Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Can These Bones Live Again?

Read: Ezekiel 37:1-14

“The Lord’s power overcame me, and while I was in the LORD’s spirit, he led me out and set me down in the middle of a certain valley. It was full of bones. He led me through them all around, and I saw that there were a great many of them on the valley floor, and they were very dry. He asked me, ‘Human One, can these bones live again?’ I said, ‘LORD God, only you know.’” – Ezekiel 37:1-3, CEB

Can these bones live again? That is the haunting question that begins this famous passage from Ezekiel 37. It’s also the subject of one of our beautiful sanctuary windows. God has a way of breathing life into the dead. In this vision, Ezekiel sees his nation, his very people, as nothing more than lifeless bones strewn across a valley. There is no life in this place. Why is this so? God’s breath is no longer within them. God’s spirit is absent.

Here is the good news. God isn’t afraid of dead spaces or dead things. For God, they become an opportunity to bring new life and a new day. So, God tells Ezekiel to prophesy, and he does. Speaking God’s word to the lifeless bones, they begin to shake and rattle. Joining together, they become bodies once more; bodies to be filled with God’s Spirit. What was once a dead nation becomes alive again because of God and God’s way.

Where has God brought new life to you and your life? I can think of times in my life where it seemed that there was no way, and yet God breathed new life and provided a way. I know it was God’s hand because it was far beyond anything that I could have imagined or done. In that death, God brought forth life, hope, and a future. I praise God for such experiences and celebrate hearing others share similar stories of God’s wonderful ways.

Can these bones live again? YES! And it’s all because we serve a God of Life.

Prayer: Living God, thank you for bringing life where there is none. Thank you for never giving up on us and seeing what blessings we may be as your spirit fills our lives. Amen

Rev. David Eardley

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

GRATITUDE – Let the little children come…

Read: Mathew 19, Mark 10, and Luke 18

It is truly a joy to see young families with their children attending GPUMC. I remember scrambling to get my two small kids ready for church so I truly admire the devotion of these families to the religious education for their children.

Our children and our amazing Children’s Education Director, dear Emily, and her devoted team bring such energy to our Sunday morning worship.

Our children are the future of the church and society. Jesus knew that in his time and said “for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.”

So young families out there – don’t think you are invisible. We know you are out there and love you and thank you for valuing your children’s religious education. There are Sundays it would be so much easier to just stay home, so know that the rest of us are truly grateful to you. You all enrich our congregation beyond measure.

Vivian Anderson

Monday, March 9, 2026

Thank God For Dogs

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” – James 1:17

While I know most people who’ve lived a few years tend to refer to their lives in decades, I tend to organize mine in “dogcades.” I’ve always relied on companionship from “man’s best friend” and thanks be to God for supplying that companionship!

As a young child I grew up on a small farm and Lassie was our dog who lived in the barn and followed us all around as we played outside in the forest, creek and fields. She was a gentle Shetland sheep dog and like the iconic “Lassie” she watched over my little sister and me as we played with the goats and built dams in the creek.

When I was ten I got my first Golden Retriever puppy. Dee-O-Gee (I didn’t make that up, the lady we got him from had named his father that and because we loved the father dog we used the name) became my 4-H project. I learned how to obedience train a dog and I worked diligently with Dee-O-Gee in all my spare time. He was my confidant. My best friend and collector of my tears. It was Dee-O-Gee I poured out my troubles to in the barn. I had to leave him during the school year to attend years 1-3 of college but when I was a senior and got an apartment, Dee-O-Gee finally came with me. A year later he got married with me and moved to Michigan. A year after that he moved to our first house with us. Dee-O-Gee was my best friend and won the heart of my husband, too until he was 15 and I was 25. When Dee-O-Gee finally finished his time on Earth, I did not think I could go on without him. I vowed I would never have another dog as my young self was positive that would be the way to avoid the terrible heart ache I felt when I lost him.

Three months later, one of my kindergarten students got a Golden puppy and I knew I had to have one after holding hers.

This began the age of Semper Fi. No I wasn’t a Marine as many people asked, just sentimental and still missing Dee-O-Gee when I named my new baby. He came on Palm Sunday. We had to miss one of my favorite Sundays in church to go get him. We had Semper Fi for just one year — a beautiful year of puppy-hood — before the human babies began coming. Semper Fi adapted and welcomed Christopher, then Claire and finally Curt. We did everything together and Semper was mine and my children’s best friend and then it happened again. The end of an era and my broken-hearted kids had to be shown (and so did I) that life goes on.

Twelve days later we welcomed baby Aurora. Aurora followed my kids through the woods and went crazy when they learned to water ski—just convinced they were in trouble out there in the water away from the boat. And as they grew into teens and tested the waters, Aurora absorbed my tears and heard my fears. While God was in my heart and on my mind and directing my steps, Aurora was the soft and gentle companion provided by the Father to walk (figuratively and literally) some lonely and hard paths alongside me. We ran 5 miles each morning in the dark until one morning she could not and I discovered she had lung cancer. It was 2020 and I cried out to God please don’t take her away from me now Lord. But the Lord works in mysterious ways. In some of the longest months of my life, we were dog-less as we waited for a relative of Aurora’s to be bred. We had the hope of a puppy, but who knew when. After four long months another puppy became available. Two Goldens? I’d never had two dogs at once!

