Before she became a bishop in the United Methodist Church, I had the privilege of hearing Rev. Dottie Escobedo-Frank preach during one of our Annual Conference gatherings in Adrian, Michigan. She had just published a book titled, “Restart Your Church”, and in it made a provocative claim: “Death is good for us.” In the book’s description, she states:

“The central story of our faith is the story of both death and resurrection. Followers of Christ like to live out the resurrection part of our faith, but they often aren't very comfortable dealing with what must come before resurrection - death. The church must be willing to live out its entire story, from beginning to end.”  

During her sermon, Bishop Escobedo-Frank reminded us of this obvious truth: there would be no Easter without Good Friday. There’d be no resurrection without the cross. She then went even further to remind us that, if we look through scripture, the stories of transformation always involve a low-moment first. For example, Moses was called by God to set the Israelites free from Egypt, but not until he himself was exiled from Egypt for having killed an Egyptian. When we look at the story of Jacob, it wasn’t until he was running for his life, sleeping on a rock-pillow in the wilderness that God came to him and called him into a new life of faithfulness. It was Jonah out of the belly of a whale, Peter from having denied knowing Jesus, Paul from the dirt of the street where he, a persecutor of Christians, was called to become the greatest missionary for Jesus Christ. The list goes on and on, but what connects them all is this: the fall comes before the rise; hopelessness is a prerequisite for hope; death comes before resurrection.

Put another way, the cross, the tomb, the silence and the grief come before the resurrection.

This year, as we experience the joy of Easter – Christ’s invitation to each of us to experience our own resurrection and transformation – what tomb do we need to walk out of? From what hurt is God inviting us to be healed? From what pit is God lending us a hand to escape? From what hopelessness is God inviting us to see hope?

I suspect that each of us have an answer to such questions. It may not always be the deepest of pits or the gravest of hurts, but they’re real and they’re a common part of life. And so, as we wrestle with the reality of these questions, know this: Resurrection is real! Hope is real! Transformation is attainable! Grace is sufficient.
 
Are you ready to sit at the cross and dream of the empty tomb?

Ecclesiastes 3 is one of the most well known passages of scripture, probably just behind the 23rd Psalm and John 3:16. Often attributed to Solomon, it begins with these words:
“There’s a season for everything and a time for every matter under the heavens”

In my life, particularly in my adult life, I have come to understand this notion better and better as time goes on, and I suspect that I’ll continue to discover its meaning and truth as time goes on. On Sunday, February 22nd, I shared with the GBUMC congregation in my sermon and in a subsequent letter that, through a lengthy and prayerful process of discernment, I have heard from God a shift in my calling, to transition away from pastoral ministry in the local church (effective July 2027), and toward a vocation as a licensed counselor (LPC to be specific).

As I shared, this shift in call – this new season of life and ministry will mean that my intention is to take a leave of absence from pastoral ministry and journey into this new season – this new calling – by furthering my education, pursing licensure, and living out my emerging call. As Stephanie, the kids and I head into this new season of our lives as a family, we find ourselves experiencing a multitude of feelings: gratitude, excitement, grief, hope, nervousness, and leap-of-faith-ness (if I can coin that as a word). And, to be honest, that’s probably the short list.

What I know is that my love for this church – this congregation – is something that causes me to feel a sense of loss. I have found abundant joy and gladness in the opportunity to serve as Grand Blanc UMC’s pastor. Our family has grown close to this church family. I give great thanks for this church! To step away from pastoring this church, even when I know in the depths of my soul that it is following God’s call on my life right now, is one of the hardest things I’ll ever do.  And yet, I am reminded that “There’s a season for everything and a time for every matter under the heavens.”

Time after time, I have preached this and have encouraged the church to remember that God calls us to step into the unknown, trusting that in new seasons of life, God goes with us; God remains with us! While I never anticipated that God’s call on my life would shift this way – and while following that shift is hard – I have to trust that God is 100% part of all of it!

And yet, as God is calling me into a new season of life – a new season of vocation and call – it is not lost on me that God is also inviting Grand Blanc UMC into a new season of what it means to be the church. It’s a new season of anticipating new pastoral leadership that will continue the work that God has already begun in this congregation. While we don’t yet know who the Bishop will appoint, I trust that God is already working in that pastor’s heart, just as I trust that God is already at work in this congregation to prepare for this new season.

In the meantime, I have the privilege of serving as your pastor until July 2027. While we continue to do good ministry, we’ll also prepare for transitions and new seasons. But one thing that will remain the same is that God will walk with us through each moment, each change, each new season, each new beginning. God will be with us as we celebrate and as we grieve.

“Then those who are righteous will reply to him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and give you clothes to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.’”
-Matthew 25:37-40 (CEB)
 
I suspect that over the last couple of years you’ve heard of the “Community Care Fund” (formerly known as the “Pastor’s Discretionary Fund”). Likely you heard about it either from one of our fundraiser dinners, perhaps even referring someone to it, or maybe even benefiting from it.
 
The long and the short of the Community Care Fund is that there are times when one of our church family members or a neighbor in our community faces challenging times and a water bill, energy bill, rent, medication, or even filling a car’s gas tank becomes an obstacle when making ends meet. Our hope is to be able to be present and able to express generosity by helping our neighbors in these times of need. Recipients may be, but do not need to be, a part of Grand Blanc UMC. As the balance in the Community Care Fund allows, our practice is to help individuals with up to $100 each year. While this doesn’t always meet the needs entirely, the willingness to show care, compassion, and generosity to help offset these burdens is always appreciated. In 2025 alone, we were able to assist 60 people with nearly $4,800 from the Community Care Fund, helping neighbors in our community with rent, utilities, and gas.
 
