America, The Beautiful

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…” (Psalm 33:12)

“O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat Across the wilderness!
America! America! God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved & mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for halcyon skies, For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties Above the enameled plain!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee
Till souls wax fair as earth and air And music-hearted sea!

O beautiful for pilgrims feet, Whose stem impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee.  Till paths be wrought through wilds of thought By pilgrim foot and knee!

O beautiful for glory-tale Of liberating strife
When once & twice, for man’s avail Men lavished precious life!

America! America! God shed his grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer stain The banner of the free!

O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee
Till nobler men keep once again Thy whiter jubilee!”

--Words by Katharine Lee Bates (written in 1895, published in 1913);

   Melody by Samuel Ward

Did you know that there are actually that many verses?  As we celebrate Independence Day this week, I invite you to let these words challenge and inspire you.  Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

Filled with the Spirit

“Do not get drunk with wine... but be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18)

Much is made in some Christian circles about living holy lives by abstaining from certain negative moral and ethical actions and behaviors.  This line of thinking argues, for example, that we are “good Christians” when we refrain from drinking alcohol, smoking, gambling, using our sexuality in certain inappropriate ways, etc.  But while it is certainly true that negative behaviors such as these can block the full power and presence of God at work in our lives, our Christianity does not consist simply of refraining from certain “don’ts.”

Instead, as the apostle Paul reminds us in the scripture above, the mark of a genuine Christian life is not the absence of negative moral behaviors, but the presence of God’s Holy Spirit.  After all, I’ve known many persons who live ethically “clean” lives, but who are legalistic, judgmental, and mean-spirited because they lack the active presence of the Holy Spirit in their life.  The great 19^th-century evangelist Dwight L. Moody explained it this way to an audience: “Tell me, how can I get the air out of the tumbler I have in my hand?” One man spoke up and said, “Suck it out with a pump.” Moody replied, “But that would create a vacuum and shatter it.” Finally, after many suggestions, he picked up a pitcher and quietly filled the glass with water. “There,” he said, “all the air is now removed.”  He then explained that victory for the child of God does not come by working hard to eliminate sinful habits, but rather by allowing the Holy Spirit to take full possession and fill them with His presence.

So, the next time you’re tempted to judge someone by their behaviors, remember that the true mark of faith is NOT the absence of sinful things in life, but the presence of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Read Galatians 5:22-23).  As we celebrate Pentecost Sunday this week (a day celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit in God’s church), remember that God loves you and I to, too!

Honoring Our Mothers

“‘Honor your father and mother’—this is the first commandment with a promise: ‘so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.’”(Matthew 13:45-46)

The angel shook her head slowly and said, “Six pairs of hands... no way.” “It’s not the hands that are causing me problems,” said the Lord. “It’s the three pairs of eyes that mothers need to have.” “That’s on the standard model?” asked the angel.

The Lord nodded: “One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks ‘What are you kids doing in there?’ when she already knows. Another here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn’t but what she has to know, and of course the ones here in front that can look at a child when they goof up and still say ‘I understand and I love you’ without so much as uttering a word.” “Come to bed, Lord. You can finish tomorrow,” said the angel, touching God’s sleeve gently. “I can’t,” answered the Lord. “I’m so close to creating something so close to myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she’s sick.... can feed a family of six on one pound of hamburger... and can get a seven-year old to stand under a shower.”

The angel circled the model of a mother slowly. “It’s too soft,” she sighed. “But tough!” said the Lord. “You cannot imagine what this mother can do or endure.” “Can it think?” “Not only that, but it can reason and compromise,” said the Creator. Finally the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek. “There’s a leak,” she said. “It’s not a leak.... It’s a tear” said the Lord. “What’s it for?” “It’s for joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness and pride.” “You’re a genius!” said the angel. “Now you know why I want them honored!” replied the Lord.

This Sunday, May 11^th (2025) is Mother’s Day, and it’s a great time to thank God for the mothers of our lives – both those who gave us birth, and those are like mothers to us.  Whenever it is that you are reading this, please take time to thank God for your mother!  Remember, we honor God as we honor them!  And never forget that God loves you and I do, too!

Dateline Jerusalem

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!” (Luke 24:5)

Dateline Jerusalem… The religious leaders of downtown Jerusalem executed one said to be the Messiah this past weekend. Jesus of Nazareth, a traveling country preacher, died on Friday at the hands of Roman authorities after having been arrested by leading members of the Sanhedrin. The Most High Priest and other officials feared a hostile takeover by this person.

Jesus bar Joseph had been welcomed into the city last Sunday by what appeared to be a spontaneous parade, hastily thrown together. However, public approval quickly faded when he caused a scene at the temple, throwing around some of the furniture. Other controversial events followed in succeeding days, such as public arguments, teaching of strange doctrines, possible hints of tax evasion, possible assault of a privately owned fig tree, wild assertions, even talk of being a direct descendent from the Holy Deity, possibly in the fashion of certain Greek philosophies.

