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“As I was walking through town and carefully observing …” Acts 17:23a CEB How many times have you really looked around as you drive through town? The reality is we are very much creatures of habit. We don’t pay as close attention to our surroundings as we would like to think. I had a conversation with someone recently and we were discussing a local business they had just discovered. They asked the question, “How long has that been there?” I was taken back by the question as I answered, “They’ve been there for almost three years.” The person had lived here a long time and just hadn’t noticed this “new” business for almost three years. We tend to be that way. Once we get into a routine we stop noticing things around us. This is also true of churches. When we have been attending a church for a long time we start to overlook things that used to bother us. We overlook marks on the wall, stains on the carpet, and more. We get into a routine and we stop noticing things. We don’t pay attention the way we used to. In The Book of Acts we see the Apostle Paul engaging people in a new community he is visiting. As he arrives in the community he walks through town looking carefully at the people, places, and activities. Paul engages people in conversation with the intent of getting to know them and their culture. I am certain he asked questions, observed their activities, and possibly even participated when invited. Paul is then in the middle of town where the folks gathered to discuss and debate life’s issues. As he listens he continues to learn. Then he feels led to speak to them saying, “As I was walking through town and carefully observing …” Paul wants them to know he has been watching and learning before he engages them in discussion. The most basic principle is that Paul wants to connect with them where they are. He doesn’t begin by expecting people to see things his way. Instead, Paul has been working hard to see things from their perspective—where they are. This is so important when it comes to sharing the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must begin to meet people where they are. Jesus meets people where they are and doesn’t expect anyone to have things all together before He saves them. In fact, it is because people don’t have it all together that Jesus saves them. As one of my favorite lyricist wrote, “This only serves to confirm my suspicions, that I’m still a man in need of a Savior.” It is humanity's need of a Savior that brought Jesus to earth in human form. In fact, Jesus experienced all that humanity experiences. Jesus walked through town and carefully observed what people were experiencing and how they were struggling. Jesus coming in human form was meeting people where they were. Paul was following the example of Jesus to go into a new town and carefully observe the people and the culture before he offered them anything. We need to do the same. Even if we have lived in the area for a long time. Where are we walking through town and carefully observing. Are we observing the new places people are going? Are we carefully observing the trends of what people are doing for work, fun, service, etc.? Where are we getting out of our routine and looking for new people, in new places? We must be carefully observant in order to reach people where they are. Will you be careful to observe this week? It’s the only way we can reach people where they are! This Sunday we continue the message series entitled “Being Missional.” We will explore the way Jesus calls for his believers to reach new people where they are. We will explore what it means to break our routines and experience new people in new places. I hope you will join me this Sunday at 8:15|NINE45|11:15 a.m. for worship. You can also go to SAUMC.NET and join us via livestream. The best is yet to come. I love you all and can’t wait to see you in church! #beingmissional #reachingallwheretheyare #aplaceforgrace

“Jesus called to them, ‘Children, have you caught anything to eat?’ They answered him, ‘No.’ He said, ‘Cast your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’ So they did, and there were so many fish that they couldn’t haul in the net.” John 21:5-6 CEB There is a purpose to almost everything in life. Most activities have a desired outcome and we enter into the activity in the hopes that the desired outcome will be achieved. We go to high school to learn and earn a diploma. If we go to college it is to earn a degree and achieve a career. If we go to a trade school, it is to learn a skilled trade in order to build a career. We take swimming lessons to learn how to swim. If you want to lose weight you watch closely what you eat, and you exercise purposefully. When you go fishing you expect to catch some fish—and potentially eat them. When the disciples went out fishing after Jesus was crucified and laid in the tomb—I am certain there was a purpose. One purpose may have been to return to what was familiar as many of them were fishermen before Jesus called them to be disciples. Another purpose may very well have been that they were hungry. Another purpose was for Peter to return to the place of his calling as he tried to make sense of all that had happened. Whatever the purpose was, there was a purpose. When Jesus called out to them, “Have you caught anything to eat?”, it was a question of purpose. Jesus' question of purpose had many layers. He called out to them to inquire if they had been successful in catching any fish—the purpose of fishing. Jesus called out to them as an invitation—can we cook some fish and eat together. Jesus also called out to them to show them he was alive. As Jesus called out to them, he knew that they had been fishing all night and not caught as much as a minnow. Jesus knew that they were frustrated, searching, and lost in the wake of his crucifixion and burial. When Jesus called out to them, they did not know it was him and did not expect it would be