Word from Pastor Lisa: A Reconciling Congregation

We celebrate our recent church conference vote to become a Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) Congregation. On Sunday, Aug. 20, we agreed by 95% (89-2-3) to this important step on our journey of being a church that is open to all, especially those who are LGBTQIA+. This Sunday, Aug. 27 we will rejoice together at 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. with Rainbow Worship in honor of this decision and PrideFest the day before. We will take a congregation photo for RMN, so please wear either an FUMC T-shirt or a brightly colored shirt.

BlogMariah GeseAugust 24, 2023Pastor's blog

A Word from Pastor Lisa: Knowing Your Limits

“I need to tell you something,” my 104-year-old Grandpa said to me in a serious tone. I leaned in a little closer. “I can’t do it like I used to a year ago. One hundred and four isn’t 103!”

We both sat back at laughed. “I’ll have to take your word for it, Grandpa!” I told him. Most of us will probably never reach that 104-year mile marker. But we recognize on a regular basis that our bodies, minds, and spirits have limitations. I recently told a friend that I wish I had the wisdom I do now in my 25-year-old body. I’m sure many of you feel the same way.

Biblical, Blog, Church, Pastor LisaMariah GeseMay 17, 2023Pastor's blog

A Word from Pastor Lisa: "Sorrow and Love Flowed Mingled Down"

As a pastor, I’m sometimes invited to walk with people in very sacred spaces. The decision to transition genders is one of these spaces. This step is never taken lightly because it involves the entirety of a person – body, hormones, sex organs, mind, spirit, identity, and often a name and pronoun change. It is a very personal decision, and for youth, a family decision involving parents or guardians.

Blog, Pastor LisaAndy CanadaApril 6, 2023Pastor's blog, blog

Texts from Paul to Divided United Methodists

When modern Christians say they wish they could go back to the good ole days of the early church, we have to break the news to them. There were no good ole days. From the beginning, the church faced debates, infighting, struggles, and division. Paul got wind of these storms and sent a letter of comfort and challenge to the young church. The letter is comforting because Paul reminded them of their unity in Christ. It was challenging because Paul refused to let them perpetuate lesser differences which threatened that unity. How might Paul challenge us today in our own fractured denomination that appears beyond repair?

Blog, Pastor LisaAndy CanadaJanuary 25, 2023Pastor's blog, blog

A Word from Pastor Lisa: What Gifts Can We Bring?

On Sunday, we’ll learn more about what gold, frankincense, and myrrh represented. For now, I hope you’ll reflect on this scene: Weary, stinky travelers from a far-off land who are outside of Jesus’ tight-knit Jewish community. They haven’t grown up hearing the stories of the Hebrew heroes. Yet they recognize the Divine when they find him. And their response is to rejoice, to worship, and to offer gifts that only they can give.

Blog, Holidays, Pastor LisaMariah GeseJanuary 5, 2023Pastor's blog, blog

A Word from Pastor Lisa: North Central Jurisdictional Conference

All three of these new bishops are committed to abeyance, which means holding complaints around LGBTQIA+ clergy and same-sex weddings without acting on them. This is an important move for us as a jurisdiction to ensure that our churches are safe, welcoming places for all people.

Current Events, Church, Pastor LisaMariah GeseNovember 10, 2022Pastor's blog, blog

A Word from Pastor Lisa: Hungering for Hope

The U.N. has proposed a rapid-action force, but it’s not clear that countries will participate. USAID has sent a disaster response team, but so much more help is needed. Please commit with me to pray for the people of Haiti to find hunger relief and hope for the future.

Current Events, Church, BlogMariah GeseNovember 1, 2022blog, Pastor's blog

A Word from Pastor Lisa: The Stories We Tell

Nothing makes me more spiritually nervous than people who claim to have a corner market on the Truth. “God said it, I believe it, that settles it,” may make a catchy bumper sticker, but it’s a very poor foundation for a nuanced faith in a complicated world. In fact, it is dangerously narrow-minded in light of the complex nature of our Scripture.

Blog, Pastor LisaMariah GeseJune 16, 2022Pastor's blog

A Word from Pastor Lisa: Tired of Being Nice

Born and bred a Midwesterner, I’ve been conditioned to be nice. Even if I object to something or someone, the greatest offense I could commit would be rudeness. Well, I’m tired of being nice while my siblings of color live in fear of being gunned down in hate attacks at the supermarket or church.

BlogMariah GeseMay 19, 2022Pastor's blog

A Word from Pastor Lisa: Living in the Grey

We often see the world in black and white when it comes to the church, politics, and our personal lives. You’re right or wrong. You’re red or blue. You’re in or out. Yet most situations in life are much more complex. I want to invite you to take a deep breath. Spend a few minutes of silence with God. Prepare yourself to live in the uncertainty of the grey areas.

BlogMariah GeseMay 5, 2022Pastor's blog

A Word from Pastor Lisa: Why did Jesus die?

When I was 15 years old, I sat on the floor at a youth event where the room was dimly lit by a candle. The crucifixion story was read. I was reminded how God sent Jesus to die for my sins. For added effect, someone pounded a nail into a two-by-four.

Blog, Pastor LisaMariah GeseApril 14, 2022Pastor's blog

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