:19-24), we learn that true generosity is a reflection of our relationship with God. Our children's ministry and outreach efforts, both locally and globally, demonstrate the impact of generous living. Reflect on how you can align your priorities with your faith and find new ways to be generous in your daily life. Keywords: generosity, faith, Jesus, Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:19-24, children's ministry, outreach, community impact, discipleship, Christian living.

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO