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The Holy Spirit is God's present activity in our midst. When we sense God's leading, God's challenge, or God's support or comfort, we say that it's the Holy Spirit at work.

In Hebrew, the words for Spirit, wind, and breath are nearly the same. The same is true in Greek. In trying to describe God's activity among them, the ancients were saying that it was like God's breath, like a sacred wind. It could not be seen or held: "The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes" (John 3:8). But the effect of God's Spirit, like the wind, could be felt and known. Where do we find the evidence of the Spirit at work?

In the Bible

The Spirit is mentioned often throughout the Bible. In Genesis a "wind from God swept over the face of the waters," as if taking part in the Creation (1:2). Later in the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible), we often read of "the Spirit of the Lord."

In Matthew's account of Jesus' baptism, Jesus "saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him" (3:16) and he "was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted" (4:1). After his Resurrection Christ told his disciples, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you" (Acts 1:8). A few weeks later, on the Day of Pentecost, this came to pass: "And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind....All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:2, 4). As the Book of Acts and Paul's letters attest, from that time on, the early Christians were vividly aware of God's Spirit leading the new church.

In guidance, comfort, and strength

Today we continue to experience God's breath, God's Spirit. As one of our creeds puts it, "We believe in the Holy Spirit, God present with us for guidance, for comfort, and for strength" (The United Methodist Hymnal, No. 884). We sense the Spirit in time alone—perhaps in prayer, in our study of the Scriptures, in reflection on a difficult decision, or in the memory of a loved one. The Spirit's touch is intensely personal.

Perhaps we're even more aware of the Holy Spirit in the community of believers—the congregation, the church school class or fellowship group, the soup kitchen, the planning committee, the prayer meeting, the family. Somehow the Spirit speaks through the thoughtful and loving interaction of God's people. The Holy Spirit, who brought the church into being, is still guiding and upholding it, if we will but listen.

In the gifts we receive

How does the Holy Spirit affect our lives? By changing us! By renewing us and by strengthening us for the work of ministry.

• Fruits: Jesus said, "You will know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16). What sort of fruit? Paul asserts that "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22).
• Gifts: Paul also writes that the Spirit bestows spiritual gifts on believers. In 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 he lists nine, which vary from one person to another: the utterance of wisdom, the utterance of knowledge, faith, healing, working of miracles, prophecy, the discernment of spirits, various kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.

These fruits and gifts are not of our own achievement. They and others are the outgrowth of the Spirit's work in us, by grace, through our faith in Jesus the Christ. And they are not given for personal gain. Through these fruits and gifts, the Holy Spirit empowers us for ministry in the world.

From United Methodist Member's Handbook, Revised by George Koehler (Discipleship Resources, 2006)

by Alyssa Robinson

We’re having a little bit of fun this summer with our worship series Weird. In this series we’re taking a look at some of the weirdest stories from the Bible to find truth and hope for today. The list of weird stories is long, so we hope you’ll tune in to the Life + God Podcast and read our blog posts to explore even more weird stories beyond Sunday morning.

Maybe the perfect story to start with is Jacob wrestling at the Jabbok in Genesis 32:22-32.

Here is a high level summary of the story of Jacob.

Jacob was the son of Isaac and Rebecca and younger brother of Esau. One of the defining stories we read about Jacob is in Genesis 27. He and his mother Rebecca colluded to trick his father Isaac into giving Jacob a blessing that was meant for Esau. This is not the first time that Jacob used his cunning to outsmart his brother. Although Jacob seemed to be sharper, Esau was bigger and stronger. He could have easily destroyed small, slender Jacob, so once Jacob succeeded at stealing his father’s blessing, he ran away to escape the wrath of Esau. And he stayed on the run for 20 years!

Jacob faced many adversities and trials in chapters 28-31, but managed to build a community of people to lead with bountiful resources.

That leads us into chapter 32. At this point, Jacob has been running from his brother for two decades, and now he comes to learn that his brother has found him and is coming for him with an army of 400 men. Jacob panics. He knows that if Esau reaches him, he and all of his people will be destroyed. Esau has an army of warriors while Jacob has a community of men, women, and children who simply want to live peacefully. 

To escape his fate, he starts sending his resources to his brother as gifts: 200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, 30 milch camels, 40 cows, 10 bulls, the list goes on! But Esau doesn’t stop marching.

Jacob was scared for his community, scared for his wives and children, and scared for himself. Jacob is not a brave, heroic figure to put on a pedestal. More than half of his stories include fleeing from an adversary or someone he’s wronged. You’d think those experiences would humble him, but somehow he gets more arrogant over time. This time there was nowhere left to run. He escorted his family to a safe space across a stream of the Jabbok, and then found himself alone.

In case you thought this story was already weird, this is actually where it gets weird!

Genesis 32:22-32 (The Message)

But Jacob stayed behind by himself, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he couldn’t get the best of Jacob as they wrestled, he deliberately threw Jacob’s hip out of joint.
The man said, “Let me go; it’s daybreak.”
Jacob said, “I’m not letting you go ’til you bless me.”
The man said, “What’s your name?”
He answered, “Jacob.”
The man said, “But no longer. Your name is no longer Jacob. From now on it’s Israel (God-Wrestler); you’ve wrestled with God and you’ve come through.”
Jacob asked, “And what’s your name?”
The man said, “Why do you want to know my name?” And then, right then and there, he blessed him.
Jacob named the place Peniel (God’s Face) because, he said, “I saw God face-to-face and lived to tell the story!” ← There’s that arrogance.
The sun came up as he left Peniel, limping because of his hip. (This is why Israelites to this day don’t eat the hip muscle; because Jacob’s hip was thrown out of joint.)

