Roy’s Ramblings…

When anyone joins the United Methodist Church we take a short class, stand in front of the congregation and recite a liturgy promising to stand against wickedness and evil powers, as well as repenting of our sins. We confess our faith in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit and pledge to support the Universal Church with a vow to faithfully participate in the life and ministries of our local congregation through our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. WOW!! That is huge!! I mean any part of that is big … but all together … that is pretty major.

So with that being said: a question … What have you/we given to God lately? Yeah, I know, it is stewardship time and I am going to be preaching on time, talents, material gifts, etc.; (and handing out pledge cards for 2026) but with all of that aside … what specifically have you/we given to God? Our Scripture this week is from Acts 3 and verse 6 says: Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Peter said this to a beggar, who was lame from birth, who was then given the ability to walk.

The beggar was expecting money, food, something to sustain him for a day maybe two … Peter gives him a new life. So many times we think to help someone we are to alleviate short term pain and suffering … and don’t get me wrong, that is helpful. But we have the power to do so much more (remember that whole stand against wickedness and evil powers? Or, maybe the five vows of Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service and Witness?) There is a lot that we can do as individuals but there is even more power when we bond together as a congregation and there is unmeasurable power when we do what we do in the name of the Christ.

So this Sunday is Pledge Sunday wrapping up our two week series on giving. Last Sunday I discussed membership vows and how we respond to be in ministry for the church by our: Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service, and Witness. How we: do good, do no harm, and stay in love with God (Para-Quoting John Wesley).

And several folks turned in their pledge cards and have financially made a commitment to Nashville UMC for 2026 … Thank You By the Way!!

But, (and you always know that when we talk about giving there is a “but”) this decision cannot be made purely in our heads. Nope, giving to the church is also a “Heart Thing”. Early in his ministry John Wesley was having trouble with his faith; he questioned God; he questioned himself; he questioned the established church; he was in a searching/seeking mindset. So, in a visit to his brother Charles at Oxford University he had a faith discussion with Peter Bohler telling him of his unbelief and questioning … Bohler said to him “Preach faith until you have it, and then, because you have it, you will preach faith.”

Giving to and for the church is the same mindset as John Wesley and his faith … there are many times that we question about where and how much we give to church and church activities. And so using the words of Bohler: Give to the church (or God) until you find the “where and how much” you are called to give … and then give heartily to the church (or God).

We live in a time where we question … well … pretty much everything. Trust isn’t granted – it is earned. And, currently, in the modern world, the organized church has lost trust by many – especially the youngest two generations. I was asked this past week, “How do we get the younger generation back into church?” And my response was two fold. First, the youngest generation (as a whole) has never been in church. In fact many don’t even know what church is or anything about it. And, Second, we need to be relevant and give them what they need (and not what we think they need or try to make them conform to us). Yes, I know that is hard. Yes I know that takes work, and time, and energy, and commitment, and … well … giving of the heart.

So this Sunday is a heart check – where is your heart for church, for community, for God???

Blessings to and for us All – Pastor Roy