him. However, when Jesus called to them they answer—just as they had done three years prior in a very similar location. The awesome thing about Jesus is every word from his mouth had a mission. Jesus called to them and asked a question of purpose, “Have you caught anything to eat?” What Jesus says to them next is missional … “Cast your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” Jesus reminded them that they couldn’t go back to their old ways anymore—everything had changed, even fishing. Jesus reminded them that they could not rely on their own knowledge, experience, or skill alone—they needed Jesus to direct their purpose. Jesus reminded them that a part of the purpose is to share meals together, to build relationships with each other, and—most importantly—to keep their relationship with Jesus strong. After all, this is why Jesus was born of a virgin, healed the sick, raised the dead, died for the sins of the world in a horrible death, was dead and buried. Jesus did all of this so that those who follow him would be able to be in relationship with God by grace through faith in Him. Jesus demonstrated what it meant to be missional and he wants the exact same thing for His Church. So, how will you be missional today? How will you live on purpose for Jesus Christ today? Where will you look for opportunities to be creative in casting your net? With whom will you share a meal today? Grow a friendship? Live life with? Will you take at least one step toward the purpose of being missional? Go over and talk to your neighbor. Invite a coworker to lunch. Call up a relative you haven’t spoken to in years. Be innovative in following after Jesus today and strive to give life to at least one person who needs it. This is what it means to be missional—to love God, love neighbor, and make disciples. Go be missional today. This Sunday we begin a new message series entitled, “Being Missional.” We will explore the way Jesus calls for his believers to live. We will explore the purpose of the church. I hope you will join me this Sunday at 8:15|NINE45|11:15 a.m. for worship. You can also go to SAUMC.NET and join us via livestream. The best is yet to come. I love you all and can’t wait to see you in church! #beingmissional #aplaceforgrace

by Toni Parrish “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” Romans 12:6 Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! We hope you all will join us as we celebrate a very special event this Sunday! The United Methodist Women’s organization celebrates its 150th year of mission and ministry! The United Methodist Women’s organization is a faith-based membership organization of laywomen within the United Methodist Church. We are organized for mission and our members are committed to growing as disciples of Jesus Christ in community with other women and building the lives of women, children and youth. We send missionaries and deaconesses to minister locally as well as throughout the world! Since its beginnings in 1869, United Methodist Women has grown to become the largest denominational faith organization for women with approximately 800,000 members! And this is all because of just two women, who listened to God’s call and used their gifts to answer His call! As it states in the book of Romans we each have a gift that has been given to us by Almighty God! I hope you will join us this Sunday as we look at what the Holy Scriptures tells us about those gifts! In His Service, Toni Parrish, SAUMC UMW President

by Rev. Garrett Rocha Over the past week, I had the privilege to attend and present at the Wild Goose Festival (lovingly called The Goose). The Goose gathers Christian sisters and brothers from across the world to Hot Springs, North Carolina around spirit, justice, music, and art. We fellowship with one another, unplug from our devices, and learn from each other and other Christian speakers. The thing that intrigued me after I first started attending the festival back in 2016 was its name. The wild goose is an ancient symbol from the Celtic church representing the Holy Spirit. Robert Kruschwitz explains it beautifully. He says, "… sometimes God's Spirit hovers comfortably like a dove. But the Spirit also surprises us and disturbs our plans. Like a wild and unpredictable goose, the Holy Spirit sweeps in unexpected, astonishing directions.”1 The Holy Spirit is significant in the life of faith. Jesus tells his disciples that he is going to send them an advocate that will come and reside in them, remind them of all the teachings Jesus set before them, and teach God's will in and for the future (John 14.15-31). That same Spirit promised to the disciples is promised to us today. I have always been amazed at the work of the Holy Spirit in my life and the lives of others as we share God moments. I want to share two moments with you for encouragement. At the festival, the Florida Conference Fresh Expressions team came to share the mission and vision of our movement. Before The Goose began the team battled heavy rains during set up. Many of us were scattered or delayed as we all navigated the narrow mountain passes heading to the campground. Amid setup and the storm, one of our group members wore a tired smile and said, "I have been here for about 30 minutes, and I feel like I have found a home. Like, God is really present here. I haven't even met anyone yet!" During a chaotic downpour and setup, the Holy Spirit alighted upon a fellow young clergy, granting her peace and comfort. Now, an example of a God moment that disturbs the peace. As a high schooler, I struggled with moving to Florida, making friends, and finding inner peace. As I attended a youth group for a bit, I began to explore my faith. After a particularly dark time, I became disheartened and depressed. One night I was woken out of deep sleep and felt compelled beyond reason to find my Bible. I rolled out of bed and searched my room for the book. It was under the furthest part of my bed, of course. After finding