I have a few different theories about how to interpret these verses:

1. Jacob fell asleep and was experiencing a stress dream because of the impending slaughter by Esau. Sometimes when I’m under extreme stress, I have wild dreams that are a manifestation of the fears and anxieties in my life.
2. It’s a poetic expression of Jacob’s prayers to God. I’ve had plenty of conversations with God in which I refuse to give up my stance. I can definitely be stubborn, angry, and defiant in my prayers.
3. Jacob literally wrestled with an angel and/or God to secure a blessing. It wouldn’t be the first time Jacob had gone to extremes to secure his future safety. This experience was just more supernatural and mystical than previous events.

Honestly, there isn’t one explanation that I lean toward more than the next because the explanation doesn’t really matter to me. What matters is the wrestling, whether it’s metaphorical or literal. What I love about Jacob in story after story is that he never backs down from a fight. And it’s not because he’s brave, but because he’s afraid. It seems that every decision Jacob makes is made out of fear, but his fears push him into a relationship with God. And God is here for it! God shows up. God wrestles with him. Side note: if you’re a fan of the Enneagram, my guess is that Jacob is a counterphobic Six.

The Bible stirs up so many questions for us. In the coming weeks we will roll around in really weird stories, some you’ve probably never heard or discussed before. My hope for you is that you approach this series like Jacob. Bring your fears, doubts, questions, and curiosities. Maybe some of you are more like Jacob before chapter 32. Maybe you’ve been running from the tough questions for decades. Wherever you are in your “Jacob Journey,” come ready to wrestle! Because when we wrestle with scripture and with God, we are blessed. Think about it. Wrestling requires energy, nearness, struggle, and even pain. It is extremely intimate and vulnerable.

Take these weird stories home with you. Have conversations with your friends and family around the dinner table, ask the tough questions, wonder about the culture the characters lived in, and imagine yourself in the story. Weird stories can be fun! Maybe weirdness is something to be celebrated. God made a weird world. It’s unique, interesting, surprising, wild, and remarkable.

Do you want to know how the story ends with Esau and Jacob? Read it for yourself! Open up Genesis 33 and discover what happens when Esau finally collides with Jacob after a 20-year hunt.

by Alyssa Robinson

Our moms do so much for us. They give of their bodies, time, resources, and energy to pour into our lives. I don’t have kids of my own, but I have the privilege of watching my sister be a mother to my niece and nephew. Observing her has opened my eyes to all of the ways my mom has loved and supported me my entire life that may have gone unnoticed or unappreciated. My mom is willing to drop anything at any time to help me with anything I need. I mean anything! When my car breaks down, she gives me her car to borrow. If I’m cold, she’ll give me an extra jacket she brought just in case I get cold. When I’m hungry, she feeds me and gives me food to take home. If I want to talk, she’ll put aside anything to be fully present with me because she knows my love language is quality time. She makes me feel like I matter because I matter to her. My sister does the same for her kids (except giving them her car because they’re 9 and 6).

Moms deserve to feel as loved and appreciated as they make us feel. Showing appreciation doesn’t require lavish gifts or expensive activities; sometimes the simple and thoughtful gifts are best. Think about showing your mom how much you love her in one of the following ways.

And, of course, we'd love for you, mom, and the whole family to join us for worship on Sunday! Plan your visit to Trietsch at https://www.tmumc.org/plan-your-visit.

10 Ways to Show Mom She's Loved

1. Write her a heartfelt letter expressing your love and gratitude for all she does.
   It seems like my grandmother kept every letter or card that was ever given to her. Not only that, but during times she was feeling down or overwhelmed she would revert back to those letters to uplift her and remind her that she is loved and valued. A simple handwritten note can brighten someone’s day more than you know. If you’re not a writer, it doesn’t need to be long or flowery. It just needs to come from the heart.
2. Cook her favorite meal or bake her favorite dessert.
   Maybe you prefer to take action and be in service. There’s a reason they say the way to the heart is through the stomach. Recipes can be like a love letter. Is there an old family recipe that you’ve always wanted to try or a new recipe you found that has some of her favorite ingredients? Your mom would love it if you cooked for her. Don’t forget that if you plan to cook for her, that also means you should shop, meal prep, and clean up after yourself when the meal is over. She’ll feel so loved if you do this act of service wholeheartedly for her.
3. Offer to do some of her household chores, like laundry, mowing the lawn, or cleaning.
   Give mom a break! She has so much on her plate, and just removing one thing from her weekly to-do list will feel freeing. BONUS: If you have a little extra cash, send her to her favorite restaurant, salon, or store while you do her chores for her.
4. Spend quality time with her by going for a walk, watching a movie, or playing a board game together.
   Maybe your mom’s love language is quality time. The key to quality time is the “quality” part. Put your phone on “do not disturb,” clear your schedule, and try your best to be fully present in the moment with her. Great conversations can happen over a game of cards or a stroll through the park.
5. Create a photo album or scrapbook with pictures of special moments you've shared together.
   Are you crafty? This is a great gift to give your mom that she will flip through over and over again. Scrapbooking is even something you could do together! I’m sure she’d love to sit down with you, go through old pictures, and share stories. Gather up some drinks and snacks, and enjoy an afternoon of memories.
6. Offer to help her with a DIY project, like repainting a room or fixing something that's broken.
   There always seems to be more home projects than there is time. Grab your toolbox and head over to mom’s house to help her with any project she has around the house. It could be as simple as changing hard-to-reach light bulbs or changing batteries in the smoke detector! You might even want to let her know in advance so that she can put a list together of ways you could help. 
7. Create a scavenger hunt or surprise treasure hunt for her to enjoy.
   If your mom loves mysteries or escape rooms, she might love this fun activity. It takes a little more planning, but it’s totally worth it! Make sure to include a prize at the end of the scavenger hunt. It might be her favorite candy, a little gift basket, or even something else from this list!
8. Make her a playlist of her favorite songs or songs that have special meaning to the two of you.
   A good mixtape never goes out of style! If your mom is a music-lover, she might really appreciate listening to a playlist in the car or during her workouts that you curated for her. Choose songs that make you think of her and tell her why you chose each song. It’s a gift that will keep on giving!
9. Help her learn a new skill, such as using technology or social media.
   Our moms have taught us so much, and it’s about time we return the favor. Maybe she wants to learn how to use TikTok or an Apple Watch. Maybe you have a hobby like yoga, painting, or gardening that you could bring her in on. Learning a new skill together is a great way to feel connected and loved.
10. Post Bible verses around the house that remind you of her.
    We turn to the Bible for encouragement, comfort, and inspiration. There are so many beautiful scriptures that describe women and mothers in meaningful ways. Write some of your favorites on sticky notes and post them on bathroom mirrors, windows, doorknobs, chairs, anywhere! It will warm her heart and delight her throughout the day.

