Sermon Recap: The Next Generation Shining Bright at Heritage

The Next Generation Shining Bright at Heritage

My favorite types of service are when we have children and students take over. And man, did those kids deliver at Heritage United Methodist Church this morning. Two of our students gave their testimony about finding their calling and understanding the impact they have on those around them simply by being the Light of Jesus. Their honesty and passion for Jesus reminded me why our church family places such a high value on the next generation.

Both students spoke about the ways God has been moving in their lives—through friendships, worship, and the encouragement they’ve found in leaders who truly care. Hearing their stories, I was struck by how real their faith is, not just something “for later,” but alive and active right now. It was a powerful reminder that these students aren’t just the future of the church; they are an important part of who we are at Heritage today. One of our church members joked with me on their way out of service that these kids will be taking our jobs. My response was, “as they should! We are not raising up our replacements. We are raising up the reinforcements for the gospel!” It is my absolute joy and honor that any of these students would one day take my job. It would be confirmation to me that somewhere, somehow, I demonstrated the light of Jesus in a way that caused them to want that as well.

Lauren Lopez, our Family Ministry Director, tied it up in a pretty bow so beautifully. We were challenged to think about how we as a church are pouring into both Heritage Kids and Lighthouse Student Ministry. The message reminded us that faith isn’t something kids just grow into on their own—it’s something we nurture together as a community. If we want the gospel to keep shining brightly, it’s up to all of us to model Christ’s love, to mentor, and to pray over the next generation. It means we show up for them, volunteer with them, pray with them, and provide safe spaces for them to learn discipleship. Lauren reminded us, we might think we are showing up for them and impacting them, but actually, it is us that will be impacted. Volunteering with youth, being part of their discipleship, is more rewarding than you could ever dream. So what are you waiting for? Jump in there and get to work!

I’m grateful to be part of a church family that invests in children and students in such meaningful ways. Watching their boldness and joy makes me so excited for the future. I can’t wait to see what this generation is going to do to change the world.

My takeaway: God is already doing big things in the lives of our kids and students. And we, the Heritage family, get the privilege of cheering them on every step of the way.

The Mission Field

Most of the kids in our community returned to school this week. What better time than this to share the testimony of our very own Rob Knabel, our Traditional Service Choir Director. Rob is passionate about the next generation. If you’ve ever seen him in action with his students, you can see how they mean to him. And on the other side of that, you can see how much those students love Rob. Take a look at what Rob shared with us. - Ashley Allen

I have served as a music director at HUMC since 1981. I am now entering my 46th year teaching music in PCSB. What a journey it has been, seeing how God blesses what we offer to Him as a living sacrifice to glorify His name. There is no limit to the good God can accomplish through those with an obedient heart that is pure and free of self. He entrusts to them a special degree of His strength, power, and might.

I taught at two other schools before my present assignment to East Lake High School, and I am now entering my 30th year there. My work at my first two schools was all about me and what I could accomplish to make a name for myself and get noticed by others. I was young, still full of self, and driven by the insatiable desire to be a big name. The ever-increasing demands of life brought me to my knees in the mid-80s, and when I was assigned to ELHS in 1996, my first time walking into that room, I knew I was placed there for something bigger than myself.

I knew this was going to be a mission field for the Lord. As teachers, we cannot preach the gospel, but we can still live it out day to day in the classroom. In the present darkened world we live in, young people are hungrier than ever for a sense of belonging. As the culture shifted into its present state, it has resulted in a lot of brokenness, hurt, and pain. Social media has done nothing to alleviate it—it has made it worse. Technological advances have moved us to a point at which human dialogue and interaction are less necessary, and even less desired.

The youth of today still have the basic needs that have always been crucial in the teenage years: a sense of belonging; fair and consistent discipline; love, encouragement, support, and understanding. These are all biblical principles! When an environment provides these on a consistent daily basis, kids will want to be a part of it. They seek it out, and when found, they can become the human beings God intended them to be—gifted and teeming with potential to be a major force in the world for good, love, and light.

As I became more and more drawn to the concept of my classroom being a mission field, God has blessed in a mighty way the work I have offered for His glory. Matt asked me years ago to bring in students to support our music ministry. Wow! It has been the perfect example of symbiosis—mutually beneficial. The choir has certainly benefited from their talent, but kids who visit here feel something special. They always comment on the people being so kind! Isn’t that a fruit of the Spirit?

I am excited to begin my 46th season making music both at school and at church. But now, more than ever, it is to glorify God. Every Sunday the choir sings is a chance to present the medicinal effect of music and how it soothes the soul—not only for those who listen, but for those who sing as well. We continue to cherish the support of our church family! -Rob Knabel

Sermon Recap: Philemon

This Sunday at Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater, I walked into the sanctuary feeling the comfort of entering a familiar and peaceful place.  I wasn’t expecting Philemon (which I learned I have mispronounced my entire life, by the way).  As I sat in service, I honestly could not recall if I’d ever read Philemon.  Lucky for me, it was a quick read!

In the simple beauty of a short letter—just one chapter—Paul speaks into a profoundly awkward moment: a former slave named Onesimus, who mostly likely had stolen from Philemon and run away, is now walking back into his life. Somehow, Onesimus and Paul crossed paths in prison and Onesimus became a follower of Jesus.  Now, he is returning home, escorted by Paul’s friend, Tychicus.  Have you ever screwed up big time and then returned to the scene of the crime? And better yet, returned to the scene of the crime as a changed person? It’s a moment that must have been filled with tension, fear, maybe even anger. Yet Paul doesn’t demand payment or punishment. He appeals “on the basis of love,” urging Philemon to welcome Onesimus not as a slave, but as a dear brother in Christ.  Paul even offers to personally pay any debt Onesimus might still owe.  He vouched for Onesimus. 

This is the Gospel in action. That tension, the awkwardness, the invitation to forgiveness... it’s all around us. In our workplaces, our families, sometimes even within the hearts of those we love. And just like Philemon, we’re given a choice: demand justice, or extend grace. Just as God reconciled us to Himself through Jesus, He calls us to be reconciled to one another.  And that is hard.  It’s rarely easy.  It’s humbling, costly, awkward – but it’s worth it.  It’s life changing.

Pastor Matt painted a vision of reconciliation for us: a brother sitting across the table from the one who hurt him. No wanted posters. No retribution. Instead, love—radical, costly, beautiful love.

Historical tradition suggests that Onesimus later became the Bishop of Ephesus.  A man born in slavery becoming a spiritual leader of one of the most important churches in the early Christian world.

