Walnut Methodist Church

09/04/2026

Walnut Video August 30, 2026

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

08/28/2026

There's a land that is fairer than day, And by faith we can see it ...

08/27/2026

Music video by Dolly Parton performing Shine (Official). © 2001 Dol...

08/26/2026

Rest in Peace Dolly Parton

Precious Memories (1999)Dolly Parton with the gospel song "Power ...

08/25/2026

Ask the Preacher plus reminder, etc.

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned I would start a new feature called "Ask The Preacher." Now and then I getr questions from folks that I discern others may also wonder about. I had this question recently, and wrote reply.
That is followed by a oouple of other things. Here goes.
ASK THE PREACHER

Q: Do most Methodists accept and allow cremation?

A; Yes—and so do increasing numbers of others. In fact, I saw a report recently that stated that the number of people in America choosing cremation has increased to 57 percent of the population.

Some of those opposing cremation argue the body must not be cremated because at some future date the believer's soul will be reunited with his or her body However, others, whatever their belief about soul and body, conclude that since cremation only does rapidly what nature will do also more slowly, cremation is acceptable

Want some opinions? Billy Graham taught that cremation is not a sin, does not separate a believer from God, and does not stop God from raising a person's body from the dead at the final resurrection
The Catholic Church did take a stand against cremation for many years, mainly because it was too much like pagan rituals for the deceased, but that Catholic stance was reversed in 1963. After several centuries of saying no to cremation, ,the Catholic Church decided that sanitation, crowded cemeteries, and lower costs made cremation necessary, clarifying that fire cannot destroy a soul or stop God from raising the body.

St. Paul suggests to the Corinthians that we have an “earthly body” here but that is left behind —what emerges in heaven after death is an “eternal body”. For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing

Neither John Wesley nor his Methodists have ever had an clear and official statement that that endorses or condemns cremation and it seems it is therefore a family decision. However, organ donation is encouraged and if I can help someone after I am gone, I agree and have left instructions for same.

I will confess having some fun once with a family whose mother wanted to be a donor. The lady was an avid Republican and the family joked that if some of her parts ended up going to a Democrat, that person might be mystified at the terrifically strong urge on the next election day to suddenly vote a straight Democratic ticket!

That brings me to mention something I created years ago after trying to plan a funeral with a grieving family. The idea is that you plan your service yourself. This sure makes things easier. Because I can't always be serious, the document is written with tongue in cheek and meant to be flippant...a way of saying we are not afraid of anything, not even death... giving families some guidance that I hope is indeed helpful.

REMINDER
Walnut Women will meet at the church Wednesday Sept 2 at 10 a.m.



JUST IN CASE

Grady and Trish will hope to finally (after three delays!!) get away to celebrate their 50th. We had to reschedule three times due to medical mishaps and had to choose a different destination for a shorter and less exhausting trip, but HOPE to get away this next week. (We will celebrate 50 years of marriage OR since all this delayed us over a year, you can look at it as celebrating the first year anniversary of our 50th anniversary. We will be in cell phone range most of the time but fi pastoral assistance is needed, the talented and capable Donna Shaw is available.

08/18/2026

Walnut Prayer for Sunday plus something I hope will make you laugh!

Here's my edit of an upbeat prayer by Catholic theologian Sir Thomas Moore. It is followed by something just for fun

Grant me, O Lord, good digestion, and also something to digest.
Grant me a healthy body, and the necessary good humor to maintain it.
Grant me a simple soul that knows to treasure all that is good and that doesn’t frighten easily at the sight of evil,
but rather finds the means to put things back in their place.
Give me a soul that knows not boredom, grumblings, sighs and laments,
nor excess of stress, because of that obstructing thing called “I.”
Grant me, O Lord, a sense of good humor.
Allow me the grace to be able to take a joke, to discover in life a bit of joy, and to be able to share it with others. Amen.

