We Are Not Alone

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For me, these days were both full and grace-filled. They reminded me that we do not serve Christ alone. We are part of a wider body, bound together in prayer, purpose, and hope. As United Methodists, we share in a connection that reaches far beyond our own congregation. I give thanks for the friendships, wisdom, and encouragement that sustain us in this calling. I remain deeply grateful to be a lifelong Methodist, an ordained elder, and your pastor here at Stonebridge UMC.

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In Jesus' Name

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On Sunday, I shared a simple way to pray in Jesus’ name—one that helps us slow down, seek His heart, and rest in what He is truly saying to His disciples. Several of you asked if I could send a copy of that prayer, and I am glad to do so. My hope is that it serves you this week as a gentle guide, helping you draw near to God with confidence, humility, and trust.

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Hopefulness

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This week, we began our home gathering tour, Celebrate Stonebridge Church. Twenty people joined us at the Dankel's home for a meaningful evening of fellowship. Together, we celebrated the growth and progress of our ministries and shared hopes for the future of our church. I took many notes as people opened their hearts about the dreams they carry for Stonebridge UMC, and it was truly inspiring.

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National Day of Prayer

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Thursday, May 7th, Christians across our nation will join with one voice to recognize the 75th National Day of Prayer. As your pastor, I invite you to take at least a few moments to pray at the beginning of your day. The national theme is “Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations”. Join me in praying specifically for our world, our nation, our community, and our church. 

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Building a Reputation

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I cannot say enough about Easter. It would be impossible to count the number of volunteers who made the day so glorious and smooth. Greeters were at every corner of the building, the ushers were at their best, the children’s workers and volunteers were rockstars, the decorations were magnificent, and the choir was better than ever! Stonebridge UMC is building a reputation as a church who cares. 

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Looking Forward to Easter

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I look forward to Easter with great anticipation. On Easter, we proclaim that the suffering of this world is not the way of God. Easter is God’s word that violence does not have the last word. On that day, a new direction was set for all the world. We will never be the same. The power and hope that was given at Easter is now given daily to those who believe. Though we are knocked down, we are not out. Through we are driven into the ground, we are not done. On Easter, God proclaimed forevermore that defeat and despair shall not have the last word. 

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Staying Focused

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We are often tempted to focus on the secondary issues in the face of more urgent matters. We all face this struggle at one time or another – the choice between the interruptions and the important. At the same time there are noisy distractions behind us, demanding our attention. Do we tend to them, or do we stay on target? Those most successful in life are those who stay focused. 

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The Service Culture

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The service culture continues to grow. God continues to call people into service for our Lord and His Church. Think about it for a moment. Groups stepping up to help with the dinners for our Lenten Wednesday evenings. New faces in the choir. People stepping up to help with our children and youth ministries so we can reach more young people. And this is just a few of the areas where people are answering the call. 

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Pray for Peace

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As your pastor, I felt compelled to speak to the crisis that has come to a head in the Middle East. For the past few days, I watched the news reports of the U.S. and Israel attack on Iran. Questions that were once theoretical are now immediate. Will this escalate further? What will the human cost be? How will Iran respond? Will there be regime change? How will this affect our safety? 

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Exhibiting Humility

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In Pastor Jana’s message on February 15, 2026, she shared 10 ways that we can exhibit humility. Some of you asked for a way to find that list. Here it is.

  • Be an active listener                                                          

  • Admit my mistakes and limitations

  • Express gratitude                                                                

  • Serve others without expecting credit

  • Ask for feedback with a teachable spirit               

  • Celebrate others

  • Accept criticism graciously                                          

  • Go last

  • Value unity over my opinion                                         

  • Share the work – delegate and include others

Fasting for Lent

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Lent is a time of self-examination, prayer, repentance, and sometimes fasting. One of the questions we often ask about the 40 days of Lent is, "what will I give up for Lent?" In the past, I have given up different unhealthy foods or activities that distract me from what is important. The late Pope Francis once shared the words below as a reminder of what is truly important in our lives as Christ followers. This year, I plan to use these words as my guide for Lent. 

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Prayer Makes a Difference

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For me, putting my faith into action starts in prayer. I have spent my life seeking to grow in my prayer life. At times, my prayer life has been rich and full. At other times, the pressures of schedule and life have compromised my prayer disciplines, resulting in unforeseen struggles. For this reason, I do all that I can to keep prayer at the center of my spiritual life. Prayer makes a difference. 

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What's Your Giving Plan for 2026?

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Our Stonebridge United Methodist Church giving emphasis for 2026 begins this month. Each family is asked to make an estimate of giving. The theme for this annual giving emphasis is “Why Stonebridge?”. “Why do I invest financially in the work of God through Stonebridge UMC?” We will be telling faith stories of the impact God is having through the ministries of Stonebridge UMC. 

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