As I reflect on these statistics from the last year of the Community Care Fund, I give thanks for the generosity of this congregation and donors from the Grand Blanc community who have made this possible. As you may know, the Community Care Fund is not funded through the church’s general budget, but is funded entirely by direct donations to the Fund, either by individual donors or applicable grants. Often, this is achieved through fundraisers, while other times, it is through unsolicited and generous donations.
 
So often, I hear folks express a desire to help others, especially knowing the abundance of need. Please know that the Community Care Fund is a meaningful way to make a difference in the lives of others who are in need.  If you or someone you know is interested in making an above and beyond contribution to the Community Care Fund, either one-time or recurring, please know that donations can be made by cash or check or online by choosing “Community Care Fund” when giving through the church website: www.grandblancumc.org/give.
 
Additionally, if you or someone you know could use assistance from the Community Care Fund, please contact the church office. The process is compassionate, respectful and all personal information is kept confidential.
 
Peace,
Pastor Brian

“Take my life and let it be
 Consecrated, Lord to Thee.
Take my hands and let them move,
At the impulse of Thy love.”
-United Methodist Hymnal, 399

Shortly after completely giving her life to Christ on December 2, 1873, Frances Havergal, at the age of 36, “found herself spending several days with ten people in a house, some of them unconverted.  Others were Christians, but not fully surrendered to Christ.  “Lord, give me all in this house,” she prayed.  She went to work witnessing, and before she left, all ten were yielded Christians.  On the last night of her visit, Frances – to excited to sleep – wrote this great consecration hymn, “Take my Life and Let It Be.”

In the years that followed, Frances frequently used this hymn in her own devotions, especially every December 2nd, on the anniversary of her consecration.

On one occasion, as she pondered the words, “Take my voice and let me sing/ always only for my King,” she felt she should give up her secular concerts.  Her beautiful voice was in demand, and she frequently sang with the Philharmonic.   But from that moment, her lips were exclusively devoted to the songs of the Lord.”
   (Morgan, Robert J. Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories.                                                                                       Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003, pg. 191.)

As I read this story, I find myself reflecting on my own commitment to Christ.  To be fair, I don’t have a particular date in mind when I committed my life to be a faithful disciple of Christ, but I can certainly tell story after story of moments in my life when my commitment felt renewed and strengthened.  Perhaps you can do the same, or maybe you’re not sure you have made that commitment yet.   Either way, I want to encourage you to consider this: What does it mean to fully commit ourselves to Christ?

For Havergal, this meant repurposing her gifts and talents, using her singing voice to sing songs of praise and help others do so, as well.  Do you have gifts and talents that God might be inviting you to use for the sake of ministry?  

For others, being fully committed to Christ means being willing to step outside of our comfort zones in order to serve how God is inviting us to serve.  What comfort zones do we currently occupy, and how might they limit us from serving God as we’re called?

Or, perhaps there’s something else standing in your way.  Sometimes, committing ourselves to Christ means overcoming an obstacle in our own lives.  Rev. Jorge Acevedo, a United Methodist Pastor in Florida, openly shares about Christ’s transformation in his life, freeing him from a life of addiction that kept him from living fully as a disciple of Christ.  Interestingly, his ministry has largely involved helping others who suffer from addiction discover a similar freedom.   Is there something in your life that needs to change in order for you to fully commit your life to Christ?   If so, remember that God doesn’t wait for us to set ourselves free. Instead, God desires to be a part of setting us free.

Finally, others experience this commitment to Christ as a commitment to learning something new!   While we may not know what we don’t know, we do trust that God is always at work in teaching us.  But are we willing to learn?  What is God inviting you to learn?

Whether or not you feel you’ve fully committed yourself to Christ at one point, at multiple points, or over a span of time, perhaps this new year is an opportunity for you to fully consecrate your life to Christ?  What is God inviting you to learn or to overcome?  What is God inviting you to do, and what talents is God inviting you to repurpose?

This new year, I want to invite you to commit this verse to memory: “Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it?” – Isaiah 43:19  

Peace,
Pastor Brian

This Advent season, the Worship and Arts Team has been drawing upon the work of “Sanctified Art” and their 2025 Advent series, “What Do You Fear?”  I’m immensely grateful for the wisdom of this series and the way it invites us to hear the promise of God that, in a world that so often stokes our fear, we need not be afraid.

Admittedly, fear is easy to come by and hard to leave behind.  Fear, known to associate with its friends, anxiety, depression, hopelessness…perhaps even grief and despair, convinces us that fear is the only logical response to the world around us.  

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring…FEAR!

I’m not certain that I’m loveable…FEAR!

How could anyone look past the mistakes I’ve made…FEAR!

There is turmoil in the world, and it doesn’t seem to let up…FEAR!

Again and again, we are taught that fear is the most logical – even responsible – way forward.  We’re taught that a “healthy amount of fear” will ultimately protect us.  But at the end of the day, as Christians, we are left with a pressing question: If fear is supposed to be part of our lives, then why does Jesus say over and over again, “do not be afraid?”