How would they both fit in my Kayak like Aurora had? How would TWO dogs run alongside me on my early morning runs? I realized this was God’s double restoration... his “double portion” and I began this new dogcade of life with Iris in April and Belle coming in June. Two tiny sharks chewing up everything in sight. Two puppies to house train. Two babies for the children (all home from college or confined from high school by COVID) and me to love. And they both creatively fit in the kayak and they both run alongside for the early morning runs.

I don’t know how to thank God enough for teaching me to love his creation of the dog and for sending each precious furry life to accompany me on this journey to do God’s work here on Earth. Each “dogcade” has been precious and unique.

Prayer: Dear God, You know what is best for us. Each loving companion you have sent to walk alongside me in life is proof of that. Make us grateful for your beautiful and perfect gifts, Lord. Amen

Sandy Cameron

Sunday, March 8, 2026

The Kindness of Strangers

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.— 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Greg and I have been deeply blessed by the support of church members since I was diagnosed with breast cancer in late 2024. I’m not surprised, because our caring congregation reaches out to help others in need, but I am profoundly grateful.

I have, however, been surprised by the kindness of strangers.

From the early uncertain days to now, the busy health care professionals at the Van Elslander Cancer and Liggett Breast Cancer centers have been patient and kind with me as I muddled through diagnosis, surgeries, radiation, and what comes next.

The 33 rounds of radiation did not fly by, as someone promised. But they were more bearable thanks to the anonymous knitters of Knit Michigan, who donate beautiful hats to breast cancer patients, and other kind souls who offered coloring books, snacks, and journals.

The most unexpected blessing has been the community of fellow radiation travelers who filled the appointments around my 12:30 PM time slot. Through radiation tattoos, burns, exhaustion, and lymphedema, we propped each other up and looked for reasons to smile. When one of us got to ring the bell and end radiation, the rest of us showed up to celebrate.

Once strangers in a waiting area, we have a text chain and continue to celebrate both big and small things in our lives.

Prayer: Thank you for the food I eat, the air I breathe, and the quiet moments of joy that make up my day. Teach me to recognize your work in the small things and to respond with genuine gratitude. Amen.

Kathy Gardner

Saturday, March 7, 2026

Speak Up for Others

“Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the misfits.
Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!” – Proverbs 31: 8-9

As I was preparing to work at Shelter Week in late January, I stumbled across a Facebook post from the good folks in Rockland, Maine, who provide shelter for the homeless in the winter.

During a week when it was brutally cold in Maine, volunteers from that shelter were scouring the woods to locate homeless individuals so they could invite them to come in from the cold. Rockland, where our daughter Jennifer lives with her family, is a beautiful area along the state’s coast and tourists flock there during the summer. That means much of the rental housing has been converted into Airbnbs and VRBOs, which is great for the tourists but deprives the community of needed long-term rentals for year-round residents. I was shocked when I learned how many people live in the woods because they simply cannot find affordable housing.

On this day, the director of the shelter shared a video of a campsite that was clearly still being used. A few crates of pots and pans were on the ground near the remnants of a fire. A flimsy two-person tent with a single sleeping bag and pillow was the only shelter for its occupant. I’ve since learned that this is far from an isolated situation, hence the visits from the volunteers from the shelter.

I applaud the men and women who devote their time to improving the lives of the homeless by providing them with food and temporary shelter. But all of us must be ever mindful that policy makers are making decisions every day that create or exacerbate these conditions.

Providing the occasional meal may briefly salve our consciences, but investing in long-term solutions will be better for all of us. As Christians, I believe we have an obligation to raise our voices on behalf of those who are most vulnerable, poor, and disenfranchised.

Prayer: Give me the wisdom to know the best way to advocate on behalf of others and the courage to do so even when that is unpopular with others in my community

Joan Richardson

Friday, March 6, 2026

Tenacious Mission (It is in our "genetics")

“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16

Even if you did not attend the book study "Knowing Who We Are: The Wesleyan Way of Life," you may still want to consider reading the book. I find our church book studies give me the opportunity to learn more about God's Word and plan for us, the Bible, Christianity, and what it means to be a Methodist in ways that I have challenges doing on my own. I do have to admit the first few chapters did not inspire me much with interest. Then came Chapter 4 "Tenacious Mission."

All the mission and connectional activities that the United Methodist Church is active in today all started with intention in the 1700s! Our roots were not just about a new way to worship. News to me in part! John Wesley and the early Methodists created focused initiatives not only for spiritual growth, but access to healthcare, education, and even microfinance. They started free medical clinics that expanded over time to establish hospitals. They supported educating those who were poor and had no access that expanded to establishing universities. They had a lending system to help support folks starting a business. Starting decades ago Methodists advocated for women, the enslaved, and others who were considered outcasts such as the incarcerated and those with certain illnesses. Does this sound familiar?

The many diverse services that organizations such as Cass Community Social Services, the NOAH Project Detroit, UMCOR, and Methodist Home Society Family of Services all developed from the visions of our forebears nearly 200 years ago. The heritage of the Methodist church IS alive and well today.

