As you read this, I’m just beginning my worship planning retreat. Having arrived Thursday night in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado, at an elevation of 8,000 feet, in an international dark sky community, I’m now immersed in an environment perfect for deep discernment. Being 15 minutes from reliable cell phone service and 25 minutes from the internet allows me to fully focus on God’s voice and the needs of our church.
Last year, this retreat birthed some of the most impactful series we experienced together in 2024, including “Christianity and World Religions,” “Teach Us to Pray,” and the “Making a Methodist Series.” These moments of teaching and learning were the result of listening deeply to God during this retreat and seeking to understand how best to serve our church and community.
Knowing myself, by the time this is published I’ve likely been up for a few hours, surrounded by books, my favorite Bible, trusty paper and pen, my laptop, and, most importantly, your prayers. Through September 4th, I’ll be praying, reflecting, and planning for 2025. I’m already sensing God calling us in Geneva to spend 2025 focused on Jesus. My recent survey asked about your favorite stories of Jesus and the questions you’d ask him. Many of you provided thoughtful responses, and I’m praying over those as well.
This year, I’m excited to have a new addition to my retreat team: Pastor Brian Marcoulier, who serves Calvary UMC in Nashville. He’ll be joining my good friend Pastor Matt Fowler of First UMC in Kearney, Nebraska, and me as we all seek the Spirit’s guidance for the year ahead for our churches. We’ll be deep in prayer, studying, writing, and reflecting on what God wants for our congregations in 2025.
During this time of planning and prayer, I’m asking for your prayers as well. Here’s how you can support me:
- Pray for Safe Travel: I have four days of driving to and from the retreat site, and your prayers for safety on the road are greatly appreciated.
- Pray for Inspiration: Please ask the Holy Spirit to inspire me with the messages and topics our church needs to hear in the coming year—not just for our own growth, but so that we can continue to live out our mission to illuminate our community with God’s grace.
- Pray for My Family: As I spend this time away, please remember Meghan and our girls, who will be without me for the week.
- Pray for Pastor Brian and Pastor Matt: Like me, they are seeking guidance and are away from their families. Pray that we find God speaking to us through each other.
While I’m away, Pastor Becky will be wrapping up our Holy Moments series with a great sermon on ‘Hope in Tough Times.’ I’m excited for you to hear her insights. I’ll be back in church on September 8th to launch a new series that celebrates our 185th anniversary. For any emergent needs, Pastor Mary Gay McKinney is available to provide pastoral care. I am deeply grateful for the support of my colleagues while on this trip and every day in ministry.
Thank you in advance for your prayers and support during this time of discernment. Your prayers are deeply felt and are the most formative part of this entire retreat process.
I look forward to sharing with you what God has placed on my heart for 2025 when I return.
With deep gratitude,