In response to that question, we could question Jesus’ naivete.  Did he just not get the fullness of the human experience? Did he not fully understand that there are things in this world worthy of our fear?  What if, instead of naivete, Jesus was protesting against the insistence that fear remain a steadfast part of our lives, inviting us to experience something altogether new?  

And what is that new thing?  I’m getting there.

In the first chapter of the Gospel of John, we read:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God….In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it….The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (vv.1, 4-6, 14a).  

In the midst of the world as we have come to know it – as we have come to expect it – Jesus, “the Word,” comes to dwell/live/move among us.  The incarnation of God in Jesus Christ this Christmastime is an invitation to see the very world we live in as having been wholly changed.  No longer are we “a people who walk in darkness” as Isaiah puts it.  No longer are we searching for hope among hopelessness.  No longer are we strangers to love.  No longer are we destined to the chains of our past.  Darkness HAS been driven out.  Fear no longer gets to have the final word.  Death does not win!

The “altogether new” thing that I mentioned a bit ago – the thing that replaces fear is this: Light.  Fear tells me that there is something concerning in the unknown-ness of the dark.  Christ – the incarnation of God – stands in the midst of the darkest night, illuminating the world to show us that the boogieman isn’t real, that dragons are slain by knights, that death no longer has the same sting, and that fallen, oh fallen is Babylon! (okay, so I mixed in some non-biblical references).  

Christmas insists that light, not fear, rule our lives!

Lastly, I want to share with a resource from “Sanctified Art” that I have found meaningful. It’s a creed.  It’s a statement of belief.  I hope that you will find in it a reflection of yourself this season:

We have seen the valley.
We have seen a sky without stars.
We have seen the longest night,
and still we believe.

We believe in a with-us God.
We believe in the hope of tomorrow.
We believe that good news is louder than fear.
We believe this good news is for all people.

So even when our knees shake,
even when our voice trembles,
even when fear is all around us,
we will hold onto that good news.

We will reach for each other.
We will look for God in our midst.
We will sing songs of joy.
We will proclaim:
Unto us, love is born.

We have seen the longest night,
and we have seen unimaginable love.
So still, we believe.

Amen.

As we enter this season of thanksgiving – not just the dinner, Lion’s game, and out-of-town family, but a season of gratitude – I can’t help but think about confession.  Yep!  That wasn’t a typo.  I said what I said.  Thanksgiving makes me think about confession.

Do I have your attention?

Numerous times in my ministry, I’ve been a part of conversations with United Methodists, other protestants, and even our Catholic and Orthodox brothers and sisters about the practice of confession, and what I’ve discovered is that the spiritual practice of confession is declining, at least among many.  Admittedly, if given the chance to practice a spiritual discipline, I’d probably pick the “read my Bible” option before the “share my confession” option.  Perhaps that’s because we are less inclined to visit our own shortfalls.  There is so much negativity in our world, why add to it!?  That said, I suspect that most of our hesitant reaction to the spiritual practice of confession comes as a result of our misunderstanding what it’s all about.

You see, confession, at least in part, is an opportunity to come face to face with our human-ness  It will come as no surprise to anyone – especially close friends and family – that I am not perfect.  Regularly, I fall short of what it means to love God, neighbor and self as Jesus instructs us to.  But, before calling the bishop to give him this insight, let me remind you that this is true for…all of us.  We fall short!  All of us!  And confession reminds us of that.  It reminds us of who we are.  

But that’s just half of it.  As much as it reminds us of who we are, it also reminds us of whose we are.  We are a people – a creation of God’s - wrapped in a covenant of love and grace shared with us through Christ!  Confession gives us an opportunity to confess our shortcomings and then hear the proclamation, “through the compassion, love and grace of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!

This forgiveness through grace is a central piece of our Christian faith.  It reminds us that our God is a God of new beginnings and not hard stops.  Our imperfections and human-ness does not define us; the label of “brokenness” does not stick to us.  Where the world might want to put a period, God insists that only a comma is needed.

As I mentioned earlier, this season of thanksgiving reminds me of confession.  I am immensely grateful for the love and grace of Jesus Christ that meets me where I am and doesn’t give up on me.  I am grateful that I can go to God with my confessions and hear the reminder of forgiveness.  Furthermore, I am grateful that I have the support of other Christian brothers and sisters who I can share my confessions with, and they too will remind me of God’s grace.

Perhaps this is where we can recover this spiritual discipline of confession.  Perhaps it is God’s design that we not do this thing called life alone, and so God places people in our lives who are able to remind us of God’s endless grace.  

Today, I have thanksgiving for God’s grace.  Today, I have thanksgiving for the assurance that God’s love is not limited by my brokenness.  Today, I have thanksgiving for friends, clergy and others who will hear my confessions and remind me that I’m forgiven.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our confession…and in the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

Peace,

Pastor Brian

We believe in God, Creator of the world; and in Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of creation. We believe in the Holy Spirit, through whom we acknowledge God’s gifts, and we repent of our sin in misusing these gifts to idolatrous ends. 

We affirm the natural world as God’s handiwork and dedicate ourselves to its preservation, enhancement, and faithful use by humankind. 

We joyfully receive for ourselves and others the blessings of community, sexuality, marriage, and the family. 

We commit ourselves to the rights of men, women, children, youth, young adults, the aging, and people with disabilities; to improvement of the quality of life; and to the rights and dignity of all persons. 