it, I sat in my chair, opened to scripture, and pointed to Lamentations 3.14-24. I read through the verses and the scriptures that resonated with my heart. It described a stubborn and tenacious hold on life even when the world seems to grind you into the dirt. It pointed to the sincere hope in a God that transforms the darkness of night into the dawn of a new morning. I hold that scripture close to my heart as I continue to seek good and spread the Gospel in a world that is broken, hurting, distrusting, and weighed down by the evil of sin. John Wesley describes sanctifying grace as the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. As the Spirit acts in our lives, we respond by accepting and following its stirrings. The Spirit responds in kind, continuing to guide and transform us through a relationship of love and grace. The Spirit could come to us like a dove, bringing us peace and comfort. Or, as experienced in my life, the Spirit could come as a wild and unpredictable goose chasing you into the world, disrupting everyone and everything for the sake of the Kingdom of God. So take heart in the fact that there is a God that has created you, redeemed you, who seeks to transform you, and will never leave you be in either peace or chaos. I hope to see you on Sunday at 8:15, NINE45, or 11:15 for worship. You can also go to SAUMC.NET and join us via Livestream. Blessings upon you and I cannot wait to see you! #newdawn #wildgoose #holyspirit #godmoments #aplaceforgrace #placeoftransformation 1 Robert Kruschwitz “The Wild Goose” Prophetic Ethics (Baylor University, 2003).

“Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:19b-20 NIV If you were to ask me where my favorite place in the world is, there would be multiple answers— even if it wasn’t a multiple-choice question. When I was a kid, I would have said our family cottage on a lake in Michigan. Specifically, I would have said at the top of an elm tree that overlooked the lake. After we moved to Florida and in my teen years, I would have said the beach. I loved sitting at the beach and listening to the Atlantic Ocean. By the way, I hate the sand at the beach but I love the sights and sounds of the ocean. In my twenties I would have said on the golf course with friends in the late afternoon when the shadows are long and not many people were on the course. For most of my adult life I would say it is the church with her sacred spaces and people. Each of these places holds special memories for me and was an important place in those times in my life. Places are important and hold special meaning. Places in our life help us to bring context, purpose, and promise. This is where Paul is advocating for the church at Ephesus to focus. The important thing about the place for Paul is that it holds the opportunity to be the place of mystery. I’m sure you have heard the old saying, “Wherever you go, there you are.” What Paul is writing to the Ephesians is that wherever they go, there is the place of mystery. Everywhere is the opportunity to display the mystery of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The place of mystery is no one place, it is every place. The church at Ephesus had already begun to lose sight of this and began to believe the place of mystery was in the church location. They were beginning to forget that the place of mystery was wherever they were. This is one area where the modern church, you and I, can still get off track. We can begin to think that the place of mystery is the church campus or church sanctuary. This is true, but only in part. The place of mystery, the Gospel of Jesus, is everywhere we go and anywhere we go. In our current series we have seen that the purpose of God’s mysterious will is revealed in Jesus. We are God’s plan A and we claim Jesus as Lord. The power of the mystery of God’s will is Jesus working through every believer. We go into the world in unity of this purpose and the diversity of the gifts we are given to help people understand the mystery of God’s will—as revealed in Jesus Christ. So everywhere we go and anywhere we go is the place of mystery because we are there. This is why Paul tells us to “make the most of every opportunity” and to sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.” To paraphrase Paul he says to, “Be joyful and glad, giving thanks in everything, everywhere in the name of Jesus.” We create the place of mystery simply by being there and carrying the good news of the Gospel of Jesus. This is the place of mystery. This week we are to remember that anywhere we go is a place of mystery. We reveal this mystery by demonstrating the radical love of Jesus in thought, word and deed. We seek out those who are hurting, broken, set aside, marginalized and in need. We offer hope to those who are hopeless, we listen to those who need to be heard. Whenever we offer the love of Jesus we make that place a place of mystery. Will we make our homes, our workplaces, our schools, our neighborhoods, our communities places of mystery? Will we make them spaces where the love of Jesus is known, where hope is offered, and where people are heard? This is who we are. We are people of mystery – followers of Jesus. This is why I love the Church. When the church is at her best it is a collective of people, powered by Jesus working through them, who are unified in purpose, and diverse in their gifting creating places of mystery so that people who are far from God can experience God’s grace through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. May we be these people and this Church today, this week, and always. This Sunday we continue our message series entitled “Mystery.” We will look at the place(s) of mystery. I hope you will join me this Sunday at 8:15|NINE45|11:15 for worship. You can also go to SAUMC.NET and join us via livestream. The best is yet to come. I love you all and can’t wait to see you in church! #mystery #aplaceforgrace #placeofmystery