Pastor Matt closed the sermon with a challenge:  If you think you’re not the kind of person God can use, think again.  God specializes in taking unlikely people and using them for extraordinary purposes.  If he can use Onesimus, He can use you.

If you missed the service, you can find it HERE.

Hey, Hey Jude - A Sermon Recap

This Sunday at Heritage, we explored one of the shortest books of the Bible—but one with an unforgettable impact: the Book of Jude. Not only did we learn about Jude, Pastor Matt employed a “Pop Up Video” technique to add extra bits and information to the scripture already on the screen. One of the pop ups include a reference to Ninja Angels, so you should definitely go back and watch the sermon here. But first, finish reading this blog post.

Jude: A Short Letter with a Strong Voice

The Book of Jude is only 25 verses long, but it delivers a bold wake-up call. Jude pleads with believers to “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 3). He warns against spiritual complacency and false teaching that creeps in unnoticed. But he doesn’t stop at warnings—he inspires action rooted in love, prayer, and community.

We walked through Jude’s message, uncovering how ancient warnings apply to us today. Jude reminds us that even in a faith-filled congregation like ours, we must stay alert, grounded in Scripture, and connected to one another in truth and grace.

False Teaching and the Heart of Christ

One part of the sermon that really struck me was the caution against false teachers—not just those who distort doctrine, but also those who distort the heart of Christ. In our culture, and even in some churches, people are sometimes pushed toward faith through fear—especially fear of eternal damnation. Pastor Matt referenced his own experience with multiple people that he has encountered in his line of work that have expressed their own guilt at not being able to convince a friend or family member to turn to Christ and now that person has died and are spending eternity in a burning damnation. I was one of those people. I grew up in a denomination that believed that. I grew up praying that the one or two times a year a family member came to church would be the time he responded to the altar call and got saved and, as a 8 or 9 year old child, I was utterly devastated that this loved one was going to burn in the flames of hell because he never responded to the altar call. The fear is paralyzing. As an adult, I found the United Methodist Church, and ultimately, Heritage United Methodist Church, and I believe differently now. We are called to love people, not scare them. I want people to know Jesus because I love them like Jesus, not because I scared them about eternal fire in hell.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to reflect His character, not just recite His words. Jesus didn’t scare people into salvation; He loved them into transformation. Jude’s letter reminds us to uphold truth, yes—but also to do it with mercy and compassion. In verse 22, Jude calls us to “be merciful to those who doubt.” We don’t win people to Christ by shouting threats; we win them by living out grace, integrity, and unconditional love.

This is a vital distinction of United Methodists: truth and love must always walk hand-in-hand. Condemnation may drive people away, but Christlike compassion draws them in.

What This Means for Us at Heritage

As part of the United Methodists—it’s our calling to preserve the truth of Christ while extending mercy to others. We’re not called to be spectators, but participants in protecting and building up the church.

Jude gives us a clear path forward:

• Stand firm in biblical truth

• Be merciful without compromising

• Keep ourselves in God’s love

• Pray in the Spirit and wait on God’s mercy

• Worship the One who can keep us from falling

A Call to Action

If you’ve ever felt like your faith was slipping or that truth is hard to find in today’s culture, let Jude’s words stir your heart. Don’t wait for someone else to take a stand—you are called to contend for the faith. Start by reading the Book of Jude this week. Then, take one step: join a study group, reach out to someone with questions, or serve in a ministry where truth and mercy are lived out. Stop by the office and borrow a book off of Pastor Matt’s shelves.

Let’s choose to act like Christ: offering love that convicts, truth that liberates, and mercy that welcomes.

Let’s be a church that doesn’t just talk about our faith—but lives it, protects it, and shares it boldly.

Out of Time

A final thought from Pastor Matt about the recent sermon series, Playing by the Rules. Because sometimes you just don’t have enough time to get it all in on a Sunday morning.

In Pastor Matt’s Bible Class on Wednesdays, we walk through every verse and talk about these kind of things–literary styles, writing conventions, word choices, translation challenges, etc.  It’s wall to wall Bible nerdery in there.  We shy away from nothing, and if it takes the whole hour to digest 3-4 words, so be it.

During the Playing by the Rules series, we took a look at the “faith hall of fame” section of the Book of Hebrews, from chapter 11.  I’m not sure if you noticed, but I went from verse 5 to verse 7, and skipped over verse 6.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”  (Hebrews 11:6)

This is not a verse that lists members of the faith hall of fame–it’s an additional thought added that interrupts the list, which continues in verse 7 with Noah of “Noah’s Ark” fame.  Beyond that, I feared that people’s reaction to “...anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists…” would be something like, “Well… duh!”  Would someone actually approach God if they didn’t believe God exists?  How do you approach something that isn’t there anyway? 

This is a rabbit hole I decided I didn’t have time for on a Sunday morning.  Had we gone down said rabbit hole, we would have looked at verses 5 & 6 together.  The verse before this, Hebrews 11:5, lists Enoch among the faith heroes of Israel.

“5By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: ‘He could not be found, because God had taken him away.’ For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”  (Hebrews 11:5-6)

That quotation is from the Old Testament, Genesis 5:24.

“Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”

(Genesis 5:24)

The author is making a case that all of these people trusted in God without knowing exactly how everything would work out.  They went to their deaths–or their “taking away” in Enoch’s case–believing that there was something more to come that God would do, and even if they would never see it in their lifetime, their faith was still placed rightly.  They were part of a shared faith journey that would culminate in Jesus Christ.

No one really knows what it means that Enoch was “taken away.”  That’s all it says.  Some interpret it to mean that he was taken up into the presence of God, and others that he was led by God to a place that was safer.  Either way, his extraordinary life described in Hebrews 11:5 is the result of the faith described in 11:6.  Verse 5 says Enoch pleased God.  Verse 6 says, “Since we’re talking about pleasing God, here’s what that means…”  Then in verse 7, it’s back to the list.

The author of Hebrews was making the case for faith in Christ to a Jewish audience who would have revered the people on this list from childhood.  He or she is therefore celebrating their faith heroes, affirming them.  In short–embracing Christ is not a rejection of these heroes.  On the contrary, Jesus Christ is where all of their lives were leading too.  Thus, to walk in their footsteps–all of whom pleased God–is to walk toward Jesus Christ as well.

VBS SUNDAY

This Sunday was VBS Sunday. Check out this recap video of what our campers did this week at Vacation Bible School Twists and Turns edition!

The Power of Prayer

Written by: Lauren LeBlanc

I haven’t always worked in Family Ministry or even Children’s Ministry as we used to be called. To be honest, there was a time it never would have even occurred to me, but the road here is an interesting story and comes with a bit of a confession.

