Union Chapel United Methodist Church

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

"One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer - at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts.” Acts 3:1-2

To have the name “Beautiful” this was probably one of the most impressive and ornate entrances to the temple. And yet just outside this beautiful and holy place sat a man who was struggling, and people were passing him by on all sides. Peter and John were on their way to pray, so it would have been easy for them to just keep on walking like everyone else. They had a holy task to do after all! Luckily, they understood what many of these “holy” people at the time didn’t: prayer and compassion were never meant to be separated. Sometimes the real test of our worship is how we treat people along the way. Today, let one interruption become a chance to show kindness instead of something you simply rush past.

Pastor Danny

05/31/2026

"Love one another. As I have loved you, so you you must love one another."

Acts 2:42-47
John 13:34-35

05/29/2026

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ.” Philippians 4: 6-7

What causes you to have a sleepless night? Maybe it’s anxiety about tomorrow, worry about a teenager out late or at “senior week.?” Maybe it’s concern about money or other external situations. Often we cannot control what we worry about! What we can do, though, is give it to God. We are invited to pray and leave it all in His capable hands. He is ore than able, ready to hear us, calm our hearts, fill us with peace. So, do yourself a favor. Pray and leave your cares with God, and then get a good night’s sleep. You can always pick up your worries in the morning if you must!!

Pastor Karin

05/28/2026

Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. Acts 2: 43

What fills you with awe these days? Is it a beautiful sunset, the laughter of a child, the beauty of a running horse, a graduation ceremony? Awe is one of those “feelings” that is hard to define yet it captures us when we might least expect it. The signs and wonders performed by the apostles kept the people engaged and focused on God! When our awe is followed by a reminder of the power and presence of God with us, our faith is confirmed over and over. Let yourself experience awe this week!

Pastor Karin

05/27/2026

When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:28

I was in my pond on Monday—even the pond needs weeding! But I wasn’t alone. I believe it was a Northern Water Snake that was watching me from under the lily pads. I had waders on so I wasn’t too worried about him, but I did keep an eye out for it. It reminded me of this scripture and that the key to redemption is looking up. In order to see your way out or to hold onto hope, you have to look up—Godward. Jesus is quoting Moses here, reminding his audience about the saving grace of God in the midst of the snakes. If you remember back in Exodus, the people were out in the wilderness and the venomous snakes were everywhere. God said, Look up and you will not die. You might still get bit but you will not die. Whatever keeps you in the dark, look Godward—in prayer, in worship….and God will answer you.

Hmmm….and take your eye off the snake!

Pastor Karin

05/26/2026

“…I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine, and olive oil.”
Deuteronomy 11:4

The Bible verse is a reminder that rain is critical to the growth of crops and the water table to mention just a few key factors for life on earth. Although it wasn’t the ideal weekend for picnics and beach time, the rain was God’s provision to make a dent into the drought upon our land. The best part about the last few days has been the clouds. Looking Godward is a way to appreciate the bigger picture and to remember how we are blessed.

Pastor Karin

05/25/2026

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts 2:21

A Prayer for Memorial Day:

Gracious and Eternal God,

We come before you today, Lord, mindful of the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us—those who gave their lives in service and sacrifice for others.

We remember the fallen. As we see pictures of Arlington National Cemetery, we remember that each represents a life poured out in courage, a story marked by devotion, and a love willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. May their courage inspire us to live with purpose, humility, and gratitude.

We lift up the families who still feel the weight of loss. Be their comfort in grief, their strength in weakness, and their peace in the midst of it all. Enfold them with your loving arms and help them to know their sacrifice has not been forgotten.

Lord, we pray for peace today and the safety of our troops around the world. We pray for them Godspeed and your blessings upon their families.

Help us, Lord, to be good and faithful stewards of the freedoms that have been won for us. May this day be more than remembrance and awaken in us a deeper commitment to live selflessly, love generously, and serve faithfully. Amen.

Pastor Karin

05/24/2026

Pentecost Sunday 🔥🔥🔥
Rev. Jim Ditto

Acts 2:1-21
John 14:15-17