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV The Apostle Paul helps the Jesus followers in Ephesus frame the way in which Jesus wants for them to be the church. He writes that there are at least five unique roles through which individuals were gifted to lead. Of course, not everyone will have these particular five gifts, there are many more. Paul did not believe that these five roles were the only realities for leadership for all of time. He did, however, want them to be aware of the unique roles that would be present in the early church, and I believe the modern church as well. This Sunday we will be talking about these five gifts and the role they played in the early church. We will also discuss how these five gifts need to be rediscovered to help the modern day church be vibrant, vital and alive. In order to add to that discussion I am offering a writing that was posted by J.D. Walt on the website www.seedbed.com , which is a online publishing resource of Asbury Theological Seminary. I believe you will enjoy his take on the importance of what Paul writes in Ephesians 4. I invite you to follow the link and read this writing. www.seedbed.com/calling-all-apostles-prophets-and-evangelists/ This Sunday we continue our message series entitled “Mystery.” We will look at the way Jesus gifts us for the positions of mystery. I hope you will join me this Sunday at 8:15|NINE45|11:15 for worship. You can also go to SAUMC.NET and join us via livestream. The best is yet to come. I love you all and can’t wait to see you in church! #mystery #aplaceforgrace #positions

“I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.” Ephesians 3:7 NIV This week we will be looking at the theological concepts of imparted and imputed righteousness. I know, not the way I usually start these writings. The Scripture passage we will be looking at this week almost demands us to discuss this topic. So, let’s get to it. Imputed righteousness is the righteousness of Christ that is transferred to the believer and justifies them in God’s eyes. This is the righteousness that leads us to salvation. We cannot be made right in our own righteousness [or lack thereof], so Christ transfers, or imputes, his righteousness on us. Imparted righteousness is the righteousness that comes from God in Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit after we have been justified by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Imputed righteousness is the covering of Christ’s righteousness that covers our sins in God’s sight. Imparted righteousness is the very righteousness of Jesus that flows through our life in the power and person of the Holy Spirit. The goal of imparted righteousness is to sanctify us or make us holy. In Wesleyan theology, our goal is entire sanctification or to live like Jesus—loving God and loving others perfectly. Let’s look at a more practical example. Let’s say my daughters were to need help studying for a test in a subject in which I was proficient. If I simply told them the answers and practiced their recall, that is me imputing my knowledge of the subject to them. If I were to teach them where to look for the information, discussed the information with them, and helped them to understand why they were correct in their answers, that is me imparting the knowledge of the subject to them. In one example they simply get a download of what is in my brain. In the other they are learning how to think, how to find answers, and how to know the answer is correct. I believe they will become more knowledgeable for the long run if my knowledge is imparted on them. There was a time where imputed knowledge was needed, but as they got older imparted knowledge was more helpful. This is what Paul is saying about his relationship with Jesus in Ephesians chapter three. There was a time when Paul needed, and we all needed, Jesus to impute His righteousness on us in order for us to be saved—justified before God. Once Paul was justified—or made right with God by God’s grace through Paul’s faith in Jesus as Lord—it was the imparted righteousness of Jesus that was at work in Paul’s life. This is what he meant when he wrote, “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.” Paul realized that it was God imparting righteousness, in Jesus working in him and through him by the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul knew that if he grew in his righteousness it was because of the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through him. This is also why Paul wrote, “I don’t know what I am doing, because I don’t do what I want to do. Instead, I do the thing I hate.” [Romans 7:15] Paul was admitting that in his own power he does not do what Jesus would do. Conversely, Paul knew that the only way he would do right is to yield to the power of the Holy Spirit in his life. So, we face the same issue every day. We can choose to live in our own power—which offers little to none of the righteousness of Jesus—or we can live in the power of the Holy Spirit. Of course, living in the power of the Holy Spirit is the better choice. This takes a full desire to grow in grace and holiness. Yielding to the Holy Spirit means receiving more fully the grace of God offered through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Yielding to the Holy Spirit means learning to live in the presence of the Holy Spirit—to be perceptive of, receptive to, and active with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Yielding to the Holy Spirit means developing a growing understanding that our life, our witness, exists to bring glory to God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Which leaves one question, “Will you yield your life to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit today, this week, and for all your life?” This Sunday we continue our message series entitled “Mystery.” We will look at the way Jesus works in and through us in the power of mystery—the Holy Spirit. I hope you will join me this Sunday at 8:15|NINE45|11:15 for worship. You can also go to SAUMC.NET and join us via livestream. The best is yet to come. I love you all and can’t wait to see you in church! #mystery #aplaceforgrace #power

