Enjoying the Present, Anticipating the Future

Many of us are still celebrating the summer season with vacations, sleeping late, and as the kids frequently remind us on Sunday mornings, lots of swimming and sno-cones. I have especially loved returning to day trips on my day off to meet out-of-town friends for a meal. Summertime can especially be good for the soul!

We’ve had some wonderful opportunities as a congregation, as well, to experience God’s presence this summer. We’ve had Vacation Bible School, Sunday School at Dugan Nursing Home, chancel choir, children learning & leading a worship song, to name a few.

While we enjoy the present season, we also anticipate the next season. As this year moves forward, ways to become involved in & make a difference in the life of the congregation will only increase. I invite you to be in prayer before the Lord about where He wants for you to be involved. We will begin the process of nominating church leaders for 2023. A new children’s Sunday school schedule will be assembled. The youth group will need adult volunteers for their weekly gatherings. We will resume having a monthly, churchwide family meal beginning in August (schedule coming soon!).

Of course, none of this possible without you. (Stop and read that last sentence again) We need your teaching gifts, cooking gifts, singing gifts, ordering gifts… And each of us has those gifts to offer!

Where do you feel God calling you to serve in our congregation?

I look forward to hearing your answers in the months ahead. There is no better time to be a part of First UMC in West Point than now—and tomorrow, too!

all good things to each of you,
Dr. Darian

Why We Call Ourselves ‘Methodist’

Over the past month, Ralph Weems and I have spoken with many of you about happenings in our United Methodist denomination at June’s Wednesday Night Supper and in Sunday school classes. Thank you for all of your good questions and your listening ears. If you weren’t able to attend any of these conversations and have some questions, please reach out to me, and we can fill you in.

This week is the 2022 Session of the Mississippi Annual Conference in Tupelo. Ralph and I will attend as your representatives, and we look forward to sharing with you what we learn. This will be Bishop Swanson’s last year to preside at our Annual Conference. While he still plans to retire, he has agreed to remain as our bishop in Mississippi through the end of December. In November, elections for new bishops will take place. Bishop Swanson agreed to stay a bit longer than he originally planned to ensure a smooth transition for our next bishop at the start of 2023. Please keep Bishop & Mrs. Swanson in your prayers as they continue to lead us. This is about the 3rd time he has delayed
retirement!

When brothers John and Charles Wesley began meeting in small groups for further study and prayer with theology students, people called them, “Methodist,” as a term of derision. People made fun of all their ‘methods’ in their small gatherings. But with time, and the realization of how powerful these small groups were, the term transformed into a good one, admired and respected.

Yes, we have a lot of ‘methods,’ especially when it comes to the business of our Church at Annual Conference. But isn’t it comforting and encouraging to know that the Holy Spirit moves and transforms our methods into something even better when we ask Him to do so? Let us pray together that all our methods will be used for God’s glory.

all good things to each of you,
Dr. Darian

The Origin of “All Good Things”

Those who are taught the Word should share all good things with their teacher.
— Galatians 6:6 (Common English Bible)

Some of you may have noticed that I always sign anything requiring a signature with the phrase, “all good things.” I can’t remember if I’ve shared the origin story of that closing blessing and thought now would be a good time to do so.

In August of 2011, I attended a weeklong workshop at the Collegeville Institute in Minnesota entitled, “Writing and the Pastoral Life.” Shortly after returning home, I kept gushing about my experiences. Have you ever traveled somewhere that had such beautiful sights and memorable moments that you struggled to describe them to people who weren’t there?

That’s how I felt when I tried to write about my time at the institute. The phrase that kept coming to me was “all good stuff.” Then one week I read the above verse from Galatians and the phrase, “all good things,” shined from the page.

I had spent a week sharing all good things with fellow teachers and preachers of the Word. We had taught one another, and “all good stuff” became “all good things.” There is so much in life that we can call “good.” For all that stuff and those things, we thank the Source of goodness.

The origin of “all good things” is not only one verse of Scripture. It’s not one workshop in Minnesota. The origin of all good things is the One who declared this world, “good,” with the words of creation. No matter how evil or tumultuous our world may seem at times, let us remember that God is good. God loves us. God created us to do good and to love each other.

And that is why, every chance I get, I wish all good things to each of you.
Dr. Darian

Lectionary for Sunday, July 3, 2022
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Galatians 6:1-16
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

What’s Bringing Us Joy in June

Every month I like to take a moment and share what I’ve been reading, watching, or listening to that has brought me joy over the past month. The hope is that in sharing what has lifted my spirit, you will take time to ask God what has lifted your spirit as well.

Hope Always: How to Be a Force for Life in A Culture of Suicide by Matthew Sleeth, M.D. (book): You’ve heard me share a powerful quotation from Hope Always the past two Sundays, but what I did not share is that it is about suicide. I’ve been slowly reading this powerful book in the morning alongside the Scriptures. Though the subject matter is heavy, the insights are worth it. This is not only a wonderful resource for people touched by suicide but also for grief, mental health, and the role of the Church in this crisis.

