Take a Knee Today

Image Credit: Google Gemini 2025

By Rev. Matt Horan

Coaching soccer has been one of my life's favorite things. I often miss it.

One of the unwritten rules of youth soccer is that, when a player on the other team gets hurt and the game is stopped for people to come out and help them, our team "takes a knee," kneeling down wherever they are on the field. Once the player is back on their feet or being helped off the field, our team stands back up, and our players and parents on the sideline clap for them.

Soccer is a contact sport, and sometimes the play is physical. Sometimes there are shoulders and elbows and slide tackles in the desperation of trying to get the upper hand, and sometimes those may evolve to harsh words or even frustrated shoves. Yet even if that opponent has been elbowing our team the whole game, the rule is the same. If they get hurt, we take a knee.

I'm not naïve enough to think that the practice of our politics and youth soccer have a lot of overlap these days. I know that, in the course of our political interactions, elbows are thrown every day that land really painfully.

Today there will be a funeral for Charlie Kirk at a football stadium in Arizona. There are plenty of speakers scheduled to speak at the service who have thrown painful elbows in the past, and they will be eulogizing a man who also threw painful elbows of his own. I hope not, but I know there's a pretty reasonable chance that elbows will be thrown by one or more of these speakers during the service today. They could end up providing plenty of opportunities for angry posts, comments, blog articles, videos, etc. from people who disagree with the politics of Charlie Kirk or one or more of today’s speakers, and it is your right to create them should you so choose.

Last Sunday I reminded my congregation of the lyrics to "Let there Be Peace on Earth." They say "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.," and so I have a suggestion for today. I suggest, regardless of what is said at Charlie Kirk’s funeral, we all take a knee, letting it pass without comment. Our social media interactions don’t change people’s mind anyway, so taking one day—or even just one event—off probably won’t cost your side much, regardless of which one it is.

In fact, maybe that player being helped off the field--the one that elbowed you in the nose earlier in the game--will see their opponents taking a knee. Maybe we'll have a moment of seeing each other as something other than an opponent, but as people who are capable of caring about one another.

It would probably be just that--a moment. However, perhaps we'll discover that it was a good moment. Who knows? We might even discover that we liked it, and that it just might be worth trying again sometime.

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me… and when it comes to commenting on today’s funeral, let’s all just take a knee.

--MH

More Like Jesus

This past Sunday, Pastor Matt began each service with a statement about the violent death of Charlie Kirk. Please take time to listen to the statement and pray for our nation with us.

Sermon Recap: Hungering for What Matters Most

This past Sunday at Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater, Florida, Pastor Matt Horan continued our walk through the Beatitudes, and the focus was on one of the most powerful lines from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount:

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

This one hit home. Hunger and thirst are things we all understand—they’re daily, urgent, and necessary for life. Pastor Matt reminded us that Jesus intentionally chose those words to describe our desire for God’s righteousness. It’s not a casual craving—it’s a deep, soul-level need. 

While Pastor Matt preached, I thought of when I am running errands with my husband at Sam’s Club or Target and I see something that I have to have.  I NEEEEEEED it.  My husband will say, “No, you don’t neeeeeed it.  You want it.”  But I just know that I can’t live without it.  Of course, I know it is a want and not a true need and we have a good laugh about my dramatic declaration of need that is really a want and move about our day.  But it did make me think about whether or not I treat God’s righteousness as something I have to have, that I’m desperate for, that I NEEEEEEED. Many of us can probably relate to having an extreme desire for something that is not really a need.  

Righteousness, Pastor Matt explained, isn’t about being self-righteous or trying to look “holier than thou.” It’s about longing for God’s goodness, justice, and truth to take root in our own hearts and in the world around us. It’s about seeking His will, even when the world tells us to chase after wealth, comfort, or status.

Here is what stayed with me: “they will be filled.” When we chase after the things of the world, we’re never satisfied. There’s always something more to buy, more to achieve, more to prove. But when we hunger and thirst for righteousness, Jesus says we’ll find the kind of fulfillment that truly lasts.