Within our local church we continue to advocate for people and positions that intend to support the humanity of all. A few examples that come to mind are participation in the Grosse Pointe Pride Parade, educating our congregation on Gun Violence issues and Mental Health support. We are connectional in our missions with the Gift of Reading, the Rummage Sale, supporting the Immanuel Food Pantry, and the Methodist Children's Home Society. We intentionally try to support not only local (the Wave Project, funding school lunches), but national (Henderson Settlement, UMC Hawaii) and international (Haiti, Liberia, Ukraine, etc) missions either directly or through UMCOR.

The United Methodist Church is so much more than attending Sunday Worship and listening to inspiring sermons. During that precious time we are motivated to "Live and Love Like Jesus," and...we also do a pretty nice job of supporting one another.

Elizabeth Blunden

“The poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore, I command you, saying, ‘you shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor in the land.’" – Deuteronomy 15:11

Thursday, March 5, 2026

God’s Beauty

Read: UMH 144 (This Is My Father’s World)

I’ve long looked to music for inspiration and awe. Like nature, it has brought me closer to God.

Yet for many years “art,” as in art museums, never really spoke to me. My father loved art museums and took us there frequently, but he never discussed or explained any of the art. I basically just ran around the museum and looked for the room with the Egyptian mummies.

However, over the last few years I have come to appreciate the beauty of art. I am fascinated and amazed by the fact that people can create such beauty! My granddaughters both love art and think that spending a day at the Detroit Institute of Arts is wonderful. The older of the two, Maya, tells me about her favorite artists and paintings, and has given me summaries of the lives of various famous artists. Last year I accompanied Maya and Sadie to the Art Institute of Chicago, where we gazed for quite some time at the famous painting by George Seurat about a Sunday afternoon at the park. We also marveled at the loveliness of the Impressionists, especially Monet.

Recently, our Book Club has been reading “Mona’s Eyes,” which is the story of a grandfather in Paris who spends one day a week taking his granddaughter to see and discuss one piece of art. He wants to make sure she is able to “see” these beautiful creations after her world goes dark because of an eye disease.

The book is written by a well-known art historian, and each chapter is devoted to one masterpiece. The author talks extensively about each artist, provides a history of the piece, and explains the technique used. I find myself eager to learn more about the art and artists and anxious to see the pictures of the featured art.

I have realized that God has provided us beauty that comes in many different forms. I just need to open my eyes to discover all the beauty there is to see. But don’t expect to see me in the Modern Art wing.

Jan Versical

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Google is good, but God is better.

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart….” – Psalm 27:14

I was in the basement today doing some ironing (very 1950s of me apparently, as most of my friends say they don't even own irons) and, after the ironing, wondered about the best way to fold a round tablecloth to avoid wrinkles. Rather than using trial and error on the folding – and risking new wrinkles – I knew I could use Google. Google is an amazing place for me to find answers to questions like, "What's the best way to fold a round tablecloth to avoid wrinkles?" and "How do I hand-nail wood trim without leaving hammer dents?" (also for finding out they're not always called hammer dents but hammer "kisses"). Google's got the answers! Google is FAST! And using Google makes things easier! Well, sometimes….

There's this thought that popped in my head as I walked upstairs to the kitchen (with the round tablecloth, not yet folded, in my hands). It was a fleeting thought about patience. Questioning how we can work on becoming more patient in a world where everything spins fast, faster, fastest. Where questions that might once have caused us to problem-solve now send us to our phones and computers to find answers quickly. This thinking brought to mind a plaque that hangs in our utility/coat room (repainted "popcorn butter yellow" last year!); it belonged to my grandfather's mother, Ella Cleary, and is a very clunky-looking, store-bought rectangular plaque, manufactured to look old and now IS old. Not very decorative but hugely sentimental! The bible verse on it is Psalm 27:14, all about waiting.

But "waiting" in this verse isn't just about patience, according to ChatGPT, another online "go-to." Waiting means remaining faithful and obedient, holding steady. Waiting means just being WITH the Lord. Be waiting, yet searching and seeking and hoping and believing; wait in the context of trusting. Trusting, even when you don't yet have an answer. Life can be amazingly awesome and amazingly difficult. Messy in easy ways we clean with soap and water and messy in frightening ways that unravel our hearts. We search for answers to simple questions, and we search for answers to the complex "why" for problems and circumstances that could never be answered given millions of years. We so, so, so much want for all answers to come quickly, to provide that hopeful solution for every question. We want everything solved. We're running out of patience.

It's tough for me to give things over, to trust that I don't have to be anxious all the time about keeping life together, to solve every problem in a hurry. Bob often used these words in prayers and sermons, and they come back to me sometimes as I worry: "Ours is an accompanied journey." We're never alone when searching for information and meaning. Simple questions have easy answers, courtesy of Google. And difficult questions, even the unanswerable ones that cause late-night worry and early-morning tears, have the promise of God working to give us stronger hearts as we wait (hope/trust/believe!) on the Lord.

Prayer: Dear God, please make me patient, trusting, and less frightened in confusing times. Amen!