“For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” Ephesians 2:18 NIV Have you ever known someone who is a people watcher? They can sit for hours not interacting with anyone and just watch the people go past them one after another. The people watchers I have known have been both introverted and some extroverted. They have appeared to be outgoing and some have been shy. It really has less to do with where they draw energy as it does their true interest in people. One I know can sit and watch what people are wearing and be fascinated in what that potentially says about the person. Another friend is more interested in the body language of each person and the potential meaning behind the body language. There is something about watching people that interests some. Personally, I enjoy watching how people interact with each other. It seems some people are always happy while others seem more concerned. Some people are talking a mile a minute while other people can walk along side by side not saying a word. It is truly interesting to see how different people are in the world. This is true in general. People are different. Some of this has to do with the environment in which they grew up. It has to do with nature and nurture. There is also an element of how each of us is made or wired by God. Scripture tells us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” [Ps. 139:14] This same Psalm helps us understand that God is the one who created us and knew who we were before we were even born. God made us with certain attributes, talents, and gifts. One of the greatest things God made in us was a need for God. This is why sin is such a great problem. It separates us from God. God created us for community with God and with each other. Part of the mystery of the Gospel is that we need God. Those who understand this, and by grace have come to know their need of God, place their faith in Jesus as the Lord and Savior of their life. We were created for relationship with God. Yet, because of our sin we are separated from God. Only Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross can solve our sin problem. It is because of Jesus we are saved. This is what makes it possible for those who follow Jesus to be saved. People of mystery claim Jesus—first and foremost. We are not United Methodist, Baptist or any other denomination first. We are Christians—followers of Jesus Christ. People who know Jesus as Lord and Savior know it is only because Jesus was willing to shed his blood at Calvary. Followers of Jesus also know the peace that comes from a relationship with Jesus. Lastly, followers of Jesus are superbly aware of their citizenship in the family of God. This comes before anything else in life once you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ. Followers of Jesus Christ are first children of God, joint heirs with Christ. Followers of Jesus are forgiven and free because of Calvary. Followers of Jesus are at peace because of their right relationship with God the Father and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Followers of Jesus are citizens of the kingdom of God. How does being a person of God change your perspective on life? How does it change the way you approach your marriage, your family, your work, your neighbors, and your community? The reality is being a follower of Jesus should change everything in your life. As you begin your day each day this coming week, ask yourself this question, “How will I demonstrate that I am a person who claims Jesus today?” The answer could be that you will claim forgiveness and forgive others. The answer could be that you will work to be at peace with yourself and others. The answer could be that you will remember your citizenship is in the kingdom of God and live by those standards in all that you do. Hopefully, we are living this way every day. However, it doesn’t hurt to be intentional about it and remind ourselves each day that we are people of God who have experienced God’s grace through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. This Sunday we continue our message series entitled “Mystery.” We will look at the way Jesus makes it possible for us to be people of mystery. I hope you will join me this Sunday at 8:15|NINE45|11:15 for worship. You can also go to SAUMC.NET and join us via livestream. The best is yet to come. I love you all and can’t wait to see you in church! #mystery #aplaceforgrace #people

“With wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment – to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” Ephesians 1:8b-10 NIV When I was a kid I loved magicians. I would watch with great attention trying to figure out how they performed each trick or illusion. My first memory of seeing a live magician was at my dad’s store in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They had an event in the children’s department for families where a hired magician performed. I watched from the front row as he made things appear and disappear before my very eyes. It was incredible. The thing that intrigued me was the mystery of it all. How did the magician make things change colors, appear out of nowhere, and disappear into thin air? As a kid watching the performance I was amazed, in part, because I couldn’t figure it all out. Mystery is like that. We are drawn in when we cannot figure everything out. A mystery is something that is difficult to understand or nearly impossible to explain. To the laymen—especially kids—magic is a mystery. The Christmas following the magic performance I attended I received a magic set as a present. In the magic set were several of the tricks I had seen performed. As I read the instructions and learned the tricks something happened. The mystery began to fade. I understood at a deeper level how these tricks were performed. I