January 9th, 2026 | Rev. Dr. Mark Charles

As I sit to write this week’s Pastor’s Note, I am very aware that in the USA we have just come through another week in which news headlines have again been dominated by a tragic event which resulted in the loss another young life. My heart breaks for the family who have experienced shocking loss, and for our nation as we continue to try and make sense of these most distressing times we are living in. I have returned again and again to the ancient cry of the Church: "Kyrie Eleison” - Lord, have mercy.

I am also mindful of the season we have just been celebrating - Christmas and Epiphany, when the Church remembers that in Christ, the light has come, and that “the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5).

In the scripture we will read in church this week, we read of God’s sending forth a servant that will be “a light to the nations.” (Isaiah 42:6). Our call is to join in on the work of the sent servant, and in my sermon I will be telling some of the story of how we are living into that calling, and I will be stating that our work goes on - we continue to be called to bear light in a world that is awful dark lately. 

In order to bear light to the world, we must ensure that we are experiencing the light of God in our own lives, which is why I continue to invite all of us at Memorial to engage in daily practices that open our hearts and minds more to God’s Spirit.  I have recently been mentioning some of the app-based tools I use for devotion and growth in faith:

1. Lectio 365 (Find links to free app for Apple and Android HERE)

2. The Bible with Nicky and Pippa

3. FLUMC Awakened to Grace Daily Devotional

These are just three easily accessible resources I recommend, and there many more out there.

Friends, if we are to bear light in the world in a way that is transformative and good, we must take time to let God’s Spirit bear witness to God’s light in our own lives. 

Press in this year. Try new things and open anew yourself to God’s amazing grace. When we do, I am convinced that Christ’s love will show up in powerful and significant ways in our community and world.  

Blessings

Pastor Charlie

January 2nd, 2026 | Rev. Rachel Williams

Beloved Friends,

Well, here we are. We made it to a new year, to 2026. I like to name my hopes for the coming year, and this year I have a single phrase: slow and steady.

Though I do like to set goals, to fill in a planner, to embrace a fresh start, I also like the idea of leaning into the joy of the Christmas season (we’re only on day 9 of the 12 days of Christmas- time to give out 9 ladies dancing!) and taking things slowly. Our Christmas tree will not be down until at least January 11, days after Epiphany.  New toys and gifts are still strewn across the house. We wear pajamas at all times of the day. Perhaps you’re in the same space, especially if you have been plagued by sickness in the last few weeks. Perhaps you’re hoping to hibernate for a few more weeks. And I say, do it. But keep God centered in your days.

If you absolutely must start the year with some resolution or goal, let it be one that draws you closer to God, but don’t make God another item to check off or achieve.  I decided to read the Bible cover to cover again this year. Would you like to join me? I will send you a reading plan. After reading the day’s text, don’t just move on. Reflect on the text in a journal entry. Or wake up and start the morning with prayer and silence in your favorite spot before you move on to your next tasks. Take your time to grow your relationship with God and each other.

2025 brought so many emotions for so many in our Memorial family.  We said goodbye to beloved friends, family members and spouses. We welcomed dozens of new members. We celebrated the joys of new babies and the hardships of surgeries, sickness, and diagnoses. We continued to serve others as Jesus calls us to serve- with love and grace. In everything that took place, God was with us. God is with us, today and every day.  In every breath of wind, in every embrace, in every green shoot that breaks through the sandy soil, God is there. So, draw near to God. Draw near each other. Happy new year!

With love and grace,

Pastor Rachel

P.S. Thank you all for your generous gifts and treats this season. Our hearts and bellies are full in the Williams house!

Memorial Helped Love Show Up in our Community this Advent

Throughout the four weeks leading up to Christmas, Memorial has been active in our area participating in and hosting events for our community. The first weekend of Advent, Memorial's Women's Circle hosted the No Room at the Inn Nativity display in the Sanctuary and Partin Center. This two-day event saw over 200 visitors, even during the raining weekend. The circles were able to raise nearly $615 dollars for our unhoused neighbors. That same weekend, members from our church of all ages participated in the annual Lighted Christmas Parade. Sponsored by our mission partner America's Youth, this parade has been a favorite of our congregation for many years. Our church passed out over 2000 candy canes with information about our Christmas Eve worship services. A special thanks for Katie Greenwell and Mary Negron for decorating the float!

The following Sunday, our Chancel Choir led our worship services by presenting the annual Christmas Cantata! Between the Cantatas, ours Missions Committee and Mission Partners hosted the annual Mission Gift Shop! Our congregation was able to learn more about our missions and how to get involved while also giving a donation to them in honor of loved ones as an alternative to traditional Christmas gifts. The congregation donated $9,610 to our mission partners!

On Christmas Day, Memorial hosted the Community Christmas Brunch with the Coalition for the Homeless. It was a packed house in Maxwell Hall as our guests were treated to a hot breakfast and clothes and necessities from Chandler's Closet!

Thank you, Memorial, for helping #LoveShowUp and sharing the grace and love of God in our community this Advent!