July 2026 Newsletter – Pastor’s Page
Greetings church family,
This July, our country marks a tremendous milestone – our 250th anniversary as a nation. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence, separating the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain. I grew up in Pennsylvania about 90 miles from Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Memories of visiting the Liberty Bell, Independence Square, and the National Constitution Center with family and school trips brings a spirit of sentimentality and gratitude to mind. And yet, as in previous seasons of America’s history, we are not living up to our best values as a nation. How do we make sense of this special anniversary as Americans and Christians? How should we move forward as people of faith claimed by God?
Discipleship Ministries of the UMC put together a wonderful series entitled ‘Core Faith’ that we will use to explore our faith in July. At 250 years, we find ourselves celebrating our nation’s ideals while honestly confronting our failures. Like Paul, this series is an invitation to remember that true hope comes not from self-reliance but from being rescued and transformed by Christ.
The ‘Core Faith’ series reflects on Romans chapters 7 & 8. Roman’s is the Apostle Paul’s letter to the churches of Rome. He wrote this letter later in his missionary work as a converted Jewish scholar. The letter is Paul’s introduction of his story and his theology to a network of churches around Rome. Therefore, this letter of the Bible is rich with imagery and theology. It has served as the basis for much of our formation and understanding of Christianity. Over four weeks, we will explore Paul’s writing about grace, hope, suffering, power, and community – all shaped and formed through our dynamic relationship with God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.
These scriptures teach us about our sense of self and community in relationship with God and one another. I’m excited to explore Paul’s writings with you as we mark this special anniversary of our nation. We will begin this series and celebrate Holy Communion on Sunday, July 12.
I will be out of state visiting family in Tennessee on July 5. You will be blessed once again by hearing from Chaplain Jeny Covil of Logan Health Whitefish Hospital.
In Christ,
Pastor Jared