We believe in the right and duty of persons to work for the glory of God and the good of themselves and others and in the protection of their welfare in so doing; in the rights to property as a trust from God, collective bargaining, and responsible consumption; and in the elimination of economic and social distress. We dedicate ourselves to peace throughout the world, to the rule of justice and law among nations, and to individual freedom for all people of the world. 

We believe in the present and final triumph of God’s Word in human affairs and gladly accept our commission to manifest the life of the gospel in the world. Amen. 

The words you just read are from The United Methodist Church’s “Social Creed.”   This statement, first originated in the early 20th century as a response to – or perhaps a voice crying out for justice in a world that was facing societal, relational, as well as geopolitical challenges that threatened the wellbeing of the global community.  As it has been updated in the 100+ years since to reflect continued relevance, it remains a valuable part of The United Methodist’s theological and Christ-focused presence in the world.  

My hope is that you’ve already read the “Social Creed” (unless you skipped over it to get to my article), but I want to encourage you to go back and read it again.  I wonder, what stood out to you most?  

Perhaps what stood out to you was the beginning words which sound much like the other Christian creeds we’re familiar with.  The United Methodist “Social Creed” begins with statements of belief about God as Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and God’s forgiveness toward us as a response to our sin and our repentance.  I think it’s important to note that our denomination has always held – and continues to hold to a fidelity to God’s redemptive and restorative work in the world through God’s Holy Spirit!  

Or, perhaps what caught your attention most was the way the “Social Creed” addresses various social issues that have a timeless relevance in our world: our intrinsic human worth; dignity in our work, living, and relationships; commitments to justice, the rule of law, and individual freedoms; and much more.  While it may seem as though each of these hold self evident importance, it is worth noting that we (both the church and secular society) regularly struggle with these concepts, particularly as we find ourselves, from time to time, abandoning our fidelity to Christ in exchange for a fidelity to idols – particularly idols which have earned broad social acceptance.  

We confess that, at times, we celebrate and promote economics that base a persons worth on their ability to work/produce.  Historically and even presently, we find that value is afforded to certain populations over others based on socioeconomic status, particular utility, and even racial/ethnic prejudice.  We allow the sins of nationalism, xenophobia, and desires for homogony to dismiss the importance of the global community and the values of the beloved community that are present in the Kingdom of God.  We prioritize comfort, profit and prosperity at the expense of environmental stewardship.  We simply must confess that we have fallen short of Christ’s command to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves.  We have work to do.  

Lord, in your mercy, hear our confession.

Finally, I wonder if what caught your attention was the closing sentence: “We believe in the present and final triumph of God’s Word in human affairs and gladly accept our commission to manifest the life of the gospel in the world.”  Here, we find ourselves recommitting to the incarnation of God’s love present in Christ, and to being reflections of the grace we discover in the gospel – the good news.  In a world full of hunger for good news, is there anything more refreshing than Christ’s gospel in our worldly affairs?

The word “Creed” simply means “belief.”  As Christians, we simply cannot escape the fact that any proclamation of our love for Christ – our beliefs - must be met with a concern for the well-being of our neighbors and all of God’s creation.  It is my prayer that we will recognize that one without the other – love of Christ without care for God’s creation – is not reflective of the fullness of the gospel.  May we commit ourselves to the words of this “Social Creed” and pledge to live them out in our lives.

Peace & love,
Pastor Brian  

Shortly after Stephanie and I were married, and before we had kids, we were invited to a friend’s church for a young adult “party.”  There was no illusions of it being the greatest party ever, but we were promised mocktails, rock-climbing walls, and good (not great) music.  Best of all, it was free!  When we arrived and found our friend, as well as others who had come, I noticed a distinct lack of mocktails and rock-climbing walls.  It was then that all of the young adults – only a couple dozen of us were guests – were funneled into a room where a worship service began, complete with a sermon, and an altar call (an invitation to give your life to Christ).  As the auditorium where the service was held let out, we were greeted by other young adults – presumably leaders – who wanted us to join their young adult group.

There were still no rock-climbing walls.

I remember leaving early with Stephanie with a distinct feeling of having been hoodwinked. Maybe something had happened with the mocktails and the rock-climbing walls that was entirely out of their control, and so they went with plan B – an altar call worship service.
But I suspect that the evening was never really about what was advertised.  It was about bringing us in.

Now, to be clear, I don’t suspect that their motives were sinister, and I definitely don’t think they were intentionally playing it fast and loose with my trust, but the result was, for me at least: I lost trust in that church.
 
It hurts my heart to say that.  The church, no matter where it is, is supposed to be a safe place where trust is kindled, relationships are nurtured, the Gospel is made real, and transformational ministry is the focus.  That church lost me.

I carry this experience with me, and I believe it really has impacted my ministry for the better.  It reminds me that the church, which so often assumes a degree of trust and respect of the world at large, still needs to earn trust and respect, perhaps more so now than ever before.  With no shortage of stories of sexual and other physical abuse, financial embezzlement and other misdeeds, shady ethics, hypocritical moral judgements, and so much more, it’s not hard to understand why there is broad mistrust of the church.  And while our immediate response might be, “but that’s not our church,” the cries and groans of all creation is “then prove it!”
 