Proverbs 31:10-31 has beautiful imagery of a mother who exudes strength, perseverance, wisdom, and compassion. So much of this makes me think of my mom. As you read this, pray for all of the mothers who are doing so much every day. Pray that God gives them patience, energy, and support. Give them a community that makes them feel loved and valued. 

Psalm 31:10-31
Ode to a Woman of Strength

A woman of strength who can find?
    She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
    and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not harm
    all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax
    and works with willing hands.
She is like the ships of the merchant;
    she brings her food from far away.
She rises while it is still night
    and provides food for her household
    and tasks for her female servants.
She considers a field and buys it;
    with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength
    and makes her arms strong.
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
    Her lamp does not go out at night.
She puts her hands to the distaff,
    and her hands hold the spindle.
She opens her hand to the poor
    and reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid for her household when it snows,
    for all her household are clothed in crimson.
She makes herself coverings;
    her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the city gates,
    taking his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them;
    she supplies the merchant with sashes.
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
    and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
    and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her happy;
    her husband, too, and he praises her:
“Many women have done excellently,
    but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her a share in the fruit of her hands,
    and let her works praise her in the city gates. 

by Alyssa Robinson

I am grateful to God for…

• my house that shelters me from bad weather and gives me a safe space to rest.
• family who loves and supports each other in a way that’s so natural they feel like an extension of myself.
• my partner who sees the best in me and wants to support me physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
• my two dogs that bring me laughter and joy every day.
• friendships that feel more like family with no need for masking who I really am.
• a work environment that encourages me to express myself, ask questions, and try new things.
• coffee.
• the ability to practice simple living and find contentment in daily pleasures.
• people who sit with me during times of grief, depression, and anxiety.
• access to education, critical thinking skills, and ways to better myself.
• moments of peace to take a deep breath and be present.

Gratitude is a miraculous thing. As I sat down to write a list of things I’m grateful for, it was honestly a little difficult to get started. Sometimes I get so caught up in the things I don’t have that I forget about all of the beauty this world offers. I look over the fence at my neighbors and see that they have a better lawn or a nicer house or a newer car, and I start to feel like I’m falling behind. To get the juices flowing, I began my gratitude list with the obvious things: my house, my family, my partner. After that, gratitude just started to flow. Gratitude for my partner reminded me of our dogs, which reminded me of our friends we were laughing with about the dogs the night before, which reminded me of the ways they’ve supported me through really difficult times, which reminded me of sipping a cup of coffee while connecting with someone. It just keeps going and going and going.

When I finished my list, I realized my head felt lighter, my mind was clearer, and I had a little smile on my face. This happened in 5 minutes of gratitude. Imagine if I lived every moment in gratitude!

Psychologists have actually studied the physical effects of gratitude. The Mayo Clinic released an article in December titled “Can expressing gratitude improve your mental, physical health?” In it, they compared a daily practice of gratitude to a magic pill. According to the article, “Expressing gratitude is associated with a host of mental and physical benefits. Studies have shown that feeling thankful can improve sleep, mood and immunity. Gratitude can decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and risk of disease…Remember that behavior changes biology. Positive gestures benefit you by releasing oxytocin, a hormone that helps connect people. Some people call it the love hormone.”

These scientific studies only affirm what has been expressed in Scripture for millenia. We see constant reminders to be grateful in all things. Here are just a few examples:

1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Psalm 118:24
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

2 Corinthians 2:14
But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.

James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Gratitude leads to generosity, joy, hope, peace, connection, humility, and so much more. This is a spiritual practice that not only gives praise to God, but creates a Christlike image within us. Gratitude centers and grounds us in the moment and allows the Holy Spirit to move through us.