Here is my challenge, and I’ll call you to the challenge along with me:  Are you desperate for God’s righteousness?  Do you NEEEEEEED it?  Sitting in the pews, I thought about what I’m hungry for. Am I craving success? Approval? Comfort? Or am I genuinely hungry for God’s ways to shape my life? That’s the challenge of this Beatitude—our appetites reveal what we’re truly seeking.

At Heritage UMC, we don’t just talk about these things on Sundays—we encourage one another to live them out. Whether it’s through serving in the community, supporting missions, or simply being people of grace in our workplaces and homes, we’re learning how to hunger and thirst for righteousness together.

If you’ve been searching for something more—something that fills your spirit instead of leaving you empty—I encourage you to lean into this promise. Jesus’ words are true: those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. And there’s no better place to explore that than here at Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater, Florida.

THAT WAS GOD

So….Where is God?

Ever had one of those moments when you wake up in the middle of the night with the distinct feeling that God is telling you to do something completely out of your comfort zone? That’s exactly what’s been happening to me at about 3:15 - 3:30 a.m. every night for the past couple of weeks. God was making it clear that I have a testimony that needs to be shared.

I’ve actually been asked to tell my story several times before, but I’ve always declined, being basically a pretty private person, plus also knowing getting up in front of people would overwhelm me emotionally.

For those who don’t know me, I’ve been attending Heritage since about 1987, became a member in 1990, and have been on staff since 2004. I’m currently the Office Manager. If you attend the 9am service and wonder why I’m always sitting right smack dab in your way when you are trying to get in and out of the sanctuary, it’s because I have a hard time getting up the sanctuary incline, and when I do, I’m afraid that if my legs or wheelchair brakes give out I’ll go flying down the center aisle like an Olympic snow ski jumper, face planting right into the altar! OK, maybe a bit dramatic, but a great visual! Actually, I prefer staying behind the scenes, being front and center is not my thing.

But… here I am, sharing my story.

On Thursday, August 30, 2007, I was splitting my time between being the assistant to our Associate Pastor, Steve Ezra and working with Janean Briseno in the Children’s Ministry area. I left work to go home for a lunch break. While heading east on State Road 580—just past McMullen Booth Road—a car tried to pass me in the right lane. What the driver didn’t see was that a stalled truck was blocking that lane, so to avoid a collision, they swerved left—straight towards me, running me off the road.

Their car forced mine past the left lane, across the center median, through the three westbound lanes, and into a telephone pole and chain-link fence. My car was crushed. It took first responders an hour and a half to cut through the fence and car using the Jaws of Life to extract me. I was airlifted to Bayfront Medical Trauma Center with life-threatening injuries.

Here’s what I was facing:

• 10 broken ribs

• A broken clavicle

• A punctured lung

• A broken right femur and fibula

• A crushed left pelvis and femur

• A medically induced coma

• MRSA infection

• 19 surgeries

• Multiple hospitalizations

• And a lifelong sentence of being wheelchair-bound
  

So, where was God in all of this?

EVERYWHERE.

When my car hit the telephone pole, both of my hands were pinned between the steering wheel and dashboard. I couldn’t turn off the ignition. I fully expected the car to explode—but it didn’t. It stayed running until First Responders arrived and shut it off. That was God.

I truly believed I would die before they got me out of the wreckage, but I felt no pain. No fear. Just complete calm and peace. That was God.

Anyone familiar with that intersection knows how busy it is. But at that moment? No cars were coming in the opposite direction. None. Zero. Zilch. Nada. That’s not just luck. That was God.

About 85 percent of my body was broken, sprained or had major contusions, but I had absolutely no facial, head or spinal cord injuries. That was God.

All my lifelong injuries are on my left side, allowing me to drive and have a pretty normal life. That was God.

Word spread fast, cards, letters and prayers came pouring in—from churches and small groups across the U.S. and even the world. Many people I’ve never met nor have any idea how they heard about my accident reached out to me. That showed me the incredible power of prayer. That was God.