Jenneth Wright

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

A Love Letter to God

It's a story about a young girl. Growing up during the Depression of the 1930's. A busy household of four other siblings, two older brothers and two older sisters. She was the youngest. Her story starts at a young age. Feeling somewhat lost in the mix of her much older siblings, her identity took years to define. Her parents came from Catholic backgrounds. Quite inactive in their own church goings. Her own friends, although, had kept busy in weekly church activities, but this young shy girl, again, was just not connecting. She began journaling her thoughts and prayers recommended from a favorite aunt. Her name was Gertrude, or Gertie for short.

Gertie was a strong woman of faith. She encouraged this young girl to pray her thoughts in her journaling. This was a new concept for her. Eventually, invitations to attend her church came into the picture. She found her belonging. She had connected. Some things were starting to make sense. God was making sense. As she grew, her church activities grew. Participating in the Youth group, church camps and eventually the choir. Her two sisters were also part of the choir. She now had a strong sense of belonging.

Still journaling in her 30's, she has now found herself married with three children. Again, as the youngest, all her older siblings had been married for years with many of their own children grown. She wasn't sure how to be the kind of woman she had been praying and journaling about for many years. She was insecure on so many levels. But...she continued to journal her thoughts and prayers asking for direction and reassurance. Many times there were cries to the Lord for continued guidance. Sometimes yes, she was reassured, other times again feeling forgotten. But, she never questioned God's plan for her. She knew, deep down, that her life did have meaning and purpose.

A highly educated woman, she was finding a purpose as an educator. Her children are now grown. A divorce has occurred after 34 years. Her cherished siblings are scattered all over from Michigan down to Florida. She stays as busy as she can. But, sometimes feeling overwhelmed. But, she continues to pray and journal. As an older adult, she loved being more active within her church. Any Bible study she could attend or Sunday school class she could teach, along with many other groups she had participated in. Her note-taking was impeccable, with many comments left in the margins of her study books and also of her own Bibles. Over the course of her last few years she still continued to journal a bit.

Her faith had become very strong...never once faltering. But now, her journaling has come to an end. And...all of her prayers have now been fulfilled by a life well-lived. After her death, her middle child, a daughter, came across many, many prayers and journaling thoughts. Reading these numerous pieces of paper scattered among her many Bibles, seeing all the underlined passages and comments in the margins, her daughter came to the conclusion that her mother truly was never alone. God always heard her pleas and cries and thankfulness for her many, many joys she celebrated. And she knew her mother never doubted God's presence. She was never alone.

Yes, this is titled, 'A Love Letter to God' but after writing this devotion I've changed the title to 'A Love Letter to Mom.'

One of many favorite passages of Mom’s was Philippians 4:6-8 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Dedicated with all the love and glory to God, our father.
Cathy Cupples

Monday, March 2, 2026

Travis

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

He had just turned 12 the previous week. Travis and I only walked about a half block when he stopped to look up at me – his eyes telling me that we had gone far enough. So we turned and headed back home, stopping frequently. But these stops were different. Travis wasn’t stopping to smell the scents of all the other dogs that had been this way recently. He was stopping to look up at me. He was letting me know this would be our last walk together. Letting me know that it was time.

One of Travis’s back legs was useless and he just dragged it along, while his other back leg was unsteady at best. He could barely walk anymore. The next morning Travis was happy, but he saw us looking really sad as we gathered him into our car to take him on a trip. Travis loved taking trips! On this day, he had the whole back section to himself.

Soon after we arrived, the veterinarian gave us some time with Travis alone in the exam room. Travis was so relaxed being there with us despite our tears and sobs. We gave him his favorite treat, some chocolate pudding, two Hershey kisses, and a lot of hugs. As Travis’s head slowly descended into my hands one last time, we knew his pain was now gone, replaced by searing sadness in our hearts. We will never hear the rhythmic patter of his paws in our hallways, the sloppy gulps of water and food in our kitchen, or the swishing of his expressive tail by our sides ever again. As a rescue dog, Travis overcame a lot, which made saying goodbye so difficult because of how good a dog he had become. We called him “The People’s Mayor” because everyone who met him ended up admiring him.

We were given some material that suggested our reunion with Travis in Heaven will be glorious some day. While there are differing opinions about whether or not dogs go to Heaven, I trust God and thank God for the joy, companionship, and love Travis gave to us here on Earth.

Love shouldn’t be complicated, but sometimes we make it appear so between each other. We can learn from our dogs. They love us and hope we will love them. No strings attached. All-in all the time. That’s called unconditional love. So show love and help others get through their bad days, be grateful for all your good days, and provide steady, unconditional love to the people around you. That is what Travis did for us every single day of his wonderful life.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for giving people the opportunity to share their lives with dogs and other animals. Through them, you give us insights about ourselves, and allow us to experience unconditional love and companionship. Please bless the people who care for their pets, the caregivers who work in animal shelters and veterinary clinics, and all the animals in our world. Amen

Kurt Fish

Sunday, March 1, 2026

Easter People, Raise Your Voices – UMH 304

Easter people raise your voices

Sounds of heaven in earth should ring

Christ has brought us Heaven's choices

Heavenly music let it ring

Alleluia alleluia

Easter people let us sing

Fear of death can no more stop us

From our pressing here below

For our Lord empowered us

To triumph over every foe

Alleluia alleluia

On to victory now we go

Every day to us is Easter

With its resurrection song

Even when life overwhelms us

Easter people sing this song:

Alleluia alleluia

Everlasting Sunday song.

