As radio telescopes grow more powerful (and more numerous), astronomers keep stumbling across strange things. Just yesterday astronomers in Canada shared something inexplicable: a “fast radio burst” (FRB) from deep space, 1.5 billion light years away. No one knows yet what to make of these FRBs, more and more frequent in recent years. Sometimes they aren’t even …
Seeing in the Dark
Arise! Shine! Your light has come; the Lord’s glory has shone upon you. Though darkness covers the earth and gloom the nations, the Lord will shine upon you; God’s glory will appear over you. Isaiah 60:1-2 (CEB) I start each day with pretty much the same routine: wake up, get the coffee brewing, read the Upper Room and also the Upper Room …
Gifts and Gratitude
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven. He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him. Praise the Lord! Psalm 148:13-14 This is the last Messenger of 2018, written here …
Christmas Weekend Worship Updates
It’s time once more to welcome Jesus Christ into our world. Here’s everything you need to know to share with your friends and neighbors who may not have a church home but would like to celebrate the season with Flemington UMC: Sunday, December 23, 10:30AM – A Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols This musical …
The Beauty of Offering a Welcome to All
While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom. Luke 2:6-7 These stories we revisit each Advent ripple with the propulsive energy carrying Mary and …
Hope We Can See
“With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior. He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant. Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is …
Refined
Look, I am sending my messenger who will clear the path before me; suddenly the Lord whom you are seeking will come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you take delight is coming, says the Lord of heavenly forces. Who can endure the day of his coming? Who can withstand his …
Anticipating the Already, Living in the Not Yet
…When the angel came to her, he said, “Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you!” She was confused by these words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. God is honoring you. Look! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He …
Celebrating the Reign of Christ
…Pilate asked him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.’ John 18:37 While tables are set and, we pray, naps taken …
When God Breaks Through Our Defenses
“… no sir!” Hannah replied, “I’m just a very sad woman. I haven’t had any wine or beer but have been pouring out my heart to the Lord. Don’t think your servant is some good-for-nothing woman. This whole time I’ve been praying out of my great worry and trouble!” Eli responded, “Then go in peace. …