knew the technique that the magician had used. It was no longer a mystery. Instead, it was rather easily explained and I was able to perform the trick myself. I still didn’t know how all of the tricks were performed, but I had a new understanding of what went into the overall performance of magic. I still loved magic and the skill and artistry of a good illusionist. However, the overall mystery of the performance is gone. I know they are tricks using slight of hand, misdirection, and props. To a certain degree, even though the mystery is gone I may even have a greater appreciation for magicians. I appreciate the skill, the dedication, the hours of practice, and the honing of their craft. I still love magicians. I wonder if there is just a little of this idea in what Paul is writing to the believers in Ephesus. They had seen the mystery of God through the birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Paul is writing to people who have experienced the mystery of God sending His only Son to be the Savior of the world. They believed that Jesus was the Messiah. These same people of the mystery of Jesus are now trying to live out the mystery in their own life. The Apostle Paul writes to encourage them to live out the mystery. To embrace the mystery of Jesus. There is one main reason Paul encourages them to do this—it is God’s will. Before Jesus the mystery of God’s will was not yet revealed. Yes, there were the ten commandments, there were the prophets, the sacrificial system, and many ways the people of God interacted with God. But following God was still a mystery. Imagine for a moment you followed a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. That is mysterious. Paul encourages the new followers of Jesus to remember that the mystery of God’s will has been revealed and purposed in Jesus. Jesus is the embodiment of the mystery of God’s will. In Jesus, God’s will was made known or revealed to all of humanity. The mystery is made known that God wanted for all of creation to be brought into unity under Jesus’ authority. What once was a mystery to humanity is now known. God wants for everyone and everything to be unified under Jesus Christ the Lord. This is where the truly amazing and mysterious part comes in—God chose us to help God’s will be accomplished. We are a part of helping this mystery be made known to the whole world. Paul writes, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” [Ephesians 1:4] We are God’s plan for unveiling the mystery of God’s will in Jesus Christ. That is amazing! How do you live out this mystery in your life? Are you still trying to figure out the mysterious will of God for your life? Are you working to be a part of revealing this mystery to others? Today, may we all commit to the purpose of revealing the mystery of Jesus to others. Commit to helping at least one person know that Jesus loves them, God is not mad at them, and that God wants us all to be in unity under Jesus as Lord of all. You may use words, you may show love through acts of compassion, or you may simply tell your story. Whatever we do, let all of us help to make God’s will known to the world around us. I pray that today we help one other person experience God’s grace through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. This Sunday we will begin a new message series on Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. We are calling the message series “Mystery” as Paul uses this word many times throughout his letter. We will discuss how we are called to be a part of revealing this mystery to the world in which we live. I hope you will join me this Sunday at 8:15|NINE45|11:15 for worship. You can also go to SAUMC.NET and join us via livestream. The best is yet to come. I love you all and can’t wait to see you in church! #mystery #aplaceforgrace #thepurposeofmystery

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV There are essentially five different types of bridges in the world. The Girder Bridge is a system of girders that lay across the span, or gap, with the ends overlapping the sides of the span. The Arch Bridge is a system of stone or concrete that is built from the bottom of each side of the span working its way toward the center of the span in an arch, or several arches across the span. A Cable-Stayed Bridge is a system that uses girders that span across towers. The towers then support cables, which in turn support the girders. Rigid Frame Bridges are a system of piers and girders forming a more rigid and stable structure. Finally, Truss Bridges are systems of straight beams with trusses being made of many smaller beams. Within these five different types of bridges there are many, many variations used to accomplish the same thing—spanning the gap. Bridges take us from one side of a gap to the other. Without the bridge it would be incredibly difficult, or even impossible, to get to the other side. Bridges are necessary in travel and in life. The current cultural climate we live in consists of a lot of gaps. It seems as though people are standing on opposite sides of a large gap or ravine. Often times there does not seem to be anything spanning or filling the gap. I believe the way I believe and others believe the way they believe and there is no middle ground. People tend to focus on the extreme sides of the gap. There is a lost art of figuring out what will go in the gap or how we will span the gap at all. In recent years we have seen some high-profile bridge collapses. There has been an increased call on the need to repair or replace many of the country's aging bridges. There is an increasing need for bridge builders in our country. I believe the same argument could be made in our society as a whole. We have many bridges that have collapsed in our culture, our political systems, and our relationships with each other. We have either been so focused on our side of the span or not concerned about the gap that we have not noticed the collapse of the bridge itself. We