William M. James

Saturday, February 28, 2026

Let us not grow weary.

"Haiti is facing multiple, overlapping humanitarian, political, economic and security crises, with dire consequences for the local population. 16,000 people have been killed since January 2022, 1.5 million have been displaced and more than half do not have enough food to eat.
“Powerful gangs now control vast swathes of territory and infrastructure in the country. Abetted by a steady flow of trafficked arms, they are inflicting horrific violence on civilians, including homicides, kidnapping, and sexual violence."
– United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in a posting January 21, 2026

Reading that, who would blame us if we decided that sending funds to Jeremie Rising – the non-profit supporting schools and medical missions in Haiti – was just not worth it?

Probably no one. The priest and the Levite who walked past the beaten and robbed man in the parable of the Good Samaritan must have made the same calculation – help? Not worth it. Yet the merciful Samaritan stepped up – even though he had no guarantee that his aid at the time would keep the victim from later harm as he continued along an apparently dangerous road.

That parable (Luke 10:36-37a) ends with Jesus asking "Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed him mercy.”

I made two mission trips to Haiti, where I saw the needs and felt the fellowship of Haitians I worked with side by side. So, all things considered, I choose to side with the Samaritan to continue to support a mission that seems fraught with danger – but somehow has managed to make real progress delivering essential needs to our neighbors in a poor, remote region of the world.

I am thankful for the support of others who feel the same way, and by this scripture:

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

Bob Rossbach

Friday, February 27, 2026

Filters

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2

We have so many things in our lives that require filters and filter changes. My vacuum alone has three filters, the oil in my car, the air purifier has three filters, the shower head, the water pitcher... and on and on. I seem to be constantly ordering new filters to keep these everyday items running effectively and efficiently.

For the first four decades of my life, my mind was a filter. Anything that came my way good or bad, visual, auditory, thoughts from within my own mind... it all filtered through my mind. It’s no wonder I often felt overwhelmed and anxious.

One morning as I attempted to flip on the BBC to learn about the current state of the Ebola crisis (because my sister was on the front lines of this on the ground in Sierra Leone) I "accidentally"(?) pushed too many buttons and instead began hearing a sermon about peace and renewal of the mind. That morning marked a change. I realized my mind is holy ground. I do not have to allow anything and everything to pass through it. What’s more, I learned that I need to "clean my filter" or renew my mind regularly... frequently in fact.

As a busy working mother I have never had much time to devote to "relaxing" or "resting." I had to shift and realize that five minutes sitting in the car waiting for one of the kids to come out of the rink or dance class was a chance to exhale and meet with God and offer him thanks, to ponder his promises, to notice and appreciate things large and small that he had done for me and my family.

Now the children are grown, but I am still working both at my job and at home. I seem to never be able to sit still, but that's okay because I’ve discovered that I can renew my mind while walking or running with my dogs. Staring at the trees, the exquisite colors of the sky and other nature, looking into the eyes of children and others I work with, and seeing children of God... these are the ways, with God’s help that I renew my mind.

I also choose carefully what I expect my mind to filter through. There is so much over which I have no control, but there is also so much that I can control. I’ve learned that my eyes, ears, and mind do not need to filter through all the muck that this world and culture around us produces. I now realize I have to take time to clean my filter by reading God’s word, singing praise songs, and praying in gratitude.

I thank God for leading me to push too many buttons on the remote that morning years ago and leading me on a path to understanding what Romans 12:2 tells us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you for ordering our steps. Thank you for surrounding us with your creation. Guide us to daily renew our minds so we can hear your voice

Sandy Cameron

Thursday, February 26, 2026

The Two Pathways

Read: Matthew 14:15-17

In the world's practice, teacher and student appear to be separate, one who temporarily has more knowledge, skill, etc., giving to the other who temporarily has less. Normally this is done in a formal setting, at specific times and in specific places. In a larger life context, however, aren't teacher and learner actually the same? What we teach and demonstrate to others reinforces what we believe about ourselves. If we feel the love of God within us, we will teach this to others. If we find fear within, we will look out on a fearful world. As within, so without.

All through our lives we make choices. Some seem automatic and are like programmed responses. Others are very consciously considered. All are consequential. Making choices may seem like a complicated process; it is actually a simple one, but very fundamental.

There really are only two choices in life. We either walk the path of light, awakening to our true nature as the creations of God (and all that this implies), or we walk a fearful path, dark, and ruled by the ego, a false concept of ourselves that we made (an idol, if you will). Everything we think, say, and do teaches others and reveals the thought system we have chosen, the one we want to be true. Truth, however, is of God and is eternal, needing no defense. It simply is. All else will fail with the passing of time and become meaningless, having arisen out of meaninglessness.

