Advertise on podcast: Become More

Center your heart on the expansive, welcoming love of God. Our church's identity is deeply rooted in being an open and welcoming place, a "city on a hill" with an open gate. Our logo, with its open circle, symbolizes community and an invitation for all to belong, for we are never complete without new voices and spirits. The empty cross reminds us that we live in the light of Easter, a time of forgiveness and abundant grace. Our preschool ministry, welcoming thousands of children without a litmus test, embodies this spirit, affirming that every child, especially those who are "a little extra," deserves even more love and care. This commitment to radical welcome is a vibrant expression of our faith, demonstrating that God's embrace extends to everyone, just as they are. We are called to embody this open-hearted love, creating a space where all can feel seen, valued, and cherished as beloved children of God. Today, intentionally offer a warm welcome or a kind word to someone you might not usually interact with. Let us pray: Holy One, fill us with your boundless love, that our hearts and our community may always be an open door for all your children. Amen.

Ground yourself with a breath, feeling connected to the wider community of faith. The early Methodists, rooted in the spirit of The Foundry, modeled a vibrant "city on a hill" where holistic ministry flourished. This abandoned factory transformed into a hub of worship, healthcare, housing for widows, and micro-lending, demonstrating profound care for both body and spirit. This collective effort was not hidden; it was a beacon in the community, inviting all people, regardless of their background, to encounter God's love. Their example reminds us that the church is at its best when we allow ourselves to shine with all the good things God does in our midst. Together, we create spaces of welcome and service, reflecting the heart of God in tangible ways. Our shared ministries, from worship to outreach, are collective expressions of grace that bring light and hope to the world around us. Today, acknowledge a fellow sibling in Christ today who contributes to our church's mission, silently or aloud. Let us pray: Loving God, bless our community to be a shining example of your love and grace, transforming lives and radiating your light. Amen.

Breathe deeply, inviting peace and presence into your spirit. Jesus spoke a radical message to those often overlooked, reminding them they were beloved children of God. He urged them to live by the Beatitudes, embracing qualities like meekness, mercy, and purity of heart. This way of living was, and still is, counter-cultural. In a world constantly telling us what we lack, Jesus invites us to embody a different truth: our inherent worth and the richness of a life lived in faith. When we truly choose to follow his path, showing genuine care and concern for others, our actions will stand out. This "noticing" is not for our ego, but an invitation for others to become curious about the source of this different way of being. Our lives can become a gentle, living testimony, inviting others to explore the transformative power of God's love. Today, reflect on one Beatitude today, and consider how you might embody it more fully in your interactions. Let us pray: Holy One, guide us to live lives that reflect your radical love and mercy, drawing others gently towards your light. Amen.

Take a deep breath and settle into this day, remembering the light within you. The Divine calls us to be the light of the world, like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. Our lives, infused with grace and love, are meant to be visible. Just as art on a wall can reveal hidden truths and make something drab bright, our faith lived openly can draw attention to the presence of God in the world. It is not about self-promotion, but about allowing the good works God does through us to be seen, inspiring curiosity and hope in others. When we live out Christ's teachings, acting with deep care for God, neighbor, and self, people notice this different way of being. We are invited to let this light shine, not to hide it under a basket, but to place it on a stand so all can benefit from its warmth and guidance. Today, be intentionally kind to someone, allowing your action to be a small, visible expression of God's love. Let us pray: Loving God, help us to shine brightly with your grace, that others may see your goodness in our lives and give glory to you. Amen.

