In these unparalleled times for our nation and our world, I find myself at a loss for what best to say to you as my congregation. The assumption is that as a pastor, I should know. I should. As we now find ourselves cloistered in our homes to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable among us, a number of paragraphs…
Among all the liturgical seasons, Lent has great meaning for many of the faith. The minor keys transport us to a quiet place – a liminal space, yet safe. The spartan altar with simple jute burlap and understated accoutrements bring calm to much too cluttered lives. And the resounding call to introspection and contrition is palpable as we vow death…
A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Nancy Weygint On February 23, we heard about another letter to the church; a special letter to LOUMC from Nancy Weygint. Nancy passed away on January 4, 2019 leaving a very generous bequest to the church. We celebrated her life and legacy this Sunday and the Bequest Team shared with us the…
“So neither the one who plants nor who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow. The one who plants and who waters have one purpose For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” ~I Corinthians 3: 7-9 NIV Pastor Michelle continues her four week sermon series “Letters to the Church in Uncertain…
This Sunday we were inspired by the thoughts of our youth as they led our worship and shared their thoughts and their faith! Have you asked yourself recently what responsibilities come along with belonging? When you belong to a covenant group, what are your responsibilities? When you belong to Facebook or Instagram, what are your responsibilities? What about belonging to…
Pastor Michelle continues her four week sermon series Letters to the Church in Uncertain Times in this video with Week 3: “The Right Stuff.” As the world may consider the church and its message foolish and anemic, Paul reminds us “God chose what was weak in this world to cofound the strong.” When we consider our own call, do we…
Pastor Michelle continues her four week sermon series “Letters to the Church in Uncertain Times” with Week 2: “First Things First.” Read I Corinthians 1: 10-1 and consider the questions below in preparation for the message. Questions for Reflection (in this sermon and beyond) 1. What was the source of quarrelling in today’s text? What was really at stake? 2.…
At a time when many changes are happening in the United Methodist Church and the world, Pastor Michelle uses Paul’s letters to the church in Corinth as background for a four week sermon series, “Letters to the Church in Uncertain Times.” Week 1, “Get a Grip,” is based on 1 Corinthians 1: 1-9.
What is the future of the United Methodist Church? Given the differences of opinion within the denomination, this question is at the forefront of many United Methodist (and other!) minds. On January 14, 2020, Lake Oswego UMC presented a forum including background on the questions at hand as well as proposals that will be brought before the May 2020 General…
Almost Christmas Advent Series, Week 4 On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of Joy! Pastor Michelle continues her sermon series, ” Almost Christmas: A Wesleyan Advent Experience” with “Week 4: An Altogether Joy, Bursting with Good News…and Then Some!” Read Luke 1: 38-4 and consider the questions below in preparation for worship! Questions for Reflection (for…
Almost Christmas Advent Sermon Series: Week 3 We began in Hope. We prayed for God’s Shalom, and now we journey towards greater Love. On the third Sunday in Advent, we light the candle of Love! Pastor Michelle continues her Advent sermon series Almost Christmas with ” An Altogether Love: An Irrational Choice; a Cultivated Forgiveness; a Steadfast Commitment.” Read Luke…
