This week, we welcome the Rev. Dr. Carolyn Scanlan Holmes and Michael Read to share their stories of music and faith as we continue "Music in the Key of Faith." Very few of our lives have followed a nice, neat path taking us to the very places we've always wanted to be. More often our lives are a series of plot twists, scene changes, and unexpected events. But it's in the unpredictable journey that we experience joy, meet amazing people, and discover we are being made into something new and beautiful. As make our way through life, we continue to be alert to God's ongoing work in us and in the world, trusting that God will do such amazing things in our lives, that we won't be able to "round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!" (Romans 5:5 MSG) ... Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ8h0GyUXLo

Joy expresses itself in countless ways... deep belly laughs, squeals of glee, hugs and high fives, broad smiles, and even jumping up and down. When we experience joy it's just impossible to keep it to ourselves. Joy always makes itself known! The joy we know in the God who is love, who pours limitless blessing and grace into our lives, who is "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" (Exodus 34:6), is no different. This deep joy pours out in our worship, our living, our relationships, and our loving. Sometimes it is in words of praise, sometimes in dancing, sometimes in generosity, and often times in music and singing. However you do it, "make a joyful noise to the Lord," in celebration of God's goodness and grace! As we continue the series "Music in the Key of Faith," we welcome The Storeytellers Jazz Band... worship link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLMWJOEBTbU

We are all so gifted and talented in so many ways. Some of us are good with people, some have abilities with numbers and business, some are skilled craftspeople, some are artists that create beautiful things to see, hear, and experience. We all want to do the things we do well, and to take pride in our efforts. As followers of Jesus, we are also encouraged to do things in a way that glorifies (reveals) God. Whatever we do, for our jobs or in other areas of our lives, we are invited to manage well the many gifts and abilities we've received so that others can see God more clearly. As we continue the series "Music in the Key of Faith," we welcome Zoe Wiltrout, pianist and organist, to share her gift of music and her story of faith... worship link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qqu80XDdv4Y&t=853s

The Divine reveals itself in countless ways. Some find God in nature, some in Scripture, some through silence, and some through music, just name a few. It has been said about music specifically, that, "God gave us music that we might pray without words." Music has been a part of the sacred experience across nearly every spiritual tradition for as long as humanity has kept any kind of record. There are those across the centuries, and still today, who give generously of themselves and their gifts to help us all experience and connect with God through music. This week the Rev. Mary Dicken brings her harp to share her music and story in worship, and to guide us into an experience with the Holy. Many thanks to Pastor Mary for her presence and ministry! worship link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B5o_D_B1ys

It’s been said that going to “church,” i.e. attending a worship gathering, doesn’t make one a Christian anymore than hanging out in the produce department at the grocery makes one a cabbage. But gathering with other Jesus followers in the regular practice of corporate worship is an important part of the larger life of a follower. In the context of living a life of love, worship gives believers the opportunity to publicly praise God and be equipped and energized for a faithful life beyond the weekly gathering. One element of that gathering is often music of some kind. Whether ‘traditional’ or ‘contemporary,’ instrumental or vocal, many voices or one, music lifts our praise to God and opens our hearts to God’s movement. Music in the key of faith moves us into God’s holy presence, and it’s there that real worship happens. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dK13OBO_WNs

What is your first reaction to a new problem that presents itself? Are you quick to think through a problem, evaluate potential solutions, and then dig into solving it? Or does a problem tend to stop you in your tracks, and you find that you easily throw up your hands in defeat? Maybe you tend towards excuses and finger-pointing. Some of us are more naturally gifted problem-solvers than others. Some of us take longer to come up with a plan than others. But we all have one resource available to us when confronted with a problem or need - Jesus! When the disciples found themselves without a solution to a really big problem, Jesus came through for them and the crowd. What dilemma could Jesus help you with today? Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itdQeGVhpSI

What incredible, almost impossible-to-believe event has happened in your life? What has blown your mind with wonder and joy? What has stretched your understanding of God at work in the world? So much is wrong in the world, and we all experience regular disappointments, setbacks, and failures. But every once in a while, if we will keep our eyes and hearts open, God gives us a glimpse of all that is possible with God. A miraculous catch of fish gave the first followers of Jesus a sneak peak at the fullness of life possible with Jesus. Where are you catching a peak of God's goodness, provision, and abundance? Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7MMCxEcqs0

How many times have you waited... and waited... and waited at the school or the gym or the soccer field to pick up your child? How many minutes (maybe hours or days) do you suppose you've spent waiting on hold for "the next available customer service representative?" What is your limit for waiting on a table at your favorite restaurant - 20 minutes? 30? An hour? What about waiting on God? The Psalmist encourages us to 'wait on God alone for our salvation,' (Psalm 62:1) but when your world comes crashing down around you, you'd be glad to have help from wherever it might come! When we don't see God at work; when we've prayed and prayed without answer; when we've asked, talked, and bartered with God but nothing seems to be happening, we can be inclined to think that God is absent - that God hasn't heard our prayers, doesn't care about our plight, and isn't going to send the aid we so desperately need. But waiting for God is different than waiting for a person at the help desk. God can be trusted to act because God has shown God's self to be faithful and loving and merciful. And that's what a faithful, loving, merciful God does - acts with love, compassion and mercy. The help desk? Well... Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFkb-gKnozk

To how many people are you connected? 20, 50, 200? Our social media accounts would possibly suggest many hundreds. We count those people among our friends, family, co-workers, acquaintances, and neighbors. In the church and in the United Methodist tribe, in particular, we are also connected to many hundreds of thousands, even millions, through the trust we have in Jesus and the commitment we have to the United Methodist Church. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6CXQheIfHI

We have passed by Mother's Day on the calendar, and so in this part of the country, we are seeing gardens come to life! The Garden Center at your local home improvement store is as busy as it gets, gardeners are getting their seedlings in, and even the least inclined among us gives thought to putting out a tomato plant or two. And we know that only what is planted, nurtured, and fed will produce good things. The same is true of our own inner life. Only what we plant, nurture, and feed every day will grow in us. Will it be good fruit or something sour or misshaped? The Holy Spirit invites us to produce good fruit every day. What are you growing in your spirit? Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Hi9r2xni6g