Val (documentary): Raise your hand if you have seen Top Gun: Maverick? I haven’t yet but hope to carve out the time soon to do so! What I did take the time to watch is a documentary about one of the original Top Gun stars, Val Kilmer. It’s mostly composed of his own videos from a huge library spanning decades, and it reminded me of how complex people can be. Kilmer has had some serious health issues in recent years, and how he handles them with gratitude is very inspiring.

The Hymn of Heaven Tour with Phil Wickham and Josh Baldwin (music): A year ago I shared how much I loved worship leader’s Phil Wickham’s latest studio album, Hymn of Heaven. I knew then that if he went on tour and came to a nearby city, I would go. Not only did he come to Memphis a couple of weeks ago, but on tour with him was another worship leader, Josh Baldwin, whose music also ministers to me. I am still smiling from this worship night that was far more than a concert and listening to the songs once again on repeat.

I’d love to hear what’s bring you joy this month and all year long!

all good things to each of you,
Dr. Darian

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, June 26, 2022
2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Luke 9:51-62

Called, Chosen, and Set Apart

One of my favorite books on pastoring is This Odd and Wondrous Calling by Lillian Daniel and Martin Copenhaver. What makes the book so lovable and relatable is that both authors are pastors who don’t dole out advice or offer 5-point plans for success. Instead, they are story tellers trying to give words to a vocation that deals with life’s greatest mysteries.

Twelve years ago today (June 13, 2010) was a significant day in my own ‘odd and wondrous calling’ as I was ordained an elder in The United Methodist Church. For 15 years I’ve worked in the local church, and I’m still learning how to tell the glorious story of what pastoring is, for it is rich and beautiful but also hard to describe sometimes.

I’m delighted to walk alongside all of you as I begin my seventh year as your pastor this month. Let us keep in our prayers our brothers and sisters throughout Mississippi Methodism who are experiencing changes in leadership. Next month, Ralph Weems and I will attend the Mississippi Annual Conference as your representatives, July 13-15. We welcome your prayers for the Annual Conference as well as our whole United Methodist denomination. Ralph and I are currently visiting Sunday school classes to share information about current events in the Church, and we will also share at the Wednesday Night Supper this week. Please don’t hesitate to contact either of us with questions.

Let us remember this week that we are all called as the Church to live as a set apart and holy people who fear the Lord and uphold one another in the faith. As 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us, “9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

all good things to each of you,

Dr. Darian

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, June 19, 2022
1 Kings 19:1-15a
Psalm 42
Galatians 3:23-29
Luke 8:26-39

                                                                                                        Quilting Our Prayers: Practices & Patterns

Two of my great-grandmothers loved to quilt, and while I’ve never taken up the craft, their work has taken care of me over the years. For as far back as I can remember, a quilt with a butterfly pattern that one great-grandmother made for me has been in my room or on my bed. Each square is unique with its patterns and colors, but the basic butterfly pattern is the same.

The other quilt, made by a great-grandmother I never knew, was an unusual bear-claw pattern, and each square was made from my mom’s and aunt’s childhood clothes. Up until ten years ago, it was simply a ‘quilt top.’ We needed to add padding and have it stitched appropriately to become a ‘real quilt.’ It is one of my favorite things to show people when they come to the house!

I don’t know a lot about quilting, but I do know it is an art that requires practice and patterns. I also know that great beauty emerges from those times spent in detail with each square. The same is true for our prayer lives. The ways we can pray are numerous and creative, and the Scripture is full of patterns that we can follow. The Holy Spirit brings the vibrant colors to our lives.

For the months of June and July, in worship we will be talking about our prayer patterns and practices, growing spiritually in how we talk with God and intercede for the world’s needs. When we bring each of our ‘squares’ of prayer to God’s house, what a beautiful piece emerges! I look forward to worshipping with you this summer.

all good things to each of you,
Dr Darian

Lectionary Texts for Trinity Sunday, June 12, 2022
Proverbs 8:1-4
Psalm 8
Romans 5:1-5
John 16:12-15

The Prayer List & Prayer Practices for Summer

This upcoming weekend is the “unofficial” start of the summer season, and we will conclude our Easter series on John’s gospel in Sunday worship. The Scriptures assigned for June and July lend themselves beautifully to a topic we can never exhaust: prayer.

I’ll share more on this worship series in a couple of weeks, but in preparation for it, we are making some changes to our church’s prayer list. It is an honor to hold one another’s needs before the Lord, and we want to continually improve on how we share prayer concerns with you. Please note the following changes to our church’s list.

1. When you ask to put someone on the prayer list, he/she will remain on the list for two months. If you wish for the person to remain on the list for longer, you may notify the church office.

