Pearl Street United Methodist Church

06/06/2026

New blog: “A Life the Thief Cannot Steal” — a short reflection on the forces that try to steal our joy and how Jesus offers abundant life. Read the full piece and be encouraged: https://wix.to/rlJgIpJ

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10 (NRSVUE)There are forces in this world that steal life. Some are loud, like war, injustice, exploitation, systems that grind people down. Others are quiet, like fear, sham...

06/04/2026

New on the blog: “A Love That Gives Everything” — a brief, powerful reflection on John 3:16 and the staggering generosity of God’s love. Read how that love meets us even in our brokenness and offers eternal hope. Read now: https://wix.to/2s5NiGp

“God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life.” John 3:16 (CEB)No matter how many times I read this verse, I’m struck again and again by the enormity of God’s love.Imagine a parent with many children — all ...

06/02/2026

Check out my blog post https://wix.to/r3NHI2Z

“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” – Psalm 122:1 (KJV)There is a particular kind of joy that rises in us when we step into God’s presence — not the joy of entertainment or distraction, but the deep, steady joy of being welcomed as we are. When I read...

06/01/2026

Latest from Steve Garnaas-Holmes.

Follow

As Jesus was walking along,
he saw a man called Matthew
sitting at the tax-collection station,
and he said to him, “Follow me.”
And he got up and followed him.
—Matthew 9.9

The voice of freedom or justice,
the song of beauty or healing,
the call of the Beloved, is not a shout.
It's merely the hum of life
that begs your harmony.

You're going about your life, plain as always,
when something ineffable, moving
in a different direction, tugs at you,
like the aroma of bread baking:
an urge, a subtle leaning, an invitation.
Your presence is requested.
Learn to stop and attend.

Perhaps in a moment of stillness,
maybe in a rush of trying so hard—
a compass needle wobbles.
Stop and attend.

You are not especially wise or gifted;
your faith is no stronger than anyone else's.
Don't question why you are chosen;
the only way to know is to follow.
It may be a life-changing endeavor,
or a moment's simple act of love. Follow.

Never stop listening.

05/30/2026

Graduation season is a time of celebration—and of asking, “What’s next?” In our latest post, Learning to Do Good, we reflect on Isaiah 1:17 and practical ways graduates (and all of us) can seek justice, help the oppressed, and serve our communities. Read the full reflection and find encouragement for the next step: https://wix.to/GBV4YZV

“Learn to do good. Seek justice: help the oppressed; defend the orphan; plead for the widow.” — Isaiah 1:17 (CEB)This is the time of year when caps are tossed in the air, and families gather around the backyard barbecue to celebrate milestones. Graduations bring joy, pride, and—inevitably—...

05/28/2026

Daily poem by Steve Garnaas-Holmes

In God

Let God be more than a little infinite.
There is no end to God, nothing outside God.
The only place God could create a world is inside God,
created out of love for love.
God is the Holy Thou at the heart of all things,
who creates and contains all things,
in whom the universe is a little part.

God is hard to find
like the universe is hard to find.
Nothing alone stands out;
everything is part of God.
It's only our understanding that's in small places.

Sin is acting like you're separate.
Salvation is being included anyway.
This changes you, over and over.

Live this day in God.

Breath prayer:
Love … in You

05/28/2026

New on the blog: "Above the Heavens, Over the Earth" — a short reflection on Psalm 57:5 and what it means to exalt rightly in our lives. Read how the psalmist’s words challenge us to lift God above idols, pride, and false praise. Read more: https://wix.to/kkbXWKh

“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. Let your glory be over all the earth.” (Psalm 57:5, NRSVUE)Reading this verse made me think about what it means to be exalted. It’s not a word we use much anymore, but it means to raise or praise someone or something. We can exalt the wrong things—like ...

05/26/2026

New on the blog: “Layers” — a short reflection that reminds us there’s more beneath the surface and points us to Proverbs 31:30. Read the full post and be encouraged today: https://wix.to/xsNoUjo

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)When Kirk and Jordan were younger, we had a Friday night tradition of pizza and movies. One of the films we watched more than once was the 2001 animated classic Shrek. There’s a moment ...

05/21/2026

Feeling anxious or isolated? In “Peace Behind Closed Doors,” we reflect on John 20:19 — how Jesus enters our fears and speaks peace even when we hide. Read the full reflection and find calm for your week: https://wix.to/j5GpMYS

It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19, CEB) On the morning of Christ’s resurrection, the disciples were lo...