 There are moments in life when we find ourselves standing at a threshold. A doorway between what has been and what is coming next. A pause before we step forward. A moment where we sense that something new is beginning- but we’re not quite sure how to enter it.
Lent is one of those moments. Before we rush toward Easter’s celebration, Lent invites us to stop, to breathe, to take an honest look at our lives and our relationship with God. It is not a season meant to weigh us down, but to help us make room- room for grace, truth, and transformation. Ash Wednesday stands right at the threshold. It reminds us of our humanity as we hear the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” But it also invites us into grace through repentance as we hear the words, “Repent, and believe the gospel.” To repent, to turn around, is to reorient our lives toward God again. Not in shame, but in hope. Not in fear, but in trust. For many of us, the hardest part of faith is not believing- it’s slowing down enough to listen. Life moves quickly. Our days are full. Our minds are busy. And even our prayers can begin to feel rushed or routine. That is why this year, we are offering something a little different as we begin Lent. On Wednesday, February 18th, from 4-6:30pm, our Prayer Team has created an Ash Wednesday Prayer Vigil in Darrah Hall. Rather than a single, scheduled service, the space will be arranged with eight prayer stations, each designed to offer an opportunity to pause, reflect, and pray. A place to breathe, encounter and connect with God, and experience the threshold into Lent. We anticipate and open ourselves to how God will move in our lives throughout the 40 days of Lent and beyond. You are welcome to come at any point during those two and a half hours. You may stay briefly, or linger. Among the stations will be an opportunity for the imposition of ashes, reminding us of our shared humanity, and to receive Holy Communion, reminding us that grace always meets us at the threshold. If your life feels full… or noisy… or heavy… If you’re not sure what direction God is calling you… If you desire a deeper experience of Lent… If you simply need a quiet moment to catch your breath… Come, and prayerfully participate on Ash Wednesday. Lent doesn’t ask us to have everything figured out, but invites us to pause long enough to breathe deeply, trust that God will meet us there, and to step forward into wherever and however God is leading. My hope is that this prayer vigil will be for all of us a sacred threshold where we can breathe, pray, and move forward on a transformative journey together. Grace and peace, Pastor Sherry
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 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here! - II Corinthians 5:17
We often consider January 1st as a time of new beginnings. A new year, a fresh start, with resolutions to live a different life, a better life. But January 1st is just a date on the Gregorian calendar, an invented time measurement. Nothing really changes on January 1st (except trying to remember new numbers when writing the year), and some of us even make resolutions that begin on January 2nd- wanting one more day of our old life. Typically, resolutions have been found to not be lasting. Every once in a while, it will stick, but not usually. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t look forward to and strive for positive change, but it does mean that we should instead examine it from the perspective of our faith. Lasting change, real transformation, is available to us every day through Christ. If we were to call it a resolution, it would be to resolve to live into the promise God has given us. The Christian life is a world of new beginnings, fresh starts. God wants us to live a life filled with the fruit of God’s Spirit- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. God wants all of us to live by the Spirit and experience God’s abundant blessings in every area of our life. Typical New Year’s Resolutions are usually decided by us, propelled forward only by our own will and stamina, and then we wonder why a resolution did not result in lasting change. As people of faith, we need to invite God into our decisions, into every area of our life. We ask God about what God would want us to change, submit to God’s will, and then rely on the Holy Spirit to empower us to live into God’s new and fresh start. Transformation, sanctification—the “new” is here and available to all of us at all times through Jesus Christ, our Lord. May you have a blessed New Year! Peace, Pastor Sherry  ‘Tis the season to be...
