Peace Tree UMC

Women from our faith community are invited to attend the United Women in Faith's "Metro District Annual Day" on Saturday, October 24.

It's a chance to gather together, celebrate, and remember. Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/uwfmetrodistannualday

Will you pray with us today? We're nearing the end of our 40 Days of Prayer & Discernment, and Pastor Kristofer recently shared one final blog post with Scripture passages and prayer prompts to help tune our ears to God's voice. What are you hearing?

Ready to GO In this final week of blog posts and prayer prompts from Pastor Kris, we take a closer look at individuals who were called by God and thus responded faithfully. How is God calling us this day? Is God commissioning our church to go wherever He sends us?

This is one of my favorite Psalms. There is so much hope that exudes from this small song. “God is our refuge and strength… He makes wars cease… the Lord almighty is with us… she will not fall.”

The world looks scary a lot of the time. Lasting disagreements between countries, tragic events that end in casualties, and unrest within a united people. It’s hard to have hope sometimes when we are looking at the consequences of adversity. It’s exhausting to be an advocate, to follow God’s call to stand up for what’s right and speak out against injustice. We can feel like we’re constantly in a fight it’s easy to slip into the mindset that we’re bound to lose. When does it end? Where is the line we decide not to cross? Where’s the reward when the back seems to come back ten times stronger after one problem finally gets solved?

I don’t have all the answers. If I did, I’d be a lot less tired. What I do know is that we are supported in our work to help the vulnerable. We are looked at in favor as we do the work Jesus called us to continue. We are protected by God when we serve His people and He will fill our cup.

Do not grow weary, but find hope in the Lord and His plans for us.

Happy Friday, friends.

Kayla Cave
Director of Youth Ministry - Engagement

Happy Labor Day! As we near the end of our 40 Days of Prayer & Discernment, Pastor Kristofer Roof reflects on the Sabbath, what it means for individual believers, and asks how our church might collectively practice Sabbath-keeping.

Check out our latest blog post at the link below, and use the daily prayer prompts to journey with us during this season of meditation and congregational introspection.

Observing the Sabbath This Labor Day, Pastor Kris asks if we treat Sabbath as a chance to rest from our work OR as an opportunity to recharge & refocus before starting another work-week?

This week's passage is Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

I struggle with this passage. It feels like something that has the intention of being super comforting, but doesn't exactly start off that way. To me it feels like when the angels start off with "do not be afraid!" I mean, have you seen a drawing of a biblically accurate angel? I feel like telling me not to be scared when an eyeball creature with twelve wings comes to me as a messenger from God isn't exactly the best way to get me to calm down.

Being anxious is human. It's a normal to have fears and doubts and worries about the things bothering you or things in your future. I don't think that's what is really being asked here. We aren't expected to just let go of everything, it's part of our imperfections, what we need to do is remember that we have a graceful God who we go to for peace in times of anxiety. God is our guard, like it says in the passage, He will protect us and give us peace and strength to ride the waves of life and come out on the other side strong.

So it's okay to be anxious, have fears or doubts. Verse 7 reminds us of our protector and the love he has for us is the peace that I hope you're seeing this week. If you are having fears and worries, call on God in prayer. Seek your shepherd and be surrounded by His devoted love.

Happy Wednesday, friends.

Kayla Cave
Director of Youth Ministry - Engagement

Let the wisdom from above enlighten you and bring you peace this week. Amen.