I’ve felt love and support from my Heritage family every step of the way—through cards, letters, texts, meals, prayers, compassion, encouragement, and constant kindness were continually offered. That was God.

And I’m especially thankful for my co-workers. They've allowed me to keep doing a job I love by helping me get in and out of the building every single day and none of them have ever complained or made me feel awkward. Poor Janean Briseno has done this almost daily for 18 years or…9,360 times! After retiring from a very rewarding 35-year career, God placed me in the perfect “retirement” job—right here where I needed to be in this stage of my life. That is no accident. That is God.

While I was recovering my daughter started having leg issues that could not be diagnosed until she collapsed and was it was determined that she had Gillian-Barre Syndrome. Within 48 hours she became paralyzed from the neck down. Basically, living in a broken body, unable to do anything for herself. I had just started driving again so I was able to be at the hospital with her for each meal and to help her with basic needs until she could re-learn how to do the simplest tasks we all take for granted. At the same time, her twin sister was also diagnosed with the same disease and was starting down the same path, facing the same challenges.

The timeline of my recovery, starting to drive again after a year and a half and then my daughter’s illnesses all fell in perfect alignment to allow me to be there and help my girls in their time of excessive need. The timing of these events was no mistake. That was God.

A couple years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy, spending the night in the hospital. It turned out my roommate was one of my old friends and co-workers from when we were young moms with babies & young children. We ended up spending the entire night reconnecting and talking about our families, old friends and good times. It kept our minds off the stress and seriousness of our situations. That was God.

My daughter had recovered most of her functionality and returned to living a pretty normal life. Four years ago, she came home from work — happy, excited about how things were going, laughing about the goofiness of the day. She ate dinner, relaxed, and had no idea what was about to happen. None of us did.

She died during the night. I found her.

There is nothing more horrific for a parent than outliving their child. And yet — this may sound strange — finding her was a blessing I’m forever grateful for. She looked like she was peacefully sleeping, still holding the TV remote in her hands. Knowing she would have surely dropped the remote if she had suffered any pain or trauma, that image gave me absolute peace and comfort.

She passed the way we all wish to go — without a long, terminal illness, without fear, without anxiety, without pain or trauma. She simply went to sleep and peacefully went home to Jesus. My heart is irretrievably broken that she is no longer here, but at the same time, I have an overwhelming peace knowing she is with Jesus — and she is good… oh, so good. How did I make it through this with such peace and comfort? That was God.

We all face storms and challenges in life — many of them completely out of our control, but we’ve also been given the miraculous gift of faith, and with it, the ability to choose our attitude in the midst of those moments. And… who gave us those gifts? That was God!

Sermon Recap: Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

This Sunday at Heritage UMC in Clearwater, Pastor Matt Horan continued our journey through the Beatitudes, and let me just say—if you weren’t in church, you missed both powerful truth and a mental image of Pastor Matt in a Speedo. (Yes, that happened. And no, there are no pictures in the church calendar, thank goodness.)

We learned that in both Matthew and Luke’s accounts of the Beatitudes, Jesus flips the world upside down. What society calls enviable—wealth, status, success—Jesus replaces with poverty, hunger, and mourning as the places of true blessing in God’s kingdom. It’s not the power of this world that saves us; it’s our complete dependence on God.

Pastor Matt explained that being “poor in spirit” is where the Christian life begins. It’s the moment we realize we can’t measure up on our own. We don’t start following Jesus because we’re impressive—we start because we’re desperate for His grace. Like swimmers waiting for the race horn, our spiritual poverty is the air horn that launches us into the water. Only some of us, Pastor Matt joked, are still standing on the diving blocks Googling “how to win a relay without swimming” while checking Instagram likes. (Guilty as charged.)

But then comes the hard part: mourning. Matthew places it right after poverty of spirit: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Mourning doesn’t sound like blessing—it feels like loss. But Pastor Matt showed us that it’s not just mourning for loved ones; it’s mourning our own sin, recognizing the ways we’ve hurt ourselves, others, and our world. That grief isn’t meant to crush us—it’s meant to transform us, to make us desperate for something different, something better.