## A City on a Hill: Making God's Love Visible Imagine the historic Berlin Wall, a stark, gray barrier designed to keep people separated. On the western side, it was transformed, not by official decree, but by countless acts of graffiti. These vibrant paintings weren't vandalism; they were a powerful visual statement. They drew attention to a truth that needed to be seen, reflecting the heart and concerns of a community that refused to let the wall's existence be forgotten. This public display took something drab and oppressive, making it bright and impossible to ignore, declaring, "This is not normal, and it should not be here." Just as the graffiti made a truth visible on the Berlin Wall, Jesus calls us, his beloved followers, to be a "city on a hill" and the "light of the world." He reminds us that we are not ordinary; we are called to live differently. When we embrace the Beatitudes, choosing to be merciful, pure of heart, and to move through the world with deep care and concern for God, neighbor, and ourselves, our lives become a visible testament to God's grace. In a world that often encourages us to hide our struggles or compete, living out Jesus' radical message of love and compassion causes people to notice. Our actions, fueled by the Divine's love within us, illuminate a path, sparking curiosity in others about the source of our light. **Next Step:** Reflect on one area of your life this week where you can intentionally allow God's love to shine more brightly through your actions. How might a small act of mercy, a word of encouragement, or a moment of genuine care make God's presence more visible to those around you? **Prayer:** Gracious God, thank you for calling us to be a light in the world. Empower us to live out your love and mercy so boldly that others may see your good works within us. May our lives be a city on a hill, drawing others to your radiant grace.

Do you ever feel pressure to blend in, even when you know you're called to stand out? Drawing inspiration from the impactful graffiti on the Berlin Wall and Jesus's call to be a "city on a hill," this message challenges us to live out our faith boldly. Discover how our actions—like a bright, visible city—can ignite curiosity and draw others to God's love, echoing the transformative legacy of John Wesley's Foundry and our church's vibrant ministries today.

Conclude your week with a mindful breath, giving thanks for each moment. The heart of our faith is found in the simple yet profound commandment to love God, love our neighbor, and love ourselves. This is not just a beautiful idea, but a call to action. When we truly believe in the boundless love that God offers, it naturally overflows into how we interact with every person we meet, and how we care for our own well-being. Our actions become the truest demonstration of what we hold sacred, making God's love visible in the everyday moments of our lives. Today, intentionally express love for God (through prayer or gratitude), for a neighbor (through kindness), and for yourself (through rest or self-care). Let us pray: Loving God, help us to embody the greatest commandment in all we do, so that our lives reflect your abundant love for all creation. Amen.

Rest in God's peace, acknowledging your own inherent worth. Some actions of faith leave an indelible mark, shaping history and inspiring generations. The story of Irena Sendler reminds us that living out our faith can require immense courage, sometimes even defying what is easy or expected, to protect and cherish others. When we act from a place of deep conviction, our efforts, big or small, contribute to a legacy of love that is not easily forgotten or erased. This kind of faith creates ripples of hope and justice that extend far beyond our immediate reach. Today, reflect on someone whose courageous faith has inspired you, and consider how you might embody a similar spirit in a small way. Let us pray: Holy One, inspire us to live with a courageous faith that leaves an indelible mark of your love on the world, for the good of all people. Amen.

Breathe deeply, opening yourself to possibilities in this moment. Imagine a faith that begins by seeing a profound need and then diligently works to meet it. Just as tools can be created to solve a very specific problem for a specific person, our faith calls us to respond to the real challenges faced by our neighbors. It's not about grand gestures every time, but about recognizing the gaps where God's love is most needed and bringing our unique gifts and efforts to bridge them. Our faith becomes a living solution, practical and compassionate, in the midst of the world's complexities. Today, identify one specific need in your community or among your acquaintances, and consider a small, concrete way you might address it. Let us pray: Loving God, open our eyes to the needs around us and empower us to be instruments of your healing and hope in the world. Amen.

Settle your heart and mind, releasing any tension from the day. In a world that often values ease and instant gratification, we are called to a intentional faith. This means choosing to put effort and energy into expressing our beliefs, not just passively holding them in our minds. It's about moving beyond quick, frictionless responses and instead taking the time to be thoughtful about how we show kindness, offer support, or advocate for justice. This deliberate effort creates a deeper, more meaningful impact, both on us and on those we encounter. Today, choose one interaction to approach with extra thoughtfulness and intention, rather than convenience. Let us pray: Holy One, grant us the strength and patience to live with intentional faith, transforming our world through deliberate acts of love. Amen.

Take a deep breath, inviting God's presence into this moment. Scripture reminds us that faith, when it stands alone without action, is incomplete. It's like knowing a beautiful song but never singing it, or having a map but never taking the journey. Our deepest convictions about God's love and justice are meant to move beyond our thoughts and into the world around us. What we believe in our hearts naturally connects to how we live our lives, influencing our choices and our interactions. This connection is not a burden, but a pathway to a vibrant, authentic faith that touches others. Today, notice one small way your beliefs guide a decision or interaction you have. Let us pray: Loving God, strengthen our faith so that it is always active and alive, demonstrating your love through our daily choices. Amen.

