What is the scariest thing you've ever done? And not in the way of haunted houses and spooky walks in the woods at night. But in the way of making big life decisions, stepping into situations with uncertain outcomes, and entering into unknown ventures. How did you gather the courage and confidence to do these things? How did you decide that these were good and right choices? Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, faced a big unknown in taking the pregnant Mary as his wife. In choosing God's peace over his fear, he was able to do this really hard thing. And we can do the same when we choose sacred knowing over fearful not-knowing. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rF79DH2mkAA

In the world's economy we are taught that there is only so much to go around; that if someone gets an unfairly large amount then someone else goes without. We learn to judge who is deserving of a fair share and who is not. In the world's economy it's all about scarcity, and we don't want to be on the side that gets short-changed! In God's economy, we see that there is more than enough for everyone. When God has authority over our resources, needs, hearts, and desires, we discover that we have enough. And not just us—everyone has enough! By God's divine abundance, we have enough for ourselves, each other, and all that God calls us to. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UG8yQQhWB8

Everyone lives by some purpose, goal, or standard. Maybe your purpose in life is to assure your family's safety and happiness. Maybe your goal is to get to the top of your profession. Maybe your priority is to spend as much time as possible in leisure pursuits. Whatever it is, you put effort, resources, and intention towards it. You do your best to learn, apply, and master the tips, techniques, and strategies to move you most efficiently and effectively toward your hoped-for end. Jesus also had a very clear standard for his life. When asked what the most important commandment (directive for living) was, he said very clearly: Love God and love others. Everything else grew out of these priorities. Followers of Jesus commit to this same goal and purpose. And the good news is, it's not as hard as you might think to keep your focus on loving God and loving others! Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP19IDgyHvc

Especially for those outside the faith - but also for those seeking to follow Jesus - being a Christian can be confusing. There seems to be so many rules, restrictions, and exclusions! But at its core, the Christian tradition is about Jesus. And Jesus didn't give us rules, restrictions, or regulations. Jesus extended an invitation. To all kinds of people he met in all kinds of circumstances, he simply said, "Follow me." Life with Jesus does not have to be complicated or burdensome. The Bible gives us some clear, concise words to guide and grow our spiritual lives. And just like life hacks make our day-to-day easier, there are tools and techniques for incorporating more of Jesus into our everyday lives. How about some 'faith hacks' to make life with Jesus a bit easier? Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emLW3x5msJ0

As a people, we tend to like new things... a delicious new recipe, new clothes, an exciting new destination to visit. Sometimes we choose the 'new,' and sometimes the 'new' just - - shows up. The Gospel of Matthew, the first book of the Christian New Testament, is about 'new' (among other things). And that 'new' is Jesus. In Jesus, Matthew shows his readers that Jesus is not just a new way to experience God, but that Jesus also brings a new understanding of faith and faithful living. And sometimes to fully experience the 'new,' some of the old has to go. Are you ready for a 'new' adventure!? Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMZtJ5PM6_U

Most of us learn at a young age that to share with another is a benefit to both the giver and receiver. Young children are taught to share, and we often hear, "It is better to give than to receive." We feel good about blessing or aiding another, and the other finds joy in the gift. Giving and doing good is also a core tenet of the United Methodist tradition. In fact, "do good" is the second of John Wesley's General Rules that guide our faith and life together. In additional to: FIRST Doing No Harm, and Staying In Love With God, as we Do Good, we witness to God's goodness real and active in the world. This week in UniquelyUMC, we learn more about how Jesus' love is manifest in the world as we "do good." Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQBMTweJBzw

Here we are, just days into a New Year, and many of us have already lost the wonder and excitement of beginning a new year. We may have celebrated on New Year's Eve and had grand visions for this new season, but already we have fallen back into comfortable routines and familiar patterns. How might we be inspired to carry the hope of a new year into and through the months to come? The Magi (whom many of us know as the Three Wise Men of Christmas) had a long journey to find the Christ Child. Commitment, community, and a sense of curiosity encouraged them on an uncertain journey. May we find that their story inspires us to enthusiastically journey into this new year with our own sense of hope and wonderment. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGwf_1a-Tlw

Travel Light Guest speaker: Rhonda Tamulonis Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GFTHGXlcP4

Simple Kindness: Christian hospitality is the active desire to invite, welcome, receive and care for those who are strangers so that they find a spiritual home and discover an unending life in Jesus Christ. When we build a relationship with someone they cease to be a stranger. We should notice that the actions Christ desires us to perform are not beyond our ability. The simple act of sharing a meal has implications for our eternal reward. Spending our time with those in need matters a great deal to Jesus. After all, he committed all of his time to the needs of the world. He wants those who serve him to share in this same attitude... Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_KJFdcbpXo

Everyday is full of details, obligations, responsibilities, and tasks that require our attention and effort. Everyday we brush our teeth, feed our families, go to work, and get at least a little sleep. Everyday we seek to be our best selves, love the people who are important to us, and contribute value to our families, communities, and employers. And everyday - as followers of Jesus - we are called to serve and live like Jesus. Of all the everyday things we do everyday, this last might be the most daunting. To live like Jesus is a tall order! But it is also very doable. The everyday mission of a follower of Jesus is to simply love. And we can do that right where we are, with the people who are already around us. We can answer Jesus’ command to love God and love others through the everyday mission of loving our neighbors through acts of kindness. Join Union Chapel Indy in May to grow in the everyday mission of loving our neighbors. Worship link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxOYOoeHLTU