Each Wednesday we post a new Devotional Message to our Facebook and Instagram. Each week we share these messages here as well.

Devotional for August 3, 2022: Words and how we use them change over time. What could it mean that Jesus appoints us?  What are we appointed to do and to be? Join our Coordinator of Congregational Care, Mary Gay McKinney, as she ponders and celebrates the hope from Jesus that does not disappoint!
Devotional for July 27, 2022: Jesus gave nicknames to James and his brother John. The gospels give us clues as to why he called them the Sons of Thunder. Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care in pondering what nickname Jesus might have for us.
Devotional for July 20, 2022: Our scriptures from time to time remind us that we were born “for such a time as this.” Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care who is pondering John’s challenge from last Sunday as to who and what we want to be in these times in which we live.
Devotional for July 13, 2022: Misunderstandings and resentments crop up when plans aren’t clear, and when we’re fearful of bringing things up. Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care as she ponders what might have happened if two women had had the conversation BEFORE dinner.
Devotional for July 6, 2022: We celebrate the ways our congregation helps others.  Maybe we’re a Good Samaritan congregation in some ways.  Individually, how ready are we to be good Samaritans in small ways or large?  Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care, as she remembers someone who, like the Good Samaritan in Jesus’ story, proved neighbor to her son.
Devotional for June 29, 2022: Talking with strangers might not be a good idea for children, but when is talking WITH them a thing for adults?  Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care  in riffing on what Pastor Rob, Philip, Paul and Peter model for us.
Devotional for June 22, 2022: A Swedish Devotion is here, and Swedish DAYS are just around the corner!
Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care as she attempts to speak Swedish and share a saying beloved to the Swedes. Seems fitting, with Swedish Days about to begin in Geneva! Hope to see you there!
Devotional for June 15, 2022: Opposite of Welcome
It’s usually easy to figure out the opposite of something, but what about when it isn’t?  Join  Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care  as she explores an unlikely opposite mentioned in the 18th chapter of St. Matthew’s gospel.
Devotional for June 8, 2022: Will the REAL God please stand up?
With Trinity Sunday drawing close, Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care sees this an an invitation to explore once again how it matters whether we see our God as one in three and three in one. Join her for a few minutes of testimony.
Devotional for June 1, 2022: Kindness Can be Fun
In the wake of two horrific massacres as well as murders on the streets of our neighboring Chicago, Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care remembers something their grandson did when he was eight. It gives her hope. Join her as she shares what she experienced that day.
Devotional for May 25, 2022: What about Memorial Day?
As a mother of two who served in the U.S. Military, Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care, experiences sorrow and solemn gratitude on Memorial Day.  Join her for some stories to mark the coming weekend.  
Devotional for May 18, 2022: “Day of Rest, Day of Joy“
Jesus says, “I am the vine.” What can that mean? What other vines might be out there that effect us differently than Jesus? Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care, as she considers the vines with which we are When Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care attended Sunday school last Sunday, she didn’t know she would be challenged and reminded to hang onto that day of rest, Sabbath, as some call it. She’s been thinking about it since then, and invites us to renew ourselves with the joys of this day of rest.
Devotional for May 11 2022: “How NOT to Ask a Question“
Could something as small as how we phrase a question make a difference? Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care as she ponders how Moses asked a question of Aaron, and how not to ask about someone’s surname.
Devotional for May 04 2022: “Thoughts for Mother’s Day“
For those of us of a certain age, we think of our mothers who have died. For some of us our mothers are with us. Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care as we think of our mothers and also of how we can be present to those whose experiences of their mothers are not as positive.
Devotional for April 27, 2022: “A Swirl of Vines“
Jesus says, “I am the vine.” What can that mean? What other vines might be out there that effect us differently than Jesus? Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care, as she considers the vines with which we are all too willing to connect.
Devotional for April 20, 2022: “100%“
Holy Week is a good time to consider what choices we are making. Ruth had a choice. Judas had a choice. Join with Expressions in English come and go. Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care as she explores the way people are now saying “100%” and what that might have to do with Jesus’ resurrection or our lives today.
Devotional for April 13, 2022: “The Choices We Make, The Love That We Fake“
Holy Week is a good time to consider what choices we are making. Ruth had a choice. Judas had a choice. Join with Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care, as we ponder the choices we, too, have, when it comes to Jesus and his way.
Devotional for April 6, 2022
Take a drive in two or three weeks and you might see tractors, farmers and equipment out for planting. God is planting seeds as well, in you, through you. Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care, as she invites us to plant seeds where we find ourselves.
