5.07.2026
This Sunday is the Sixth Sunday of Easter. We turn to John 14:15-21, where we see Jesus assuring His disciples that loving Him means keeping His commandments. He promises the Holy Spirit as an Advocate to stay with them, explains that only His followers will receive the Spirit, and vows not to leave them alone. Jesus notes the unity between Himself, the Father, and the disciples, saying those who love Him will be loved by God and will experience His presence. My message title is “If You Love Me.”
Today I am at Lakeside for our Clergy Session that is held each year before we meet for our yearly Annual Conference. This year’s Annual Conference will be held in Bexley, Ohio from May 27-30 at Capital University. Today we look at the role of Clergy, those retiring, those who have departed to glory, and all of us remaining that are appointed and serving the church’s we are called to pastor. It is also a wonderful time to see all clergy gathered together and some being persons in our hearts and minds that have not been in our presence for a long time. Being at Lakeside has brought back many memories from all the years we gathered here each June. Now that we no longer gather here for that purpose, it makes this visit even sweeter. As we walk through places that once echoed with laughter, conversation, and shared moments, we are reminded of the power of tradition and the comfort that comes from familiar surroundings. Lakeside has been more than a location, it has been a backdrop to friendships, faith, and milestones. Each June, our hearts found joy in returning, knowing that God was present in our togetherness. It is no different at Darrtown UMC; our church welcomes us each and every week with open arms, reminding us that the spirit of unity and God’s presence is always felt here, especially when we gather to worship, celebrate, and support one another. I am also thankful that as we walk through Darrtown Methodist, it also echoes with laughter, conversation, and shared moments, reminding us of the power of tradition and the comfort that comes from familiar surroundings and our church family. I look forward to seeing you Sunday morning.
Saturday May 16 from 4-6:30 will be the Open Hands Food Pantry Chicken Dinner Fundraiser at Darrtown United Methodist Church. This will be at eat in or carry out event so you may stay and eat and enjoy the opportunity to win a raffle gift basket. For more information see our church website.
Did you know that Mother’s Day is firmly rooted in Methodist history? Ann Reeves Jarvis first organized a number of women’s clubs in the 1860s to serve suffering mothers and children. She and her daughter Anna eventually became members of Philadelphia’s St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church, where both worked tirelessly to have a day designated in honor of mothers. In May 1908, Anna Jarvis organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia. Read more at https://www.umc.org/en/content/methodist-history-the-founding-mothers-of-mothers-day
Weekly Words of Wisdom: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by
prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of
God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in
Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Blessings,
Pastor Chris
Next Update 05.14.2026.