One of the ways that I first got involved with serving at Heritage was helping to count the offering. Every week I would come in with the other volunteers and help Pat and Tracey count the preceding Sunday’s donations and prepare the bank deposit. This would lead to me hearing about a need for help in the nursery and eventually working with Family Ministry.

However our story takes place about a year into my helping with the nursery kiddos on a warm, sunny, summer’s day. Picture it! I had come in to assist with counting the offering like I would any other week. On this particular day, I was sitting next to Pat as we worked, and one of our congregation’s awesome prayer warriors walked in holding what looked like a connect card that had been folded in half. They unfolded it and set it down on the table between Pat and me saying, “Hey this isn’t the first time this anonymous prayer request has come through. Do we need to keep praying for this guy or do we consider it done since we’ve prayed for it in the past?”

Now here’s where my confession comes in: I peeked at the connect card from the corner of my eye. I just couldn’t help myself. The request written on the card asked for prayers for help with finding a job for the author that would allow them to provide for their family while still making it possible for them to be everywhere they needed to be when they needed to be there and also allowing them to heal.

Pat looked over the card and replied, “I’m not so sure that the person who wrote this is a guy, and yes, we need to keep praying for them. If it’s still coming in as a request then it’s an ongoing concern for them, and we should continue to pray for them.”

The card was then folded back up and everyone went about their day. Well if you haven’t already guessed, the prayer request was mine. I had recognized my own handwriting the moment the card had hit the tabletop, and a few weeks later, I was hired as the Children’s Ministry Assistant. 

You see, I had worked at a corporate office job for quite a few years. I had been promoted, worked in multiple departments to gain experience, and was steadily making progress towards becoming a manager with my company. Then everything went sideways. Both of my grandparents passed away. My daughter had to have surgery. My company did a complete internal restructuring and software overhaul. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer which quickly spread and took her life. My daughter started kindergarten. My father’s side of the family finally got in touch, which brought me not only the dad I had always wanted to meet, but also my amazing bonus mom and a whole slew of siblings. Seriously, we could probably form a softball team between ourselves and our kids. It’s just life, but it was A LOT to take in over a short period of time. That coupled with several medical issues that I had assiduously ignored or tried to force into submission, resulted in my needing to take a major step back and focus on myself and my family. 

Now those who know me know that resting is not something I do or rather do willingly. I picture God sending me messages to rest like the scene from Harry Potter where the letters from Hogwarts kept coming. And coming. And coming. So naturally, I did not take this step back lying down. I went back to school, I volunteered with the PVO at Maria’s school and her Scout pack, and I asked Ashley Allen to help me find ways to help out around Heritage…which brings us back to our story

I had gotten a little better, but was still plagued with the aforementioned issues. I worried that going back to work would make things worse. I worried that staying home would keep me stagnant. And despite all of the volunteering and going to school and Scouts, I was lonely. I was tired. I was scared. I was lost. I kept saying prayers asking for guidance and wondered if anyone heard me. 

God definitely heard me. He upended my world so I would have no choice but to start making the changes I needed to make. He gave me a new road to travel. He opened my eyes to new possibilities. He gave me courage to move forward, even when everything in me said, “I’m not so sure about this.” He removed people from my life that weren’t helping me to heal or grow, and replaced them with a larger, richer family. He gave me support and people that have sustained me in some of the bleakest hours of my life. He gave me work that has brought me great joy: we have some truly amazing kiddos and families here, and I am so grateful to get to know them. He also gave me work which allowed me time to focus on my health and to focus on growing closer to Him. God heard me and hears me still. He hears us all.

Sermon Recap: Wesley’s Rules for Singing

Heritage UMC, Clearwater, FL

Pastor Matt Horan painted a beautiful picture yesterday using Scripture, song, and even the Grand Canyon to remind us of a simple yet profound truth: when all the voices come together, the result is far more powerful than any one part alone.

We began each service with singing, and it struck me how each person’s voice—some trained, some tentative—contributed to something moving and full. Pastor Matt reminded us of John Wesley’s Rules for Singing from the United Methodist Hymnal, which urge us not only to sing with heart and purpose, but to "sing all" and "sing lustily and with good courage." (Read all the rules here)

Pastor Matt compared this collective sound to the layers of the Grand Canyon:

“About 300 million years ago, the Colorado Plateau was at the bottom of an ocean.  Whenever there was a change in the climate or currents, or if there was a volcano somewhere on earth, or whatever other kinds of shifts the ocean could see, different sediments would sink to the bottom.  Then something would change–maybe an earthquake redirects a river that now brings a different kind of sediment to the area, and eventually a new layer forms.  And then another, and then another.  For 300 million years.

Then, some shifting plate tectonics beneath that prehistoric ocean caused literal seismic changes, and began to push the Colorado Plateau upwards anywhere from 2500 feet to 12,000 feet into the air.  All of the water on top of it, and all of the subsequent rain and melted snow on it began to run off.  The moving water and its abrasive sediments–over millions of years–turned small cracks into streams, streams into rivers, and rivers into canyons.

So really, the Colorado River isn’t responsible for the beauty of the Grand Canyon.  

The Colorado River was a tiny crack that grew to expose something beautiful created over 300 million years, layer after layer.  Each layer placed on top of the one before, waiting until the day would come when what they made together would be seen in all its grandeur.”

Hebrews 11 and 12 demonstrates that the Old Testament story of the nation of Israel leads to faith in Christ as its natural conclusion.  The heroes of Israel each had a role to fulfill that added to the contribution to something bigger than themselves. That’s us—the church! Each of us has a voice, a gift, a story. And when we bring those together, guided by God’s Spirit, we create a witness that is far richer and more beautiful than anything we could offer alone.

Pastor Matt wove in how Wesley believed in not just individual piety, but communal harmony—literally and spiritually. When we follow his singing rules, we’re not just staying in tune musically, we’re staying in tune with each other. And when we blend our diverse perspectives, talents, and experiences as disciples of Jesus, we’re becoming the church God intended.

It’s easy to hold back our gifts or assume someone else’s voice matters more. But just like the Grand Canyon's layers or the harmonies of a hymn, our presence, prayers, and participation have power when joined with others.

At Heritage UMC, this message was more than metaphor—it was reality. We are a community. Every voice, every hand, and every heart has a part to play. Whether it’s in worship, service, or simply being present, we are each called to fulfill our role and contribute to something bigger than ourselves. 