Following the world's curriculum is an attempt to convince us that we are what we are not and can never be, a closed and hopeless learning situation. Our worth was established by God in our creation, and not subject to any of the world's evaluations, which constantly shift and have no basis in truth.

If we take an honest and completely open-minded look at the state of affairs in our world today, we readily observe the effects of following the dark path of the ego—the children of God suffer, and at the hands of their very brothers and sisters. No elaboration is necessary to illustrate this point. Such is an ill-conceived attempt to refute the oneness of God's creation and establish another, illusory order.

Empires and their emperors have risen and fallen, and will continue to do so as worldly glory and power are sought after. We see such insanity, in scales large and small, here and everywhere across the globe. It arises out of one's deep-seated feeling of lack, limitation and unworthiness, which is a denial of the fatherhood of God and an acceptance of a substitute reality. Or have we been mistaken and in need of correction?

Psalm 25:4 states: "Make me to know your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths." And in his farewell discourse Jesus says: "But the Counselor, 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." Having been called down, the Holy Spirit is the inner voice that speaks to us of God and illumines our path with a light not of this world. Having been so enlightened, the teachers of God represent another choice, the call to return, to awaken and be glad.

Prayer: Dear God, this world is in such great need of the love and light that has its source in You. I would like to be part of the answer, perhaps become one of Your teachers. I realize that the need of my brother/sister is my own need, too. Your teachers come from all walks of life, my own included. Let your light shine through me, and make me an instrument of healing. Please bless me in my work. And thank you. Amen.

Doug Dykstra

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

An Ode to Stella
(Things Our Little Ones Teach Us)

Read: Mark 10:13-16, Philippians 2:3-7, Colossians 3:12-14

Being loved by Stella means never knowing where anything is – because she cleaned the house when you weren’t looking.
It means coming downstairs to a plate full of snacks, or a glass filled with Diet Pepsi.
It’s Honey’s toys picked up in the yard, and Cooper’s in his room.

It’s always having an errand buddy, or someone eager to share their favorite song with you.

It’s dancing in the rain, babysitting bunnies, baking cookies, and tackling DIY projects together.

Stella is independent in the way only a child can be – so capable on her own, yet always wanting to be close.
She wants to help, to be part of everything, to make the people she loves feel cared for.

Being loved by Stella is experiencing moments of kindness and gentleness woven into everyday life – for all of God’s people and creatures.

Through loving Stella, I’m reminded that love can be both strong and soft, independent and connected. And no matter what our days bring, we are called to lead with a serving heart

Emily Bianchi

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Grief and Joy

The Bible tells us in many ways that deep grief and profound joy can coexist thru God, and even amidst our darkest days we can still live in the light.

In John 16:20 Jesus told his disciples, "you will be sorrowful but your sorrows will turn into joy.” It was a promise that the grief over his death would turn to joy at his resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

When I wrote my first Lenten devotion in 2023 it was after the sudden loss of my mother, and it focused on the support of the church and friends during that season of deep grief. Anne Sullivan, a close friend and fellow Stephen Minister, provided so much of that support and friendship.

I am now walking the "Mourners Path" again that I wrote about in 2024, and it is for our treasured GPUMC member and cherished wife, mother, sister, and friend, Anne Sullivan.

In 2025 I wrote about the ladies book club that met in the memorial garden, The book was Choosing Joy by Kay Warren. Anne was a part of that group, and she and I were also doing another book study together at our beloved pier park called "Life Worth Living".

The last time that Anne was able to attend our Tuesday night ladies Bible study at the church, we walked to the parking lot together on that beautiful evening in late September of 2024.

As always she was asking me about my exciting year ahead, and joyfully said that 2025 was going to be a great year, as we hugged goodbye. Her surgery for Ovarian Cancer was scheduled the following week.

I was blessed to be able to visit with Anne many times before she died on May 26th, and despite her surgeries and pain, her smile was as radiant and as comforting as ever. And Anne was right of course, it has been a year of great joy for me, as my oldest son Blake was married on June 14^th, and my daughter Bridget was married November 23^rd.

I returned from my son's wedding in Mexico City a few days before Anne's beautiful memorial service and interment in the memorial garden on June 20th. My joy had turned to sorrow, and again I returned to the words of Jesus in John 15:11. "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy many remain in you, and that your joy may be full".

I know for certain that Anne would have wanted our sorrows that day to turn to joy, as we sang one of her favorite songs as we gathered around the garden, "I'll Fly Away," led by her beloved choir.

Anne was a talented musician, and I loved her performances in recent years on the guitar, which she learned to play in her 50s! One of my favorite Christian songs is "Well Done" by the group the "Afters." The chorus, taken from 2 Timothy 4:7-8 is "Well done my good and faithful one, welcome to the place where you belong. Well done, well done my beloved child, you have run the race and now you're home!”

Well done my fun-loving, faithful, and fearless friend. I will look for your joyful smile from your spot in the choir always, and in the sky until my race is done and I fly away to see you again.

Amy Sanford

 

Monday, February 23, 2026

I Know it’s Not the Iditarod

Read: 1 Peter 5:1-11

Maybe it was the cold – the unending cold. Maybe it was the snow – the snow that just wouldn’t melt away. Maybe it was just me that day.