Well, the next song lyric says "jolly," yet if we aren’t careful, this season can easily become something very different. Instead of joy, it can feel stressful, debt-inducing, anxiety-filled, consumeristic, envy-laden, chaotic, crazy busy, and exhausting. The world around us pushes us toward a mindset and pace that is counter to the heart of this season. It can make the season of light feel strangely dark. In the church, the season we are entering is called Advent—a time when Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas, and a time when we prepare for the second coming of Christ. Truly, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Christians have been saying this phrase for many years, reminding themselves and others to keep the focus on Jesus during the season of Advent and Christmas. It’s been used so often that it can sometimes feel cliché, but it's a reminder we truly do need. Jesus is the One who brings light into our darkness. Jesus is our reason to celebrate. Jesus is our reason to prepare our hearts with expectation for the coming of our King . ‘Tis the season to be jolly, yes- but also the season to be hopeful, peace-filled, joyful, and loving. 'Tis the season to hold on to your faith- no matter what’s going on in your life, because we remember that Jesus was born for us- the Light of the World, Emmanuel, which means, "God with us." As the prophet Isaiah proclaimed, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” - Isaiah 9:2 As believers, the light of Christ is within us. We carry the light of Christ into the darkness of the world. Christmas lights, candles, and our cherished traditions remind us of this reality. We tell the story of Jesus’ humble birth in Bethlehem. We give to others to celebrate and honor God, who gives generously to us. We sing songs, bake cookies, and have many traditions for celebrating the birth of Jesus- shining Christ's light everywhere we go! So keep Jesus as your reason for this season, and may Christ’s light within you burn brightly! ‘Tis the season to light up the world, to carry hope, and to celebrate the One who came to save us! Peace, Pastor Sherry  Rooted in Gratitude, Growing in Faith, Bearing Fruit for the Kingdom
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” — Colossians 2:6–7 (NIV) November is a month that turns our hearts toward gratitude and remembrance. We remember the saints who have gone before us- those who sang the hymns, built the walls, prayed the prayers, and passed on the faith. We give thanks for the many ways God has been faithful through every generation of this church. And as we approach Thanksgiving and Consecration Sunday, we also look ahead- asking how we might live thankfully, faithfully, and fruitfully in this new season. Our roots run deep. Like a great tree planted by streams of water, this congregation has endured storms, changes, and seasons of both abundance and pruning. Every leaf of your story- every person, every prayer, every act of service—has mattered to God. We are rooted in a rich soil of grace and faithfulness, nourished by generations who trusted that God was not finished yet. Their faith still sustains us. But trees are not meant to stay the same. They grow. They reach upward toward the light and outward toward others. That’s what faith does, too. This fall, as our new Vision Team begins its work, we are listening together for how God is calling us to grow- not just in numbers, but in depth of faith, in community connection, and in fruitful ministry. We are praying for open hearts, fresh imagination, and holy courage to follow wherever God leads. The heart of stewardship is really about growth. When we give our time, talents, and resources, we’re not just keeping ministries running- we’re helping the Kingdom of God take root in new places. Our giving is an act of trust that God will take what we offer and multiply it for purposes far beyond what we can see. Every gift becomes a seed of hope. Every prayer becomes living water. Every act of service bears fruit in someone’s life. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5) That is our calling- to stay connected to the Source of life and to bear fruit that blesses others. The fruit of a healthy, rooted, growing church is not just in attendance or programs, but in lives changed by grace, families strengthened in love, and a community touched by compassion. This November, as we remember the saints and celebrate God’s goodness, may we also look ahead with gratitude and expectation. God is not done with us. The same Spirit who sustained those before us is calling us now- to nurture our faith, to deepen our roots, and to reach out in love. As we continue to discern God’s vision for our future together, I invite you to pray daily- asking God to guide us, to stir our hearts, and to show us where new life is waiting to grow. The Sunday after Thanksgiving, November 30th, will be Consecration Sunday, when we’ll take time in worship to dedicate our financial pledges and commitments for the coming year. During that service, we will give thanks to God for His faithfulness and ask God’s blessing over all that we offer- trusting that, together, Christ First UMC will continue to be rooted in gratitude, growing in faith, and bearing fruit for the Kingdom. Peace, Pastor Sherry  I love the season of fall! When the air turns crisp and the trees start showing off their colors, I find myself pausing to breathe and reflect. It feels like an invitation from God to pay attention, to notice what God is doing.