On Thursday evening he and a group of supporters met in a family home, where it was reported he spoke of cannibalism -- the eating of flesh and drinking of blood. Then this band of possible revolutionaries assembled in an olive garden, armed themselves, and attacked a guard, forcibly removing his ear. Authorities report the matter was dealt with quickly and justly, or on Friday he was executed along with others. Sources say the matter has been laid to rest.

Stay abreast of the situation with possible special editions of the Jerusalem Times, since there have been numerous claims of appearances of the deceased radical since this past weekend.

[–Shared by Rev. Tom Pilgrim in the Fayetteville (GA) First United Methodist Church Newsletter, March 6, 2005]

May the risen Christ fill you with the joy and awe and wonderful mystery of that first Easter! Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

Palm Sunday

“They took palm branches and went out to meet him.  They shouted, ‘Hosanna!  Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessings on the king of Israel!’” (John 12:13, CEB)

“Riding on a donkey of humility,

Jesus entered into Jerusalem -

A king without a battalion of guards

without horses, without military tanks,

without canons and machine guns.

The children laid down the branches

Of palm trees as carpet on the ground

Others lifted them up to hail him

While chorusing hosannas as he drove by,

‘Blessed is he who comes

in the name of the Lord.’

Today Jesus enters into

The gates of homes, churches and

Other machineries of control and

Down deep into every human heart.

Today let hosannas resound

Saying no to wars and weapons

No to hatred, revenge and death

But yes to the subtle claim

In the heart to let the love of Jesus reign.”

            [--Elizabeth Padillo Olesen]

When Jesus entered Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday, he was challenging the people to choose whether or not they would claim him as a King of military might (symbolized by a white horse that he should have ridden) but as a King of peace (symbolized by the lowly donkey that he did ride).

Today, Jesus challenges us with the same choice:  welcome him as the Lord of warfare and “might makes right”? or as the “Prince of Peace”? In today’s world of violence, division, prejudice, terrorism, and war, Palm Sunday dares us to welcome the one who challenges us to claim him as the “Prince of Peace.”  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

Fast and Feast

“Blow the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a fast; call an assembly” (Joel 2:15)

A number of years ago, Dr. Kevin LaGree, former Dean of the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, shared a message about the spiritual disciplines of the Christian season of Lent (the 40 days before Easter), which we are currently a little more than halfway through.  

Most of us are familiar with the custom of “fasting” (e.g., giving up) certain things during this period, especially certain types of food.  But Dr. LaGree also challenged those who were listening that the taking on of certain spiritual things is just as vital as the things that we “give up.”

During that message, he said, “Lent is a time to FAST from certain things and FEAST on others.  For example, during Lent, we should….

FAST from judging others; FEAST on Christ dwelling in them.

FAST from discontent; FEAST on gratitude.

FAST from complaining; FEAST on appreciation.        

FAST from bitterness; FEAST on forgiveness.

FAST from discouragement; FEAST on hope.

FAST from apathy; FEAST on enthusiasm.

FAST from suspicion; FEAST on truth.

FAST from thoughts that weaken; FEAST on promises that inspire.

FAST from idle gossip; FEAST on purposeful silence.

FAST from problems that overwhelm; FEAST on prayer that sustains.”

LENT is indeed a time for both fasting and feasting.  My prayer is that as we continue in the remaining weeks and days of this season before Easter, if we haven’t already, each of us will take time to look deep within our lives first to discover those things from which we need to FAST from (give up).  Then, let us also FEAST upon (take on) good things that can draw us closer to God’s presence, plan, and purpose in and for our lives.  

Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

L E N T

“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus....” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

LENT.  No, it’s not just something that sticks to your clothes.  Instead, Lent is also a season of the Christian year in which we not only prepare our lives for the Easter message of life, death, suffering, and resurrection, but are also encouraged to identify with Christ by allowing us to be used by him as vehicles of God’s grace to others.

The word “Lent” itself comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lencten, which means "spring" -- a reference to the "new life" that Christ brings to us, just as spring brings new life to nature.  For the forty days prior to Easter (beginning tomorrow, March 5th  with Ash Wednesday and culminating with Good Friday, April 18th), Christians are invited to focus upon how we practice following Christ in every arena of our lives: home; on the job; at church; in our finances; and in our relationships with others.

And because of its emphasis upon the sacrifice of Christ, Lent has traditionally been a time in which Christians are encouraged to give up worldly things in order to replace them with spiritual things.  As the above scripture reminds us, we are to “lay aside the weight(s) and the sin” that keep us from being the spouse, the friend, the work/schoolmate, etc. that God desires us to be.

What things hinder and interfere with you being the person who God created you to be?  worry?  jealousy?  envy?  bitterness?  pessimism?  fear?  pride?  a bad habit?  gossip?  a judging spirit?  Whatever it is, Lent invites us to give it up -- to junk it -- and, in its place, “look to Jesus” to equip us with those things (love, joy, patience, kindness, forgiveness, etc.) that can help us to “run with perseverance the race [of life] that is set before us.”

Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

Lord, Teach Us to Pray...