Devotional for March 30, 2022
Are you a person who enjoys yeast breads, their aromas when cooking, the taste? Maybe you enjoy making and baking bread yourself?! Jesus talks about leaven, the bad kind and the good kind. Join, Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care, as she considers how Jesus’ teaching about leaven can make a difference in our day.
Devotional for March 23, 2022
We often spend time considering what happens DURING worship on Sunday morning, but what about BEFORE and AFTER. Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care, as she shares what happened AFTER worship on a recent Sunday.
Devotional for March 16, 2022
Everyone likes to help where we can, but what about when we can’t?  Who wants to feel helpless or unable to help.  What do we do when events in our world or in our own lives leave us feeling helpless?  And what might Stephen Stills and St. Matthew have to say about this?  Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational care in pondering what we might do with those feelings.  What’s Lent about anyway?
Devotional for March 9, 2022
The classic themes for Lent are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Today as we begin the season of Lent once again, join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care as she shares how she first learned about what it means, Why was everyone searching for Jesus? For whom and for what are we searching today? Take a few minutes with Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care as we look at a jam packed schedule for Jesus that might explain a few things. Who might you meet today who is searching?
Devotional for March 2, 2022
The classic themes for Lent are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Today as we begin the season of Lent once again, join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care as she shares how she first learned about what it means, and doesn’t mean to fast.
Devotional for February 23, 2022
Why do we walk about in fear, and what do we fear? Is it death? Join Mary Gay McKinney Coordinator of Congregational Care as we remember how Jesus has power over death, and wields that power with love. Fear not!
Devotional for February 16, 2022
What’s a precious gift we can give to someone? Especially as we and they grow older? Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care as we take a look at one of the ministries of our church and how we all can be a part of it.
Devotional for February 9, 2022
Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care, in pondering what can happen when we take Jesus at his word and join him in NOT judging.
Devotional for February 2, 2022
Join Mary Gay McKinney, Coordinator of Congregational Care, as we share in the 40th day after Christmas and the Feast of the Presentation. Mary and Joseph presented baby Jesus in the Temple, and this was an answer to Simeon’s prayer.
Devotional for January 26, 2022
We live for and through and because of our relationships.  Jesus calls the unsuspecting into new relationships.  Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care as she invites us to cherish our relationships with Jesus and with each other.
Devotional for January 19, 2022
What’s a way we can share the love of Jesus? Who would you like to bring as a guest the next time you enter our church? Join Mary Gay McKinney, Coordinator of Congregational Care as we consider these questions. And today, we have a special gift from Rumi ~
Devotional for January 12, 2022
On Sunday, January 9, Pastor Rob challenged us to remember our baptism. Join Mary Gay McKinney, Coordinator of Congregational Care, in remembering our baptism and considering what it means today and for the future.
Devotional for January 5, 2022
It’s a new year and a time to think about where we’re headed. Whom do we follow in challenging times? Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care as we think about just who is calling to us and what than can mean.
Devotional for December 29, 2021
We’ll celebrate Holy Communion next Sunday. How much longer will we be using the communion packets? Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care, in exploring how they just might connect us with our military personnel in far flung places.
Devotional for December 22, 2021
As we think of Christmas, three days from now, what are some of the reasons we celebrate? Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care for a top ten list of reasons. And Merry Christmas!!
Devotional for December 15, 2021
Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of ConIt’s a challenge to play or sing two melodies at once. Bach did it and so can we, but why? Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care as we think of the melodies of our lives.
Devotional for December 8, 2021
Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care, as she invites us to make a request of God, to ask God for a present. What do we want and need most from God in this season of gift giving?
Devotional for December 1, 2021
What do we do with the shadowy emotions that seem to surface even in December, and as the holidays approach? Join our Coordinator of Congregational Care, Mary Gay McKinney, as she ponders this question.
Devotional for November 24, 2021
Thanksgiving can take us down memory lane. Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care, as she shares from the past and invites us to respond in thanksgiving today.
Devotional for November 17, 2021
Bird and wildlife sanctuaries exist in many countries. Humans in desperate situations seek sanctuary. What about those of us who aren’t running from something, or maybe who are. Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care in pondering how God provides sanctuary then and now.
Devotional for November 10, 2021
Often we’re delayed. We might be waiting for an appointment or for transport or for dinner in a restaurant where things are slow coming out of the kitchen. How do we respond? Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care as we consider our delays.
