Dear Friends,
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I have enjoyed digging into our scripture passage for this Sunday. It is the story of Mary and Elizabeth, supporting one another through their unique pregnancies as described in Luke 1:39-55. After the angel told Mary she would have a baby, she hurried to visit her cousin Elizabeth. In a culture that was heaping shame on both of those women, they offered encouragement and care to one another. There is power in sisterhood! We need our sisters as we navigate our way through life. And men, you too, need one another! We would be wise to invest in our friendships. They sustain us in the tough times and increase our joy in good times. I especially treasure the friends I have had since childhood. Who are the special friends in your life? Take a moment to lift them up this week.

Hello Methodists of Park County and beyond,

This Sunday I am preaching on one of my favorite passages, Philippians 4:4-7. In The Message verses 6-7 read, “Do not fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers. Before you know it a sense of God’s wholeness (peace) will come and settle you down.” This season is fraught with worries and frets alongside the joys and celebrations. There is so much wisdom packed into that little phrase, turn your worries into prayers. As we do, we hold onto the promise that God’s peace will settle us down. “Silent Night, Holy Night, all is calm, all is bright.” I don’t think there was much about that night long ago that was silent or calm, but I suspect Mary and Joseph found peace amidst the chaos in the presence of God. May God’s peace, that passes all understanding, calm your heart and settle your worries down this advent season.