March 28th, 2025 | Rev. Dr. Mark Charles

If you follow me on social media, you will notice that when I write or post about my part in our life together as United Methodists, I often use the word “connexion.” Over the years I have often been asked why I choose to spell it the way I do, and my response is to take the teaching moment and inform the one who asks that this old British spelling of the word was the one used by John Wesley when he was speaking or writing about the people called Methodist. This spelling has its roots in the Latin word “connexio” which means “a binding or joining together.” As United Methodists, the idea of our connectedness with one another as individuals and local churches is of central importance.

This past week Pastor Rachel and I had the pleasure of experiencing “connexion” as we gathered with several hundred other clergy from across the Florida Conference at the Bishop’s Clergy Gathering. The worship together and the teaching from Bishop Berlin were inspiring for sure, but for me the best part by far was being in the room and getting to connect with my clergy colleagues again. There were handshakes and hugs, as well as catch-ups and conversations about how things are with one another, how things are with our families, how things are going in our churches. In the room there was a strong sense of unity, purpose, togetherness, and hope for the future of our work even in the midst the challenges we face in these times. When we created 100 flood buckets last October, they were taken to First UMC in Lakeland and from there taken to other United Methodist churches in storm affected areas for distribution throughout the communities that needed them most. That’s “connexion” at work.

“Connexion” matters, friends. It strengthens our witness of the gospel’s power to hold people together. It is a reminder that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, and that we are bound together by God’s great love for the world.

Blessings

Pastor Charlie

March 21st, 2025 | Rev. Rachel Williams

Dear Friends,

               We are two weeks into Lent, and I hope you have found a practice or two that helps you draw nearer to God. I wish I could say I have kept to a practice every day consistently, like reading Scripture first thing in the morning or spending some time in meditation. Alas, I know myself and the reality of my situation as a parent of two young children. Sometimes the best effort we can provide is just showing up where we are and looking for the divine in the everyday things that we do.

               If, however, you find yourself still looking for a practice and with a bit of time on your hands, I want to encourage you to participate in one of our many Lenten study opportunities. Each Wednesday until Holy Week, we will participate in the ecumenical noonday service (the service hosted at Memorial is coming up 4/2!). I cannot say enough good things about how good it is for us to gather together to talk about how we, collectively as the “big C” Church, look to follow Jesus and grow deeply in discipleship together. It is good to be with friends who we see throughout the week but may miss on Sunday mornings because we worship in different congregations. It is good to gather, to be reminded that our common call to love God and our neighbor is greater than any of our differences.

Additionally, it’s not too late to join us for our Lenten study of Amy-Jill Levine’s book The Difficult Words of Jesus. This has been an incredibly rich discussion of some of the Scripture attributed to Jesus that just makes us scratch our heads (or skip entirely). If you want to jump in, you have two options: Wednesday evenings at 6:00PM in Maxwell Hall or Thursday Lunch and Learn from 11:30 AM to 12:30PM in the Multipurpose Room. I hope you’ll join us for one of these wonderful Lenten experiences!

With Peace and Love,

Pastor Rachel

March 14th, 2025 | Rev. Dr. Mark Charles

Lent is a season of reflection and introspection, but it's also a time for community. As we journey toward Easter, we find strength and encouragement in walking alongside one another. At Memorial, we have a wealth of opportunities to connect and grow together during this sacred season.

This past Wednesday, we began our ecumenical Lenten services at First Presbyterian Church, where Rev. Tiffany Gulana of Prince Chapel AME Church delivered a powerful and hope-filled sermon. It was a beautiful example of our community coming together in faith. This week, we continue our ecumenical journey at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, where I will have the privilege of sharing a message. I invite you to join us this Wednesday at noon for this meaningful time of worship.

Our Wednesday evenings are also enriched by our Pastors' Study, delving into Amy-Jill Levine's "Difficult Words of Jesus." This is a fantastic chance to delve deeper into scripture and engage in thoughtful discussion with fellow believers.

This Sunday, March 16th, we have another wonderful opportunity to connect – our Church-wide Potluck after worship. This is a perfect way to meet new people, share a meal, and build relationships across our whole church family.

And next Thursday, March 20th, our Wesley Dinner Club will gather for the next of our "Faith Seeking Understanding" series of panel conversations. This month, we'll hear from a panel of local women as they share some of their experiences and challenges. This is a valuable opportunity for us to learn and grow by listening to the stories of others.

Lent is not meant to be a solitary journey. It's a time to lean on one another, to share our faith, and to support each other as we grow closer to Christ. I extend a warm invitation to each of you to join us for any or all of these opportunities. Come and experience the joy of community as we journey through Lent together.

Let us find strength in fellowship, Memorial.

Blessings,

Pastor Charlie