When I was leading college students, the most popular topic hands down was "discerning God's will." There were many reasons I thought this was the case. First, for most young adults college is a time in life like none other before it when a student is wrestling with big decisions with a big potential impact on their life and they don't want to get it wrong. This was especially true when they, rather than mom and/or dad, were paying for it.

The other reason this was true, I think, is that they wanted to please God at a deep level. Many of the students with whom I worked just experienced God in their lives as an overwhelming blessing and wanted to get their lives in line with their Creator. And, in that way too, they didn't want to get it wrong.

The good part is that they wanted to be serious about their life choices, their career decisions, and they were serious about their relationship with God. What got to be problematic was when they were immobilized by the idea of getting it somehow wrong.

I found myself advising these young adults to trust in God to walk with them rather than looking for an instruction manual or perfect leader to assure them as to where they needed to go before they even tried. Sometimes they will get it right but many times they will get it wrong. They will learn from the wrong moments even more than the right moments and that too is a gift in life. Aim high and still try.

“Wisdom is not gained by knowing what is right. Wisdom is gained by practicing what is right, and noticing what happens when that practice succeeds and when it fails.” 
―  Barbara Brown Taylor,  An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith

As a church, we are praying the prayer, "God what do You want to do through me?" My window cling is on my driver's side door as I get in and so I get reminded whenever I get into my truck. I try to remember that God is in my daily busy life and that we, God and all of us, are working together on important things.

This Sunday, Jennifer Hallberg will preach her last sermon with us on her last Sunday with us. Jennifer will help us explore what it means to pray in hope, hope even in a miracle. Her title is "Prayer and the Dead Ringer."

It is also good in our individual devotions to look through scripture for examples of those who had to discern God's will for their lives. Consider taking a moment to read the three scriptures below and asking yourself the questions provided there.

So, let's pray and discern together not so much to get it right but let's pray that we find our footing to move forward in some way from here with what God would want us to do.

With love,

Pastor Kyle

P.S. This Sunday we celebrate so many things. Our graduates, Jennifer's gifts and time shared with us, as well as positive women role models in our lives. Don't miss it!
Discernment Bible Study

God commands Abram and Sarai to "go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you." Read through the passage, perhaps using the  Lectio Divina  method. When you have had an opportunity to "chew" on this scripture, consider the following questions:

  1. What were Abram and Sarai asked to leave behind in order to follow God?
  2. What were they promised?
  3. How was Abraham's faith expressed during this journey?
  4. What might you need to leave behind in order to follow where God leads? Who else will be affected?
  5. How do you understand God's promise in your life right now?
  6. How are you expressing your faith on this ongoing journey of discernment?


In the Book of Esther we have the opportunity to explore another type of call. Esther, a Jew, finds herself in a position of power and influence as queen in the court of the Persian emperor. When the Jewish people are threatened, her uncle asks her to consider if God has raised her to a position of power "for such a time as this." When you have time, read Esther's entire story. Pay special attention to the fourth chapter. Questions to consider:

  1. What power did Esther have and what power did she NOT have?
  2. What risk did Esther take in order to try to rescue her people?
  3. How did she discern her course of action?
  4. Consider times in your own life when you might have been challenged to use what you have been given for the benefit of others who were being oppressed. How did you respond?
  5. Who has asked you to consider whether you, too, have been given gifts "for such a time as this?"

Mary's Encounter with an Angel

It's not everyday that a person receives a visit from an angel! Yet, Luke tells us that is just what happened to Mary. The announcement of her "call" to be the mother of Jesus awakens all sorts of feelings and responses in this young woman, Her assent changes her life forever.

  1. How did Mary respond to the angel's announcement?
  2. The angel told her, "do not be afraid." Is fear a part of the call experience? What do you fear about your own emerging sense of call?
  3. What risks did Mary take in order to say "yes" to God?
  4. What risks might you need to take to say "yes" to God?
  5. In the Magnificat (vs. 46-56), Mary declares that God's coming turns everything upside-down. How is this a message you have experienced? How do you proclaim this message?

(These are excerpts from the United Church of Christ Bible Study called "Ask the Question" http://www.ucc.org/ask-the-question_bible-study)
Advocacy Happy Hour Postponed,
March for Justice Encouraged
The External Ministries Team first Advocacy Happy Hour, originally 
planned for this Friday, has been postponed in hopes of finding a date and time when more than a few folks can attend. However, we still want to encourage you to follow the final weeks of the Texas legislative session and let your state senator and representative know how you feel about the key issues they are voting on this month. One of the best web sites for people of faith is Texas Freedom Network ( tfn.org ). The Texas Freedom Network monitors selected bills related to social justice, religious freedom and individual liberties. Sign up for one of their rapid response networks on education, LGBTQ rights, reproductive rights, science, or church & state, and you will receive timely alerts with instructions for quick action.

In fact, tomorrow, Thursday, May 9, 2019, you can join Pastor Kyle at the Capitol. See below:
One Voice. One Light. One Love for Justice
sponsored by Texas Freedom Network, Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, Texas Rising, and Just Texas

For too long Texas politicians have chipped away at rights that allow all Texans access to a full and flourishing life. Now is the time for people of all faiths to come together and tell Texas leaders to stop attacking...
LGBTQ Texans .... Immigrants ..... Women ... All God’s children

Join us at the Texas Capitol as we raise our voices for justice and equality.

People of all faiths and no faith are welcome.

Members of the Clergy please wear clergy vestments.

*Schedule*
10:30 | Gather at First United Methodist Church (1201 Lavaca St)
11:00 | March to Capitol
11:30 | Rally at Capitol West Steps