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. 

James shares with us that words can cut, and they can heal. This sermon reminds us there is power in the words we speak. Words shape and define our lives and the lives of others. Words reveal the presence of our faith in our life. James uses the images of a fire that destroys and a spring that gives life. 

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. 

The Bible is clear… we were made to be in community together. We need each other, and we are better together. Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth speaks to what brings us together as brothers and sisters in Christ. This is a message not only for the Church but also for our families and other relationships in our lives. Let me know what you think.

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. 

Many in our congregation have been asking about our ministry giving for 2026. Will we have a stewardship campaign? This month we will address this need in a giving emphasis called, “Why Stonebridge?” Every individual and family will receive emails with instructions on how to make an estimate of giving for 2026. The annual fund supports our staff and our ministries of all ages. The online link to make an estimate of giving will be available next week. This giving emphasis will be asking the question, “Why do I invest in the work of God through Stonebridge UMC?”

Christmas is most special through the eyes of a child as they get ready for the magic of Santa’s visit and hear the story of Jesus’ divine birth. Adults tend to lose themselves in the rush and commercialized demands of Christmas. Our children understand that most of all, Christmas is a promise. The promise of God that our world will eventually find its way to a loving, peace-filled, joyful God-defined day because of the child of Bethlehem – Jesus. 

I love Christmas! The music, the lights, the special concerts, and the telling of the story of Jesus' birth make these few weeks the best of the year. We are blessed every Sunday with something special as we move toward the birthday of Jesus.

Next week is Thanksgiving week. It is a time for family and giving thanks for our blessings. Even during troubles and trials, we can still find the blessing of family, our faith community, and God’s gracious love in Christ.

Stonebridge United Methodist is an amazing church. We are making a difference in the lives of those around us by striving to live and love like Jesus.

God is doing great work through Stonebridge UMC. Come be a part of the worship and ministry at 1800 South Stonebridge Drive, as we strive to live and love like Jesus. Continue to pray. Continue to step up. Continue to see the future with anticipation. Our work is not done. Our work is not our own, it is God’s work. Stonebridge is a family church where everyone is known and loved. 

On the first Sunday of November each year we celebrate those members who have gone to be with the Lord in the previous year. It is a meaningful time for me as I light a candle for my grandparents, parents, and those who have influenced my life in faith. I remember them each by name. As we remember those who have led us to the Lord, let us count our blessings, share the gift of faith with someone in need, and do something to make a difference in our world.

In this email, I want to offer thanks for the great work being done around Stonebridge UMC and provide reminders about a few upcoming events.

• Fall Festival was awesome! Thank you to Molly Gardner, Devon McCary, and their army of volunteers that made the day possible.

• We dedicated over 90 Harvest Boxes for Meals on Wheels! Thank you to Becky Neeley, Ellen Hefner, and Patrice DuCharme who coordinated this effort with the help of many more volunteers.

• Thank you to our Imagine Our Next 30 capital campaign team for spending hours making calls, designing publications, planning gatherings, organizing worship services, creating videos, and so much more.

This Sunday is Gratitude Sunday, a day of giving thanks for the work of Jesus Christ in our lives through Stonebridge United Methodist Church. In our get-it-done society, let’s take at least one Sunday and say thanks for what our Savior has done for us through our church family. May our faces glow with delight as we remember the times of blessing. May our thanks on this special Sunday make God smile. 

The words of Dr. Hinson’s “lively church” sounds a lot like Stonebridge UMC. We are a congregation who believes in the uniqueness of Jesus Christ. We are a congregation who believes Christ makes the ultimate difference in our lives and in our world. We are a “Kingdom Church” – living our mission to live and love like Jesus.

Each Sunday that we have a new guest walk through our doors for worship, we have the opportunity to share the love of Jesus through our hospitality. Hospitality is the greatest draw to bringing individuals and families into the church. Keep up the great work. Thank you.

I am so grateful to be the pastor of Stonebridge UMC. The 30th anniversary celebration was phenomenal! The sounds of praise filled Celebration Hall as we sang the songs of faith and received the blessing of special music. The video testimonies were a reminder of the impact of the Gospel of Jesus and changed lives. You reminded me of what the church should be like as a worshipping community. 

As we celebrate this day and the church we call Stonebridge UMC, we now hold the legacy of those who have gone before. The vision of God is now in our hands. As we stand on the shoulders of so many, let us look to the future with hope and anticipation of what God is and will be doing through us. 

I often find myself consumed by the schedule of the day. Making my way from one task to another. Happy just to check another “to do” off my list. When I least expect it, the days are interrupted with the fragile nature of life. These moments bring me back to how precious life is - an unexpected beauty… a gesture of love… a heartbreaking loss. 

This Sunday’s sermon will tackle the great human struggle with suffering. Does God Really Care? Why is There So Much Suffering? For Christians the answer to the question of suffering is found in Christ. Christ, the eternal Son of God has lived on earth as a human being and endured hunger, thirst, temptation, shame, persecution, nakedness, bereavement, betrayal, mockery, injustice, and death. Only Jesus is in a position to fulfill our deepest longing.