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Watch the full service online by clicking here.
God’s love changes us. It roots us in grace, frees us from fear, and calls us into deeper relationships with one another. Love is more than something we believe or talk about. Love becomes visible when we show compassion, extend hospitality, serve our neighbors, and choose to care for one another in meaningful ways.
The love of Christ gives us the courage to move beyond what is comfortable and familiar. When we trust that we are fully known and fully loved by God, we can open our hearts to new relationships, new opportunities to serve, and new ways of growing together as disciples. Perfect love casts out fear because God’s love is already at work within us.
As a church family, we are called to live that love boldly. We do this when we welcome others, strengthen our community, share our gifts, and participate in God’s work around us. Christ’s love is not something we keep for ourselves. It is something we receive, embody, and share with the world.
Take Time to Reflect
- Where do you see God’s love already at work in your life and relationships?
- How is Christ inviting you to move beyond fear and love more boldly?
- What opportunities do you have this week to share God’s love through hospitality, service, or encouragement?
Scripture References:
1 John 3:17-18, 1 John 4:17-18, Ephesians 3:17-19
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I bring you the good news of Jesus Christ from the Horizon Texas Conference in Wichita Falls. When you read this, I will have been commissioned as a provisional elder in the United Methodist Church.
This week, I joined clergy and laity from across Texas for worship, learning, fellowship, and service. It was a powerful reminder that the church is far larger than any one congregation, yet it is strengthened by the faithfulness of local churches like St. Matthew.
The theme of this year’s conference was Love Boldly. Throughout the week, I was reminded that loving boldly is not reserved for pastors or church leaders. It is the calling of every follower of Christ. We love boldly when we welcome a visitor, encourage a friend, serve a neighbor, pray for someone in need, or share God’s grace with those around us.
One of the most moving parts of the conference was witnessing the commitment of so many people who have answered God’s call in different ways. Some were commissioned or ordained. Others continue to serve faithfully in their churches and communities. Together, they reminded me that ministry is not something we do alone. We are part of a larger body of Christ, united in our mission to share God’s love with the world.
Thank you to our conference volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this gathering possible. I would also like to thank everyone who made the journey to Wichita Falls to support me during this important step in my ministry. Your prayers, encouragement, and presence were a blessing to me, and I am grateful to serve and love boldly alongside you.
As we prepare for Bring a Friend Sunday, may we continue to love boldly by welcoming others, sharing hope, and helping people discover that they belong in God’s family.
Grace and Peace,
Mary
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In this week’s lesson, we learned about Timothy, a young follower of Jesus. Timothy had learned about God from his mother and grandmother, who helped him develop a strong faith. As he grew older, he worked alongside Paul, sharing the good news of Jesus with others.
One day, Paul wrote a letter to Timothy. He knew that following Jesus wasn’t always easy, and he wanted to encourage his young friend. Paul reminded Timothy that God had given him a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline, not a spirit of fear. Even when life was difficult, Timothy could trust God and continue sharing that love with others.
Paul also encouraged Timothy to hold on to what he had learned and pass it on to others. The good news of Jesus is meant to be shared, helping more people discover God’s love, hope, and kindness. Just like Paul encouraged Timothy, we can encourage others too. A kind word, a note, a text message, or an invitation to church can help someone feel loved and remind them that God is always with them.
What We Learned
- Timothy learned about God from his mother and grandmother
- God gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline, not fear
- Paul encouraged Timothy to keep sharing the good news of Jesus
- We can share God’s love through encouragement and kindness
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