So let’s keep showing up. Let’s sing—boldly, imperfectly, together. Because that’s when the church sounds most like heaven.

If you missed yesterday’s sermon you can check it out here.

If you’d like to contribute your voice to something bigger than yourself click here.

Sermon Recap: John Wesley’s Rules for Money

This past Sunday at Heritage Pastor Matt guided us through some honest, no-nonsense passages from the book of James, and paired them with the timeless wisdom of John Wesley on how we use our money.

We began in James 1:19–27, where James gives us a blueprint for everyday discipleship: be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. In a world full of noise, that’s a challenge—and a beautiful invitation. James doesn’t stop there. He calls us to not only hear the Word but to do something with it. According to him, real faith shows up in how we care for others—especially those who are vulnerable.

Then came the heart check in James 2:1–7, where James calls out favoritism in the church. It’s easy to treat people differently based on what they have or how they look, but James reminds us that everyone is made in God’s image. Pastor Matt encouraged us to look around and ask: Who am I drawn to? Who might I be overlooking? The kingdom of God doesn’t play favorites—and neither should we.

We ended with a hard but necessary word from James 5:1–5. James speaks directly to people who hoard wealth and ignore injustice. It’s a sobering reminder that God sees how we handle what we've been given—and how we treat those around us.

That’s where Pastor Matt brought in John Wesley’s three simple rules for money:
Earn all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can.

It’s not about guilt—it’s about stewardship. Wesley wasn’t against money. He just believed it should serve a purpose greater than ourselves. Pastor Matt helped us see how these principles fit right alongside James’ message:

• Earn all you can – Work with integrity, but not at the expense of others.

• Save all you can – Live simply so you can be ready to give generously.

• Give all you can – Let generosity be your response to God’s goodness.

That’s what hit home for me: the connection between faith and finances. We’re not just called to believe—we’re called to live differently. And that includes how we spend, save, and give.

Leaving service, I felt both challenged and inspired. Because this kind of faith? It’s not just for Sunday mornings—it’s for Monday budgets, Tuesday grocery runs, and every decision in between.

Call to Action:
This week, take one step toward aligning your faith with your finances. Look at your budget through the lens of James and Wesley. Is there someone you can help? A ministry you can support? A habit you need to change? You can learn more and find ways to serve HERE or give HERE. Let's live generously—together.

Want to watch the sermon again? Click HERE.

Sermon Recap: Wesley’s Three General Rules

What God Really Wants: A Reflection from the Pew

Scripture: Micah 6:5–8
Theme: Do No Harm, Do Good, Stay in Love with God

Sitting in worship this past Sunday at Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater, I found myself both challenged and comforted. The message centered on one of the most straightforward and yet deeply profound scriptures in the Bible—Micah 6:8:

“What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

It’s a verse I’ve heard before, but this time, our pastor connected it to something I hadn’t thought about in a while—The Three General Rules of the United Methodist Church:
✅ Do No Harm
✅ Do Good
✅ Stay in Love with God

These three simple statements, passed down from John Wesley, align so perfectly with what Micah was saying centuries earlier. Sometimes in church, I can get caught up in wondering if I’m doing enough or doing the right things. But this message reminded me that discipleship isn’t about being busy—it’s about being faithful.

Do No Harm

As I sat there, I thought about how hard this can be in practice—especially when I feel hurt or offended. But doing no harm is more than just “not being mean.” It’s about choosing grace, not gossip. Choosing understanding, not judgment. There are moments when tensions rise. But this rule—do no harm—is a call to pause, to listen, and to protect the peace God calls us to live in.

Do Good

Pastor Matt reminded us that “loving mercy” means stepping out and doing good—not just thinking good thoughts. Whether it's volunteering at a local school, offering a meal, or simply reaching out to someone who feels forgotten, this part of the sermon stirred something in me. Is there something God is calling you to do that you’ve been putting off? Let this be a nudge to take the first step and Do Good!

Stay in Love with God

Finally, we were reminded to walk humbly with God—or as Wesley put it, stay in love with God. It’s easy to forget that our spiritual health needs regular attention. What does staying in love with God look like? Daily prayer, being in the Word, and showing up on Sundays—even when life feels chaotic. At Heritage UMC, I’m grateful to be surrounded by others who encourage me in that walk.

A Simple, Powerful Reminder

This sermon didn’t add more to my to-do list. It refocused me. In a world full of noise and distraction, it gave me clarity: Act justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly.
And in true Methodist fashion: Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God.

That’s the kind of disciple I want to be—and I’m thankful that at Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater, I don’t walk that path alone.

If you missed the sermon this week, you can watch it HERE.

Sermon Recap: Grace that Multiplies at Heritage United Methodist Church

This Sunday at Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater, Pastor Janean brought a challenging message titled “Grace That Multiplies.” It was rooted in Matthew 25:14–30, the Parable of the Talents—a story that reminded us that grace isn’t just something we receive; it’s something we’re called to invest.  It is something we are called to steward well.

The sermon began with a powerful truth: God’s grace is a gift, but it’s also a trust. In the parable, the master entrusts his servants with talents—large sums of money—with the expectation that they will do something with them. Two of the servants take risks and see their investments multiply. But the third? He buries what he was given out of fear. That part hit hard. How often do we hide God’s grace, keep our faith safe, or avoid stepping out because we’re afraid to fail?

Pastor Janean made it clear: Faithfulness is not the same as safety. In God’s kingdom, faithfulness means movement. It means risking forgiveness when it would be easier to hold a grudge. It means offering love when it feels unreturned. It means trusting God enough to act—to speak, serve, give, and live in ways that let grace ripple outward from us.

What stood out most was the idea that grace is meant to echo. When we invest grace—when we risk kindness, forgiveness, generosity—we’re not just managing God’s gift, we’re multiplying it. Grace that stays in our hearts is beautiful. But grace that moves into the lives of others? That’s kingdom impact.  Pastor Janean reminded us that as disciples of Jesus Christ we are already in charge of some things.  She gave examples of our foster family closet, Foster to Foster, starting with a small idea and storing things in a garage to watching it bloom into what it is currently, taking an entire building on campus.  And the All Day 5K that started after one of our members read The Circle Maker and connected his love of running to that idea.  Now every year we are circling our community in prayer as we participate in the 5K.  This event has grown each year and is a blessing to our ministries at Heritage as we continue the kingdom work of making disciples of Jesus Christ.

There was also a subtle connection to the earlier part of Matthew 25: “Whatever you did for the least of these…” The talents God gives us aren’t just for spiritual show—they’re for serving others, especially the ones the world forgets. That’s what Jesus will ask us in the end: “What did you do with what I gave you?”  

