Christ United Methodist Church

05/31/2026

Sunday Morning Worship Livestream at Christ United Methodist Church in Marietta, Ohio on Sunday, May 31, 2026

05/24/2026

Sunday Morning Worship Livestream at Christ United Methodist Church in Marietta, Ohio on Sunday, May 24, 2026

05/17/2026

Sunday Morning Worship Livestream at Christ United Methodist Church in Marietta, Ohio on Sunday, May 17, 2026 (First Worship Service in Fellowship Hall)

05/12/2026

05/10/2026

We had a backup electrical glitch and lost Internet connection. If you want a copy of this week's or last week's sermon, contact Pastor Rick or the office, and we can send copies of Pastor Rick's manuscript via US Mail or email.

Unfortunately the Internet at the church is back out. It is unlikely that we'll be able to stream the remainder of today's service (Sunday, 5/10). We apologize for the inconvenience and hopefully we will be back up for live streaming next Sunday from the Fellowship Hall. Happy Mother's Day to all mothers.

05/10/2026

Sunday Morning Worship Livestream at Christ United Methodist Church in Marietta, Ohio on Sunday, May 10, 2026

04/20/2026

This was shared during worship on April 19, 2026:
Friends,
For the last three years, we have journeyed together through many seasons of ministry. We’ve shared laughs, shed tears, eaten together, sang together, planned together, and prayed together. We’ve dealt with an aging structure together and will start renovating the sanctuary in a few weeks.
However, I will not see the fruit of that planning process, because after much prayer and consultation between our Lead Team and the district and conference, it has been determined that this is the right time for a leadership transition. Bishop Hee-Soo Jung is appointing me to Williamsburg United Methodist Church in Williamsburg, Ohio, effective July 1, 2026. Officially, I will be your pastor until June 30, 2026.
To help alleviate the stress of moving, the conference is encouraging each congregation to have the laity fill the pulpit on June 28, 2026, to give transitioning pastoral families time to prepare for their move. I also have three weeks of unused vacation in this conference year, so my last Sunday among you will be May 31, 2026.
Transitions are rarely easy, but they are often necessary for both a pastor and a congregation to grow in new ways. I’m grateful for our time together and ask that you join me in prayer for the Bishop and the cabinet as they discern who God desires to send here, and for the Lead Team as they prepare to welcome your next pastor. Also, begin praying for your incoming pastor now and throughout their time here.
Blessings,
Rick

03/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1C9tY2jY9S/

A Call to Prayer for Peace in the Middle East

Beloved sisters and brothers in Christ,

As we witness the widening conflict across the Middle East, our hearts are heavy. In times such as these, we turn first to prayer. Scripture reminds us, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).

We are not powerless in moments of turmoil. We are called to pray – for peace, for protection, and for the preservation of every life precious to God. I invite you to join in prayer:

for peace to prevail across the Middle East.
for every life to be protected.
for families living in fear to be sheltered in God’s mercy.
for leaders to be guided toward wisdom and restraint.
Beloved, let us remain awake in prayer – in our congregations, in our homes, and in the quiet of our hearts. May Christ, our Peace, guard the nations and steady our spirits.

A Prayer for Peace

God of mercy and compassion,
you are the source of life and the guardian of every soul.

We grieve the violence unfolding in our world.
We tremble for families living under the threat of war.

Protect every life, O God.
Shield the innocent.
Restrain the powerful.
Transform the policies of nations,
so that they reflect your justice, mercy, and peace.

Grant wisdom to leaders.
Turn them toward diplomacy instead of destruction,
toward courage in reconciliation instead of pride in power.

Make us instruments of your peace.
Keep our hearts free from hatred.
Teach us to love beyond borders and beyond fear.

Through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen.

In Christ’s hope,

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung