Elm Park United Methodist Church

Elm Park United Methodist Church Love boldly, serve joyfully, lead courageously

09/07/2026

Daily Devotional Day 1: Broccoli and Giraffes: When Playfulness Unlocks Purpose

A child’s refusal to eat broccoli melts away when the vegetable becomes a giraffe’s snack. What seems like a silly game reveals deeper truths: sometimes the “how” matters more than the “what.” Jesus invites creativity to bridge gaps between resistance and reconciliation. When we reframe challenges as playful invitations, even stubborn hearts can lean into growth. The goal isn’t to force compliance but to nurture belonging through unexpected joy.
“And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”
(Matthew 18:5, NIV)
Reflection: When has a playful or creative approach disarmed a standoff in your relationships? How might reframing a current tension as an invitation—not a demand—open new possibilities? [31:25]

09/07/2026

Above and beyond!

09/06/2026

Thanks for joining us today!
CCLI Streaming License: CSPL090985.

09/04/2026

Pull the goalie!

09/04/2026

Daily Devotional Day 5: Irresistible Risk

Teens serving strangers, addicts choosing honesty...discipleship thrives where comfort dies. Like a game-winning shot with an empty net, these moments reveal why we follow: Jesus makes dying to self feel more alive than self-preservation ever could. The cross becomes not a burden but proof that love outdares death. [54:53]

“Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”
(John 12:24-25, NIV)

Reflection: When has a “reckless” act of love—forgiveness, generosity, vulnerability—surprised you with joy? What seed is God asking you to bury today to harvest kingdom fruit?

09/03/2026

Let's usher it in!

09/03/2026

Daily Devotional Day 4: Dying to the Delusion of Enough

Peter’s rebuke of Jesus reveals our temptation to avoid costly love. Like a coach refusing to pull the goalie, we cling to manageable faith—just enough religion to ease guilt but not disrupt comfort. Yet Jesus calls this satanic: true discipleship means letting old selves die so resurrection can reshape us. The cross isn’t a accessory but the end of bargaining with God. [47:12]

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
(Galatians 2:20, NIV)

Reflection: What version of “Peter’s plan” have you offered God lately—a compromise that avoids full surrender? How does Christ’s harsh love in Mark 8:33 challenge that negotiation?

09/02/2026

We exist for the people not yet here.

09/02/2026

Daily Devotional Day 3: The Church’s Open Bench

A team pulling its goalie prioritizes offense over defense, a metaphor for the church existing not for itself but for those not yet present. Like an empty net creating space for new players, the church thrives when it risks resources, traditions, and comfort to welcome outsiders. This isn’t about growth strategies but embodying Jesus’ scandalous inclusion, where walls crumble so the kingdom can advance. [56:27]

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”
(Matthew 5:14-15, NIV)

Reflection: What “benchwarmer” mentality keeps your faith community playing it safe? How could you personally shift energy from maintaining to inviting this week?

09/01/2026

It's all about serving others!

Address

712 Linden Street
Scranton, PA
18510

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 8am - 12:30pm

Telephone

+15703428263

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Elm Park United Methodist Church posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category