I left church asking myself: Am I burying the grace I’ve been given? Or am I investing it in others? What am I doing with what I already have? The good news is that the grace we share doesn’t run out—it multiplies. And when we take the risk of living generously, faithfully, and boldly, we find ourselves in the flow of God’s abundance.

This wasn’t just a parable about money. It was a message about our hearts—and how we’re invited to live in a way that makes grace grow.  So, how are you stewarding the gifts, talents, and grace God has given you?

If you missed the sermon, click HERE to watch it online.

Sermon Recap: “Grace That Transforms” @ Heritage UMC

This past Sunday at Heritage United Methodist Church, Pastor Janean brought us a message that was as bold as it was necessary. Titled “Grace That Transforms” and rooted in Matthew 7:15–23, the sermon asked us to look past our spiritual activity and examine or spiritual vitality.  Are we going through the motions or are we producing the fruit of the spirit?

She challenged us with this question: “Am I becoming more like Jesus?” Too often, we assume we’re growing simply because we’re busy doing church things—but Jesus warns us that true transformation is deeper than that. It’s not what we say or do on the surface, but the condition of our hearts that reveals who we’re becoming.

Are we living a life that reflects a life shaped by grace? Are we producing fruit that reflects the life of a United Methodist? 

As someone who calls Heritage UMC home, I’m so thankful for a church that doesn’t just gather for worship, but truly strives to be a gathering place for the community, a growing place that is raising up the next generation of the Church, and a loving place that is supporting and caring for those in need in our community and across the world.  Grace isn’t just taught, it’s lived.

And that’s where our mission becomes personal: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. That kind of change begins within. It's in the quiet daily transformation that shows up not in applause or recognition, but in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

If you're ready to stop just doing church and start becoming more like Jesus, we invite you to take a next step. Join a small group, serve with us, or reach out to a pastor—we’re here to grow together. Because at Heritage United Methodist Church, grace doesn’t just cover you—it transforms you.

If you missed Sunday’s services, you can watch them HERE.

Sermon Recap: The Echo of Pentecost @ Heritage United Methodist Church, Clearwater

Pentecost Sunday is a powerful and deeply moving Sunday in the church calendar. This year, I was not able to be in church on Sunday morning because my family and I were departing for family vacation. However, I was fortunate enough to receive Pastor Janean’s sermon outline so I was still able to experience some of this year’s Pentecost Sunday at Heritage United Methodist Church. As I read through the sermon outline, I couldn’t help but feel that the Spirit isn’t just something we remember from Acts 2—it is something we experienced.

Pentecost wasn’t a one-time event—it’s a continuing movement. The Holy Spirit didn’t just descend with fire and wind on the disciples; the Spirit continues to move in our world, in our church, and even in us today.

Pastor Janean draws a beautiful connection between the original Pentecost and the heart-warming experience of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. On May 24, 1738, Wesley felt his heart “strangely warmed,” and it changed everything. That personal Pentecost moment helped ignite a global movement that continues to inspire us to transform the world.

Acts 2:1-21 is one of the most dramatic passages in the Bible. Reading through that scripture will leave you feeling charged up with the Holy Spirit. Pastor Janean reminds us that God’s grace doesn’t whisper—it echoes. That echo, first heard in Jerusalem, was carried forward by the early disciples, by John Wesley, and now by us here at Heritage United Methodist Church.

What struck me most was this: Pentecost isn’t about creating monuments—it’s about becoming a movement. Wesley didn’t want to build something new; he wanted to renew the Church. He believed in empowering ordinary people through small groups, acts of service, and Spirit-led lives. And that’s still our mission today.

At Heritage, we describe ourselves and have identified our core values as being as a GATHERING PLACE, a GROWING PLACE, and a LOVING PLACE—and on Pentecost Sunday, those values are especially alive. Whether it’s mentoring a child or student, providing for a foster family, or welcoming a neighbor, we’re invited to keep echoing God’s grace in practical ways.

Pastor Janean issued a call to action for us to consider our part in that echo:

• Will we say “yes” to serving?

• Will we invite others to share the love of Christ we’ve found here?

• Will we give generously to extend the reach of that echo?

• Will we pray boldly for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit here at Heritage United Methodist Church?

Pentecost didn’t end in Acts 2—and it doesn’t end at the end of a Sunday service. It continues every time we allow the Holy Spirit to move through us. Whether it's mentoring a child, welcoming a neighbor, or supporting missions like Zoe Empowers, we are part of the echo.

At Heritage, the fire of Pentecost is still burning. The Spirit is still moving. And the call to transform the world still stands.

Let the echo begin again—right here, through us.

If you missed the service, you can watch it HERE. I am looking forward to watching it as soon as I return.

Sermon Recap: Our Zoe Kids—and the Promise of Jeremiah 29:11

On Sunday, Beth Potter stopped by and shared some eye-opening information with us about the impact our support has on Zoe Empowers.  We provide missional support to Zoe Empowers through the Florida Conference of the UMC.  They provide a 3 year training program to teach orphans and vulnerable youth about hygiene, entrepreneurship, and child rights.  It is an opportunity for these youth to learn skills to not only provide care for themselves, but to help those coming behind them, too.

I’ve heard Jeremiah 29:11 many times: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord… “plans to give you hope and a future.” But hearing it in the context of the Zoe Empowers program changed the way I see that promise.

We were reminded that “our kids”—the 77 children we’ve been supporting in Rwanda—aren’t just a line item in the budget or a photo on a bulletin board. They are real lives being transformed by love, faith, and empowerment. These kids, many of them orphans or heads of household as young as 14, are growing food, building businesses, and caring for their siblings—all because a group of churches said yes to hope.

One story that stuck with me was Clarice. She started with just a $50 microgrant, bought clothes to resell, and used her profits to attend vocational school. Now, she’s a tailor. But she didn’t stop there—she put her sister through school too and helped her launch a business. That’s what Zoe does: it empowers kids to lift each other.

It’s overwhelming—in the best way—to realize that our prayers, support, and small sacrifices have helped launch futures. These children who once lived in total poverty are now entrepreneurs, students, leaders, and believers in a God who has not forgotten them.

And they call us their parents.

They thank us. They believe they won't disappoint us. That’s what hit me hardest: they see us as family. And we are.

This December, our Zoe kids will graduate. But the work isn’t done. Our district is already forming support for a new group, and some churches are even stepping forward to adopt additional groups on their own.  We have the opportunity to partner with 2 other United Methodist Churches in our district to support a new group of kids.  The new group launches in January 2026 and we hope to be the third to help launch these kids into a new life of independence.

