This week was a new week… the rest of our staff finally got electricity Sunday late afternoon. Personally, I just have to say, “It is wonderful to be able to turn on the light switch again when I return home at the end of the day!!”  

Scripture text: Luke 18:1-8
Message: “Parables and Real Life—The Persistent Widow” 
(Pastor Jeff is preaching)

This next Sunday starts a series of messages on the stories that Jesus told. These "parables" are stories that spoke to the relentless love of God, and the meaning and purpose of life. Jesus spoke of good Samaritans, prodigal children, rich fools and unforgiving servants, lost sheep and sprouts that were choked out by weeds--and with each story he spoke to some of the questions we ask in life.  ​

​Good afternoon members and friends of St. John’s UMC!
 
This has been of week of unprecedented storm damage! Susan and I arrived home from vacation just before noon on Monday, the storm sirens went off as we were eating lunch and shortly thereafter, our electricity went out…and has not been restored yet. The Church was without power until Thursday morning. Storm damage has left many without power for days this week. (still no electricity at home for Pastor Jae and myself… so I am writing this while plugged into the charger in my car)
 
Scripture text: John 6:1-13
Message: “When calm is contagious” (Pastor Jeff is preaching)
 
The Apostle Paul wrote this: The Lord is near, therefore have no worries! [Philippians 4:5-6] This week has certainly reminded me that I am not in control of the weather. But it has been comforting to sense the nearness of Christ in the midst of all our difficulties: ie. Stop lights that are not working, no electricity, trees down in the streets, can’t go to work, cell phone won’t answer, etc. Jesus made an anxious moment with the disciples into a “teachable moment” – one they would never forget. This lesson comes to us in the story of the FEEDING OF THE 5,000. I’ve had a few teachable moments this week as well. This sermon will be a look at how the presence of Jesus was a calm force in the moment of great uncertainty.