I hope that you’ll consider beginning a daily gratitude practice. There are many ways to do it! Some people keep gratitude journals, some start or end each day with a prayer of thanksgiving, some write thank you notes as a way to spread the joy of gratitude. Find a practice that reminds you of all the ways God’s blessings abound in your life. Looking for inspiration? Simply roam the halls of the church to see all of the ways, big and small, that this congregation is grateful to God. It is worth your time. Learn more ways to connect in to gratitude through prayer at tmumc.org/revival.

by Alyssa Robinson

I’ve never been to a revival, but when I think of one I imagine a big circus tent filled with hundreds of sweaty people singing folksy gospel songs, shouting praises, and praying aloud for everyone to hear. Honestly, it doesn’t sound that appealing to me.

As an introvert who struggles with sensory overstimulation, a large crowd where I don’t have personal space makes me feel trapped. Grocery shopping is my least favorite chore because the combination of so many aisles and options to choose from, fluorescent lighting, maneuvering around people, and constant announcements over the loudspeaker between numbing music zaps every ounce of my energy, emotional and physical. When I make a trip to the grocery store, I often have to spend the rest of the day decompressing from the experience.

I know that if I stepped into a traditional revival environment, I would shut down. My partner can attest to this because he’s seen it happen multiple times in large settings. He recognizes the look of panic on my face that screams, “Get me out of here!” There has to be a different way to experience revival in Christ.

I do like the idea of revival. The spiritual definition of revival is a “reawakening from a dormant state.” Everything I’ve read says that revival is about bringing Christ back into the center of living, genuinely crying out to God for change, and then trusting the Holy Spirit to do its work. I want that! I want to wake up from the lethargic haze I’m in to see God more clearly. I want to feel rejuvenated in God’s love and hope.

It makes me think of one of Paul’s letters in which he shared a prayer for the church of Ephesus; a community he worried was drifting away from Christ’s energy.

Ephesians 3:16-21 (CEB)
I ask that he will strengthen you in your inner selves from the riches of his glory through the Spirit. I ask that Christ will live in your hearts through faith. As a result of having strong roots in love, I ask that you’ll have the power to grasp love’s width and length, height and depth, together with all believers. I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God.

Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us; glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus for all generations, forever and always. Amen.

This is a cry for revival! Paul is praying for restoration, a new energy of Christ, to bring this church back to life. It includes everything I’ve read about revival.

1. Bring Christ to the center (v. 16-17)
   “I ask that he will strengthen you in your inner selves from the riches of his glory through the Spirit. I ask that Christ will live in your hearts through faith. As a result of having strong roots in love,”
2. Cry out for change (v. 18-19)
   “I ask that you’ll have the power to grasp love’s width and length, height and depth, together with all believers. I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God.”
3. Trust God (v. 20-21)
   “Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us; glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus for all generations, forever and always. Amen.”

We don’t know exactly how the Ephesians responded to these prayers for them. Were they offended or defensive? Were they open to Paul’s words? Were they able to internalize them and make it their own prayer for revival? I hope so. It’s also possible that they heard Paul’s words, got back on track, and then got lost again. In Revelation 2:1-7, the church of Ephesus is mentioned.

Revelation 2:3-4 (CEB)
“You have shown endurance and put up with a lot for my name’s sake, and you haven’t gotten tired. But I have this against you: you have let go of the love you had at first.”

Many Theologians think this verse means that the Ephesians did good works but lost their focus on Jesus, their first love. In a weird way I find this relatable and encouraging. My relationship with Christ often ebbs and flows. There are times when I know I’m on the right path and in sync with the spirit of Christ and times that Christ is the furthest thing from my mind. I need constant reminders to recenter and refocus to be revived.

Another insight I took from Paul’s words is that revival starts with prayer. I love what he said in verse 19, “I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God.” This is a centering prayer if I’ve ever heard one.

To me, knowing the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge means getting out of my own head. It reminds me to stop leaning on my own capabilities and understandings, which are limited, and lean on the unlimited, infinite Christ. If I can move beyond knowledge into faith, I will be filled with the fullness of God. It’s such a beautiful prayer. I want that kind of revival. I want to be full.

So, it makes perfect sense to me that this church’s journey to revival is starting with prayer. It’s a simple prayer with big possibilities, “God, what do You want to do through me?” Let’s open ourselves up to revival so that God can continue to move through this place. Revival doesn’t require a big tent and thousands of people. It requires that we let go of our preconceived notions and sit witness to God’s good work. My hope is that we can allow God to show us a pathway to revival in whatever form it takes. Revival is coming! Please join me in prayer.

God, what do You want to do through me?

by Alyssa Robinson

Many of our most beloved Christian traditions center around waiting. Lent is a time of waiting and reflection as we look toward the hope of resurrection at Easter. Advent is a time of waiting as we anticipate the joy of new life at Christmas. We prioritize prayer, reading scripture, worship, and acts of service as spiritual practices, which are all about being present with God in the here and now.

Suffice to say, American culture doesn’t value waiting. We label people who wait as timid, indecisive, or idle. Those who wait get left behind. Sometimes I allow this attitude to creep into my relationship with God; I think my role in God's world is to be an ambitious Christian. I need to be enthusiastic in sharing Jesus’s story, recruit volunteers for community events, bring more people into the church, and make a difference in the world through meaningful service. None of these are bad things; on the contrary, these are all beautiful things. I have to be careful, though, that they don’t become a standard to measure my worth against.

