Rising Fawn Methodist Church

10/20/2026

Immediately [Jesus] made his disciples get into the boat . . . while he dismissed the crowd. After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray. - Mark 6:45-46 (NRSVUE)

My favorite place to be alone is a small crater in the middle of our woods. The crater was formed from an uprooted tree that rotted away many years ago, leaving no trace of the tree except for adolescent sprouts from seeds now sparsely surrounding the crater. The hardwood forest canopy supplies shade that allows plenty of moss and ferns to grow on the ground among small twigs and leaf litter in the moist, cool environment.

This spot is a great place to be alone and pray just as Jesus did in Mark 6 after feeding over five thousand people. Jesus set aside time to pray alone so that he could listen to God without distractions. Jesus prayed for wisdom, knowledge, guidance, strength, peace, and for the will of his Father to be done. Praying allowed Jesus to refocus and refresh so he could teach his disciples.

My crater in the woods seems like a little slice of heaven where I can slow down and feel refreshed. Not only do I write there, but I also pray. While group worship is important, I hope everyone also has a place they can escape to for prayer and relaxation in this often-busy world.

10/19/2026

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him; bless his name. - Psalm 100:4 (NRSVUE)

One evening, while scrolling aimlessly through my Bible app, I stumbled upon Psalm 100:4 — “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!’’ I paused. Could gratitude be the key to finding peace during chaos?

I grabbed a notebook and listed three things I was thankful for that day: my comfortable bed, the nice weather, and my morning coffee. Though not groundbreaking, it was a start.

One day, I was frustrated and close to tears. I turned on some worship music and started singing along. The chorus of one song struck me deeply: “You are never going to let me down.” At that moment, I remembered all the times God had been faithful, and my frustration vanished. The more I practiced thanksgiving, the more natural it became. I started thanking God for bigger blessings: supportive friends, greater joy in my family, and more confidence in God.

When we praise God, we are acknowledging God’s goodness, faithfulness, and unchanging love. Psalm 100:4 gives a beautiful vision of how thanksgiving and praise usher us into God’s gates and lead us to deeper relationship with God. Living out this verse changed my outlook, revived my relationships and prayer life, and changed how I handle stress. Gratitude became a habit, and praise became my default response to challenges.

10/19/2026

Elijah Alexander, the actor who plays the Roman officer Atticus Aemilius Pulcher in The Chosen, experienced a profound, real-life spiritual transformation while filming the series. Though raised in a Jewish household and portraying a skeptical Roman spy on screen, his time working on the show led him to embrace Christianity. In late 2025, he publicly declared his faith and chose to be baptized on set.

"I come up, and the lightning was in the sky. The skies opened up. ...

10/19/2026

Ending Hymn, “I have decided to follow Jesus”

10/19/2026

Today’s Sermon by Pastor Mike King Oct 18th

10/18/2026

Special Music from Jim Green

10/14/2026

The father said, “If you are able to do anything, help us! Have compassion on us!” Jesus said to him, “If you are able! All things can be done for the one who believes.” - Mark 9:22-23 (NRSVUE)

A few months ago, I was trying to resolve large debts. Then my situation was exacerbated when my car was stolen and insurance did not cover the loss. I was frustrated and desperate, lacking the resources to cover everything. I prayed for answers on how to manage things, but I thought I was in charge and looked away from the true Provider — God.

One day I was reading the story in Mark 9 about the boy possessed by a spirit. I focused on Jesus’ response to the boy’s father: “All things can be done for the one who believes.” The words were profound for me because of my situation. My frustration had led to spiritual blindness and a disbelief that God was in control. However, in that crucial moment I began to understand that more than the money, my problem was my lack of faith. This shed new light on my perspective, and I echoed the response of the boy’s father: “I believe; help my unbelief!” I began to pray more earnestly. The following week, I began to feel better about my circumstances.

We are not exempt from enduring difficult and distressing circumstances, but in those moments God refines our understanding and strengthens our faith.

10/13/2026

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. - Psalm 118:24 (NRSVUE)

On family vacations to the beach, some of us make it a point to wake up early and witness the sunrise. About fifteen minutes beforehand, we head out to the beach to watch and wait. As the sky begins to glow with brilliant colors and the surroundings lighten up, we start taking photos to capture the progress. Often pelicans glide gracefully over the surface of the sea in search of breakfast, and dolphins play in the waves.

All other thoughts fade away as the sun begins to appear over the horizon. Cameras click away as we each try to capture the perfect shot of the sun’s beauty and majesty. When the sun has fully risen, we read the Bible and devotionals. Soon the rest of the family is up, and the day begins. But we carry with us the memory of the serenity and beauty of the start of a new day — something our photos can’t fully capture.

Watching the sunrise inspires me and fills me with hope. A new day has begun. I sometimes hear people say they can’t wait for this year to end. But we don’t have to wait! Every day marks the end of one year and the start of a new one. Every day is a gift from God. Each morning, as the sun rises, we can open our hearts and allow Jesus, the Son of God, to arise anew in our spirits as well.

10/11/2026

Special Music by Sissy Crider