The church needs to wrestle with the truth that we have lost the trust of so many, and for good reasons.  It is now the church’s sacred task to begin earning that trust back.  And the good news is that Grand Blanc UMC has been seeking to do just that!  But it’s not easy and it takes more time than many are willing to give it.  So, what does building trust look like:

• Actively being part of the community in which we serve for the sake of the community and not for our own growth.  This effort cannot be primarily about putting “butts in seats,” so to speak.  It must be about the values of a strong and supportive community. 
• Serving the community and our neighbors in ways that meaningfully add to the collective wellbeing.  This means being in active communication with the community to discover what its greatest needs are and then seeking to meet those needs.
• Seeing the people.  I have heard so many churches say, “we want more young people.” When asked “why?” the response usually resembles something of a longevity plan. “They’re going to keep the church going?” or “we’re not getting any younger.”  What I rarely hear is “because we really want to be in relationship with the younger generations.”  When the church sees others as a longevity plan – as numbers on a membership record – people notice, they feel hoodwinked, and they lose trust in the church.

And so, at GBUMC, we keep serving community meals, focusing on the relationships and trust that we’re building.  We keep showing up in the community, participating in all that we can, not so that our pews grow fuller, but so that the community can be strengthened.  We do our best to welcome and see people as people, and not as merely numbers on a report.
Are we perfect at this?  Have we cracked the code?  No.  But I truly do believe that building trust starts here.

And the remarkable thing is this: Churches in the 21st century who seek to build and earn trust are growing stronger, more effective, and healthier.  And so are we!

Trust me!

Pastor Brian

Those who don’t pick up their crosses and follow me aren’t worthy of me. Those who find their lives will lose them, and those who lose their lives because of me will find them.                                                                                                           - Matthew 10:38-39 CEB

On July 11th at 9:00am my wife, Stephanie, began to notice in me what I have come to term “red flags.”  These are moments when I’m beginning to show signs of burnout, and she sees it before I can name it.  I’ve come to appreciate that she sees these things in me and doesn’t hesitate to bring the “red flags” to my attention.  On more than one occasion, her awareness and honesty has saved me, and for that I am particularly thankful!  On that Friday morning, she saw and heard burnout within me, and gently told me (told…didn’t ask) that I would be taking an extra day off for what I’ve come to call a “mental health day.”  That mental health day came on Tuesday, July 15th.

On that Tuesday, I found myself drawn to a walk through the trails in the Grand Blanc Commons.  If you haven’t done this, I strongly encourage you to do so!  I put on sunscreen, added some bug spray, and turned on my noise canceling air pods so that I could listen to the previous day’s audio devotional “Pray As You Go.”  It began with a chant by The Monks of Pluscarden Abbey titled, “Venite Filii Audite Me.”  Translated to English, the title means, “Come, children, listen to me.”
 
Okay God, you have my attention.

As I walked deeper into the trails, the sun warm on my neck, the beauty of the woods all around me, I heard the words from Matthew 10:38-39.

“Those who don’t pick up their crosses and follow me aren’t worthy of me. Those 
who find their lives will lose them, and those who lose their lives because of me          will find them.”

The devotional then invited me to consider the following: “As a follower of Jesus, what does it mean to you to take up your cross?”  It then added the instruction: “Talk with the Lord about this now.”  With the music still playing in my ears and my eyes focused on the ground in front of me, I simply said out loud, “God, why am I tired?”  Sure, it wasn’t exactly my finest moment of following instructions, but they were honest words, and clearly a question that I’d been dealing with, without even realizing it.

As soon as I said the words I realized something that hadn’t occurred to me before: I was tired.  I was emotionally and spiritually tired.  I have been since my mom’s passing at the start of this year.  I have been tired since she was diagnosed with terminal cancer back in March 2024.  I was tired, and every day, I was simply trying to be emotionally and spiritually awake enough to get through – or rather…to get by.

“God, why am I tired?”

The answer was clear: Grief.  And, as strange as it may sound, it was a grief that I had simply forgotten about.  Time can have that effect on grief.  I simply forgot that I was grieving.

Suddenly, the devotional’s reader began to share the scripture reading again: “take up your cross…”  As I was walking through an area of muddied trail, it occurred to me that I had dropped the cross.  In my spiritual and emotional exhaustion, I had dropped the cross.  I was no longer carrying it – at best, I was carrying it enough to keep up appearances.  I was, without mincing words, a “cross dropper.”
It was then that, just as quickly as guilt crept in, simple words of Christ began turning in my mind: “I carried it for you.”

“I carried it for you.”

“I’m carrying it for you.”

I walked with that thought for a while.  In the moments that my heart is tired - in the moments when my soul is exhausted – in those moments, Jesus simply carries the cross. And when would I be ready to carry it again?  Today? Tomorrow? I hope so, but honestly, my confession is that I don’t know.  But, what I do know is that, until I am ready, Jesus remains with me.  I know that, in my waiting, I have the strength of my church family, the council of good friends, and, above all, the promise of Christ.

And so, I leave this here.  It’s not tied up in a nice bow.  There is no grand conclusion of triumph!  I am okay, and my faith is as strong as ever, but I am still tired.  I am still grieving.  I am still learning to walk, and I’m still gaining strength to carry the cross.  And what I suspect to be true is that the words I’m putting to paper are truths others are feeling as well.

I am a cross dropper.  I am a child of God.  I am loved.  You are loved.  You are a child of God.  Life is hard.  God is good.  All the time.