What is the opposite of ambitious? That’s what I am right now. I looked this up expecting to find words like lazy, idle, indifferent, or apathetic, but that wasn’t the case at all. When I looked up antonyms for ambitious, these were some of the words the thesaurus provided:

• Content
• Easy
• Fulfilled
• Satisfied
• Unassuming
• Calm

All of these words remind me of Jesus, and Jesus did a lot of waiting. There are many examples in Jesus’s ministry of him waiting for the right time (John 7:1-9), for people to understand his teachings (Matthew 15:15-16), for news (John 11:1-6), or stepping away in prayer to wait on God (Luke 6:12). 

I’m in a season of low energy. I find myself feeling tired and overwhelmed. These feelings manifest into negative self talk, “I’m not doing enough. I’m not living up to the expectations of being a Christ follower. I’m not making a difference.” When these feelings start to creep in, I know I need a reset. What if I’m misinterpreting my low energy? What if I’m actually in a season of waiting? 

The most meaningful time of Jesus waiting is in the Garden of Gethsemane. This is the night that Jesus is arrested before he is sentenced to death by crucifixion. He knows his fate and asks his disciples to wait with him while he prays. In this passage, Jesus’s humanity is on full display.

Mark 14:32-42
They went to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter and James and John and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me, yet not what I want but what you want.” He came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. Look, my betrayer is at hand.”

This is a difficult passage to read. I can feel the heaviness and fear in Jesus’s words. He’s scared, and all he wants is his best friends to stay awake with him and wait. He wasn’t asking them to take action, gather a group of people to defend him, or even keep lookout for the guards. All he wanted was for them to stay awake and wait with him. The waiting matters.

Sometimes it’s easy to fall asleep during a season of waiting. I become numb to the world around me, turn on autopilot, and just start going through the motions. Mark 14 is a helpful reminder that waiting on God requires two things:

1. Be present
2. Stay awake

Waiting for God doesn’t mean that I’m lazy or a bad Christian. It’s an opportunity to be fully open to the presence of God. But I have to show up. I need to lift my head and be aware of the work God is doing around me.

My hope as I enter this Easter season is that I can be fully present and stay awake to God’s good work. If you also find yourself in a season of waiting, I invite you to join me. Let’s lean in, listen to what God is doing, and say the prayer together, “God, what do You want to do through me?”

As we wait for Jesus's resurrection, listen to this week's episode of the Life + God Podcast as Rev. Gracie Millard and Alyssa Robinson explore the question, "What happened between Jesus's death and resurrection?" You can listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.

by Alyssa Robinson

Rev. Gracie Millard recently preached about Jesus’s claim, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

In her sermon, she challenges us to examine our lives to determine who we are allowing to shepherd us. In a world filled with so much noise and distraction, are we being shepherded by our bosses, politicians, celebrities, influencers, or someone else? Are we being shepherded by money, status, fear, materialism?

Who is shepherding me? As I reflected on this question, the answer wasn’t as clear as I hoped. What does it feel like to be shepherded? How do I know I’m being shepherded by God and not the world around me? Then in our staff meeting this week, Amy Parsons gave a devotion on Psalm 23.

Psalm 23: 1-6
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;

he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
    for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
    I fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    my whole life long.

According to Psalm 23, being shepherded by God feels like rest, peace, and assurance. It feels like contentment and optimism. When God is our shepherd, we bask in hope and joy. Sitting in these verses helped me better identify the times I don’t feel like I’m allowing God to shepherd me.

I resist God’s shepherding when…

• I feel resentful or underappreciated
• I envy others because of their perceived success
• I’m worried about money
• I get caught up in my to-do list
• I’m judgmental of the way other people live
• I assume people have ill-intentions toward me
• I prioritize achievement 

I could go on and on. Everything on this list makes me feel isolated, disconnected, anxious, and overwhelmed; the opposite of every feeling in Psalm 23. The conclusion that I’ve come to is that when I’m not being shepherded by God, I'm shepherded by my own ego.

When I follow my ego, I’m led by pride, greed, indignance, and chaos. I become reactionary, overindulgent, and burdened. I adopt an “every person for themselves” mentality and start seeing the worst in others because I’m being led by the worst part of myself. I don’t want to be this way.

I crave the calm that Psalm 23 offers. I want to be led by the good shepherd in John 10. This requires me to let go of my ego and leave all of my worldly values behind. I have to learn to trust in the good shepherd and recognize when my own ego is creeping in, acknowledge it, and release it.

Now that I see the problem, what can I do now? In Pastor Gracie’s sermon, she not only identified Jesus as the good shepherd, but emphasized that we need to be good sheep. We need to love and support each other, follow the example of our shepherd, and surround ourselves with positive influences who can uplift us on this journey. We need to make some changes and eliminate the distractions. This will look very different for each person. Maybe making another list would be helpful.

I am a good sheep when…

• I think of others before myself
• I remember everything I’m grateful for
• I spend time in nature
• I take care of my body
• I sit with God
• I stop scrolling social media

Consider making your own shepherding list. When do you resist God’s shepherding and when are you a good sheep? Try this exercise and keep Rev. Gracie Millard’s benediction from Sunday close to your heart this week.

“God, who is the shepherd of Moses, Jacob, and Mary, is our shepherd. God is our good shepherd. Friends, I pray this week that you are able to hear the voice of the good shepherd, the one of love and life and grace and mercy. Go forth this week knowing that you are one of God’s sheep. You belong to God.”

