A Spiritual Journey Through Creativity
Before we even step outside the excitement builds. She knows what’s coming – the movement, the smells, the sights, the sounds. She’s eager to experience it all! Call to Worship We walk to the back of the yard to check out the flowerbed. Crocus – purple and white. Some frost bitten from an early bloom.… Continue reading A Variation on Church
Sunday was a busy day in the life of the church – especially those that follow the liturgical calendar. In the United Methodist church we celebrate Holy Communion on the first Sunday of the month – so there was that. It was also Epiphany – the celebration of the three wise men visiting baby Jesus.… Continue reading Torn
I have so much to process from the last seven days. It’s possible I’ll go on another mission trip with Appalachia Service Project and North UMC someday, but for now this was my last trip. My 9th ASP. I think my 18th or 19th weeklong youth ministry trip. It was a big week for me… Continue reading Bridges
I preached this sermon today at North United Methodist Church, the place I've called my church and my job for the past nine years. This sermon is a reflection on the Parable of the Sower as well as my time in ministry with the youth, parents, volunteers and congregation of North UMC. +++ Luke 8:4-8… Continue reading Seeds, Fruit and Roots – A Sermon
When I chose Gratitude to be my one word for this year, I really had no idea how appropriate it would be. I initially chose it because I wanted to be happier with my life and by focusing on gratitude I figured my attitude and perspective would change. I was right about that. Each morning… Continue reading One Word Check-In
The younger kids in the youth group were 2 or 3 years old when I started working at North. So, most of the youth group don’t have a lot of memories of church without me somewhere in them. Don’t get me wrong – I am not under any illusion that North won’t be North without… Continue reading Teach
At the start of my sabbatical last fall I had a plan. (Of course, I had a plan!) I would spend the first month decompressing. The second month would be for reflection. Finally, in that third month I would make some decisions. By the end of my sabbatical I wanted to know these things: -… Continue reading Leaving
Since returning from my sabbatical, I’ve started sitting in the back of the sanctuary. For the 8.5 years prior to that, I sat in the middle section in the first third of the sanctuary. It feels strange sitting in a new pew, in a different part of the space. But, at the same time, it… Continue reading Sorrows
When I started in my position at North as youth minister almost 9 years ago, I kept some of the traditions but also added my own touches. One of the “sacred cows” of their youth ministry is the Lenten retreat. Every year in early March all of the youth – 6th-12th grade – go on… Continue reading Anointed
When I’m in a crowd of people I don’t know, it’s easy to feel okay. I’m not seeing myself reflected in their eyes. I don’t recall times of joy or pain shared with these people. In some ways I’m invisible and that makes my pain feel less intense. However, when I’m with one person I… Continue reading Open Wound
Anne Brock 