Peace,
Pastor Brian

Friends in Christ

Greetings to each of you in the name of Jesus Christ who day to day invites us into both relationship and ministry for the sake of God’s kingdom.   Recently, we made this announcement in worship and so I wanted to be sure to share it with you here in the newsletter, as well.  While it may sound cheesy to say it, I really am overjoyed to get to share with you news that comes from our Worship and Arts Team.
 
After a great deal of prayer, conversation, exploration, and even a little bit of experimentation, we have decided to make a change from the two-worship services on Sunday mornings to a single worship service at 10am on Sundays, going forward.  While we typically make this shift temporarily in the summer months, which we’ve already begun, we plan to maintain this schedule as we move into our new program year, starting in September.  While we recognize that changes – even good changes – can come with challenges and feelings, we deeply believe that this change will serve our congregation and our community well, help us to live into our vision and identity, and foster an even greater sense of church family.

As I share with you this good news, I want to be sure to iterate and reiterate again and again, that this change is being made, not because we have to, but because we can!  This is not a reaction to any fear of decline, lack of resources, or anything of the sort.  Instead, this change is missional and strategic in that it seeks to take the many strengths of our worshiping congregation and allow them to exponentially grow!  This IS good news!

To provide a bit more detail, beginning in September, we will have our Sunday worship service at 10am.  Following the service, we will have Coffee and Fellowship Hour, as well as Sunday School programs for all ages.  Furthermore, the nursery will continue to provide care throughout the morning for children birth through preschool age.  From time to time, this schedule will also allow for more community building events such as potlucks, programs, etc.

In terms of the worship experience, week to week, it will be a bit of a blend of what we’ve called our 9am and 11am services.  Andrew Cramer who has been our worship musician at the 11am service, will continue to provide music on a weekly basis, sharing a blend of hymns and modern/contemporary Christian praise music.  Additionally, throughout the course of each month, we’ll continue to hear from our various music ensembles, including the Chancel Choir, the Celebration Ringers, as well as Gary Brandt and Common Grace.  While we won’t try to do everything, all the time, all at once, I suspect that you’ll find the music and the overall worship experience, each week, to be inclusive of many different worship styles – yours included.

Speaking of Common Grace, Gary Brandt and I have explored a shared vision of Common Grace, under Gary’s leadership, taking on more opportunities for music outreach in our community – something they very much enjoy doing and something that has been meaningful for the communities and people with whom they share the Gospel.  Now, we get to enjoy the best of two worlds: from time to time, they will be sharing their music in worship, and at other times, they’ll be sharing God’s love with the communities we serve through their wonderful music.

As I share all of this with you, I am also reflecting on the several occasions we’ve had in the last month or so to bring the 9am and 11am services together for special worship services.  Even on just those few occasions, I have felt, and I have heard many others express having felt the joy of deeper community, a palpable sense of God’s presence, and an energy that can only be described as Spirit-filled.  I am very much looking forward to the fruitfulness of this new season.

And so, whether you were used to coming at 9am or at 11am, I pray that you will look forward to this new season of our worshiping life together.  A season of increased joy, of greater hospitality and, for certain, a season of growth.

And still, I’m grateful for the traditions, meaningfulness, and fruitfulness of what has been.  As we move forward into a new day, we do so, guided by the call of Jesus Christ, the sustaining power of God’s Holy Spirit, and our renewed commitment to be “friends in Christ, exercising love, hope and grace to enrich all lives.”

Peace,
Pastor Brian

"That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom…

…And by virtue of the power, and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free; and that the Executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons…

…And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution, upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed….”

These words, written and shared broadly by the 16th president of The United States, Abraham Lincoln, and endorsed by his secretary of State, William H. Seward, became known to history as the Emancipation Proclamation.  Effective January 1, 1863, this proclamation granted freedom to slaves held in The United States up to that point.  In the midst of a remarkably divided time in our nation’s history, and in the midst of our shameful legacy of deeply ingrained racism, these words pointed to the end of legalized slavery, as well as to the illegitimate nature of the Confederacy’s efforts to maintain its participation in the slave trade.

And while many of us, today, may not have a familiarity with the words of the Emancipation Proclamation, we are hopefully familiar with its purpose and effect.  While not perfect, it was a meaningful step of justice toward the liberation of the oppressed.

During this month of June, we celebrate a special holiday that carries the name “Juneteenth.”  This holiday enjoins us as a national community in recognition and celebration of the last slaves to hear of their freedom.  It wasn’t until June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas, that slaves in the state learned they had been proclaimed “free” more than two years prior.

I share this with you, not only to mark the importance of this celebration in the life of the church, but also to point out that the date that is remembered and celebrated is not January 1, 1863 when the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, but rather the date when the last of those to be held in slavery discovered their freedom.

Certainly, we could draw a variety of conclusions and lessons from this reality.  But, perhaps one thing that we can discover in the midst of our celebration is that it is not merely enough to enact in our laws – in our policies – in our church – that we seek to repent from our national sin of racism.  Rather, it becomes vital that we seek to make it a reality in the lives of all.

Sadly, still today, we continue what has become a national debate as to the appropriateness of educating future generations about our country’s complicity when it comes to slavery, Jim Crow culture, and even the institutionalized racism we harbor today. To ignore these realities is to assume that the weight of these past and present injustices have faded away.  Instead, we must remember that like Juneteenth, we celebrate, not the day we choose to do better, but the day  we let freedom, justice, and mercy become real and known to all.

