​Edinburg First United Methodist Church

Our Christ was born into a weary world. King Herod ruled the land with a legacy of cruelty. The Romans treated the people of Israel with contempt, imposing heavy taxes and seizing land. Then — all of a sudden — a thrill of hope. During Advent, the Church around the world leans forward in expectation, longing, and hope as we prepare our hearts for Jesus' birth. In our Advent series, we will ask the question: “How does a weary world rejoice?”  Luke 1 tells us that after the

Dear Edinburg FUMC family, As we head into November, I offer you the poem “When the sun returns” by Sarah Browning. it is hallelujah time, the swallows tracing an arc of praise just off our balcony, the mountains snow-sparkling in gratitude. Here is our real life —  a handful of possible peonies from the market —  the life we always intended, swallow life threading the city air with our weaving joy. Are we this simple, then, to sing all day — country songs, old hymns, camp tu

Beloved and Sent “Just as [Jesus] was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’ And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.” Mark 1:10-12, NRSV Dear Edinburg FUMC family,   Over the past month, our Bible study has been journeying through the Gospel of Mark together. And it’s been a great time! If you haven’t b

“How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! I try to count them—they are more than the sand; I come to the end—I am still with you,” Psalm 139:17-18 NRSVue Dear Edinburg FUMC family, September is here, and that officially marks two months of our journey together! I want to sincerely thank you for your warm welcome, kindness, and all your help as I have stepped into this role as your pastor. It has been such a joy to get to know you more deeply, t

“[Jesus] said, ‘God’s kingdom isn’t coming with signs that are easily noticed. Nor will people say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is!” Don’t you see? God’s kingdom is already among you.’” Luke 17:20b-21, CEB Dear Edinburg First family, Can I share something with you? When I was a teacher, August was a very bittersweet month. On one hand, I looked forward to the newness of a new school year, a new group of students, new ideas to help them grow—all sparkly with possibility.

Hello, Edinburg First! I am beyond excited to begin our sacred work of love together. The last month and a half have been a flurry of transitions. In May, I graduated from Duke Divinity School, said goodbye-for-now to beloved professors, mentors, church members, and friends, and packed my belongings in the back of my car to head back home to the Valley. Since I’ve been back in Texas, I’ve been in all sorts of trainings and meeting more of the lovely people of the Río Texas Co

By As I prepare for my last two weeks in Edinburg, I can’t help but find joy in all the things we have done together. All the things God has done in us and through us as a faith community, a faith family. It’s important to me that we celebrate our time in ministry together, our time in real relationship, knowing I am a better person and pastor for having these eight years with you all.       I’ve been reminiscing over some of my favorite experiences and ministry work with my

By the time you read this, I’ll be just a few weeks from moving back to San Antonio. To say I have mixed feelings is an understatement. I love this community. Each of you have helped shape me as a person and pastor. I am so grateful.    At first, I thought I’d use May’s newsletter to share all the great things we experienced together. However, I’m going to save that for June. Instead, I want to take an opportunity to lift up Edinburg’s incoming pastor, whoever that will be. 

This year, April is filled with High Holy Days like Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter/Resurrection Sunday. The season of Lent (a pilgrimage of repentance) gives way to Eastertide (the celebration of the Risen King). During Lent, we reflect and repent of our sins. In Eastertide, we celebrate that we have been saved from our sins. Unfortunately, we often leave it there—we acknowledge that we have been saved from sin and death but forget that we have also been saved for somethi

In a matter of days, we’ll enter the season of Lent. A time of reflection and repentance that leads us on a journey to the cross, the crucifixion of Jesus, and invites us to find our true identity as children of the Resurrection, heirs of the Living One. My constant prayer is that every day we press more deeply into living as faithful disciples of Jesus and beloved children of God. As I do this work for my spiritual growth, I also hear the Lord instructing me about my role as

It’s FEBRUARY !! I love the month of FEBRUARY for many reasons, but mostly because it’s my birthday month and it is the month to buy all kinds of fancy chocolate on sale after Valentines Day. As a pastor, February is a golden opportunity to talk about LOVE . Not just the “feeling” of the emotion but more so, the one who is Love . God is Love . Jesus is Love . The Holy Spirit is Love . And to be honest, right now, we need as many messages about the Love of God and loving other

It’s the holiday season. It’s the “holy day” season. Holiday celebrations are almost always synonymous with “home” and “family.” Sometimes that’s good and sometimes that’s…complicated. Even the most healthy, happiest families have struggles, arguments, topics that cause strain. There are many who don’t know what it’s like to have a ‘home’, a place to belong, a place to be loved. There are people who don’t have any family (by DNA standards). For these and many others, the holi