Do you want to learn more about the good shepherd we follow? Listen to this week’s episode of the Life + God Podcast in which Rev. Daniel Humbert and Alyssa Robinson answer the question, “Who is Jesus of Nazareth?” You can listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.

by Alyssa Robinson

Rev. Gracie Millard and I recently recorded a Life + God Podcast episode about Jesus’s “I Am” statements, and I wondered aloud whether Jesus was intentionally aligning himself with God or if he was simply using the most common “be” verbs to start his metaphors. You can listen to the full episode of the Life + God Podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts.

I think this scripture makes the answer clear.

John 8:58 (ESV)
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

The context around this verse is compelling. You can see the story unfold in John 8. Jesus has just made an “I Am” proclamation to the surrounding Pharisees and scribes, “I Am the Light of the World.” The Pharisees try to manipulate his words to make him sound blasphemous to the surrounding people. They ask him if he thinks he is above Abraham, above God. Jesus turns the tables on them by telling them they aren’t children of Abraham or God, because if they were they would lead with love and listen to what Jesus has to say. Feeling threatened, they immediately accuse him of having a demon and try to paint him as a heretic.

Jesus stands firm and ends his teaching with John 8:58. "Before Abraham was, I am." At this point, the Pharisees stop trying to talk and pick up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hides.

In one sentence, Jesus evokes Abraham, Moses, and God. Moses was the first person to whom God revealed Godself as "I Am." Jesus knows exactly what he is doing and faces death to do it.

I find this exchange fascinating. John 8:58 isn’t technically one of the “I Am” statements, but it feels like the ultimate revelation of Christ. It reminds me of the opening paragraph of the book of John.

 John 1:1-5 (NRSV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.

When I flip back and forth between John 1 and John 8, I feel a sense of comfort. Jesus was in the beginning with God, before Abraham and before Moses. He has seen everything unfold. But this thought may not bring comfort to those living in darkness. The Pharisees were filled with hate, judgment, and lies, misrepresenting the heart of God. They were living and thriving in darkness, and Jesus shone a light on them and their behavior. When Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I am,” it was like he was saying to the Pharisees, “I see you. I’ve always seen you.” If they had any sense of self-awareness, I understand why this statement struck fear in them. 

The “I Am” who was revealed in the story of Moses is not someone to trifle with. “I Am” freed the Israelites from centuries of slavery. “I Am” relentlessly pursued and protected the people who were oppressed by an unjust system. “I Am” exposed the corruption and weaknesses of those in power.

If Jesus is truly "I Am," their world is about to change.

But then, throughout the book of John, Jesus continues to reveal to us what “I Am” really means. Every "I Am" statement is pointing to light, life, and love. 

“I Am the Bread of Life” - John 6:35
“I Am the Light of the World” - John 8:12
“I Am the Gate” - John 10:7-9
“I Am the Good Shepherd” - John 10:11-14
“I Am the Resurrection” - John 11:25
“I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” - John 14:1-6
“I Am the True Vine” - John 15:15

"I Am" is not someone to fear, but someone to follow. "I Am" will nurture, comfort, and guide you, and "I Am" is for everyone. We can all experience the "I Am" who led the Israelites out of slavery because of Jesus. "I Am" removes the barriers and welcomes all people with open arms. 

My hope is "I Am" is still with us today and revealing themselves to us in new and different ways. Let’s experience the infinite "I Am" together as we prepare ourselves for Easter.

by Alyssa Robinson

I have been working through depression and anxiety for almost two years now. One of the ways my anxiety has manifested is that I feel overwhelmed in large groups. This has made church an ongoing problem for me.

It’s become a vicious cycle.

My anxiety kept me from church for months, which made me feel disconnected. Then I would show up because I felt disconnected, but I didn’t know many people at church any more because I had been gone for so long. I would feel anxiety being in a room full of people I didn’t know, which would send me back home for months, creating an even deeper disconnect and divide from the church. Rinse and repeat.

I’m not lazy or disinterested in worship. Every Sunday I intend on going to church. I get up, shower, get dressed, have breakfast, and even grab my keys to walk out the door. Then my heart palpitations start and my chest tightens. I just couldn’t do it. There was even a time I made it to the church parking lot, but couldn’t get out of the car. Defeated, I turned around and went home.

As a highly logical person, I just couldn’t make sense of it. I wanted to go, I needed to go, and the church desired my presence. I was getting texts every week from pastors telling me they missed me and hoped to see me soon. It shouldn’t be this hard, but anxiety doesn’t care about logic.

I decided that Lent would be my time to go back to church, and I would begin with Ash Wednesday. There is beauty in the side door entrances of worship. By this I mean the simple, liturgical services that aren’t always highly attended. Ash Wednesday was a side door entrance for me.

The Senior Pastor of my church, Rev. Rachel Baughman, reached out once again on the morning of Ash Wednesday.

“Hey there. Been missing you at church. Hope you are doing well. Love to catch up soon.”

I responded, “I’ll be there tonight. I’ve been dealing with Sunday morning anxiety for a while, but Lent is my time to return.”

“I know that has been a struggle for you. I am looking forward to this time of returning for you.”

Time of returning. That phrase resonates with me.  

I hate to admit it, but as someone who grew up in the church I used to be annoyed by the number of people who would show up to Christmas and Easter services. We even had the judgmental name that we called people who only showed up for big holidays, “Chreasters.”

Now here I am, a person returning for Lent and Easter. But rather than sanctimonious judgment, Pastor Rachel met me with compassion and enthusiasm for my journey. She looks forward to my time of returning. That simple text gave me courage to show up. 