Peace,
Pastor Brian

In 1972, just 4 years after the founding of The United Methodist Church formed out of a merger of two denominations, the Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist Church, The United Methodist Church lived into its social heritage, recognizing the need to speak to pressing social concerns, needs, and situations. This was done in the form of “Social Principles” which continue to have a part in our United Methodist Book of Discipline, even today.

Borrowed from the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society’s website:
“The Social Principles articulate our ethical aspirations for the common good in our public policies and personal commitments. Through them, we seek to love God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength and to desire for our neighbors what we desire for ourselves… The newly adopted Social Principles address global social concerns, reflecting the diverse contexts of the worldwide church. Thousands of United Methodists with different backgrounds from around the world, offered input to recognize their context as well as the contexts of other communities across the [United Methodist] connection, fostering a common language and understanding that strengthens relationships and social witness.”

The hope, ultimately, is that these social principles can function less like church law, and more like starting points for discussion, study, and reflection. I often like to think of them as a moral compass, of sorts, pointing us toward new considerations and perspectives on familiar topics of social importance.

That being said, it is important to recognize that there is not expectation that any United Methodist will agree with the Social Principles 100%. Full agreement was never the goal. Instead, our denomination acknowledges that, while we are not all of one mind on every matter, we are capable of continued discernment. Furthermore, while we are not yet perfect in Christ’s love, we are moving onto perfection through the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

I echo the sentiments of generation upon generation of United Methodists from a wide variety of contexts when I express my gratitude that we, as a denomination, continue to speak to wide ranging social topics, recognizing that our faith and social world are not (and cannot be) separate. While the Gospel speaks to our salvation, both in a life after, as well as in the here-and-now, it also speaks to our calling to be the hands, feet, light, and love of Christ in the world and with all those we meet.

Here at Grand Blanc UMC, we have just launched our own Church & Society Team with the leadership and guidance of Shelly Gould-Rice, Brian Rice, and Melinda Elmore-Hajek. As this new expression of ministry finds its footing in GBUMC’s life and ministry, I look forward to the ways in which this team will help our congregation explore our social principles, discover new and familiar ways to live into our social obligations as Christians, and how we will continue to learn, together.

Perhaps as a first step, I want to encourage you to read through our Social Principles. They can be accessed online here.  As you read them, I want to encourage you to not merely agree or disagree, but allow the conversation and exploration (what we might call discernment) to begin, even in your own heart and mind.


Peace, my friends!
Pastor Brian

As we draw closer to Holy Week and the services of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and of course Easter, I want to invite us to begin our month of April with a reflection on Jesus’ death. I realize that an Easter article might be more cheery, but without the cross, there is no Easter.
 
For century upon century, theologians have been asking “why did Jesus die?” It’s a question aimed at what we call “atonement theory.” Atonement theories explore the nuance of why Jesus had to die. Again and again in the Gospels, we read about it being a fulfillment of prophecy, or as John the Baptist proclaims, Jesus is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Atonement theory acknowledges that the crucifixion seemed to be part of God’s plan, but “why?”
 
But I’ve always wondered if we were asking the wrong question (why?). Would we be better off with a different question: “Look! See how he died?”
 
I heard a pastor say, about the crucifixion, that, whether or not Jesus crucifixion was part of God’s plan, it was inevitable. In other words, there is absolutely no way in this world that Jesus could teach about a new kingdom, demand justice for the “other,” and throw a wrench in the works of the status quo, and get away with it. What Jesus did, no matter how right it was in hindsight, meant that he’d be crucified. If it was God’s plan, then it was perfectly put into motion!
 
This perspective invites us to move away from the question of “why?” An answer to that becomes quite evident: there was no way he was going to do what he did and say what he said and get away with it! So, let’s try a different question: “Look! See how he died?”
 
Jesus, the incarnation of God, so deeply in love with this world and God’s own creation, was determined for us to know the depths of God’s love that he was willing to face the consequences of such love, however unjust they would be.
 
Look! See how he died?
 
Jesus, so set on conveying the possibility of God’s kingdom on earth as in heaven, he spread his arms, accepted the thorns, endured the nails, and suffered on the cross that we might know the depths of grace.
 
Look! See how he died?
 
Jesus, God’s very self, was willing to go from the cross to the grave so that we might understand that what seems so final on this earth has no sting, no hold, no grip on us. Death is swallowed up in victory.
 
Look! See how he died? And now…see how he rises?
 
Peace,
Pastor Brian

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. -Acts 2:42-47

Dear church!
I am very excited to announce that at the end of March, we will be launching our first few Compass Groups – GBUMC’s version of a small group ministry. Starting with 3-4 small groups, we’ll look forward to growing as the ministry builds momentum. These small groups will be an opportunity for individuals, couples, families, etc. to grow in their faith with others from GBUMC, as well as those who are invited to come and see what the Compass Group ministry is all about. What we are looking forward to is this:
 

1. Compass Groups, as our small group ministry, will provide one of the most effective tools for growing the church through invitation, community building, and small group relationships.
2. Compass Groups will help to connect and equip church family who desire to grow in their faith, grow in their relationships with others, and grow in their service to others.
3. Compass Groups will help us integrate new members into the life of the church much quicker and with greater satisfaction.

