June 14th, 2024 | Rev. Alyce Parmer

As Father’s Day is near, I’m remembering a boy named Theodus.  A few years ago I was a weekly visitor to Theodus’s fifth grade class.  After reading the stories of historical heroes, I asked the class to write an essay on who was their hero and why.  I expected many essays about sports or entertainment superheroes.  To my delight every student wrote about real life or historical heroes.  The essays were thoughtful and inspiring.  But Theodus’s essay was a standout. 

Earlier in that school year, Theodus’s father had been tragically killed in an auto accident on Interstate 10.  Theodus wrote that he missed his father and always would, but he went on to say he had another father, a father in heaven who would always be there for him.  He said his father in heaven gave him hope that one day he would see both his fathers in heaven. 

At the end of the school year the children wrote me thank you notes for reading to them.  Once again Theodus was a standout.  Along with his very thoughtful note, he gave me a small plastic cross with the word “hope” in the middle of it.  I often think of Theodus and learned recently that he had graduated from college. 

Theodus was given a gift from someone in his life.  Someone taught him that he had a father in heaven who would always be there for him.  As Vacation Bible School begins, I’m thinking about all the children who will come.  Friends, if you have an opportunity, I hope you will share with a child that they have a father in heaven, who is the father of hope and unfailing love. 

This Father’s Day I’m thinking, too, about all those in our church family whose own fathers are no longer with them.  I’m thinking of those whose fathers failed them in one way or another, and I’m thinking of those whose fathers were, or are, their heroes. 

Isaiah 49:15 reminds us that whether our mother or father might forget us, leave us, or fail us, God never will, for each our names is engraved upon God’s hand.   If you have been or were blessed with a loving earthly father, be grateful.  But I hope you also know your father in heaven as your hero, as does Theodus, that wise little boy, now a man, whose hope in God gave him hope for himself.  Let’s you and I teach our children and grandchildren this truth, shall we?

Blessings,

Pastor Alyce

June 7th, 2024 | Pastor Rachel

To my Memorial family,

It has been a wonderful three months getting to spend time learning new rhythms as a family of four. I have marveled at the ways Aidan has changed, as he grows into a smiley, roly-poly little one. I am amazed at Austin’s capacity to love his brother and step into the role of doting big brother. And I am ever thankful for Nick’s love, patience, and calm as a father and partner.

I am also extremely grateful for you all, for the support and love you’ve shown me and my family since the day we announced Aidan’s impending birth. For every person who sent a card, gave a gift, made a meal, offered to watch Austin and simply asked us how we are doing, your kindness has overwhelmed us. Thank you! I like to think that the way you cared for me, and the way your love shows up for the community, is how the early Christian communities in Acts showed up for each other. Let us continue to share the love of God in these acts of hospitality within our congregation and out in the community. I relish that we get to celebrate life’s little joys together.

You hear parents talk about how their heart grows when they welcome a second child. I think that applies to all things you love. My heart has grown to love not only Nick, Austin and now Aidan but also, you all and this community, as well. If you hadn’t gathered from the times I jumped back into worship, I missed you all. Though it will be an adjustment to get back into work full time, I am eager to lean into this call to serve God and serve you all even more.

While Charlie is in Northern Ireland you will be seeing plenty of me (and Aidan) in the pulpit, the office, and the coffee shop. I hope you’ll join me on a Thursday morning for coffee, but if you can’t make it then please let me know. We’ll schedule another time because I want to hear how you are doing. I look forward to seeing each of you on Sunday morning!

With love,

Pastor Rachel

May 31st, 2024 | Rev. Dr. Mark Charles

What a vibrant and exciting few weeks we've had at Memorial! We welcomed new members, celebrated graduating high school seniors, burned our mortgage note, filled 100 flood buckets for those in need, sent a mission team to Africa with Kenya Partners, and enjoyed a beautiful one-service Sunday followed by a wonderful picnic at Central Park. I'm filled with gratitude for all the life and energy that we're experiencing in this season of ministry.

None of this happens without the dedication and passion of so many of you who generously share your talents. I'm continually humbled by the gifts of time and energy that you bring to our mission and our life together. God is truly at work through each and every one of you. Thank you so much!

The excitement continues next week as the Florida Annual Conference gathers in Lakeland. The theme of the conference is "Come, Holy Spirit," a powerful reminder that the source of all that happens among the United Methodists in Florida is God's Spirit moving within and through us. 

Memorial will be well represented at the conference, with both Pastor Rachel and myself attending, along with our Lay Representatives Donna Feith and Phyllis Sweeney. Additionally, Carrie McCannell Scruggs and Sue McCannell will be attending as Lay Representatives from the North East District, and Jessica Barber Scott will be there in her capacity as the Lay Leader for the North East District.

As we head into this important gathering, I know that all of us from Memorial (and all the clergy and laity gathering from across Florida) will appreciate your prayers. I encourage you to simply make the conference theme your prayer for the gathering: "Come, Holy Spirit." That's what I'll be praying, and I'm filled with anticipation for God's continued work among us.

Blessings,

Pastor Charlie