January 23rd, 2026 | Rev. Rachel Williams

Friends,

I am sure you have heard the phrase “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” It is a phrase that we use to express that we all find different things beautiful or aesthetically pleasing.

I’m curious what you find beautiful in your life. I could say the obvious- the smiles of my children and my husband- but I’ll tell you I am also keen to enjoy almost anything in nature and things filled with color or sparkle. Beauty also comes in words we read or music we hear or art we enjoy. There are so many ways that we experience that which often captivates and enthralls us. 

This Sunday, we begin a four-week series where we explore beauty and the divine. Each week we will encounter a variety of images, authors and artistic mediums to engage our God-given senses in contemplation of God’s glorious creation. An accompanying class called “Beauty: A Pathway to the Divine” will begin on Thursday afternoons at 3:00PM in the choir room on January 29th. Finally, for the full immersive experience please join us for the Beauty retreat at Riverside Park UMC on February 7th from 10:00AM to 3:00PM. You can receive more information by calling the church office. It will be a wonderful day of workshops alongside other churches in the district. 

I look forward to hearing all of the ways the Spirit moves in you in these next weeks! 

With grace and love,

Pastor Rachel 

Good News: Leaders and Members Hear from Four Generations at Wesley Dinner Club

1.15.26 | Maxwell Hall: Leaders at Memorial were invited to attend the monthly Wesley Dinner Club along with the church family to hear a special panel discussion. Pastor Charlie

chatted with four members of our congregation who represented four different generations. Each of the panelists grew up in the church and had memories, ideas, and hopes to share.

Pastor Charlie asked the group if they could name one thing is important to them that has remained constant at Memorial over the years.

Weston Gill answered first, " The fact that it is still here. I was able to venture off and still come back home (to Memorial.)"

Madeline Windham agreed, "The community," she said, "coming back and seeing the same smiling faces." When asked if there was any change that happened at Memorial that seemed hard at first, but eventually seemed to work out, Buffy Spillane mentioned the more recent closure of the downstairs for the 'Kidz Zone' during Sunday worship hours.

"I really had to work to change my habits of how I got to Sunday School and I was not sure it was necessary, at first. But then I saw how much safer the kids were (in the blocked off area) and, in hindsight, it was really a great thing that we did." Ben Shave, who has been attending the church since 1942, remembered back when new worship services were first offered to attract younger people and he was skeptical. "We saw a different need. They saw new things and needed to develop a service and create excitement for younger people." Pastor Charlie asked the panel for some insight for our leaders present as to what spiritual tools we need to carry, as a church, into 2026. Weston spoke up quickly. "Be bold," he said, "Be courageous."

Madeline added, "Be a community, not just for those people who come through our doors."

Ben offered another idea, "Teach your kids faith."

Buffy mentioned that people who come to Memorial are looking for a "safe space" and "community" when questioned about what people are hungry for in our community. When asked by Pastor Charlie what "holy risks" she would want our church to have permission to take, she continued, "Be nimble" and gave the example, "We don't know if, for instance, in three months our community might have an infusion of immigrants who need shelter in our area. We need to help when our community needs it."

She suggested that we continue to have Bible and book studies on current topic and issues to keep us "nimble."

Weston mentioned that a "holy risk" he'd like to give the church permission to take is to seek out and embrace young people. "We can reach out to more families with kids and more youth in the community. We can build a foundation with our youth."

Madline reminded the group that Memorial does a great job at festivals with our neighbors and speaking out in our community. "We need to keep doing that, so this (community) can be a place where we all want to exist." When asked how she would want Memorial to be looked at in 25 years, she continued on that theme. "We have been doing a great job of being present in our community. I hope we can continue that into the next 25 years. And that means having open and hard conversations whether that be about immigrant communities or environmental concerns (for example)."

Pastor Charlie continued the conversation by asking the group what "wisdom" would they pass on to our church leaders as the work toward the future? Ben was quick to offer, "Be ever-changing. Be in tune with what is needed and willing to take 'that step'. Often, we are slow to take it." Weston offered, "Keep being involved with different groups in our community: immigrants, the LGBTQ community - Jesus invites everyone to the table and that's what we need to keep doing"

Buffy brought up the welcome of Memorial. "Keep offering things that I can invite people to come here to. So, I can invite my gay co-worker, and they won't feel hurt or unsafe being here. (So) a single mom with a newborn can feel welcome and my African American goddaughter continues to feel loved here....she has a blast! We need to keep doing that!" As the discussion was coming to a close, Pastor Charlie asked the group what words would they offer to our leaders and congregation as encouragement? Weston came back to, "Be bold." he offered two scriptures including Acts 4:31 (" And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.") and Joshua 1:9 ("Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”) Buffy offered, "Trust God. He doesn't make mistakes." "Continue to show up and speak out," was Madeline's encouragement. Ben ended the discussion with the charge to our leaders," Care about what you are doing."

Pastor Charlie, and those present at the Wesley Dinner Club, were very thankful for the panel's discussion and honest answers. He closed with prayer after saying that this discussion "kicks off the year as we face challenges and joy, in a posture of prayerfulness, boldness, courage, and great love that wants to make sure that love continues to show up in our community."

January 16th, 2026 | Rev. Dr. Mark Charles

Friends,

It was so good to be together this past Sunday as reflected on the "State of the Church."  We are entering 2026 in a strong state of health and with a strong foundation, a clear sense of direction, and a shared commitment to ensure that Christ’s love "shows up" in everything we do.

Here are three wonderful opportunities for us to help love show up through our worship, study, connection, and service:

• This Sunday, we will gather after worship to honor and celebrate Monica Pomeroy. Please join us for a potluck lunch immediately following the 11:00AM service as we honor her faithful ministry over the last 25 years. It’s going to be a wonderful time of fellowship—bring a dish to share and a heart ready to celebrate!

• On Monday, we have the privilege of participating in the local MLK Parade. Walking together is a powerful way to demonstrate our commitment to the dream of the Beloved Community and to stand in solidarity with our neighbors. Let’s make sure Memorial is well-represented as we celebrate the legacy of Dr. King. (Wear your red #LoveShowsUp shirt and join us walking or watch the parade on the church steps.)

• If your New Year’s resolution involved deepening your faith, our Wednesday night classes are the perfect place to start. We have several studies beginning this week that offer space for honest conversation, bible study, and genuine community. There is no better way to nourish your soul than by committing to a regular rhythm of study with your church family.

  
  

Friends, the state of our church is strong because you are faithful.

I am so excited to see how God continues to move among us as we serve, gather, and study together in these coming weeks.

Blessings

Pastor Charlie