are called to be bridge builders as followers of Jesus. To be bridge builders we need to pay close attention to both sides of the gap, but most importantly we need to pay attention to the gap. When we understand the gap, we can begin to understand how to fill it, or span the gap. Bridge builders pay close attention to the gap. They look at how wide the gap is, if there are typically high winds, and the type of land. After looking at everything the bridge builder decides what type of bridge is needed, draws up the plans, and begins the work. This is a good model for followers of Jesus. Where we see a gap in our relationships, we should determine how wide the gap is, what type of bridge will best fill, or span, the gap, think about how we will fill the gap, and then get to work. Building relational, theological, emotional, and spiritual bridges takes a lot of hard work. It all begins with the choice to build the bridge—fill the gap. The most important key to being a bridge builder for Jesus is trust. In The Book of Proverbs we read, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” [3:5-6] When there is a gap we are faced with the choice of how to span that gap. Solomon offers that we should fill that gap, first and foremost, with trust in Jesus. Trust the Lord. Jesus can help you understand why the gap is there in the first place. Jesus can also help you be a bridge builder. Jesus is the master bridge builder. It was the purpose of his life, ministry, death, and resurrection. There was a gap between God and humankind. Jesus filled that gap through the cross and the empty tomb. It is the resurrection that bridges the gap between humankind and God. Jesus chose to fill the gap with trust in God the Father. Jesus suffered on our behalf to the point of death on the cross. On the third day God raised Jesus from the dead to live and reign forever. It is the ultimate act of bridge building—filling the gap. You will experience gaps in your life today, this week, and always. How will you choose to fill the gap? Will you trust in the Lord with all your heart? Will you lean on Jesus and not your own understanding? Will you submit to Jesus in all your ways? The most important key of bridge building is trust. Will you join me in choosing today to trust in Jesus with all your heart and not on your own understanding? It’s a choice how we fill the gap. This Sunday is Memorial Day weekend. We will discuss how we fill the gaps in our life. We will also honor those who stood in the gap for our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf. I hope you will join me this Sunday at 8:15|NINE45|11:15 for worship. You can also go to SAUMC.NET and join us via livestream. The best is yet to come. I love you all and can’t wait to see you in church! #fillingthegap #aplaceforgrace #bridgebuilders

“Keep on praying and guard your prayers with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2 CEB The lights were almost all turned off. The shadows were prominent along every footstep along the large and open space. The doors were all locked and the place seemed cavernous without the hustle and bustle of people shopping, eating, and talking. During the day the place was incredibly busy with people searching for the perfect item or the best gift for someone. The food court was busy serving tasty delights for people on their lunch break from the downtown offices. There were people visiting the place where so many exciting games, concerts, and events had taken place. At night, it was a different story. Everything was silent, dark, and empty. While I was in college it was my job to walk the empty halls, shake the locked doors, and guard the Lexington Center mall. I had never been a security guard before and have not been since. The role of a security guard is to keep things safe, observe and report anything unusual, and call for help from law enforcement or first responders when necessary. It is important work for which I was thankful. It is for this reason that the phrase “guard your prayers with thanksgiving” caught my eye as I read Colossians 4:2. Have you ever thought about guarding your prayers? What does it mean to guard our prayers? And with thanksgiving? The Greek word that is translated as “guard” can hold the meaning of staying alert, keeping awake, standing watch, and to be alive. The translators of the Common English Bible chose the word guard. Paul is telling the church at Colossae to keep on praying, to persevere in their prayers, and to stay alert—awake—alive—and stand guard over their prayers with thanksgiving. As a former security guard, and later police chaplain, it seems counterintuitive to guard something with thanksgiving. How is thanksgiving going to be useful in guarding anything? Yet, Paul knows what it means to follow Jesus Christ. We do not often enough couple prayer and thanksgiving. Paul isn’t talking about thanksgiving over a meal or being grateful for what we have in life on a Thursday once a year. Paul is urging the Christ-followers at Colossae to persevere in their prayers AND stay alert, keep watch over them with a deep sense of gratitude for the privilege of praying. In essence, Paul is telling them to soak everything in a deep sense of gratitude for what Jesus had done that made their prayers possible. This deep sense of gratitude, or thanksgiving, coupled with the constant conversation with Jesus will keep the hope of the Gospel going. Paul finishes the fourth chapter of Colossians by urging them to pray—not for safety or prosperity—but that the Gospel of Jesus Christ would spread. He was only concerned with the spreading of the Gospel, the hope of the world. To that end Paul told them to live wisely among those who were not Christians so that they could make the most of each opportunity to share the Gospel. He urged them to have their speech be gracious and effective with everyone. Why? Because he knew that Jesus would give every believer opportunities for which to be ready. Paul knew