This fall, our church is making a shift that I think holds that same kind of invitation. Instead of our Administrative Council meeting every month, we’ll be meeting quarterly. And in those “off” months, we’re opening the space to the whole church family — not for business or reports, but for prayer, learning, and listening together for God’s direction. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited about this. Too often, churches can get caught up in the nuts and bolts of running things and forget to pause, pray, and dream together. These new gatherings will be a chance to do just that—to slow down, to ask what God is doing in and among us, and to imagine what’s next. Think of it like sitting around the family table, where everyone has a seat and everyone’s voice matters. My prayer is that these times together will deepen our discipleship—helping us grow in Christ—and inspire us toward new ways of reaching out with God’s love. I believe that as we step into this new rhythm, God will show us more than we can ask or imagine. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 3:20 that God is able to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” I am confident that as we take this next step, God will do just that—immeasurably more! Let’s move forward together in faith, prayer, and vision. The first Vision Meeting is Monday, October 13th at 6:00 pm. I hope you will join us—I can’t wait to see what unfolds as we seek God’s vision together! Grace and peace, Pastor Sherry  (Jesus said) “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing… This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing your selves to be my disciples.” - John 15:5, 8
Years ago, I was talking with someone who had been in church for many years. She was active in a couple of ministries, attended worship weekly if at all possible, and yet our conversation startled me. I had mentioned discipleship, and was talking about how believers are called to be disciples, and she said that she didn’t believe she was a disciple. Somehow, she had come to think that disciples were “too holy” to include her. But really, a disciple is simply someone who follows Jesus, and that opportunity is open to everyone! Once we receive justifying grace, salvation through Jesus Christ, we are all called to be disciples through a community of believers, the church. The point, however, is to stay on the journey of sanctification, becoming transformed into Christ’s likeness throughout our lives, not just be busy with church stuff. That differentiation is often determined by our attitude, our heart posture. While one person may participate in church programs or activities and experience it as busyness, or even a hardship, or a burden, someone else may do the same thing and feel inspired, closer to God, and others. For instance, at one of my former churches, they could not afford to pay someone to clean the church building—and it was huge! A small group of people came together excitedly and decided to create a Cleaning Team. They would come early in the mornings and clean, making the church spic ‘n span. Most wouldn’t find this satisfying, or believe they were following Jesus and experiencing God’s transforming sanctifying grace in the process. But this team did! They enjoyed it! They would play Christian praise music as they cleaned together. They got to know one another better, developing strong, caring relationships. They laughed and cried together, and they prayed for and with one another. They looked forward to seeing one another every week in worship. All because of cleaning! They were sold out on their mission from God to make the church a beautiful place, honoring the gift of the building that God had given. That’s how God had called them to serve. Part of discipleship is serving—where is God calling you to serve? Another part of discipleship is how we “become.” Some of that may occur as we serve, but all the way through Scripture it is encouraged that believers read and know the Word of God, pray, worship, and give. Some of this we can do privately, but greater and stronger spiritual growth occurs when we also do it together, experiencing authentic Christian community. All of this is part of that verse in John 15 when Jesus described how he is the vine, we are the branches, and we are to remain in him. We are to stay close to God, connected and growing always. In what way is God calling you to grow in this area? Ask God about it! And, as we look ahead, we remember that another part of discipleship is to be a witness- to share our faith! We are, hopefully, doing this by living grace-filled, God-honoring lives, but we also want to invite others to join us! Join us for worship, join us to serve together, join us for fellowship, join us and be part of something bigger than ourselves- God’s kingdom mission, on earth as it is in heaven! I want to encourage you to watch for who God brings before you, giving the opportunity to extend an invitation to join us, and then boldly and courageously just do it! I look forward to