Posts by Adrian FUMC
May God Richly Bless You!
When I was in jr. high and high school, every youth group gathering closed with what I was told was “The MYF Blessing.” As it turns out, it’s a blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26. Here’s how we said it: “May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; may the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 You can imagine that…
What To Say or Not To Say
There’s been a lot of soul searching going in in our home over the past week. The recent civil unrest over the murder of George Floyd at the hands of white police officers has struck a deep nerve with one member of our household. The main question being asked is, “Should I speak up and publicly share my thoughts?” The question behind the question is In the face of injustice, is it wrong to not publicly say something? Put another…
God Is In Control
When I was in seminary, a professor whom I highly respected shared with me his opinion that Jesus didn’t have to die. An intelligent man, he had a superb grasp of the English language and the ability to clearly express his theological beliefs, so there was no misunderstanding him. He believed Jesus’ death was the unfortunate result of political and religious conflict. As he saw it, it was a death that could have been avoided had Jesus or the other…
Yes, I’m Leaving, But God Isn’t
“. . . he has said, ‘I will never leave you or abandon you.’” — Hebrews 13:5 (CEB) This morning, while enjoying our morning coffee together, Caroline made the observation that she’s currently experiencing grief on account of matters related to her work. Being familiar with her work situation, it made perfect sense to me. This got me thinking about my own work situation. And as I sat there listening to her, it occurred to me that I’m in a…
A Few Initial Thoughts As I Prepare to Move
Here’s something that took me by surprise this week. This coming Sunday, May 3, will only be six weeks from my final Sunday, which is June 14! To say that this realization “took me by surprise” speaks to the fact that my focus really has been on the realities of the here-and-now. In all honesty, my move to Port Huron has occupied very little of my conscious awareness these past seven weeks. But then it hit me this week that…
Growing Yourself
Not Quite Up to the Challenge Yet A couple of months ago I downloaded a book onto my Kindle after reading an intriguing review of it. The title of the review is what initially caught my attention: “How to Get Godly (if You’ve Got the Guts).” Hmm, a book that’s going to present the path of discipleship as one which is challenging and requires a certain amount of ‘guts’ to walk! The title of the review threw down the gauntlet,…
This, Too, Shall End!
This is Pastor Drew’s back page article for the March 18 Tidings.It was written in response to the early unfolding of the coronavirus impact. For the first time in as long as I can remember, I’m feeling at a loss for what to say. I’m honestly struggling with how to help lead my ‘flock’ over a seemingly treacherous hill to a place of safety when I’m not even sure of the way there myself. Today I spent the afternoon researching…
Notice of Cancellations
Dear friends and members of Adrian FUMC, The World Health Organization has recently declared the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, and last night Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Michigan on account of the coronavirus. In addition, beginning as early as this coming Monday, many Michigan colleges and universities are requiring all classes to be taught online. There seems to be a recognition this is one of those situations where the best offense is a good defense. After conversation…
Have You Heard About the MAC “Straw Poll”?
If I had to make a guess, I’d say that most of the good folks in our church are not aware of the non-binding straw poll that was take at annual conference last week. Following the 2019 General Conference, the leadership team of the Michigan Annual Conference (MAC) wanted to get a better sense about where the people in our conference stand in regard to the matter of whether or not to allow clergy to perform same-sex weddings and ordain…
Pastoral Response to General Conference
Dear Friends at Adrian First United Methodist Church, Last week, The United Methodist Church prayerfully and intentionally entered into a process of holy conferencing with the hope of discovering an amicable way forward in regard our denominational stance on human sexuality, specifically pertaining to marriage and ordination. On Tuesday, the special called session of General Conference came to an end, and with it, a decision. Bishop David Bard states it well in his letter to the members of the Michigan…
A Pastoral Letter on General Conference 2019
Humility, Hope, Heart, and Wisdom Sisters and Brothers in Christ in the Michigan United Methodist Church, in this new year I bring greetings in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the peace and power of the Holy Spirit. As 2018 came to a close, many of us watched portions of the funeral services for former president George H. W. Bush and some of the news specials about his life and career. Along the way,…
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