Our Advent theme this year is “I Believe Even When…” and comes from a quote found scrawled on a wall during the Holocaust which read: “I believe in the sun, even when the sun is not shining.”
We are called to have faith and believe in God even when things feel insurmountable. This has certainly been a year with situations and circumstances that feel insurmountable and beyond our control….and yet
God continues to move and speak to us. God’s presence is with us, like a Good Shepherd, who does not leave us in dark places but walks with us always.
Our devotional is available as a PDF download (for printing as a booklet or for viewing as pages on screen), as printed copies (a limited number available from the church office), and was sent as a daily email and shared on our social media channels.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3: 16 – 18 (NIV)
So all of you should live together in peace. Try to understand each other. Love each other like brothers and sisters. Be kind and humble. 1 Peter 3: 8 (ERV)
It’s not just about the children’s relationships with our Triune God, not just about the children’s relationships with their teachers or pastors or the church. It’s also about the children’s relationships with one another.
Our family’s story offers a witness to these faith-centered, interpersonal relationships.
It started with Kellen in the late 1990s and then Maddie in the early 2000s, years before I entered our St. John’s sanctuary as a guest seeking refuge in 2006. Ms. Lynn would pick up her eldest grandchildren every Sunday morning and take them with her to church, which was such a blessing because I always wanted that for my children but was in a place in my life where I was not engaged with any church and believed myself unable to aid in facilitating that foundational block.
As they grew up, my now big kids went to Sunday school. When they were old enough they went to youth. Maddie, in particular, developed relationships there with a depth far surpassed other friendly relationships in her life. Now a 21-year-old young woman, Maddie still fondly recalls and continues to delight in the sweet affinity she has for her St. John’s friends; these timeless, Christ-centered friendships overflow with depths of loving-kindness and understanding.
These are profound, meaningful relationships rooted in the foundation of our faith, threaded together by our Lord. There’s just no comparison to interpersonal relationships of this depth of truth and love, and a history in community together that reinforces it. I am so thankful that St. John’s children’s ministry provided space for these truest, forever friendships in Christ to take root and grow.
Now, as a young adult, Maddie continues in those relationships with cords that cannot be broken, and I am thankful. The experience of children’s ministry at St. John’s and the deep, personal relationships spun out of it prompted Maddie to be at youth one Sunday recently as a volunteer, younger sister Izzy in tow, as Maddie and I both see the goodness of this gift of relationship on the deepest level and want Izzy to experience and know that blessed gift as well.
It brings me joy to know that as my now adult daughter goes out into the world she continues to have these meaningful relationships founded in faith, and always has a home in her heart to which she can return should she need comfort or encouragement or otherwise, regardless of her life circumstances.
My fervent prayer is that when my children and the children of St. John’s are grown, and recall the God of their childhood, the God of their youth, that they will recall Emmanuel – God with us – right smack in the center of these loving ties among siblings in Christ. I pray that those Christ-centered friendships established and nurtured in Sunday school and youth are forever rooted in the children’s depths.
I long for these Christ-centered friendships for my children and all the children of St. John’s, as much as I long for them to know and love God. St. John’s children’s ministry met the need in our family – the longing that I had – and filled a void, providing a space for unity in Christ among friends that cannot be replicated.
Loving God, thank you for Emmanuel – God with us – the centering force of love and truth in our lives and in our relationships. Help us to nurture one another in faith, wisdom and encouragement as brothers and sisters in Christ. Help us to be more like you and to actively demonstrate our love for you in the ways we love one another. In Jesus’ name … Amen.
Our calling to faithful service is not always easy to respond to, but all things are possible when we realize how much God loves us and entrusts us to care for others. This lectionary-based series will follow readings from the Gospel of Matthew, which encourages us to accept the mantle of responsibility for the work to which God calls us. Through this four week series, we will see how important our individual contributions are to the Church and to the building up of God’s kingdom. Entrusted by God, we’re all in this together!
