Dear friends,

 

I spent most of last night and all of this morning praying for our country.  The images from our nation’s capital were shocking and distressing.

 

Today, I pray God will bless our nation.  The darkness and division we are living through did not spring up overnight, and it will not heal overnight.  We must be intentional as we work together, and the work will last a lifetime.

 

As United Methodists, we are committed to our principles.  To do no harm.  To do good to all.  To walk faithfully with God.  Let us hold to these principles and remember that our words matter.  Our actions make a difference.  Our prayers are important.  Let us work together to bring healing to the real injury that has been done.  The Apostle Paul says “let us not grow weary in doing good, for we will reap at harvest time if we do not give up.  So then, whenever we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all” (Gal. 6: 9-10).

 

Hang in there, friends.  Don’t lose heart.  Pray that our church will continue to be a light in the darkness.  There is so much anger and deception loose out there.  Don’t give in to it.

 

Dr. King says “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”  Commit your words, your actions, and your prayers to being a source of light and love.  Small things make a big difference.

 

God bless you, God bless our church, and God bless the United States.

 

Pastor Tommy