Whatever the reason, I was getting really annoyed at Billie on our walk, as she stopped every few yards (at least that’s how it felt at the time), licking at the snow that had built up between her toes. “That’s what happens when you lick all the cream off your feet before we even get outside,” I told her, and not in a very kind tone I will confess.

After several stops, I realized how crabby and unkind I was being, and tried to be nicer as I helped her get the snow out of her feet. Being a dog, Billie has an amazing ability to forgive and forget, so I got those great thankful looks and tail-wags even though I hadn’t deserved them to start with.

Last year she gave me a lesson from Romans, but this year I think she was reading one of Paul’s other letters:
Don’t worry about stuff, just keep asking your Dad to help, and keep wagging your tail for him while you ask. – Philippians 4:6 CSV (Canine Standard Version)

Well, that’s a really good admonition, and it makes me stop to thank God that He’s not like I was that day. When I come to God with my needs and requests – in thanksgiving – I know He isn’t saying, “O great, Charlie needs help again,” or “Come on, Charlie, I’m already doing that for you.” Knowing that makes me want to work at being more like Jesus, reaching out in love to those who are in need.

One thing Billie has to be thankful for is that I’ve gotten much better at applying the cream to her feet before we go walk in the snow. The stuff is called Musher’s Secret, and it really works well – when it’s properly applied, that is. We haven’t had a snow-filled foot in a long time, now. (If you have a dog and I hadn’t already told you about this stuff, I apologize. It’s great and Billie highly recommends it.)

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the lessons we learn from each other, and from all of your creatures. May we continue to grow closer to the image of Jesus, through the work of the Holy Spirit in us and through us. Amen.

Charlie van Becelaere

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Now the Green Blade Riseth – UMH 311

Now the green blade riseth, from the buried grain,

Wheat that in dark earth many days has lain;

Love lives again, that with the dead has been:

Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.

In the grave they laid Him, Love who had been slain,

Thinking that He never would awake again,

Laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen:

Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.

Forth He came at Easter, like the risen grain,

Jesus who for three days in the grave had lain;

Quick from the dead the risen One is seen:

Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.

When our hearts are wintry, grieving, or in pain,

Jesus' touch can call us back to life again,

Fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been:

Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.

J.M.C. Crum

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Here I am, Lord

“I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!” – Isaiah 6:8

Alex and Paul were driving along the interstate from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Chicago on Thanksgiving morning when their car broke down. One phone call later, they and their car were towed into a service station near Gary, Indiana.

What to do? Alex had been the choir director at a United Methodist Church in central Indiana and knew that the minister from that church was now leading the congregation at Portage United Methodist Church which was not far from where they landed.

He called the minister who was out of town for the holiday, but he told Alex he’d make some calls and see what he could do to help.

The minister’s next call was to Kris Bailey, the mother of my son-in-law and an active member of the Portage church. Could she help? Absolutely, she said. They can have Thanksgiving dinner with us — then I’ll drive them back to Fort Wayne (a 2½ hour drive!).

Shortly thereafter, Kris was en route to retrieve Alex and Paul, and they were soon part of our family’s Thanksgiving gathering. The 15 people around the table that day included our daughter (Emily), my son-in-law, my son-in-law’s cousin, wife, and brother-in-law from Indianapolis, his sister and her family, a friend of Kris who had recently had back surgery, and me and Bob. It was a gaggle to be sure!

And, amazingly, everyone not only got along, but we ended up inviting Alex and Paul to return next year!

There were so many lessons that day, but the one I take away the most is Kris’ generous spirit. She does not hesitate when asked to take on a task. She is definitely no push-over, but, when help is needed, she is a helper. She is a “yes” person. A devout Methodist, she stretches to support her family, her community, her world. She said yes, even though she didn’t know these men and couldn’t possibly have known how their presence would affect our holiday meal. Someone needed help, and she was ready to provide.

Making excuses is so easy: It’s too far. I’m too tired. I don’t like that person. I don’t want to know that person. I have too much on my plate. It’s too hard. It will take too much time, etc., etc., etc.

Saying yes when you don’t know the consequences of your response can be frightening. But stepping out in faith is surely what’s required of all of us who believe in Jesus and his message.

Prayer: Here I am, Lord. Please use me to your will. I know that all things are possible with your love and guidance. I am ready to serve

Joan Richardson

Friday, February 20, 2026

Held and Becoming

"Be still and know that I am God." – Psalms 46:10
"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." – Philippians 1:6

This morning, many of us awakened to begin a new day carrying more than anyone can see. We carry responsibilities, worries, unanswered prayers, grief, hope, exhaustion, joy, and sometimes all of it at once. We are a congregation that loves deeply, and gives generously, yet sometimes forgets to rest in the truth that we are already held by God.

God does not love us for what we accomplish. He loves us because we are His. Before we fix anything, before we serve anyone, before we prove ourselves worthy, God tells us to, "Be still" – not because He wants us passive, but because He wants us to remember who is really in control.

Stillness is not weakness. Stillness is trust.

And here's the beautiful truth: We are not finished products. God is still working. Still shaping. Still healing. Still restoring.