November 22, 2020
“Entrusted to Love and Live” Matthew 25:31-46 Rev. Deirdré Halliburton, Associate Pastor View the sermon, which is part of a livestreamed worship service
November 15, 2020
“Holy Boldness” Matthew 25:14-30 Rev. Lane Cotton Winn, Lead Pastor View the sermon, which is part of a livestreamed worship service
November 8, 2020
“Entrusted to Stay and Share” Matthew 25:1-13 Rev. Lane Cotton Winn, Lead Pastor View the sermon, which is part of a livestreamed worship service
November 1, 2020
“Practicing What We Preach” Matthew 23:1-12 Rev. Deirdré Halliburton, Associate Pastor View the sermon, which is part of a livestreamed All Saints Day worship service
Our congregation remains the heartbeat of St. John’s, and your pledge is the lifeblood of our ministries. Inspired by Psalm 98, let us join in singing a new song, as we invest in our future together for joy.
Pledges made during this campaign will be active during the 2021 calendar year. If you have any questions about making a pledge, please contact LeAnn Davis, our Manager of Finance and Facilities.
Despite all the challenges of 2020, St. John’s has remained together in spirit. Even during this less than marvelous year, God has been faithful and active. This October we will join creation in rejoicing — together for joy — for all God has done.
From Psalm 98, we read, “Sing to God a new song, for God has done marvelous things. Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy.” As we’ve all learned over these difficult months of physical distancing, staying connected – being “together for joy” – has only become more important. And though the challenges we face are real, so are the opportunities to sing to God a new song, for God has done – and will do – marvelous things!
It seems fitting that we will resume in-person worship and welcome small groups to gather on the same day that we kickoff “Together for Joy,” for it will truly be a joyful time of praise and fellowship together! Whether it is in-person or online, we invite you to worship with us on Sunday, October 4, 2020 at 10 a.m. and throughout October as we celebrate with joy our togetherness in the body of Christ!
Stewardship 2021 Videos
Together for Joy – Stewardship 2021 at St. John’s UMC
Joyful Ministry Moment – Children’s Ministry for Joy!
Joyful Ministry Moment – Youth Ministry for Joy!
Joyful Ministry Moment – The Shepherd’s Market for Joy!
Joyful Ministry Moment – Tech Team for Joy!
Joyful Ministry Moment – Highlights of Online Worship
“Together for Joy!” Psalm 98 Rev. Lane Cotton Winn View the sermon, which is part of a livestreamed worship service
October 18, 2020
JOY-Filled Service with Joyful Ministry Moments (see videos above) Psalm 98 View the livestreamed worship service.
October 11, 2020
“Opportunities for Joy & Togetherness” Psalm 96 Rev. Lane Cotton Winn View the sermon, which is part of a livestreamed worship service
October 4, 2020
“A New Song for a New Day” Psalm 98:1-8 Rev. Lane Cotton Winn View the sermon, which is part of a livestreamed worship service
Stewardship 2021 Brochure
Read about the marvelous things God has been doing at St. John’s within the last year, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, in our Stewardship 2021 Brochure.
Stewardship 2021 Messages from St. John’s Leadership
We will be collecting donations for the Hurricane Laura relief efforts throughout the month of September. Supply donations can be dropped off during Office Hours, Monday through Thursday, 9 am to noon or during the Drive-Thru Offering on Sundays from 11 am to noon.
Right now, Lake Charles cannot support volunteers, and emergency personnel are asking that volunteers not to come to the southwest region yet. There will soon be many opportunities to volunteer, but first we can offer prayer, financial support, and supplies.
There is a huge list of needs right now. You will find the list below*:
Baby food
Diapers
Water
Generators
Tarps
12 penny nails
Furring strips
Box fans
Work gloves
Gas cans
Flat blade shovels
Extension ladders
Extension cords
Flat bars
Crowbars
Rakes
For now, these supplies are being collected and stored at Asbury United Methodist Church in Lafayette. We are looking for anyone with a truck and/or trailer who would be willing to deliver supplies to Lafayette in the coming weeks. Please contact Pastor Deirdre if you are able to drive a load to Lafayette.
If you would like to make a financial donation to the relief efforts, we have set up a special Disaster Relief Fund on our website. Choose the Missions Fund, and then the Disaster Relief Fund. Your donations will matter and will help restore hope and homes in southwest Louisiana.
*Please note that the list does not contain clothing. This is often a misunderstood part of disasters. The system gets inundated with clothing, and it becomes a burden to manage. Please understand that there is no need for clothing.