I did attend the Ash Wednesday service! The sanctuary had less than 50 people, the service was at night and felt more restful and calm. It was a minimalistic service with familiar scripture and hymns, the perfect beginning to my time of returning. I felt safe. Not only did I attend Ash Wednesday worship, but I went to church the following Sunday, as well. I’m pretty proud of that one! I did slip out early to avoid small talk, but baby steps, right?

I’m not going to put too much pressure on myself this Lent, but I hope to continue returning to worship every week. It fills me up and connects me to the energy of Christ. Maybe you’ve felt the same way lately. Maybe you’ve been worshiping from home, choosing to sleep in, or feeling disconnected. 

My hope for you and me both is that we lean into our time of returning. Maybe your time of returning happens during Lent, Easter, Mother’s Day, or even Christmas. Let’s keep our hearts open to what God is doing during this special time.

by Alyssa Robinson

I started attending Trietsch when I was 9 years old in the summer of 1998, right before I entered 5th grade. At that time, the current Sanctuary, Family Life Center, and Faith Voyage children’s wing didn’t exist. We met in what we now call the Ministry Center. I don’t remember much from our time worshiping in the Ministry Center because the current Sanctuary was built pretty soon after we started attending, but I do remember the feeling of the space. The Ministry Center was packed every week from front to back including the balcony, which is now used as a storage space. The church was growing so rapidly that it was hard to have enough room on Sunday morning for everybody. Every Sunday felt like Easter! Does anyone remember this setup?

Every week the Ministry Center was buzzing with joyful conversation, reunions of old friends, prayers shared, and hands held. It was a beautiful, intimate space, a sacred space. It still is. Every now and then I stand in the Ministry Center and look up at the stained glass along the top of the walls to remember that feeling as a child.

Rev. Jim Ozier was the Senior Pastor for my entire childhood and youth experience at Trietsch. During this time that the Ministry Center was the Sanctuary, his office was located where the Communication Offices are now. 

Pastor Jim stopped by the church a few weeks ago to say hello and record a video sharing his memories of Trietsch for our 40th Birthday Celebration.

After his recording, he stopped by the Communication Offices where Tammy Hise and I work to say hello. When he stepped into my office, I had an incredible memory emerge that I hadn’t thought of in years.

In April of 1999, the tragic Columbine High School shooting happened. I was in the 5th grade. In response, the church held a town meeting and prayer vigil in the Sanctuary (Ministry Center) to pray for the victims and their families. We were all trying to wrap our minds around this senseless violence, and what it could mean for the future. Parents were crying, kids were scared, and congregants were taking turns sharing prayers over the microphone. 

After the service was over, I walked up to Pastor Jim and asked if he would pray with me. In retrospect, he was probably a little shocked that a 10-year-old was asking for one-on-one prayer time. He said yes, and we went to his office to pray, which had a side prayer room with a kneeling rail, candles, and a Bible.

We prayed together for just a couple minutes. He asked that the Holy Spirit would be present with us, that Jesus would be in my heart and guide my steps, and that whenever I feel scared to remember that God is with me. I felt assured and confident after that prayer.

This memory is significant to me because when Pastor Jim stopped by recently, I realized the prayer room that he and I knelt in together is now my office.

I instantly got goosebumps. I was reminded that I am walking on sacred ground. The Holy Spirit is here. This space where my spirituality was taken seriously and nurtured as a child is now where I write this blog post to celebrate that the Spirit is still moving in this place. Amen!

Wherever we gather to love, serve, and worship is a sacred space. Rooms change, buildings come and go, ministries ebb and flow, but the Spirit remains. This community of faith is built on Christ, and I am so privileged to celebrate God’s continued presence with you. I hope you’ll join me and my family on March 5 to rejoice in where we’ve been and where we’re going as a church. Cheers to another 40 years of love, light, and connection! Learn more about our 40th Birthday Celebration at https://www.tmumc.org/birthday. 

by Alyssa Robinson
Access Lenten worship services and resources at https://www.tmumc.org/lent. 

When asked about the meaning behind Lent, my thoughts diverge down two paths. One, is the intellectual path. The academic answer to this question feels more concrete and accessible, the reasoning behind the season of Lent: religious traditions, Scriptural attributions, and historical context.

Lent is a 40-day season (not counting Sundays) marked by repentance, fasting, reflection, and ultimately celebration. The 40-day period represents Christ’s time of temptation in the wilderness, where he fasted and overcame temptation. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and asks believers to set aside a time each year for similar fasting, marking an intentional season of focus on Christ’s life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection.

The key events of Lent include Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.

This explanation has become rote and doesn’t require much introspection; it’s accurate, but sterile.

The second path is messy and harder for me to grasp, the spiritual path. I can walk you through all of the ways I’ve practiced fasting over the years, incorporated prayer, or served others and never capture Lent’s meaning.

But I do have one moment I hold in my heart.

You probably remember the ice storm of 2021. Many of us lost power, water, and were stuck in our homes for days at negative temperatures. This storm fell in the middle of February and included Ash Wednesday.

I was staying with my parents that week because my house didn’t have central heating. I decided to hunker down with them through the storm. They live within walking distance of the church, and we saw that the church still had electricity. To try to support the community, the Trietsch staff came together to open the church to those who had lost power and water. We couldn’t provide much since very few people could actually get to the church, but we could provide a place to rest, some water, and a break from the cold.

We only had a handful of people who stopped by to take advantage of the heat. It was quiet and calm in the church. On Ash Wednesday, Rev. Dr. Nick McRae (former Assoc. Pastor of Serving Ministries) came to distribute ashes to anyone who wanted to partake in the ritual.