And while these are not the only reasons, I hope that they give you some insight into what makes small group ministry so meaningful. And so, I want to invite you to join me, our Compass Group H.O.S.T.s (you’ll have to come to learn what a H.O.S.T. is), and one another as we kick off our Compass Group small group ministry on Sunday, March 23rd from 1-2:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Refreshments will be provided. If you are interested in learning more about our small group ministry and maybe even joining one of our first Compass Groups, I truly hope that you’ll come. Keep an eye out for more information coming out as that date draws closer.

Friends, I am incredibly excited for this new chapter in our church’s life. I truly believe that the impact of small groups on this church will be powerful and even transformative

The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. -Isaiah 11:6-9
 
I recently learned what I assumed was useless trivia, until I realized how strangely familiar it is. Hyenas will hunt in packs, and when doing so, often have the same diet as the much hungrier and much stronger lion or lioness. In order to feast, one hyena will go after the lion’s entrée, only to become the focus of the lion’s rage. Needless to say, lions are not great at sharing. While the lion is distracted by the scapegoat hyena, the other pack members will enjoy what was once the lion’s dinner.
 
Yes, you read that right. In order for the pack to eat, one hyena needs to sacrifice themselves to the lion. While, on one hand, that might sound noble, on the other hand, it’s quite troubling. In this scenario, there is no real winner in the smorgasbord mess. The lion doesn’t eat, at least one hyena loses its life, and the other hyenas, while sharing their new-found feast, question the decaying trust in their pack. It’s all a far cry from the vision Isaiah shares of God’s kingdom.
 
Now, before we got into all of the wildlife drama, I mentioned that the whole thing stood out to me as being strangely familiar. It’s not because I’ve witnessed it. Trust me, the only lions I’ve seen were behind thick glass at the Detroit Zoo, and they were most definitely sleeping. Rather, it seemed familiar because, so often in our world, we find ourselves thriving at the expense of another – some we know and some we don’t. Sometimes we’re the lion who is made to feel defensive of what we have and are afraid to lose. Sometimes we’re the hyenas who benefit only when our neighbor fails. And sometimes, we’re the hyena who is sacrificed by the pack. And, yes – sometimes we’re the gazelle who wandered too far from the herd.
 
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we find ourselves praying a prayer that invites God’s kingdom to come “on earth as it is in heaven.” We become like Isaiah, envisioning all of God’s creation lying, living, and playing together. To be clear, this is not my advocacy for vegetarianism. I’m all for the circle of life, the food chain and such. What I’m getting at is that we need to strive for a world in which our neighbor can eat while we’re still thriving. We need to desire to be, ourselves, a nation that can welcome the sojourner desiring a life of safety and prosperity, while we can enjoy the same. We need to advocate for a society in which mutual dignity and worth is not a zero-sum game in which some must lose for others to win. In other words, we need to join Isaiah in a dream wherein we can exist for one another, and not in spite of one another.
 
Peace.
Pastor Brian

In his December newsletter article from The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan, Rev. David Bell shared the following article entitled: Embracing Christian Stewardship: Nurturing Generosity and Responsibility. I’m sharing this article for two reasons. The first is that I believe it is a wonderful reminder of what Christian Stewardship is! The second is that I firmly believe that we ought to talk about stewardship, generosity and our responsibility for both more than just once a year as we hand out pledge cards. And so, to a congregation that is known for, among other things, generosity, I encourage you to take a moment and read Rev. Bell’s message.

Peace,
Pastor Brian

“At its core, Christian stewardship is about recognizing that we are not owners but rather caretakers of God’s creation. This perspective fundamentally shapes how we view our possessions, talents, time, and resources. It challenges us to shift our focus from selfish accumulation to selfless service, from consumption to contribution.

One of the central themes of Christian stewardship is the concept of tithing – the practice of giving a portion of one’s income to support the ministry of the church and to help those in need. While the act of tithing is often associated with financial giving, it extends far beyond mere monetary contributions. It encompasses the holistic stewardship of all aspects of our lives. Stewardship invites us to reflect on the question: How can we use our gifts and graces to bless others? This mindset fosters a spirit of generosity that goes beyond meeting our own needs to actively seeking ways to uplift and empower those around us. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, mentoring a struggling youth, or simply offering a listening ear to someone in distress, every act of kindness is an expression of stewardship.

Moreover, Christian stewardship compels us to be mindful of the impact of our choices on future generations. It calls us to be responsible stewards of God’s creation by advocating for policies and investing with value-aligned principles that promote sustainability and justice. It challenges us to confront issues of inequality and injustice and to recognize that these systemic problems are not just social obstacles but moral imperatives that demand our attention and action.

In practicing Christian stewardship, we find fulfillment and purpose beyond material wealth or personal gain. We discover the joy of giving, the satisfaction of making a difference, and the peace that comes from living in alignment with our values. Christian stewardship is a sacred calling to participate in God’s ongoing work of renewal and reconciliation in the world.

Ultimately, Christian stewardship is a journey – a continual process of growth and transformation as we learn to live more fully into the abundant life that God desires for us. It invites us to cultivate a mindset of abundance and to trust in God’s provision and grace as we seek to share our blessings with others.

In a world marked by division, greed, and uncertainty, the message of Christian stewardship offers a beacon of hope and healing. It reminds us that we are all interconnected as children of God and called to love and care for one another as faithful stewards of God’s gifts. May we embrace this sacred calling with a spirit of humility, gratitude, and generosity, knowing that in serving others, we are truly serving the One who has entrusted us with all.”