All the Feels: Seeking God When Our Emotions Are All Over the Place
This year has brought us crisis and uncertainty like never before. Our hearts and minds are responding with emotions like anxiety, fear, sadness, and anger, as we collectively grieve our losses. What do we do with all these God-given emotions we feel? How can we manage them in a healthy way? Where can we find hope amid this grief and loss? What does scripture teach us about processing “all the feels” we have?
During this worship series, we will explore the landscape of these questions and the intersection of our feelings and faith. Each week, we will hear from a different preacher, who will offer us a pastoral word, as together we hold one another in this grief.
September 27, 2020
“The Invisible Enemy” John 5:1-6 Rev. John Winn View the sermon, which is part of a livestreamed virtual worship service.
September 20, 2020
“Remember and Fear Not” Isaiah 43:1-7 Rev. Marie Williams View the sermon, which is part of a livestreamed virtual worship service.
September 13, 2020
“Swallowed by Joy” Jonah 1:17-2:7 Rev. Deirdré Halliburton, Associate Pastor View the sermon, which is part of a livestreamed virtual worship service.
September 6, 2020
“Magnify” Psalm 34 Rev. Latrice Mallard, Minister of Mental and Spiritual Care View the sermon, which is part of a livestreamed virtual worship service.
August 30, 2020
“Why Tarry All Day Long? Psalm 9:1-2, Psalm 30 Rev. Larry Norman View the sermon, which is part of a livestreamed virtual worship service.
August 23, 2020
“Feeling All the Feels … It’s Normal” 1 Kings 19:1-18 Rev. Lane Cotton Winn, Lead Pastor View the sermon, which is part of a livestreamed virtual worship service.
I invite you to join us online this Sunday, August 2, as we launch a livestream of our worship service, celebrate Holy Communion together, and share in a Blessing of the Backpacks for the start of a new school year. Do you remember that line in the Apostles’ Creed that says “I believe in the communion of saints”? This “communion of saints” has become a very real component of our faith during the COVID-19 pandemic. At its core, the “communion of saints” is an affirmation of the empowering, unifying, and healing work of the Holy Spirit among God’s people and throughout creation. It is a reminder that though we cannot be with one another, and we cannot gather in one, physical place, as the “communion of saints” we are together in Spirit.
We feel the loss of this fellowship acutely, especially when we want to approach the Lord’s Table. In extraordinary times like these, how will we come to the Table? As is often said: “Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.” If each of us is joined to Christ by virtue of our faith and baptism, then we are also joined to one another as the Body of Christ. This is our true communion. Even though we are not physically together, we are truly together because of this union we have with Christ, through the Holy Spirit.
In normal times, when members of our congregation are homebound, we take communion to them. It is a way of extending the Communion table to those unable to gather with us in-person, but who long for this means of experiencing God’s grace. In a way, we are all “homebound” right now. Therefore, during these extraordinary times, we will extend the Communion table to you – our homebound congregation – this Sunday, August 2.
During our worship service, which we will livestream from our Facebook Page and Vimeo channel, we will share in the Great Thanksgiving together. Pastor Deirdre’ and I will lead us through our Communion prayers and rituals. And when it comes time for the Epiclesis – the Prayer asking the Holy Spirit upon us and upon the communion elements, there will be individual Communion Kits upon the altar, which we will consecrate. Then, during our Drive-By Offering, from 11 a.m.-noon, we invite you to come and pick up a Communion Kit so that you, too, can partake in the sacrament of Holy Communion.
I know it will not be the same as receiving Communion together in the sanctuary. But we offer this unique opportunity for those individuals and families who desire to receive it. I also acknowledge that participating in Communion in this way may not be the desire of everyone. Choice is always part of our faith and our Spiritual practices. Whether you realize it or not, we have been “fasting” from receiving the Sacrament, which we last shared in together at St. John’s on March 8. So, after 20 Sundays, those who desire, will break the fast! Please know that I understand if you prefer to continue “fasting” and awaiting that time in which our gathering around Christ’s Table in person will be deemed safe.
Your choice in this matter is between you and God and will be blessed by God. If you do choose to participate in the Eucharist, please worship with us at 10 a.m. this Sunday and then drive by the church anytime from 11 a.m. to noon to pick up your Communion Kit.
