Dan Pezet

07/24/2024

In a few hours, I will meet with clergy friends and colleagues from our Western North Carolina Conference in London, England, where we will begin our Wesleyan Heritage Tour. After all that we have been through over the last several years, this has been a dream of mine that will accomplish several things.

We will have the opportunity for spiritual renewal. We will connect with our Wesleyan Heritage in new ways, walking in the same places where John and Charles Wesley once walked.

We will explore the church's future as we hear from some leaders of the Fresh Expressions movement in the UK. This is where it began, and we can learn from their experience.

This will be a time apart from our regular work. Everyone deserves a break. I pray that we will return with new energy for ministry.

I ask for prayers for all on our trip, myself included, that this will be a time that prepares us mentally, physically, and spiritually for our future ministry.

04/29/2024

I join the rest of our community in grief over the tragedy of the shooting in Charlotte today. Three US Marshals were killed and several other task force members were injured while trying to keep our community safe. This is a sad day. We lift up each of the families who have lost loved ones today in prayer. We offer prayers of healing for those who were injured.

The shooting happened just miles from the Charlotte Convention Center where the worldwide gathering of United Methodist leaders is taking place. General Conference has been filled with hope as we discern how we will organize to share the love of Christ around the world. This violence is a reminder that the world needs the hope, peace, and love of Christ as much now as ever before.

Dear God,

We lift to you the families of those who lost loved ones today. For these, we lift to you a groaning in our hearts that is too deep for words. We ask that you pour out your healing love on those who have been injured and that your presence may bring peace to all of those affected by the chaos of today. As we continue to meet as United Methodists, help us to organize ourselves in such a way that will help all people experience your peace. May guns ring out no more in our communities, schools, and areas of conflict. We love you God, and we are thankful that you are our strength in times of need. This is a time of need. In the name of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, we pray.

Amen.

04/25/2024

Thank you, delegates, for your willingness to to work through breaks and meals to get important work done. Love the atmosphere of General Conference!

07/09/2023

The church is a gathering of imperfect people who are on a spiritual journey together to learn about, celebrate, and practice the perfect love we experience through Jesus Christ. Blessings to all pastors who join that journey with a new church today.

06/15/2023

06/14/2023

Looking forward to connecting with friends and colleagues at Annual Conference this weekend!

04/13/2021

Does someone in your church excel in evangelism? The Western North Carolina Conference is now accepting nominations for The Harry Denman Evangelism Award for Clergy, Laity, and Youth.

Learn more and submit nominations here: https://www.wnccumc.org/denman-awards

04/09/2021

This is a fun group to work with :)

04/04/2021

Christ is risen! Let the hallelujahs ring!

03/12/2021

I took this picture when consulting with a church almost 5 years ago. I do not remember the exact circumstances of the church, but I remember thinking, “I’ve got to get a picture of this.”

A pandemic is a great time to spruce up your facilities. There is going to be a new normal, and things will be different, but if your children’s ministry area looks like this, it is time for an update.

As you evaluate your space, it will be helpful to get a second opinion. Bring in a few parents from outside of your church to come in and give you their impressions. Invite them to be completely honest. Sometimes we don’t see how outdated our own facilities are. It’s hard to multiply if your base is out of date and culturally irrelevant. - Dan Pezet