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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Why Stonebridge?

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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?”

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Christmas is a Promise

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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. 

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God is Doing Great Work Through Stonebridge UMC

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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. 

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Remembering Loved Ones

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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.

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