Pentecost is one of the more important celebrations of the church year. For many, it is the birthday of the church, for it was in the coming of the Holy Spirit that the disciples of Christ were empowered and encouraged to move forward in participating in the mission of God in the world. It is no different for us today. God fulfills his promise of continued presence through the Holy Spirit, and we are gifted and enabled to share in the work of God. Have you ever taken a moment to consider just how incredible this is?

That God would ask you, ask me, to be his workers in the world; to carry the story of new life and freedom, to enact the compassionate ministry of Christ. The responsibility is huge, the honor is great, the rewards eternal.

In what ways is God calling you to partner with him in the world? Are you responding to this invitation? I pray that you are, for there is no greater joy or privilege in the world.

Blessings and peace,

Kandace

I don’t know about you, but I have learned much from our lingering together on the story of the Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. In fact, there are so many lessons that I have learned that I believe are God’s word for the church today that I have summarized some of those lessons for you in a short insert. Perhaps this material can help you to further reflect on the transforming power of Jesus in your own life, and in the life of this church. I would ask that you would carefully reflect on the questions raised by this passage, especially as we pray together in preparation for the work of re-visioning the future for Tomoka United Methodist Church.

Today I wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all who have raised children, and have an influence on children that God has entrusted to your care, biological or otherwise. We give thanks for the women who have formed our lives, and pray that God continues to guide us all as we seek to shape a future generation of children who love God, love others, and love themselves.

Blessings,

Kandace

When the Samaritan woman speaking with Jesus at Jacob’s well realizes whom she is speaking with, she starts asking some important questions. First on her list is a question about worship. Jesus answers her simply, yet profoundly. Many of us ask the same question today – what kind of worship is pleasing to God?

I guess I made a lot of folks nervous last week with all that talk about visioning, and change, and Living Water. Today I am happy to be able to officially say that I will be remaining here at Tomoka UMC as your pastor for the next year. I pray that this is good news for you! I know that Tomoka has been through some big transitions over the past several years, and as we move forward into discerning God’s vision and God’s future for this church, I can truthfully say that we are going to be doing that together.

So, continue to pray for me, as I pray for you. Let’s be faithful in praying during the month of May that God would unify this body as only He can; that His Spirit would fill us with wisdom and discernment; and that lives will be changed through the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this corner of God’s kingdom!

Looking forward to serving you, and serving God with you.

Blessings,

Kandace

Jesus promises to his people Living Water – water that will not dry up, water that is moving and alive and active, water that quenches the deepest thirst of our souls. This morning we will explore this beautiful imagery more and discover what it means to us as individuals and as a church.