If you’ve ever wondered if your giving makes a difference—wonder no more. It does. It has. It will again.

Let’s keep being the hope.

If you’d like to check out the sermon from Beth, click HERE.  If you would like to support Zoe Empowers, you can give using the same method you use for your tithes and offerings, just make sure to notate Zoe Empowers in the memo or note line. If you’d like to give online, you can do that HERE.

Sermon Recap: Once I Was Blind But Now I See

 At Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater, we believe in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This past Sunday, those words came to life as Pastor Matt Horan led us through a powerful message based on John 9:1–25, the story of a man born blind whose life was transformed by an encounter with Jesus.

But what really made this Sunday unforgettable was hearing the testimony of our worship director, Jason Langdon, a man who has twice experienced literal blindness—and healing. His story was more than a testimony; it was a modern echo of the ancient miracle in John 9, grounding the Scripture in today’s reality.

Digging into History—and Heart

Pastor Matt began by flexing his Bible nerdiness and taking us deep into the story of Jerusalem’s history, describing how the Gihon Spring and Hezekiah’s Tunnel led to the creation of the Pool of Siloam—the very place where Jesus sent the blind man to wash. We explored how the physical layout of Jerusalem helped shape the spiritual journey in John 9.

The message was clear: the miracle wasn’t about healing a man’s eyes. It was about challenging religious gatekeeping. The Pool of Siloam was the final step before entering the Temple—the symbolic presence of God. Jesus didn’t just heal the man; he sent him to a place that represented inclusion, belonging, and divine access.

And the Pharisees? They couldn’t handle it.

They refused to believe that someone born blind could be accepted, seen, and made whole. Pastor Matt reminded us that when we let religious pride determine who belongs and who doesn’t, we stop seeing with the eyes of Jesus.

Testimony that Brought John 9 to Life

Then came Jason’s testimony. Jason shared his personal experience of being blind and regaining sight.  I think it’s safe to say, I wasn’t the only one with tears.

At a young age, Jason experienced detached retinas, leaving him completely blind. He recalls, "It's one thing to be born blind and it's another when you actually could see and then you lose your vision." Jason spoke of feeling  a sense of peace wash over him despite being afraid when receiving the news. Like the blind man in the story, he kept all of his faith in God.  He did not let blindness keep him from where he knew God wanted him to be.  Just like the blind man went to the Pool of Siloam, Jason continued to lead worship, guided to the stage by others, declaring, "There's nothing else that I could do and there's nothing else I'd rather do than to worship Him."    

After surgery and a faster than expected healing process, Jason's sight was restored. Years later, he faced another challenge with cataracts causing blindness, leading to another surgery. This time, he was awake during the procedure, describing the experience as looking through a kaleidoscope as the doctor inserted the lenses. When the doctor finished, Jason sat up to find his vision not just restored, but better than ever before. He marveled at the details he could now see – the vibrant colors of grass, the intricate designs in nature that he had never noticed before.

Jason’s story reminded me that miracles are still happening.  They aren’t just for biblical times. It’s happening here, among us, in Clearwater, in real lives.  And we want to be part of those miracles.   We are not here to be exclusionary.  We are here to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  

Making Room in the Temple

This message challenges all of us: Are we Pharisees, clinging to control and excluding others? Or are we followers of Christ, making room at the table, at the Pool, at the Temple, for people who are finding their way to God?

At Heritage United Methodist Church, we choose the latter. We’re creating space for the overlooked, for the hurting, for those who “once were blind but now see.” We are a church where everyone is sent to the Pool of Siloam—to be healed, welcomed, and sent into the presence of God.

Sermon Recap of Pastor Matt’s Sermon to the High School Graduates at Heritage United Methodist Church, Clearwater

This past Sunday at Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater, we celebrated a big moment—our high school graduates getting ready to step into the real world. As someone who’s been part of this church family for years, this is the 2nd Graduation Sunday in which one of my own children was recognized.  I’m here to tell you, it doesn’t get easier watching your little kids become adults.

Pastor Matt, in true form, crafted this week’s sermon for our graduates.  He did provide the caveat that he was still preaching from the Bible and hopefully we would find value in his words no matter when we graduated.  If you missed it, here’s what really stood out to me from his message to the graduating class of 2025.

“You’re Entering a Sea of Ideas”: Faith Advice for High School Graduates

One thing that really stuck with me was when Pastor described the world our grads are stepping into as a “sea of ideas.” Whether it’s on college campuses or in the workplace, they’ll be surrounded by new perspectives, beliefs, and ways of thinking.

He said:
“You’ll be swimming in the sea of ideas—exploring, learning, questioning. And that’s okay. Just don’t forget who you are and what you’ve learned here at Heritage United Methodist Church.”

While curiosity is good, our faith is the anchor that helps us stay grounded.

Faith Isn’t Superstition—It’s Trusting God When It’s Hard

Another eye-opening part of the message was about the difference between faith and superstition.

Pastor Matt said it like this -

 “Faith is doing what God wants us to do and believing His way is better. Superstition is trying to get God to do what we want.”

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking if we do the “right” things, God will bless us the way we expect. But real faith means trusting God even when we don’t see the outcome yet.

That’s a truth every graduate (and honestly, every adult) needs to hold on to.

Worship Isn’t Just Music—It’s How You Live

We also talked about what worship really means. Spoiler alert: it’s more than just showing up to church on Sunday.

You’ve heard Pastor Matt say this before, “Worship is about what your life is organized around—your time, your money, your thoughts. Whatever that is, that’s what you really worship.”

If someone looked at my calendar and bank statement, would they see a life centered on Jesus? Oof.  That’s a hard question and I probably have more work to do.

For our Heritage UMC high school graduates on our corner of Clearwater in Countryside this was a great reminder to live out worship every day, not just in the pews. Be a reflection of Jesus to those around you.

Changing the World Starts with Making Disciples

Our mission statement at Heritage United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

One of my favorite parts of the message was this:
“You don’t change the world after you make disciples—you change the world by making disciples.”

That’s a pretty bold statement, but it’s true. If we want to see the world become more loving, just, and kind, it starts with helping people know Jesus and follow Him. Whether you're a student or not, this is a mission we all share.

The Real Test of Scripture: Does It Bear Fruit?

How do we apply the Bible in real life? The United Methodist Church uses conferencing to discern and apply scripture.  Is the application of scripture producing the fruit of the spirit?

Pastor Matt said:
“If applying the Bible doesn’t produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… something’s off.”

