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

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!