seeing how many new faces we will see because our church is actively inviting others to join us! Make sure to introduce me to them! Serving, Growing, Sharing- it all points to the other part in John 15 when Jesus said that we would bear much fruit, showing ourselves to be Jesus’ disciples. Take a moment, reflect and ask God, where is there fruit in who I am becoming through Christ, and what is the fruit through serving and sharing? How is God being glorified through you? That person I shared about at the beginning—she went from being busy to being devoted, from doing tasks to serving with joy. She once thought discipleship was beyond her, but God transformed her! She began a journey of spiritual growth by attending Bible study, Prayer Team, and more. Soon after, she was led by the Spirit to start leading ministries—she jumped in with two feet into discipleship, never looking back! After just a few years, she is now prayerfully considering becoming a pastor!! Her story reminds us that discipleship is not just for the ‘holy few’ — it’s for each of us. That same transforming grace is available to ALL of us! Imagine what God will do in our church as we all lean into the fullness of being a disciple! Where is God calling you to serve, to grow, and to invite? Imagine how our church will be transformed as we all step more deeply into following Jesus together! God is SO good! In Christ’s Service Pastor Sherry  When I was a child we used to practice memorized prayers, specifically before meals and bedtime. Before meals it was “Come Lord Jesus be our guest, and let this food to us be blessed”. Later it expanded to “God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food.” I never did understand how “good” and “food” were supposed to rhyme, but we still said it, and I said it with my own children too. Before bed we would pray, “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord, my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.” As an adult looking back on it, praying about death seems pretty heavy for a child, but honestly, as a kid, I never really thought about it. I’m sure for some children it might have been scary. Society has since updated that prayer, and it now says, “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep; God’s love to guard me through the night, and wake me in the morning’s light.” I like the change.
As a congregation, we have been working through another memorized prayer, the Lord’s Prayer. Each week, we have been focusing on a different word or phrase with hopes of bringing greater understanding and meaning to the prayer that we say so often. In the process, I called our church to prayer. I believe this will be a continual call, as it is one of the primary things we do as Christians. Prayer is how we connect to God and how we discern God’s will. We praise God, and petition for what we need. We pray for forgiveness, and we pray thanksgiving. We pray unceasingly, with constant communication with God—in the shower, in the car, in line at the store, while cooking dinner, etc. We also pray intentionally, with time set apart to focus and listen, often accompanied by reading Scripture. We pray for breakthrough when we need God to move mountains and do signs and wonders in our lives, doing what only God can do. I am asking everyone to pray, but I also invite you to pray about joining me in Prayer Ministry. God has placed many dreams on my heart about this—prayer vigils, prayer walks soaking the city in prayer, prayer chains, prayer boards, prayer meetings, a breakthrough prayer initiative, and more. Can you imagine what wonders God will do?! I’m excited about it and anticipating the miraculous!! I offer a “breakthrough prayer” for us to begin praying, and I ask that you pray this, along with many other prayers, often: Lord, break through and open doors to new hopes and possibilities for our church and in our lives. We surrender our wills to You, and faithfully follow You into the new and unknown future. May Your will be done. Amen! In Christ’s Service Pastor Sherry  “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” - Romans 15:7
Have you ever been the “new kid on the block”? I have, many times. Sometimes it has been a painful or scary experience. In school, walking into the cafeteria, not knowing anyone, and hoping that someone would invite you to join them. I can feel the butterflies now! At parties, when the only one you know is the host, and they are too busy hosting to hang out with you, so you end up lingering by the food, hoping to connect with someone. Sometimes at churches, when I have walked in not knowing anyone, expecting to connect, I sat alone. I left after the service without anyone even acknowledging I was there. There have been other times, thankfully, when people did reach out, did connect, did invite me in. In spite of being the “new kid on the block” people were open and welcoming. That is what I have experienced with YOU! I am now the “new kid on the block” with you!! As a newbie, it can be disconcerting, and I expect to get