Maplewood United Methodist Church

09/06/2026

09/05/2026

A Note from Pastor Andy

Series: “On This Rock”

Sermon title: The Church is One

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16

On Sunday we are beginning a brand new worship series called “On This Rock.” The phrase comes from the words of Jesus, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)

Over the next four weeks, our focus will be … the church. Have you ever stopped and asked, what exactly is “Church?” What do I mean when I say “Church?” What is the Church called by God to be, to say, and to do? Given the prevalence of White Christian Nationalism in the Church today and the corresponding decline in public perception of the Church, what role do we have in presenting an alternative theological framework grounded in the liberating love of God made known in Jesus and enlivened by the Holy Spirit?

You know what I mean?

In the Nicene Creed we say, “I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic church.” It is a perfect four-week series! One. Holy. Catholic. Apostolic. These four words carry deep theological meaning that we will be exploring together.

One of the things I’m most excited about with this upcoming series is the debut of a new song that I have written for us to sing together. It’s called “On This Rock,” and it is written in a Gospel style. I had a lot of fun writing it, and I hope everyone has a lot of fun singing it. I’ll take some time on Sunday during worship to teach it, and then we’ll sing it each of the four weeks. I can’t wait for you to hear it!

It is a perfect time to extend an invitation to a neighbor, a friend, a student in class with you, or a co-worker. We are going to spend some time thinking about “The Church” together, and that’s where I’ll see y’all! In church!

Pastor Andy

09/03/2026

Thought for Thursday, September 3, 2026

09/03/2026

09/01/2026

Dear Church,
Please keep our United Methodist connectional siblings at North Star Church in your prayers. Their pastor, Rev. Doug Franklin, died suddenly and unexpectedly on the morning of Monday, August 31, 2026. We share the grief and sorrow they are feeling right now, and hold them close as they navigate this difficult time. And please remember North Star Associate Pastor Rev. Judy Slimmer as she serves the congregation during their grief.
Thank you, Pastor Andy

08/30/2026

08/28/2026

A Note from Pastor Andy for Sunday, August 30th

Sermon title: “It shows when we stand hand in hand”

Focus movie: “High School Musical”

Scripture: Isaiah 43:14-21

This Sunday we wrap up our annual “Maplewood at the Movies” series with the Disney movie High School Musical. When it premiered on the Disney Channel in 2006, it was seen by 7.7 million viewers, and set the record for the most watched premier on the network. The soundtrack album reached number one on the “Billboard 200” list, and appeared on the list for over 100 weeks in a row.

Let’s just get it out of the way right now: this movie is cheesy. Like, incredibly cheesy. This movie is a ninety minute cliché. One of the reviews on Rotten Tomatoes calls it “brazenly saccharine," but notes that it compensates for that with its “memorable show tunes, eye-popping choreography, and appealing cast.”

Another review I read points out a lovely irony in the movie. One of the songs (“Stick to the Status Quo”) is a call to break out of the expectations and peer pressure in the school; in fact one of the main themes of the movies is a celebration of trying new things instead of just sticking with the norms embedded in the school’s culture. And yet the movie itself is thoroughly “Disney,” obviously formulaic and predictable. Love it!

But there is an important lesson here for the church, just under the surface of the flashy choreography and catchy tunes. God is the One who is doing a new thing (Isaiah 43:19) in the world, bringing life in desolate places, creating ways where no way exists, pouring living water into the driest and most barren deserts.

God clearly does not “stick to the status quo!”

And if the God we worship is not defined by preconceived ideas and expectations, we must be very careful not to limit God to the boxes we create. In our effort to define what is ultimately undefinable and infinitely mysterious, there are times that people tend to lock on to one narrow way of relating to God, becoming suspicious of any others.

Rather, God calls us to break free of these limits and understand more fully the God who is everywhere, in everything, with everyone, at all times all at once. It may be cheesy, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true!

Pastor Andy

08/28/2026

Hey everyone! Our t-shirts are in and they look fabulous! For those who ordered shirts we'll have them available on Sunday morning.
If you want a t-shirt and didn't get a chance to order one, we'll order another batch soon!