2. When you submit a prayer request, please keep the church office updated on how the person is doing.

3. For the sake of space in our Sunday order of worship, we’ll print the prayer list in the newsletter but not in the bulletin.

4. We will provide an updated and more detailed prayer list at the monthly prayer service on the first Wednesday of the month. We hope you will attend.

5. Most importantly, when you have this list in front of you, take a moment to call out at least some of the names before the Lord and offer prayers for them.

Thank you for helping us to improve on the ways we share prayer concerns. It is an honor to intercede for one another, and Jesus waits to hear from us. So, let us pray…

all good things to each of you,
Dr. Darian

What’s Bringing Us Joy in May

Every month I like to take a moment and share what I’ve been reading, watching, or listening to that has brought me joy over the past month. The hope is that in sharing what has lifted my spirit, you will take time to ask God what has lifted your spirit as well.

The Enneagram Goes to Church: Wisdom for Leadership, and Congregational Life by Todd Wilson (book): I have only been familiar with the enneagram for a few years now, and I wasn’t too fond of it at first. It’s a tool used to help us better understand personalities—both our own and others. The more I’ve read about it, I’ve learned that it can be very helpful in cultivating compassion for each other. Todd Wilson is a pastor who wrote this book especially for pastors, and I’m currently enjoying it.

Under the Banner of Heaven (TV): I am finally trying Hulu for a month, and my main motivation was to watch this series. Though the story revolves around a murder that occurred in Utah in the 80s, the show is more than true crime. It’s the mystery that keeps me intrigued with the plot, but I’m learning so much about the Mormon religion from it and how fundamentalist religion can be so deceptive.

Come Down O Love Divine by Fernando Ortega (music): If you are looking for some beautiful and peaceful worship music to play at your desk or around the house, I’d recommend any album by Fernando Ortega. His arrangement of “Give Me Jesus,” is so beautiful that it was the only song that Ruth Bell Graham requested for her funeral years ago! This is the album I’ve been listening to most recently in the office, but any of them are sure to bring you God’s peace.

I’d love to hear what’s bring you joy this month and all year long!

all good things to each of you,
Dr. Darian

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, May 22, 2022
Acts 16:9-15
Psalm 67
Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5
John 14:23-29

REAPPOINTMENT

As Chair of the Staff Parish Relations Committee, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Darian will remain with our congregation for another year. Bishop James E. Swanson, Sr. and the Cabinet of the Mississippi Conference, during the Appointment Sessions, worked prayerfully together to appoint clergy to every church in our Annual Conference. Dr. Darian has been a wonderful servant leader among us for the last several years, and we are blessed to have her continued leadership in the upcoming year. I ask that you continue to pray for her and our congregation.

Bishop Swanson offered this prayer for us to share:
“Lord Jesus Christ, our Living Savior, we give you thanks for our church. It is a gift of grace to us. We are deeply grateful for the leadership of Dr. Darian who has served us as pastor, teacher, leader, and friend in Christ. May your grace be upon her in the spiritual adventure that lies ahead. As she continues as our pastor, we pray for her. May your grace abound in her life, giving peace, joy, and confidence in this continuing journey. May we remember to lift up the churches and pastors throughout Mississippi that share this time with us. Empower us to fulfill your mission of making disciples as WE serve you. AMEN.”

Laura Tinsley
Staff Parish Relations Chair

Easter Worship Series: Jesus of John’s Gospel

We are over two weeks into the Easter season, which is a good time to remind ourselves of why Easter is a season and not only one Sunday. We are in a 50-day period in which we remember the 40 days that Jesus walked the earth after his resurrection, his ascension into heaven, and the ten days that followed leading up to Pentecost.

If you fasted from anything during the Lenten season, the Easter season is the perfect opportunity to take up something in celebration. Tsh Oxenreider, whose devotional book, Bitter & Sweet, was my companion during Lent, described these two seasons well: “Lent is for fasting; Easter is for feasting.”

How will you feast on God’s goodness for these fifty days?

In worship we’ll do so by spending time with the apostle who knew both fasting & feasting better than anyone. The apostle, John, was known as “the beloved disciple,” and many people would say that his gospel and letters are among the Bible’s most beloved books. I often recommend that people who are reading the Bible for the first time to start with John. John not only saw Jesus transfigured in all his glory, but he also spent Jesus’ last, horrific 24 hours tending to Jesus’ mother, Mary. He witnessed the best and the worst, and he took the time to tell us what we need to know.

Don’t we all have the same responsibility as the beloved disciple, to tell people how we’ve seen Jesus and what we have seen?

May is a busy month for many of us, and let us not allow the noise to silence our “Alleluia!” Now is the time more than ever to keep declaring, “He is risen!”

all good things to each of you,
Dr Darian

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, May 8, 2022
Acts 9:36-43
Psalm 23
Revelation 7:9-17
John 10:22-30