Additionally, we are looking for people to help deliver Communion, to those who are unable to get out on Sunday and who are truly homebound or facility bound. You can pick up kits for delivery on Sunday, as well. If you’re willing to help make some deliveries or would like Communion delivered to you, please contact Pastor Deirdre’ (pastordeirdre@stjohnsbr.org).
Already during this pandemic, we’ve been reminded that the Church is not a building. The Church is the people! And this Sunday, August 2, as we gather around the Lord’s Table, we will be reminded that Communion – whether experienced in the reverence of the sanctuary or partaken out of a plastic cup –is still an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. And ALL are welcome to partake.
As I mentioned earlier, we will be launching our livestream this Sunday, so please pray for the Tech Team and the technology. We are thankful for all these innovative ways of staying connected.
We will also have a Blessing of the Backpacks on Sunday for all our students, educators, and folks who work in the school system. We will even have a Backpack Tag for you to come pick up during the Drive By Offering as a reminder of the “Peace of Christ” that goes with you into this new school year.
This Sunday is also Grocery Bag Sunday! If you have donations for The Shepherd’s Market, please bring them by on Sunday, as well. It will be such a joy to see your masked face and smiling eyes!
I love you and miss you! I am so thankful to be a part of the “Communion of Saints” with you here at St. John’s United Methodist Church.
Listen to me when I complain, God! Protect my life from the enemy’s terror! (Psalm 64:1 – CEB)
My participation in church stretches back as far as my memory. The house where I grew up is on the same block as the small UMC in which I was raised. My parents modeled church leadership for me. It was a reality for the church to survive. Someone had to do the work so they did it.
My dad’s parents were also key players in church leadership. My grandpa was the church council chair when the mortgage document was burned, and my grandma faithfully served as the board’s recording secretary and newsletter writer for decades as well as leading the adult Sunday school class.
Our tiny church was part of a two-point charge, and it remains so today. Our pastors lived in the parsonage at the bigger church. I remember weekly trips to get the bulletin done. I don’t know if my dad or mom was responsible for typing or copying or some combination. But I know every Saturday we’d have to drive to the pastor’s house and get something, come back to the church and make the copies.
The next town over was certainly bigger than ours, and it had a Dairy X, like a cafe and ice cream shop. If I reach back into my memory, I can still taste the soft serve swirled into a Styrofoam cup and hear the clink of the pool table balls on the Saturdays we got to stop there as a treat for accompanying Daddy on the errand.
As my grandparents aged, my parents took over as the board chair and recording secretary. For years my mom wrote the “Grace Notes” newsletter and brought it into the 21st century with an emailed version in addition to the print outs available during worship each Sunday. A small church requires everyone’s participation, and my parents’ roles were in leadership. They also were lay servants and leaders, occasionally preaching and always teaching.
I’ve been a member of several United Methodist Churches since I left my hometown, volunteering my communications skills in several, but I’ve never been as connected as I am at St. John’s. Part of that is longevity — other than my hometown church this is the congregation in which I’ve spent the most time. But of course St. John’s has become more than that. You are my family, helping us raise our daughters.
I want to be an instrument of God’s work, and I learned that desire and how to do that from my parents and grandparents. Using my talents at St. John’s evolved over the years. I started by inserting myself into website re-launching discussions with Pastor Juan. It was slow going with the web firm they had hired, but I had the skills to project manage (and light code) to get the finished site online. I’ve helped with two more complete redesigns of the website since, and think of myself as a “web servant.”
Pastor Juan also asked for my help doing sermon videos. I didn’t realize that his asking me to simply “push a button” would lead me to the work I’m doing now, editing worship videos during a pandemic when we can’t all worship together in person. As I work, I try to let worship flow through me — through my keyboard as I type the captions, through my mind as I ponder transitions and the best crops, through my heart as I sing again and again the songs of praise to get the lyrics aligned on screen. If I look at it like that, what a gift that I am able to be part of this work enabling others to experience the risen Savior from their homes.
In this weird, upside down time of COVID-19, my skills and availability as a part-time work-from-home mom with a supportive partner and co-parent have aligned with a church need for worship at home. Sometimes it feels like I was made for a time such as this.
