Message from Pastor Jim –

Eileen and I represented Orlean United Methodist Church at the 236^th session of the Virginia Annual Conference, held June 15-17, 2018, at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, Virginia.  This year, the Conference theme was “Servant Leaders Making a Difference,” based on 1 Peter 4:10:

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

Traditionally, the first newsletter after Annual Conference is dedicated to a review of Conference business.  However, our Conference office now prepares and distributes a “Conference Wrap Up” which highlights all of the major events that took place during the Conference, so this year I have decided to use that communications vehicle as the best way to keep you all informed.  I have copies of the wrap up available for anyone interested in having one.  Also, I am available should anyone have specific questions or items of interest that they wish to discuss.

It is very fitting that this year’s theme was based on scripture from First Peter.  Dr. David Jeremiah, in his wonderful book, “A. D.  The Bible Continues: The Revolution that Changed the World,” reminds us of these famous words, also from Peter:

“Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead.  For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where is says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’  There is salvation in no one else!  God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”   (Acts 4:10-12)

Jeremiah writes: “Was this the same Peter who had cowered in the background when Jesus was arrested?  The same man who had denied him three times to protect his own skin?  Here he was, speaking to the very men who had condemned Jesus, accusing them of killing their own Messiah.  The accused had become the accuser.  This moment revealed a dramatic turnaround in Peter’s character.  He was now confident, assured, and unafraid to speak the truth in dangerous circumstances.  He also demonstrated the quick wit and sharp reason he had lacked before.

What made the difference?  The Holy Spirit.” That same Holy Spirit can be life changing for you too!  Think about it … pray about it!  Invite the Spirit into your heart!  Share the working of the Holy Spirit in your life with others.

Remember these words from John’s Gospel:  (John 14:23-31)

²³ Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. ²⁴ Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.

²⁵ “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. ²⁶ But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. ²⁸ You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. ²⁹ And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. ³⁰ I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, ³¹ but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Jim

Despise the flesh, for it passes away, see to the welfare of your soul, for it never dies.   (St. Basil)