that our words are important. He urged them to speak in ways that graciously shared the love of Jesus. Words that effectively communicated the love that Jesus has for everyone. When we devote ourselves to prayer we are more open to the opportunities that Jesus places in our life each day. When we guard our prayers with thanksgiving we remember what a privilege it is to be in relationship with Jesus. We pray because of Jesus and prayer empowers us to live for Jesus. Are you guarding your prayers with thanksgiving? Do you realize today what a tremendous privilege it is to be in constant conversation with Jesus? Will you devote yourself to prayer today? Will you guard your prayers with thanksgiving and gratitude? Will you be wise among those who do not follow Jesus? Will you make the most of every opportunity Jesus brings your way? Will your speech be gracious and effective? These are not easy things to do. Paul reminds us that we are qualified through Christ, no person can disqualify us from that to which Christ has called us, we are people who put on love and live in unity and people who devote themselves to prayer—guarding our prayer with thanksgiving. You are qualified! Go today and live as a qualified follower of Jesus Christ and make the most of every opportunity. This Sunday we conclude our message series “ Qualified .” We will discuss the call to pray. Our prayers are the beginning of the sharing of the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus. The world we live in needs Jesus. We have the opportunity to share Jesus every day. It starts with prayer. I hope you will join me this Sunday at 8:15|NINE45|11:15 for worship. You can also go to SAUMC.NET and join us via livestream. The best is yet to come. I love you all and can’t wait to see you in church! #qualified #aplaceforgrace

“And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:14 CEB An online article from Inc.com answered the question, why do successful people wear the same thing every day. A 2017 HBO series documented that Andre Young (better known as Dr. Dre) wears the same shoes every day, Barack Obama only wears black or blue suits, Mark Zuckerberg wears only gray designer t-shirts, and Steve Jobs was famous for his black turtleneck, jeans, and sneakers. In the Inc.com article they mention that these highly successful people wear the same thing every day for several reasons. First, they waste less time each day deciding what they will wear. They also spend far less time shopping for what they wear. It is reported in the article that the average person makes 35,000 decisions every day. Eliminating one is a good start. Second, they save brainpower according to the article. Former president Obama offers, “You can’t be going through the day distracted by trivia.” Knowing what you will wear takes away one trivial decision every day which allows you to stay focused on other decisions. Third, you will always feel good in what you are wearing. You chose the clothes for a reason and you feel good about it. You will always feel good in the clothes you chose to wear. So how much thought and intention do you put into what you wear? I would imagine that most of us have not gone to the extreme of deciding to wear the exact same thing every day. However, have we given much thought to what we do wear each day? The third chapter of The Book of Colossians is one of my favorite New Testament passages. Verse 14 is the reason why. Paul tells the Christ-followers in Colossae to be intentional about what they wear every day. Not for the reasons outlined in the Inc.com article. Actually, Paul’s reasons are much, much better reasons that will have more far reaching implications for your life. Paul tells them to put on several things in the third chapter. He tells them to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. He writes that they should be tolerant with each other and forgiving. Then he writes, “And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Paul urges them to put on love over everything else. Could this change the way you live each day? Do you wake up each morning and put on your outfit of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, and forgiveness? And before you leave the house—do you put on that overcoat of love? I do not believe that Paul was writing this rhetorically or as a metaphor. I believe Paul wanted us to be very intentional about what we wear in order to be successful Christ-followers. Paul is advocating for wearing the same spiritual outfit every day. As we do this each day it will certainly be less of a decision and more a part of our character and who we are. We will be less tempted to be concerned about the trivial things of the day because we have put on the most important things. We will absolutely feel good in what we are wearing and everyone else will feel good about what we are wearing as well. It may be helpful to wear the same clothing every day for success. It is definitely important to wear the same spiritual clothing every day to be a successful Christ-follower. What will you wear today? I challenge all of us to choose to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, and forgiveness today. “And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” As we put on all these things each day, especially love, let’s see what a tremendous difference it will make in our lives. Remember the words of Paul when he wrote to the church at Corinth, “Now faith, hope, and love remain—these three things—and the greatest of these is love.” Let’s go out and put on love—every day! This Sunday we continue our message series entitled “Qualified.” We will look at the way Jesus demonstrates putting on love. We can choose to put on the same love Jesus Christ had for us every day. I hope you will join me this Sunday at 8:15|NINE45|11:15 for worship. You can also go to SAUMC.NET and join us via livestream. The best is yet to come. I love you all and can’t wait to see you in church! #qualified #aplaceforgrace