turned around a bit; not knowing people, not knowing things—different ministries and roles, where different rooms are in the building, and more. Yet I trust in the compassion, love, and grace youi have already shared to get me oriented well. What a wonderful church family to be welcomed into! I am the “new kid on the block” and it is very, very exciting! I am eager, anticipating that God is going to do some amazing things with our time together! I would like to say “thank you” to everyone for a warm and inviting welcome, for making the experience of being the “new kid” something that feels great. I’m writing this before I even arrive, but people have been reaching out over the past couple of months with information to help with the pastoral transition. l Lots and lots and lots and lots of information. I am grateful for the support and encouragement that was sent along with the information, as well as the grace in understanding my limits for absorbing it all at once. I am working on it all, I promise. You have been helpful and kind, and it shows the beautiful character of the congregation. I am looking forward to ministering with you! So far, I have experienced a faith family that has been open and accepting, kind and considerate, helpful and grace-filled, and that is very exciting! It is my hope that you are also excited. It is my prayer that you are also anticipating God moving powerfully among us and through us!! I also trust that as we grow together, to know one another more, that there will be a swift shift from “new kid” to family. Thank you for welcoming me! Peace, Pastor Sherry  My 26-year-old son, Joshua, declares that Ecclesiastes is his favorite book in the entire Bible, saying that it contains deep insights and rules for life. Indeed, it does. As I read from Ecclesiastes 3 this morning, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”, my heart was moved. I was struck by how deeply it speaks into seasons of transition—of joy and sorrow, holding on and letting go, uncertainty and renewal. For me, and I suspect for most of you, life has held experiences that were wonderful and joy-filled. It has also held experiences of deep pain, grieving, and loss. In all of it, two things remain consistent, change...and Almighty God.
Change in and of itself makes something inconsistent, yet surely , change is something that we can expect to happen, whether we like it and want it or not. Change is consistently there. In my life, in this past year, and even just in this past week, I have experienced much change. Some have been exciting, some mundane, and some painful and tragic. I am thankful that in all times, in every circumstance, in every change, our God remains the same. God is loving, kind, and gracious. God is with us in good times and bad. In every season, with every change, God is there. God’s presence fills us and upholds us, giving us strength when we are weak, hope when we are troubled, and grace for every new beginning. God’s joy permeates our lives, knowing that God loves us, cares for us, and calls us by name. God is unchanging. We now find ourselves coming together soon, with a new season for Christ First UMC and for me as your new pastor. Change for all of us can be unsettling, and I want to acknowledge that for all of us. But I know and trust that God is with us, and will continue to be with us, through it all—all the circumstances, all the emotions, all of the uncertainty that comes with change. I am praying with hope and joy in this change, and anticipating the Godly possibilities that this change may bring for us all. Sometimes change can be exciting—a fresh start, a new chapter, and I believe this is the season before us now. I am honored to step into this new season with you and become a part of the church family at Christ First. I’m eager to get to know all of you, to hear how God has been moving in your lives, and how God has cared for you in every change. I want to learn how God has lifted you up, given peace and comfort, joy and excitement. I am eager to hear your faith stories, to learn more about you. I want to hear about each of you individually, and I also want to hear the stories of the faith community, of the surrounding community, of the things on your heart and in your mind. This summer I am looking forward to getting to know you—whether it’s during coffee hour after worship, or a visit at your home, or we meet at the church, or a local coffee shop (though I don’t know where any are, so I will need help with that!). As we Begin this journey together, I invite you to consider these three questions—and perhaps even bring your thoughts with you when we have a chance to talk.
In Christ’s service, Pastor Sherry  Our Priority projects list for this year is being finalized, they fall into Two categories: Liability avoidance and Maintenance / Beautification
Liability avoidance: Dead wood and overgrown trees;
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AuthorRev. Susan Hadley Archives
February 2026
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