What is prayer?  Why do we pray?  Who is it primary for? And what is the most meaningful way to actually do it?  From March 9 - 30, I will be exploring the answers to these questions and more in a new series during the Christian season of Lent called Lord, Teach Us to Pray. Join us as we together learn the purpose, form, means, and importance of prayer in our lives as Christians.

March 9 --The Breath of Life  (Luke 11:1-4)

       Exploring the “What” and “Why” of Prayer

March 16 -- Me, Pray?  (Hebrews 10:19-23; Hebrews 4:16)

       Discussing the “Who” of Prayer

March 23 – “Pray, Then, In This Way...” (Matthew 6:9-13)

       Learning the “How” (forms and models) of Prayer

March 30 – ‘And When You Pray…’ (Matthew 6:5-6; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

       Exploring the “When” of Prayer

2024 State of the Church Report

 “And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47)

One of the responsibilities that all United Methodist churches have at the first of each year is to give a statistical accounting of their annual ministry.  As this data was prepared for our “2024 End-of-Year Report” to the North Georgia Annual Conference, I thought you might be interested in what I consider to be some of the highlights for Cornerstone UMC (percentages represent growth since the previous year):

            • Total number of new members in 2024:  9

            • New members joining in 2024 by profession or reaffirmation                                                 of Christian faith: 3

 • Number of persons baptized (all ages):  1

            • Net growth of CUMC church membership in 2024:  +2

            • Church membership as of December 31, 2024: 1079

            • Average attendance for worship services during 2024:

--In-person: 155 (+17%)

--Online:  63 (+15%)

--TOTAL: 218 (+16.5%)

            • Average attendance in all Sunday School classes and small groups

during 2024: 112

• Number of participants at children’s Vacation Bible School:  120 (+9%)

            • Number of persons engaged in mission/community ministries:                                         110 (+47%)

            • Number of persons served by community ministries of outreach,                                     justice and mercy: 1175 (+18%)

• Total number of family units financially supporting our church’s mission

and ministry: 173 (+5%)

            • Total income received for ministry in 2024:  $598,559 (+13%)

            • Amount spent in 2024 on program ministry and operational expenses

(excludes salaries): $138,999 (+9%)

            • Amount given during 2024 for local, state, and world mission                                             ministry: $58,142

            • Current value of all church-owned buildings & property: $2,492,000

            • Principal and interest paid on indebtedness: $99,674 (+131%)

            • Debt remaining on current physical buildings & assets: $255,326

 Many thanks to both Janet Poulsen and Nina Stubbs for collecting this information and especially to Janet for preparing and submitting it all to the Conference!  As you can see, the statistics reveal that our church is once again on a path of steady growth!  If you haven’t already, I pray that in this new year, you and your family will not only “get in” on what God is doing in our midst but will invite others to be part of it as we seek to “reflect the love of Jesus” to our community and world across all generations!  Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

There's A Light At the End of the Tunnel

Sickness, violence, accidents, and natural disasters… do you sometimes wonder where God is in the midst of these?  If God is good, then why do bad things happen?  When we pray, is God really listening?  How does God really work in our world?  Do you ever just wonder WHY?  

If so, then there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for you!  Join us January 12-February 23 in worship both in-person and online as we share in a new worship series called “Where is God When...?” exploring questions for God in the midst of suffering, tragedy and evil.

January 12 -- Cancer and Car Wrecks (Disease and Accidents)

January 19 -- Tornadoes, Hurricanes, and other ‘Acts of God’ (Natural Disasters)

February 2 -- Gun Violence and The Holocaust (Human Violence and Evil)

February 9 -- When Prayer ‘Doesn’t Work’ (God’s answers)

February 23 -- How God Really Works In Our World  (the nature of divine Providence)

Always remember that God loves you and I do, too!

The First Step

“The Lord said to Abram, ‘Leave your country…’” (Genesis 12:1)

The following was a devotional from the Upper Room Devotional Guide that I am passing on as a reminder of the importance of letting God guide us in all “new” things in life, whether it be a new year, a new job, new relationship, or something else….

“’Watch that first step!’ my friend cautioned as I approached the stairway.  ‘It’s taller than the rest.’  First steps are often the hardest -- whether it’s starting a new school, tackling an overdue project, or beginning something God nudges us to do.  Fortunately, the Bible is filled with numerous examples of people who stepped out in faith and accomplished great things for God.  Abram walked away from his homeland for a new country and become the father of many nations (Genesis 12:1-4).  Ruth journeyed with Naomi and became an ancestor of the Savior (Ruth 1:16-17).  Jesus traveled a path that led first to death but ultimately to resurrection (Matthew 28:1-7).

What first step are you facing? Is it giving up an old habit?  Looking for a new job?  Finding new friends?  Reconciling with a family member?  Accepting God’s call to serve in the church?  As we approach any first step, we can find courage in remembering that we don’t take it alone.  God strengthens and supports us as we continue the journey, step by step!     
[--Phyllis Wezeman, writing for The Upper Room devotional magazine, Nov. 2, 2002]

As we begin a new year, my prayer is that you will remember the power and presence of God in all the “first steps” you may be taking!  And always remember that God loves you and I do, too!