The places in your life that feel incomplete or broken are not evidence of failure, they are evidence of ongoing grace.

Some of us need permission today to stop striving. Some of us need reassurance that our prayers are not wasted. Some of us need to hear that God is not disappointed in us. He is patient, faithful, and near.

You are allowed to exhale.
You are allowed to rest.

You are allowed to trust that God is doing far more than you can see.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for meeting us right where we are – not where we think we should be. Teach us to be still in a world that demands constant motion. Remind us that you are faithful to complete the work you began in us. Help us release what we cannot control and trust you with what we cannot see. Strengthen our hearts, quiet our fears, and renew our spirits as we walk forward together. We ask these things in your precious name. Amen.

Cindy Rolka

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Beautiful Melodies

Read: Psalm 96:1-3

I have been playing the euphonium for over 30 years. I especially enjoy playing at church during Praise Band rehearsals Wednesday evenings, and during Service Sunday mornings while stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas with the Army Reserves. It is almost like praying with my fingers. But every couple weeks or so, no matter how much I tune them, the notes begin to sound tired and flat. Then I must do one of my least favorite tasks: adjust the tuning slide. I slowly unwind and continuously pull in and push out the slide until the instrument is properly tuned. It’s a lot of trouble, but even the plainest melody rings with beauty.

I have discovered that sometimes God works in me the same way. When my life has gotten out of tune, God sits me down and starts adjusting my slide. God unwinds my attitudes and goals that have a selfish sharp sound and gently leads me to repentance. Next, God adjusts the slide, tuning the instrument until the grace notes of Jesus Christ can be heard again in my heart. When the Great Musician sits down to play the beautiful melodies of life in me again — oh, what joy!

Ben DeWitt

Ash Wednesday - February 18, 2026

Thanksgiving Over the Ashes

Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the Earth. Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, so that we may remember that only by your gracious gift are we given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. – UM Book of Worship, p. 323

Today is Ash Wednesday. Today we begin a journey of faith. Today we mark ourselves as mortal beings, through the imposition of ashes. Today Lenten fasts begin for those who commit to such faith practices. Today we begin a season of carving a little more time for God in our lives, intentionally renewing or adding new spiritual disciplines. Today is a Wednesday that is different from all other Wednesdays. Today is Ash Wednesday.

What will this year’s Lent journey mean for you? How might you be a little more open in this season to seeing and hearing God’s call upon your life? This season presents an opportunity to live your faith in a more intentional manner. Set aside time for daily prayer and scripture reading. Make worship a priority as you plan your week. Be willing to serve and volunteer your time to help the neighbors around you. Lent is a season where the church invites you to go deeper in your faith so that you may get to know more of Jesus and his way. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. God is waiting to walk this holy journey with you…

Prayer: Everlasting God, because of your tender mercy toward all people, you sent your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon himself our flesh, and to suffer death upon a cross, that all should follow the example of his great humility. Mercifully grant that we may follow the example of his patience and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (#335 The United Methodist Book of Worship)

Rev. David Eardley

Lent 2026 - Introduction

Welcome back to Lent! As always, it has been my honor and joy to edit this book (my 28th as editor and 29th as a contributor!); and as you generally do, you came through for me – and for each other! Not only did I have enough devotions to cover the forty days, I could cover nearly every Sunday with original devotions as well!

Once again we have devotions from some new writers and new members, and a bunch from many of our long-time stalwarts. We are blessed to have so many of you share your thoughts, time, insights, and witness with your church family as we make our slow but sure Lenten journey toward the glory that is Easter.

It was exciting to see themes emerge as I collected and arranged your contributions. This year there was a lot of meditation on Gratitude; on Neighbors, Outreach, and Service; and on Dogs – that sounds like us, doesn’t it? And as we’ve recently finished Shelter Week, that middle theme is more than fitting.

Think of it: the Holy Spirit has led us to share thoughts and stories to encourage us all to live and love like Jesus: not just in the church building, not just in our congregation, but out in the wide world – where His Love, Grace, and Joy are needed (as always) more than ever. As St. Francis of Assisi said: “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”

The only other thing I could have wished for would be that He would have led you all to write your devotions a bit earlier. I’m used to a last-minute spate of submissions, but this year I was basically done laying out the book when you flooded me with more.

I know it’s bad form to complain about abundance, and so I won’t – I did manage to move things around and drop some hymns that were covering our open Sundays, making for a nearly all original book again this year. Thank you. I know most of us don’t write often, and for that reason we think we can’t. Let me tell you, you are wrong about that! I’ve had a wonderful time reading, transcribing, and organizing your writings, so don’t stop.

Now, as we have each year since reviving this Lenten tradition, we repeat the introduction from our congregation's first book of devotions, published in 1974:

Keeping a true Lent requires us to be vigilant in many ways: in prayer, study, worship, sacrifice, giving, meditation, and fellowship.

One or all may take precedence, depending upon our daily commitments.

From these devotions, lovingly prepared, may you find a well spring of faith to renew and sustain you, so that the Glorious Triumph that is Easter will remain with you always.

The Lenten Committee

Again, we can but say, “Amen.”

Charlie van Becelaere, Editor