the Tidings

On True Freedom

Psalm 33:12, 21-22 reminds us:

“Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage. Our heart is glad in him because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.”

2023

Tim Carpenter Senior Pastor

It is common to hear or say, “God bless America.” However, the Psalm suggests God’s mercy will be given according to the hope we place in God. If our people do not honor God, God will not honor the people. If our laws are not just, God will not honor our laws. If our actions are not righteous, God will not honor our actions. If our hope is not in the Lord, God’s mercy will not be on our hopes.

I believe that the greatest thing we can do for our nation is to pray. Pray for our leaders. Pray for God’s wisdom upon them. Pray for God’s mercy to heal our land. Perhaps God will honor a people who are on their knees placing their hope in him. For truly our hope lies in a God who is a saving God, and who gives everyone hope in Jesus Christ.

Congratulations to Rev. Todd Wilson

Todd Wilson, our Director of the Music Ministry, was commissioned as Provisional Deacon Tuesday night, June 20, at our Annual Conference! We celebrate this achievement for Todd and look forward to his continued and growing leadership in the Music Ministry and outreach of the church. We will recognize Todd on July 9 at the 11:00 a.m. Traditional Service.

Farewell to Rev. Steve Stone

Steve has served as the Pastor of Alternative Worship and Outreach for two years. He has led the way in developing Prism as a successful expression of our alternative worship. We are thankful for the leadership, experience, and imagination that Steve has brought to GUMC and to Prism. Steve’s last Sunday will be July 30. We wish God’s blessings on Steve as he passes the baton of Prism leadership to Rev. Mimi White.

Farewell to Rev. Tom Davis

With fondness and appreciation, we bid farewell to Rev. Tom Davis, who has served as our Director of Elder Care Ministries for the past two years. Tom has brought a gentle spirit with tremendous knowledge and experience in pastoral care. Tom has overseen visitations and pastoral care for our elder members. He has also been a wonderful member of the church staff, always providing kindness and encouragement to everyone. Tom is moving to Manhattan, Kansas, to be with his family. With bittersweet emotion, we wish Tom God’s blessings in this new chapter of his life. (Please see Tom’s article on pages 6-8.)

Executive Minister