## A Typewriter Faith for a Touchscreen World Imagine a time when merely owning a typewriter could be an act of defiance, punishable by death. During World War II, in Nazi-occupied Poland, typewriters were outlawed because they enabled the creation of documents beyond official control. Yet, in the shadows of the Warsaw ghettos, brave individuals like Irena Sendler risked everything to operate them. Irena, a social worker with deep faith, found a way to enter the ghetto, initially under the guise of monitoring for tuberculosis. But her true mission, fueled by a compelling love for her neighbors, was to save lives. Working with others, often under blankets to muffle the sound of the keys, she used smuggled typewriters to create forged documents. The most effective of these were baptismal certificates, which could help Jewish children escape certain death by allowing them passage to safety in Christian orphanages. This painstaking, dangerous work, requiring immense intention and effort, was Irena's faith in action. Irena Sendler's story beautifully illustrates what it means to live with what we might call a "typewriter faith" in a "touchscreen world." In our modern lives, we often encounter situations where it is easy to offer a quick word of sympathy or a fleeting thought of prayer, much like a quick tap on a screen. We might say, "Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill," as the book of James describes, but then fail to supply actual needs. James challenges us, beloved, to recognize that our beliefs about God, about Christ's life, and about God's grace are not meant to remain just thoughts in our heads. Like Irena, our faith calls us to intentional, thoughtful, and sometimes arduous action. It compels us to move beyond convenient sentiments and into tangible expressions of love for our neighbor, even when it requires effort, energy, and courage. This is the essence of a Wesleyan faith, where our love for God and our love for others are woven together, expressed through personal holiness and acts of service in the world. **Next Step:** Consider one area in your life where you might be tempted to offer only a "touchscreen" response. How can you instead embody a "typewriter faith" by taking an intentional, tangible step to show love, provide support, or advocate for justice this week? **Prayer:** Creator, help us to live out our faith with intentionality and courage. May our beliefs not remain in our minds alone, but compel us to love our neighbors in tangible ways, leaving an indelible mark of grace and compassion on the world.

Do you ever wonder if your beliefs truly align with your actions? The Book of James challenges us to move beyond passive assent to an active, "typewriter faith" – one that requires intentional effort, much like the precise, deliberate strikes on an old machine. Discover how this thoughtful, engaged approach to faith transforms not just our own lives but can leave an indelible mark on the world, even in the darkest of times.

As we step into our daily routines, whether at work, with family, or in our communities, we carry with us a unique opportunity. What truly matters is not just the knowledge we possess, but the posture of our hearts. Are we open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in every interaction? Are we willing to be Christ's hands and feet, showing up prepared to love as we have been loved? This is the living letter God calls us to be: a presence of compassion, understanding, and grace. Our willingness to let God work through us enables others to experience divine love and learn to love God, neighbor, and themselves. This commitment to active love is the most profound witness any of us can offer, a living recommendation of the Spirit's power. Before your next interaction with someone, pause and quietly ask the Holy One to open your heart to love them well. Holy One, guide us to embody your love in all we do, making us instruments of your grace and peace in the world. Amen.

Consider the life of Sojourner Truth, who, despite never learning to read, carried profound wisdom and shared it powerfully. Her education came not from schools or degrees, but from deep within her heart, where the Holy Spirit resided. She memorized scripture, advocated for justice, and became a living testament to God's transformative strength. Her story reminds us that while formal learning is a gift, God's truth can flourish and be expressed through any of us, regardless of our conventional credentials. It is the willing heart, open to God's guidance, that makes us effective hands and feet of Christ in the world. Her enduring legacy proves that the Spirit gives life and empowers us to overcome obstacles, loving our neighbors and advocating for what is right. Think of a skill or passion you have, and consider how you might use it to bless others today, just as Sojourner Truth used her voice. Living Word, inspire us to live out your truth with courage and love, transforming the world through our actions, just as you empowered Sojourner Truth. Amen.