That’s such a practical way to check if we’re really following Jesus, not just talking about it.

Being Like Jesus Isn’t Always Easy… But It’s Always Worth It

This part got emotional. Pastor asked, “Do you really want your kids to be like Jesus?” That’s a big question—because Jesus faced rejection, betrayal, and suffering. But he also brought hope, healing, and life.

He reminded us:
“The world needs churches that are willing to be like Jesus. And it needs parents and families who are willing to send their kids to be like Him, too.”

That line gave me chills. It reminded me that we’re not just sending our graduates into the world—we’re sending disciples, and God goes with them.

7 Faith-Focused Life Lessons for High School Graduates

Here’s a quick recap of the life advice Pastor gave our grads (and all of us):

1. Remember who you are in Christ.
   Stay rooted in your identity as a child of God.
   
   

2. Keep your ears and heart open.
   Listen to others without losing yourself.
   
   

3. Worship through how you live.
   Let Jesus guide your priorities—not just on Sunday.
   
   

4. Make disciples, don’t wait to change the world.
   You transform the world through people, not programs.
   
   

5. Apply Scripture in a way that bears fruit.
   If it’s not producing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, recheck your application.
   
   

6. Be like Jesus, even when it’s hard.
   Faithfulness sometimes looks like sacrifice.
   
   

7. Stay connected with your church family.
   We’re here cheering you on, praying for you, and always ready to support you.
   
   

Final Thought

James 1:22 says:
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

To our amazing high school graduates from Heritage United Methodist Church, Clearwater: You are ready. You’ve been equipped with faith, with truth, and with the love of a church family that believes in you. Go out with confidence. Jesus goes with you every step of the way.

Confirmation Crosses

You may have noticed the wall of crosses in the narthex above the table where you get your coffee or hot tea on Sunday mornings.  It’s easy to see them and think that they are just a design choice that someone made to fill up that wall.  And while the crosses are beautiful, and certainly have begun to fill up that wall, you should know that each cross is unique in design and was selected with intention.

Each cross represents a student that has gone through the confirmation process.  In 2022, our current Student Ministry Director, Peggy Ingram, began this new tradition.  She, along with one or two staff members, use their knowledge about the confirmation students and select a cross that they believe the student would like, but that also represents that student’s personality.  

But let’s back up just a minute.  Peggy and those staff members also reach out to various small groups, teams, or individuals, to ask if they would agree to pray over each confirmation student as they go through the process of confirmation.  Each student is assigned an individual or couple within the church that dedicates their time to pray for the student. Those prayer partners receive the cross that is selected for the student and they pray over that cross.  They pray for that student’s wisdom, family, grades, and anything else that the student might need prayer for.  It is a worthy and humble calling.

On Confirmation Sunday, these crosses are presented to the students.  However, the students do not take the crosses home.  The crosses are hung on the cross wall in the narthex as a visual reminder to us that these students are the next generation of the church, to continue to pray for them as they prepare to transform the world.  When these students graduate from high school, they will be given their individual cross to take with them wherever they go next with the knowledge that this congregation has faithfully and ceaselessly prayed for them.  And when these students look at their cross, they will know that they always have a home at Heritage.

So, the next time you walk by that wall, pause for a moment and look at those crosses.  Really see them.  They aren’t just decor.  They are students that we are raising up to transform the world with the love of Jesus.  

KOINONIA

Hello! My name is Josie Barr. I am a Freshman at East Lake High School. I take part in the Student Ministry here at Heritage. This past weekend I, along with several others here at Heritage, including the Worship Band, attended the Koinonia fall retreat at Warren Willis camp. 

The iconic cross on the lake.

What is Koinonia, you ask? /Koy-nohn-ee'-ah/ A Greek word meaning to be drawn together by intimate participation. It is often used to describe the idealized state of fellowship, community, prayer, and service. It is geared towards UMC middle and high school students across the state of Florida. There were over 430 kids, some coming from as far away as Miami! This year Koinonia's theme was “Community in Chaos”. We learned how to build a community to help us through the chaos of this world and how important it is to have that community. We can’t do it alone.

This retreat is held during the transition from summer to fall so you can still enjoy the many activities offered at Warren Willis. There was everything from wall climbing to canoeing to bracelet making. Truly something for everyone.

Silent Disco

Color war

Warren Willis is located in Fruitland, Florida on 47 acres of wooded land. It is roughly 2 hours away from Clearwater and sits on beautiful Lake Griffin. This UMC camp originated in the 1940’s after WWII. After Methodist movements and young adults traveled the state to put on programs for children and youth, it was “so successful that in 1944, the Methodist Conference in Florida formed a committee to look for a suitable property to build a permanent campus for youth ministry.” And so, the campsite was found.

This retreat was a great way to build a strong community of lasting friendships. Our worship team led the music this weekend and it was truly amazing!!   The speakers there really dive deep into the theme. As I mentioned, this year was “Community in Chaos”, and they really helped deepen your relationships with others and God. At this retreat, we picked from workshops within subjects or things you are interested in. Some of the ones from this year were Barbie and the Bible, Faith in Action, Exploring a Call, and so many more.

The workshops I took there were Barbie & the Bible, and Faith in action. Both workshops impacted me, and I got a lot from both.

From Barbie & the Bible, we were referring to the book of Genesis looking all the way back to the very beginning in the Garden of Eden. We talked about how Barbie land was almost like the Garden of Eden where there were no imperfections, no hate, and no standards. When Barbie and Adam and Eve used their freewill and took the other choice, we felt hate, and we felt those standards. What I took away from that workshop is God doesn’t give us those choices to deter us away from him, he gave us the freewill to grow closer to him. This class really emphasized that no one is perfect, including Barbie!

The last workshop I took was Faith in Action: moving beyond belief to make an impact. We were in a few different scriptures but the main scripture we looked at was Nehemiah 5. It talks about the economic oppression the Jews were facing at the time, and much more. But the overview of it all was that Nehemiah and many others were helping the Jews that had trouble keeping up with paying the nobles and officials at the time. In the class we talked about how we can show people in our community faithfulness, mercy, and justice. And what stuck out to me is Nehemiah used those three things to show how others, like the nobles and officials, how to be there for the people in the community instead of putting them down and by doing so showing them Gods faithfulness, mercy, and justice and with that how we can succeed.

Overall, this camp is such a great experience and I’m already looking forward to next year!!

Picture #16

“One of these things is not like the others.”

I can’t hear that phrase without a song playing in my head (and hanging out for a bit) that was first put there by Sesame Street in my very early years.

