As we embark on a New Year, we often take stock of our lives and make resolutions about habits that we think we can change for the better. In a life of faith, we are always changing for the better by cultivating our prayer life. Our church family supports us in this growth and through the difficult times we encounter. Some of the spiritual disciplines that foster our spiritual growth are worship and study of scripture and we have two great opportunities for participating in those things this winter detailed below.
Deeper than the question of “how can I be better” is “what is my purpose” and we seek the answers to that question in each prayer, each time we open the bible and each time we attend worship. I love the scripture that we have that reminds us we are not saved by works (Ephesians 2:8-9), i.e., we are not what we do, but rather we are God’s beloved creation! That is our purpose. We are like the lilies of the field which neither toil nor spin (Matthew 6:28-29) but are lovingly tended by our parent God. Not only does God nurture our growth and provide our needs, but also God created us in order to appreciate our beauty and all of the intricate details of our being. (Psalm 139:13-18)
 Each December I purchase an amaryllis and watch with wonder as the tiny green stubs begin to elongate and bulge and reveal not only one, but numerous blossoms within. Then the glorious color begins to emerge, and the floral trumpets face every direction. The stalk is always surprisingly tall and strong. I’ve seen this phenomena year after year many times but it never ceases to amaze me. I relish the opportunity to see the promise of that dirty bulb in a box revealed in fragrant splendor a few short weeks later. I think that’s how God sees each one of us. God knows everything about us. God knows about our state in a dry, dirty husk but God also anticipates and cherishes the potential within us to be things of beauty and delight. My prayer for each of us this new year, is that we may also see that in us which God created, which God adores. Peace be with you.
Worship: In January we will celebrate Epiphany with a series called Glory Revealed. Epiphany is all about light. The star in the sky leads the magi to Jesus, the light of the world, the revelation of divine love who came to dwell among us. On January 4th we will pray the Wesleyan Covenant Prayer as part of committing ourselves to God in the year ahead. Like the magi, we have wandered over the last year, sometimes across rough terrain and other times over smooth roads, to seek the promise that God is doing a new thing among us. When we renew our covenant together, we commit once again to continue on the path of the Christ child throughout the coming year. We choose to see, hear, touch, smell, and even taste the world around us as bearers and seekers of divine love.
This year, 2026 is Oakdale United Methodist Church's 175th anniversary and we will be celebrating on Heritage Sunday, May 24, 2026. If you have historic items such as photos, books, or stories you would like to share please let Pastor Cheryl know so that we can include them in the service and in a historic display. We also welcome any other ideas you may have to celebrate this wonderful milestone.
 Bible Study: You are welcome to join us in reading together We Believe: How the Nicene Creed Can Deepen Your Faith by Michael Carpenter and meet to discuss our insights and questions at 10:30 am or 7:00 pm, each Wednesday from January 7 through February 11, 2026. Discover how the ancient Nicene Creed can transform your spiritual journey. Personal anecdotes and practical insights will guide us to a profound connection with God. We will dive into six chapters, covering the Nicene Creed sequentially, that unpack the essence of it, enriching our faith and deepening our understanding of Christian beliefs. You can purchase the book in electronic or paperback format at this link.
Prayer for Christian Unity – Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish has invited all of us to a Service of the Word and fellowship to celebrate the week of prayer for Christian Unity on Sunday, January 18th at 2:00 pm. Please come!
Pastor’s Hours: Usually Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 10:00-2:00, by chance or appointment if you want to be sure to catch me. On Thursdays I read and write in the quiet of my home office, and you see me here on Sundays. I take Fridays and Saturdays off and do not answer the phone, email or texts on those days except for emergencies. If you or someone you know would like a visit, please let me know.
Please join us for worship each Sunday at 10:30 at the church or on our YouTube livestream at this link.
Pastoral Care: Please contact me when you have a graduation, anniversary, or other special event that you would like me to pray for. When you are facing a difficult decision and would like someone to discuss it with, I am a trained Spiritual Director, here to listen and to offer prayer for wisdom and guidance. When planning a wedding, I can provide premarital counseling and planning for a Christian ceremony. When anticipating a death in the family, let me pray for you and your loved one as they transition from this life to the eternal. I am here to serve you and encourage you in all of life’s situations. I am available by appointment or by chance at the church office.
In Christ's Love,
Pastor Cheryl
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