As all of you know, last Saturday was Tricia's birthday. As a surprise, our kids, knowing her favorite band is the Beatles and one of her favorite songs is that blackbird song managed to record and put something unexpected together and surprise her. It brought a smile to her and I hope does the same for you
P.S. The video is not over until Erin delivers the "We love you Mommy" line).

https://youtu.be/28ODW4b9mBE?is=BkdCwxV5F4_rBgk_

Proud to be your pastor,
Grady

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

08/15/2026

Pray for rain! I heard one local weather person state we have gone close to a month without any measurable moisture.

Here s the most recent Walnut video. What a group of talented and bright students! In case you want to know more about them, read the attachment below the video attachment below this, if you get what I mean.
Sources tell me there were 98 people there that day.

And, we can all be proud of the new walkway! As I mentioned before, any improvement to a church sends a message to folks that "we are here to stay and this improvement in our facilities proves that!"

Proud to be your pastor,
Grady


2026 WALNUT METHODIST CHURCH
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

1). Grant Haynes is the son of Leonard and Ronda Haynes and grandson of Frank and Brenda Haynes. Grant is attending West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas, and will soon begin his second year. His major is Agricultural Science and Grant maintained excellent grade point averages both semesters this past school year. During the last school year, Grant worked for Priest Genetics prepping show cattle. This summer he worked for Archer Electric of Amarillo, Texas. Grant enjoys hunting and fishing in his spare time.

2). Mallari Myers is daughter of Mark and Heather Myers and the granddaughter of Marvin and Merlene Myers. Mallari is attending Blinn College at College Station. She is a Criminal Justice Major, and this summer is working at the Brazos County Department of Criminal Justice. Last year found her on the Chancellor’s academic list. She enjoys working out and taking her Maltipoo “Ellie” on walks.

3). Brooklyn Myers is also the daughter of Mark and Heather Myers and also the granddaughter of Marvin and Merlene Myers. Brooklyn is attending Texas Tech with a major in Education. She wants to be a teacher, like her mom. She is a member of the Texas Tech Wake Club competing against other Big 12 schools in wakeboarding and surfing. Yes, in Lubbock, Texas! Brooklyn spent her summer working at Boat Town and enjoying Lake LBJ.

4). Jack Helfrich is the son of Jason and Jennifer Helfrich and the grandson of Kirby and Frankie Hohenberger. Jack is attending Texas Tech this fall with a major in Agricultural Economics with an emphasis on Agricultural Finance and Real Estate. This summer he has been working with landscaping for Five-Star Services, including trapping exotics. Jack enjoys golfing and hunting in his free time. Playing a good competitive game of “42” with the family is also a favorite pastime.

5). Aiden Conquest is the son of John and Heather Conquest and the grandson of Nancy and Larry McVay. Aiden is attending Texas A&M in College Station and Aiden’s major is Biology/pre-Med with plans to be a Doctor of Orthopedic Medicine. Aiden’s hobbies are soccer, chess, hunting, fishing, golfing and water sports. He is also a master of Rubik’s Cube, loves riddles and card games.

6). Zachary McVay is the son of Heath and Kim McVay of Loveland, Colorado, and also the grandson of Nancy and Larry McVay. Zachary is attending the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he is pitching for the University’s school baseball team. Zachary’s major is Finance and he enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, and water sports. He also enjoys Rubick’s Cube & card games.

7). Kade Shaw is the son of Kaleb and Donna Shaw. Kade will be attending Sam Houston State this fall studying Engineering. Kade will be pitching for Sam Houston State; Kade reported to the training camp just yesterday on August 1. Kade’s hobbies include hunting and fishing.

😎. Nya Rae Seals is the daughter of Donylle and Lonnie Seals and the granddaughter of Donna Green. Nya will be attending Texas A&M in College Station this fall and her double major is Architecture and Business. Nya is currently in Colorado working as a counselor at a church camp. She is very artistic, ran cross-country at Westlake, and enjoys reading.

9). Tyler Hamblin is the son of Aaron and Jennifer Hamblin and the grandson of Gary and Irma Foreman. Tyler is attending the University of Houston, and his spare time finds him enjoying running and reading the Bible. Tyler is a Leader in the Fellow Christian Athlete organization.