Devotional for November 3, 2021
When we pause as we pray the Lord’s Prayer, what stands out for us? Yesterday when the Tuesday Prayer Group prayed, Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care kept returning to two words. Join her as she contemplates what it means to trespass.
Devotional for October 27, 2021
What’s your favorite book of the Bible? Who would answer Ezra? Join Mary Gay McKinney, Coordinator of Congregational Care, as she ponders what Ezra can bring to us in our day, with the pandemic and so much more that challenges us.
Devotional for October 20, 2021
In so many ways we can preserve and even improve our sight. Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care here at church as we remember Jesus’ healing of a man who wanted to see.
Devotional for October 13, 2021
Birthdays bring memories and joy. Today for her devotional with us Mary Gay McKinney, Coordinator of Congregational Care, shares a bit about her father, his faith and his legacy. October 12, 1897 was his birthday. need, or even want it? Join Mary Gay as she ponders these questions that pop up from St. Matthew’s gospel, chapter 9.
Devotional for October 6, 2021
Forgiveness is a powerful and painful thing Mary Gay McKinney, Coordinator of Congregational Care suspects. Why would Jesus announce forgiveness to a man who had other, more obvious challenges? What do we think about forgiveness? If we’re honest, do we need, or even want it? Join Mary Gay as she ponders these questions that pop up from St. Matthew’s gospel, chapter 9.
Devotional for September 29, 2021
While we as United Methodists may not have as many official Holy Days as some denominations, we may want to join in gratitude for St. Michael and all angels, whose ministries we remember today. What to make of angels, dragons and a war(?) in heaven? Spend a few minutes with Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care in thought and thanksgiving.
Devotional for September 22, 2021
Do we secretly wonder if difficult commands of Jesus are possible only for a few? For example: Love our enemies, let people borrow knowing we won’t be repaid, and respond in certain non-traditional ways when people steal from us. The list goes on. If they are for us all, what then must we do? Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care to ponder possibilities.
Devotional for September 15, 2021
Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care is on vacation so for today’s devotional we’re revisiting a topic near and dear to her heart. It’s about Jesus and the conflicting ways of considering why he was executed. What did he do, and what did he say that got him that kind of trouble??? How we think about this makes more difference that we may realize.
Devotional for September 8, 2021
Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care is on vacation so for today’s devotional we’re revisiting a topic near and dear to her heart. It’s about Jesus and the conflicting ways of considering why he was executed. What did he do, and what did he say that got him that kind of trouble??? How we think about this makes more difference that we may realize.
Devotional for September 1, 2021
Do you ever wonder why someone is telling you something, or why something becomes part of history, and part of the Bible? Why does it matter that the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon? Join Mary Gay McKinney, Coordinator of Congregational Care and explore a story of envy, rivalry, and the 10th Commandment.
Devotional for August 25, 2021
What could geometry possibly have to do with sailing ships, shipwrecks and the promises of God? Join Mary Gay McKinney, Coordinator of Congregational Care, as we celebrate hope amidst some unlikely pairings.
Devotional for August 18, 2021
What happens when you sneak into church, not wanting others to see your tears? What do we do with the troubles in our world, and especially Afghanistan? How can faith and spiritual practice make a difference? Mary Gay McKinney, Coordinator of Congregational Care shares a personal word with us. Her son almost lost his life in Afghanistan.
Devotional for August 11, 2021
Which of the 10 Commandments is the easiest to ignore? What happens when we don’t ignore it? If you’ve ever wanted what someone else has, join Mary Gay McKinney, Coordinator of Congregational Care, in pondering how we battle the green monster.
Devotional for August 4, 2021
Life can get out of balance. It did for people Paul met along the way. How can our baptism help us to re-balance? Join Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care, for some thoughts and a prayer.
Devotional for July 28, 2021
What can we do about those looping negative thoughts in our heads? Having heard some wisdom from the past, Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care, explores how scripture and affirmations can intervene.
Devotional for July 14, 2021
What might it mean to someone when we stop and take notice, engage them in conversation?  What might we learn?  Join Mary Gay McKinney, Coordinator of Congregational Care, for a word, especially if you might be meeting strangers anytime soon.
Devotional for July 7, 2021
Mary Gay McKinney, our Coordinator of Congregational Care, has decided to stop giving geography lessons when people engage her about Chicago. It’s time for a change. Here’s her new plan.