During our first leadership-training session with the Rev. Sheila Miranda, we studied Methodist history. Barbara Rutherford from Castle Rock shared that she had traced her family line back to England—and then told us a wonderfully human story about one of her ancestors and John Wesley. Because Wesley was very short, Barbara’s ancestor reportedly cut a hole in the box on which Wesley stood to preach. Wesley stepped up—and fell right through it!
I love this story. It connects someone in our church connection to John Wesley, but not through a formal theological debate or an important ecclesiastical event. It connects them through humor, mischief, and a very human moment. Suddenly, John Wesley is no longer only a name in a history book. He becomes a real person standing on a box, trying to preach the gospel—and unexpectedly disappearing through it!
This is why we need to learn and preserve our history. History is not simply a collection of dates. It is the story of real people: faithful people, imperfect people, courageous people, and occasionally very funny people. When we know their stories, we better understand who we are and what we have inherited.
During our Homecoming season, perhaps we can all become Methodist history nerds! How much do we know about John and Charles Wesley, the early circuit riders, and the courageous women and laypeople who shaped Methodism? How much do we know about the history of our own congregation? Who opened its doors, taught its children, played its music, served its neighbors, and kept the faith alive during difficult seasons?
The same curiosity can deepen our reading of Scripture. Methodists speak of Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience as important sources for understanding our faith, with Scripture remaining primary. We read the Bible within the living story of God’s people, bringing our questions, knowledge, traditions, and life experiences with us.
That is also why Scott and I have begun our weekly podcast, Faith in Translation: One Word Before Sunday. Each Tuesday from 7:00 to 7:20 p.m., we explore one important word from the coming Sunday’s Scripture—sometimes looking at its Greek roots and sometimes comparing how it is heard in English and Russian. Our hope is that meeting the Scripture earlier in the week will help you enter Sunday worship with greater curiosity and a deeper experience of the message.
Belonging grows when we know the stories that formed us—and when we recognize that our own stories are becoming part of the history we will pass on. During this Homecoming season, let us rediscover the people, the faith, the humor, and the grace that brought us home.
Pastor Lydia

We all want to be attractive—not just in appearance, but in the way people feel when they are with us. Social research suggests that qualities such as kindness, understanding, and creativity shape how attractive we find someone. It studies human relationships, not evangelism, but its findings echo what Jesus taught.

Be attentive. Listen and notice who may feel unseen.
Be kind. Help people feel welcomed and valued.
Don’t take yourself too seriously. Jesus didn’t need to advertise himself; his life showed people who he was—the Son of Man, the Son of God.
Be open, even if you’re an introvert. You don’t have to change your personality; just don’t hide your welcome.
Let your creativity shine. Share a poem, a song, a story, or another gift.
And don’t forget humor! Laughter helps people feel at ease.
We may not be able to make anyone believe—but we can live in ways that make God’s love easier to see. I believe we can do that.

Kindness, attention, openness, creativity—and humor—help us welcome people and point them toward God. In Russia, we say five minutes of laughter is worth a cup of sour cream. I can’t promise it saves calories, but it adds an attractive glaze to life!

And there’s more fun ahead—the Talent Show at Castle Rock UMC! Talent or no talent—come anyway! Bring a song, a story, something unexpected, or simply bring yourself. Let’s laugh, cheer one another on, and share the joy of our Connection. Contact Barbar Rutherford.

Kalama UWIF Annual Bazaar is coming! Come support the wonderful work of our United Women in Faith, find something special, and enjoy another opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors.

Faith in Action – Love In Motion!

~Pastor Lydia

Rev. Sheila Miranda will leads LCUMC leadership training as we learn and grow together in serving our church and community. We meet every other MOnday at 6:30 PM on Zoom. Let pastors know if you want to participate.
Whether you’re currently serving or interested in getting involved, come ready to share ideas, encourage one another, and strengthen your gifts for ministry.
We look forward to learning together!