There were three of us present. We were bundled up in sweatshirts, beanies, and rain boots. Pastor Nick said a short prayer, and we gathered around him to receive the ashes.

He made the sign of the cross on my forehead, “From dust you came, and to dust you shall return.”

I felt tears roll down my cheeks. When I closed my eyes to receive the ashes, I saw my grandmother’s face. She died in November of 2020, just months before this moment. I felt like she was with me, receiving the ashes through me. I imagined all of the times she would have participated in this sacred ritual in the 87 years of her life. I was spiritually connected to her in that moment, like our hearts were still tethered together. I felt the energy of Christ pass between us and through us.

Here I was, unwashed and practically in pajamas. We didn’t have a full service with a Sanctuary full of people, sermon, music, or order of worship. I hadn’t meditated prior to this moment to prepare my heart for the Holy Spirit. Honestly, I was just going through the motions of Ash Wednesday like I did every year. I took it because it was offered to me.

In that moment of vulnerability, grief, and humility, God found me. Reflecting on that moment grounds me in the true meaning of Lent. I felt comfort in the midst of melancholy, hope beyond my finite existence. This is Lent.

The spiritual practices can help us grow closer to God and find that sacred space, but the practices, traditions, and rituals are not what give Lent meaning. They are a catalyst that can reveal the oneness of Christ if we are open to it.

On the day I write this it would be my grandmother’s 90th birthday, and I still feel tethered to her. There was so much love between us, and where there is love there is God because God is love (1 John 4:7-8). She continues to guide me deeper into my spirituality in unexpected moments because nothing can conquer unconditional love, not even death.

As we begin the journey of Lent together, let’s be open to the mystery and oneness of Christ. Holy Spirit, give us the courage to bring our grief, anxiety, humility, vulnerability, authenticity to this sacred space. Amen.

Are you preparing for Lent? Now is a great time to think through the spiritual practice of fasting. Learn more about fasting and practical ways to get started at https://www.tmumc.org/fast.

40 Spiritual Reasons to Fast

1. Jesus placed a fast upon all of us. (Matt. 9:15) We are to fast to carry on the works for the kingdom that Jesus started.
2. Fasting was an integrated part of the life of Christ (Matt. 4:1,-2; John 6:27) and He urged us to follow Him (Luke 9:23).
3. Jesus taught fasting as one of the foundations of the faith: giving, praying, and fasting. (Matt. 6)
4. Paul fasted frequently (II Cor. 11:27) and instructed us to do the same (II Cor. 6:5).
5. Followers in the early church fasted regularly (Acts 13: 2-3 and 14:23). We, therefore, are not to do less.
6. Fasting enables us to become a conductor of spiritual power for blessing others or ourselves.
7. Sincere fasting will positively break the yokes of sin, sickness, and spiritual oppression (Isaiah 58:6).
8. Fasting becomes prayer (Ps. 35:13)
9. Fasting intensifies the power of prayer many times so that even short prayers bring results.
10. Fasting reaches and obtains what prayer alone cannot, because it removes unbelief (Matt. 17:20-21).
11. Fasting brings one into direct contact with unbelief, so that it can be removed.
12. Fasting can produce faith (Romans10:9-10).
13. Fasting is closely related to faith, because it is a strong gateway to trust in God.
14. Fasting will bring about word-faith power (Luke 4:2, 32, 36). Jesus’ "word" was not "with power" until after His fast.
15. Fasting will help overcome temptations of many kinds.
16. Fasting helps us overcome old addictions or unhealthy behaviors (Col. 3:5).
17. Fasting pleases the Spirit. The flesh and the Spirit are at enmity with each other.
18. Fasting can bring spiritual revival, starting in our individual hearts then moving into community.
19. Fasting enables one to transcend the natural and take us into spiritual communion with Christ.
20. Fasting and prayer bring us nearer to Christ.
21. Fasting can enable the many who may be unknowingly bound to "habit hunger" or food addiction to overcome.
22. Fasting brings us into closer communion with the created order through greater appreciation.
23. Fasting can help us overcome unnatural desires associated with lusts of any appetite gratification.
24. Fasting can be a form of repentance and sacrifice for Christ.
25. Fasting enables us to become or remain more obedient to Christ’s love and justice.
26. Fasting helps me to be a better steward of all God’s resources.
27. Fasting allows me to love myself more so that I may love my neighbor more.
28. Fasting will change a life of defeat into one of victory and will bring healing and new life to both body and soul.
29. Fasting helps us to become more consecrated to God and sanctified for Christ.
30. Fasting develops the fruit of the Spirit (particularly self-control) and enables one to grow more spiritually mature.
31. Fasting will help one to better discern and use one’s spiritual gifts.
32. Fasting in community brings me closer into relationship with others so that I can live God’s love more richly.
33. Fasting helps us to better identify with and therefore to help the suffering and the poor.
34. Fasting makes everything taste better because I now appreciate it more as a gift from God.
35. Fasting and prayer help intensify discernment, wisdom and understanding for making good spiritual decisions.
36. Fasting and prayer can help us discern our calling for ministry more clearly.
37. Fasting enlarges our capacity for God and God’s ways.
38. Fasting gives me greater compassion for those who go without food out of necessity rather than choice.
39. Fasting directs my attention more on God, therefore I can listen more to what God desires.
40. Fasting frees us from ourselves and claims us for Christ.