10). Caroline Vetters is the daughter of Thomas and Bethany Vetters and the granddaughter of Sam and Trina Burnam. Caroline attends Texas A&M at College Station. She will be a Sophomore this fall with her major in Accounting at May’s Business School where she serves in the School’s hospitality capacity. Caroline enjoys doing very tedious paint by number pictures, organizing, and she served this past summer as a senior counselor at Camp Ozark.

11). Burnam DuBose is the son of David and Brittany DuBose and the grandson of Sam and Trina Burnam. Burnam will be attending Texas A&M at College Station this fall with a major in Policial Science, Pre-Law. He is an avid reader and enjoys anything outdoors—rock climbing, tennis, golfing, hunting and fishing. Burnam attended Camp Ozark serving on the camp work crews and hopes to become a senior counselor next summer.

12). Madelyn Rheese Anderson is the daughter of Jeremy and Lidia Anderson and the youngest granddaughter of Paul and Sherry Smith Jenkins. Madelyn attends Virginia Commonwealth University with her major being Phycology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Madelyn is a dedicated athlete, competing in cross county track and field. She enjoys family time and friend time and attends church with her family at The Mount in Stafford, Virginia

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

08/06/2026

PRAYER FOR SUNDAY

Blessed are you, Sovereign God, creator of all, to you be glory and praise forever. You founded the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands. In the fullness of time, you made us in your image, and in these last days you have spoken to us over and over….As we rejoice in the gift of your presence among us, let the light of your love always shine in our hearts, your Spirit ever renew our lives, and your praises ever be on our lips

(Silent, personal prayer)

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and forever.
Amen. (from a Wesleyan book of prayers)

07/30/2026

Walnut Gospel Sunday

What a wonderful day at Walnut! Thanks to our musicians, narrators and "backup" singers for sharing their talents with us!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

07/26/2026

Prayer for Sunday

Dear Jesus, help me to spread Thy fragrance everywhere I go. Flood my soul with Thy spirit and love. Pe*****te and possess my whole being so utterly that all my life may only be a radiance of Thine. Shine through me and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel Thy presence in my soul. Let them look up and see no longer me but only Jesus. Stay with me and then I shall begin to shine as you shine, so to shine as to be a light to others. Amen.

Source: Mother Theresa

PRAISE
We 100 people at Walnut on Gospel Music Sunday! Thanks to ALL who helped in so many ways.

Walnut Women meet Aug. 11 at 10 (note date change)

PONDERING:
New Feature:” In Case You Were Wondering…..” OR "Ask The Preacher"
From time to time I get questions from my amazing and insightful laity. Then, later, someone else may ask a similar question. So, I decided to occasionally post some of these and call these posts “Ask The Preacher,” or “In Case You Were Wondering…..}

Q: I noticed the word, “Selah” appears several times in one of the psalms I was reading. What does that mean?
A: To be honest, we’re not sure exactly what it means, but can venture a guess. Since the Book of Psalms is made up of songs used in worship--- songs involving voices and instruments, there is some sentiment that “Selah” might be a musical term meaning, “instrumental interlude.” In other words, the choir or a congregation sings until a certain point, and then stop singing when they see “Selah.” At that points, the instruments take it, then, after they play a verse of chorus or interlude, the choir and congregation “take it” and sing again.
Q: Someone noticed that you are always the last in line at the fellowship time after church. Is there a reason for that?A: More than one reason…….first, by going last in line I can roam around and visit with people waiting in line or already seated at a table. Second, by going last, I can look around the room to see if any first time visitors are present and head over to make contact with them. Third, I can look to see if there might be someone sitting alone, or a couple sitting at a table alone and I want to make they are not overlooked or feel left out. (Like the time my brother Norman had just finished doing a wedding rehearsal and there was a meal in the fellowship hall for the wedding party….they asked him to say a blessing, get his food, and sit, which he did.

NO ONE came to sit with him. EVERYONE sat at the other tables, chatting and interacting but he was ignored….he thought about getting even by calling the bride by the wrong name, or dropping the wedding ring when handed to him, but he did the right thing and did a flawless ceremony).

Proud to be your pastor, Grady