These days at Heritage, you can’t walk down the hallway toward the church parlor without that phrase, or song, coming to mind. You may have seen the photos on the wall of all of the pastors that have been appointed by our bishops at Heritage since it was first planted in 1976. If you start at the parlor and walk toward the staff offices, you’ll pass them in chronological order.

• Bert Blomquist, 1976-1981

• Jim Maxfield, 1981-1985

• Floy Ekin, 1983-1993

• Richard Nussel, 1985-1988

• Bob Breuer, 1985-1988

• David Landers, 1988-2011

• Curtis Collier, 1991-1995

• David Davis, 1998-2007

• Steve Ezra, 2003-2008

• Donald Jones, 2008-2015

• Brandon Wise, 2008-2010

• Josh Bell, 2011-2014

• Charles Engelhardt, 2011-2017

• Dan Johnson, 2017-2018

• The current guy

Then you come to the most recently added face on the wall. When you do, that phrase—and maybe even the song—comes to mind. One of these things is not like the others.

Why is This One So Different?

This picture is not like the others because of a 2000-year misunderstanding of two passages attributed to Paul that are preserved in the Bible. The first is 1Corinthians 14:34-35, and the second is 1Timothy 2:12.

Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church. (1Corinthians 14:34-35)

I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man, she must be quiet. (1Timothy 2:12)

1Corinthians 14:34-35 actually began as what’s known as a “marginal gloss,” which is a note in the margin added later on. It was then mistakenly copied into the text by subsequent scribes. In some manuscripts it appears as verses 34-35, and in others it appears after verse 40, revealing that there wasn’t even clarity about where it should go when it was copied in.

1Timothy 2:12 comes from a letter treasured as Christian Scripture, but that is widely believed to not even have been written by Paul in the first place. It has vocabulary, sentence structure, and even some theology considerably different than those letters confidently ascribed to him. It is more a match to other writings from the early second century. 1Timothy wasn’t even included in early lists of Paul’s letters until Iraneus referenced it in 180 C.E.

The writing of these passages occurred at a time when early Christians were trying to make inroads with Jewish audiences in whose synagogues women were not allowed to teach or speak in the years following Paul’s ministry. In this context, it makes sense that they would have made efforts to navigate differences of opinion on this issue at that time. However, this is inconsistent with other writing known to be Paul’s in which women lead and speak in congregational worship (e.g, Rom. 16:1-2, 3-4, 7; Gal. 3:27-28; Phil, 4:2-3; Acts 5:1-11; Acts 18:8-28).

Unfortunately, throughout the centuries these two passages were given more authority than the many writings of Paul that contradict them; and even more unfortunately, are still given more authority today in denominations and cultures around the world, as well as some right here in Clearwater, Florida.

Finally Getting it Right

While Jesus and Paul both equipped women for leadership roles, most of the church was slow to come around. In 1761, John Wesley was moved by the story of—and arguments for—making Sarah Crosby the first Methodist woman to be licensed to preach, and he did so. Thanks be to God women are licensed to preach in the United Methodist Church, because they’ve been missing from our church pulpits, and from our hallway wall, until now.

The 16th picture on the wall is of Rev. Janean Briseno, the first woman appointed as a pastor at Heritage United Methodist.

One of our acolytes looks up at the first woman appointed as a pastor at Heritage United Methodist, Rev. Janean Briseno, as she helps her celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion for the first time.

I have known Janean for almost five years now, and it’s clear to me—and everyone who meets her—that she is not motivated by being a pioneer. She did not set out on the journey for her own licensing as a way to break a barrier or champion the cause of having more women in leadership roles. She would affirm and support those who are called to that effort, and is grateful for the efforts of those women who paved the way and sought such a license when it was even more rare than it is today.

Janean is motivated by seeing more people enjoy friendship with Jesus. She did not attend Vacation Bible School or Sunday school growing up—establishing that friendship in her high school and college years. She remembers life without it, rejoices all the more in that friendship now, and is eager for others to have it and rejoice in it as well.

So if becoming the first woman to be appointed as a pastor at Heritage was a ceiling limiting her opportunities to preach and teach people about life as a friend of Jesus Christ, she was more than happy to crash through it.

On this International Women’s Day, the members and friends of Heritage United Methodist are more than happy she crashed through it too. —MH

Amazing Grace at the Sand Bar Grill

This Story Brought to the Heritage UMC Blog by Guest Contributors Jason, Lauren, and Maria LeBlanc!

〰️

This Story Brought to the Heritage UMC Blog by Guest Contributors Jason, Lauren, and Maria LeBlanc! 〰️

Picture it: Ash Wednesday, 2022. My family and I had attended the 7PM Ash Wednesday service after working and going to school during the day. We were hungry, tired, and not in the mood to have to cook, so we decided to check out a small restaurant that we’ve driven by a thousand times. The Sandbar Grill, which is literally a single wide trailer and some decking in the Curlew Road shopping plaza by the Causeway, is always packed. For several years, we’ve passed by this restaurant, always concluding that one day we would go there to eat, only to ultimately forget about it when looking for a place to eat.  Finally, this night would be the night.

As it turns out, the Sandbar Grill is more of a bar than a grill at the time of night we went, although we imagine there’s a bit more balance to that during the daytime hours. Immediately, we were taken aback that the bulk majority of the people there were very conscious of our daughter being present and refrained from using inappropriate language. They even offered up places that we could sit at where she might be more comfortable; our daughter wasn’t too terribly fond of the loud live music that evening.  Everyone seemed to almost be protective of her even though we had never eaten there before and didn’t know any of them; still we couldn't help but feel like we had just become family members by merely showing up to eat there.

Since we went straight from church, we still had our ashes on our faces for Ash Wednesday. This was met with excitement amongst our impromptu family members, many of whom exclaimed that they had either forgotten or didn't realize it was Ash Wednesday. As the evening progressed, one of the regulars was so moved that she got up on stage (it seemed to be an open mic night of sorts) to sing Amazing Grace adapted to the rhythm of the song House of the Rising Sun.  She then started talking about Jesus and the sacrifice He made for us.

We have never experienced anything like it, but we thought it was really cool!  We immediately thought of Pastor Matt’s sermon about the sacred intruding into the secular.  We were exhausted and hungry and weary from the day, but the Lord led us to exactly what was needed that evening, and we left uplifted, inspired, and couldn’t stop smiling and talking about the experience.  We felt that sharing the story would be a good idea, if for no other reason that it may help others to look for the Lord’s blessings in everything, even in the places and moments one may not necessarily be looking for them.