Psalm: 13. Children, for whom time seems so much longer than it does for adults, empathize with the psalmist's repeated question, "How long?" They know what it is to wait and endure, and they are generally pleased to find a psalm that reflects their impatience. It helps to paraphrase verse

God created us to live in community, so social isolation takes a toll on our psychological health.  People are spending more time at home and some have more time on their hands then they know what to do with in a creative and positive way. During this time, it’s

The world has a pace. We call it busy-ness, activism, freneticism. And at the extreme, we name it “hurry sickness.” We are all familiar with this, for we live in a world geared for it. And we know firsthand the debilitating effects of running faster and trying harder in the

Someone said to me about a week ago, I really miss worshiping together, and suggested we consider excerpts from the theme song of Cheers: Making your way in the world today Takes everything you've got; Taking a break from all your worries Sure would help a lot. Wouldn't you like

Many people have meaningful, lifelong memories from going to camp as a child or youth. Church camp has helped form many dedicated, passionate Christians into who we are today. Campers, deans and counselors will be making many different memories this summer, and we are so thankful for the chance to

“Radical hospitality” requires intentional invitation and welcome. It goes beyond greeters at the door and handshakes during worship to welcome every person as an honored guest. Certainly, being a “friendly” church is good. But being in ministry in a confused and hurting world calls for “radical hospitality,” which breathes our

Many people make New Year’s resolution, did you think about one? Maybe you resolved to be more organized, or to do better self-care. Maybe you thought about many different thinks, but did you consider a fresh start for your spiritual life? Maybe it is time for you to consider

Wearied by travel across a barren and harsh landscape, the Holy family sought refuge in an inn at Bethlehem. Is it possible that you could imagine Mary and Joseph’s disappointment when the innkeeper informed them that there weren’t any vacancies? A gracious innkeeper offered the couple a stable

Do we really realize and consider what the Pilgrims had been through in that first year in new surroundings?  They left Europe on creaky wooden ships, bound for a place they had never seen and could only imagine.   The trip was stormy and dangerous.    Not all completed the journey.   They

You may have been present in worship on Sunday, September 15, 2019 to watch a short clip from Rev. Junius B. Dotson. The following words from the video clip: Everything was going fine . . . until it wasn’t. For Reverend Junius B. Dotson it took an actual breakdown during a funeral

The first Sunday of the month we regularly observe as Communion Sunday. As we gather together for worship, it’s a way to remember the love and grace of God through Christ in our lives. But the Lord’s Supper is a sacrament that reminds us not of a worship

What is the most important thing to you about Oberlin United Methodist Church?” What does it mean for churches to be like a family? Families are, by their very nature, concerned primarily about the individual family members and their unity as a family. People usually mean intimacy, affirmation, and stability.

As I think back to July 1, 2015, your participation in community and welcoming the parsonage family, we are so thankful for so many things: Your welcoming attitude of each of you. A major change came when we began loading belongings from Sherman County and the move to Oberlin. Each

All present-day fathers should thank a United Methodist for the creation of Father's Day. The reason is straightforward: the origin of the day can be traced back to two United Methodist churches bearing the same name. The celebration's religious history is mired in tragedy, an event serving as a kind

Thanks to each of you. Your participation, your prayers, and your lives truly convey the message of resurrection. I would be amiss if I did not publicly express my gratitude to each of you. Thank you to the staff and volunteers of Oberlin United Methodist Church. Thank you to all

During the Easter season, many United Methodists sing, “Every day to us is Easter, with its resurrection song.” These words open the last verse of “Easter People Raise Your Voices” (United Methodist Hymnal #304) penned by United Methodist pastor the Rev. William M. James. The hymn reminds us that we

In every Christian’s life, spiritual vitality or passion wanes over time. This is true in all aspects of our life. In marriage, we slowly find that the fire diminishes if we’re not intentional about revival in our love life. This happens in friendships. It happens with our jobs—

Dearest Family, Extended Family, Members and Constituents of Oberlin United Methodist Church: May these words of a borrowed prayer written Rev. Magrey deVega, Senior Pastor, of Hyde Park United Methodist Church, Tampa Florida, be a blessing to you, not only on Valentine’s Day, throughout 2019: Eternal God of Love

Many have been introduced to Epiphany through the familiar silhouetted-image of Three Wise Men bearing gifts as they followed the Great Star by night. In some cultures, Epiphany is known as the Day of the Kings (Día de los Reyes). It is also known as Twelfth Day or Twelfth Night,

You are probably familiar with Welch’s Grape Juice, but you may not know it has ties to the history of The United Methodist Church. In the 1800s, churches faced a dilemma. To combat the epidemic of alcoholism, the temperance movement advocated total abstinence from all alcohol. In celebration of

Education is a core value of The United Methodist Church that dates back to the earliest days of the Methodist movement in 18th-century England. Founder John Wesley believed education was the key to a fuller, richer life. “Knowledge, for him, was not so much a purely intellectual attribute but rather

Hospitality is defined as the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. Synonyms include: friendliness, hospitableness, warm reception, welcome, helpfulness, neighborliness, warmth, kindness, congeniality, geniality, cordiality, courtesy, and amenability. How does our congregation live into the words of Matthew 25:35, 40: “...I was a stranger

Are you one of the many people who wish they could spend more time in prayer but are concerned about squeezing it into an already crowded calendar? Make prayer a priority - those hoping to find time for prayer will likely fail. You have to make time. We need exercise