First United Methodist Church of Bainbridge, NY

07/29/2025

07/25/2025

07/25/2025

Tabitha’s Closet Christmas in July sale

06/22/2025

Services for today 6/22 have been cancelled. Stay home and stay safe.

05/19/2025

This week, the cross outside our church fell. Not because of a storm, not because someone hit it—but because the wood at the foundation had slowly rotted away. On the surface, it still looked like a strong symbol of faith. But underneath, it was decaying—and eventually, that hidden weakness brought it down.

That’s a picture of cultural Christianity. It can look like faith on the outside—crosses on walls, verses in bios, occasional church attendance—but underneath, there's no living relationship with Jesus. No root in Scripture. No repentance. No transformation. And just like that cross, when pressure comes, it doesn’t stand.
Jesus warned us about this. In Matthew 7, He said that many will say, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but He will reply, ‘I never knew you.’ That’s not about how we look—it’s about who we truly are. We’re not called to have the appearance of the cross. We’re called to live under its power.

This fallen cross is more than a maintenance issue—it’s a wake-up call. Let’s not be content with the appearance of faith. Let’s dig deep and ask:
* Am I rooted in Christ, or just familiar with Christian culture?
* Is my relationship with Jesus active, or just assumed?
* Am I being shaped by Scripture, or just surrounded by it?
This week, take time to ‘check the foundation.’ Spend unhurried time in the Word. Pray honestly. Ask the Holy Spirit to expose any areas where things may be rotting beneath the surface. And if you’re not sure where to start, reach out. You're not alone—and the cross still stands, not because we hold it up, but because Christ has overcome.

05/15/2025

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, maybe it’s time to let go of what you can’t control and lean into the One who never changes. 🤍Ashley Till