First United Methodist Church of Ontario, California

08/28/2026

05/30/2026

"My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowly state of his servant" - Luke 1:47-48

In these verses of praise, often called The Magnificat, Mary expresses her joy in being seen and loved by God. The Magnificat reminds us that God notices those the world often overlooks and brings hope to humble hearts.

💭 Where have you experienced God’s care and presence in unexpected or humble moments?

05/19/2026

Francis of Assisi wrote the words used for "All Creatures of Our God and King" (United Methodist Hymnal no. 62) over 800 years ago. The poem he wrote, "Canticle of the Sun", was based on Psalm 148.

The hymn rejoices in finding the presence of God in the world around us. It calls us to appreciate the interconnectedness of our world. Everything working for the benefit of creation attests to the goodness of God.

🎶 "All creatures of our God and King,
lift up your voice and with us sing,
O praise ye!
Alleluia!"

💭 How do you join in the praise God's good creation? How have you been adding your voice to offer an "alleluia"?

05/03/2026

Children and youth Sunday morning.

05/01/2026

“In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places… I go to prepare a place for you.” — John 14:2

Jesus offered these words to his disciples during a moment of uncertainty. He reminded them (and us, as well) of God's promise of belonging. We are always held in God's grace.

There is room for everyone.

💭 How does it shape your faith to trust that God has prepared a place for you?

04/17/2026

Alfred Henry Ackley wrote the hymn "He Lives" (no. 310 in The United Methodist Hymnal) as a response to a couple encounters with disbelief. When faced with questions regarding his faith in Jesus, Ackley noted that he felt Christ's ongoing presence in his everyday life. Christ lived in him and those around him.

🎶 "He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me Along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives:
He lives within my heart."

💭 Where or when have you witnessed the living presence of Jesus lately?

04/17/2026

📖 "Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight.
They said to each other, 'Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?'" -- Luke 24:31-32

Luke 24 recounts a couple of Jesus' friends having an encounter with the resurrected Christ while walking to Emmaus. During this encounter, they felt their hearts inspired while reviewing scripture.

💭 Have you had your heart moved through a passage or scriptural story lately? Which one?