He used the story of Oskar Schindler—yes, the Nazi spy-turned-savior—to show how one man’s grief over his part in the horrors of the Holocaust turned into action that saved 1,200 lives. That’s the power of mourning: it awakens us, convicts us, and can make us hunger for righteousness.

And Pastor Matt didn’t let us off easy. He repeated it several times (for those checking their phones or registering online for the Top Golf tournament): If you are more bothered by the sins of others than by your own sins, you are not following Jesus Christ. Ouch. Convicting. True.

Walking out of Heritage UMC today, I felt both challenged and hopeful. The Beatitudes remind us that the blessed life isn’t the easy life, and it certainly isn’t the Instagram life. It’s the upside-down, grace-filled life of following Jesus—starting with humility, continuing with repentance, and leading us toward righteousness.

If you missed the service, you can check it out HERE.

Sermon Recap: Turning Things Upside Down

Walking into worship this Sunday at Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater, I thought I knew what to expect. A warm, fuzzy start to the sermon series on the Beatitudes. But, boy was I wrong. Since it’s back-to-school season, he compared this sermon series to getting “schooled” by the Bible. Some lessons, like in real school, aren’t easy to hear. But they help us grow. And like Pastor Matt always says, “Life with Jesus doesn’t make it easier, it makes it better.”

What struck me most this week was how Pastor Matt described the way Jesus takes the world’s values and flips them completely upside down. He told stories about losing his keys and even a childhood library meltdown with a pacifier — funny moments that actually helped me see how Jesus sometimes has to “dump out the bag” so that the most important things come into view.

That’s exactly what happens in the Sermon on the Mount (or Plain). Jesus lays out a vision for God’s Kingdom that sounds so backwards compared to the way life usually works. He says the blessed ones — the ones in the most enviable position — aren’t the rich, the powerful, or the admired. Instead, it’s the poor, the hungry, the mourning, the meek, and those who are persecuted.

As Pastor Matt reminded us, that’s hard medicine to swallow. Honestly, it’s way harder than the Ten Commandments. But it’s also freeing. Jesus isn’t saying we’re blessed because life is easy — He’s showing us that in God’s Kingdom, the lowly, the hurting, and the overlooked are actually the closest to His heart.

Luke calls this justice — not fairness, but real justice, where needs are met based on what people lack, not what everyone else already has. Matthew shapes the same teaching a little differently for his audience, emphasizing the spiritual side: poor in spirit, hungering for righteousness, being merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers. Sometimes two versions of the same story in the Bible don’t exactly match. But As Pastor Matt reminded us, “Remember–we do not believe the Bible because every detail is locked down just right in journalistic or historic perfection.  We believe the Bible because we can testify that its advice has led us to make choices that bore the fruit of the Holy Spirit.  We believe the Bible because so many people have risked their lives to get it to us, and spent years of their lives carefully preserving and communicating it.” 

Together, both versions remind us of this: God’s Kingdom values are not about climbing higher, but about humbling ourselves, trusting God, and caring for one another.

This week, I’m going to wrestle with what it means in my life to stop chasing the world’s version of “the good life” and instead lean into God’s idea of blessing. Like Pastor Matt said, maybe this is exactly where we’re supposed to be: right where God can do the most with us.

Out of Time: Philemon

There’s a juicy bit of drama from Paul’s letter to Philemon that I left out of the sermon on August 10th.  It saved time to leave it out, but I also felt like the story of Onesimus’ arrival was dramatic enough without it.

There are many opinions out there about the relationship between Onesimus and Philemon.  Some think Onesimus was in debt to Philemon.  Some think he was born into slavery in Philemon’s household.  But there’s also an even more scandalous theory out there–that Onesimus was Philemon’s half-brother.

It was not uncommon for slave-owning men to father children by their slaves.  Such a child would have no higher status than any other slave in the household.  It was rare for the father of the child to even acknowledge the relationship in the first place, though it was probably a poorly kept secret as children of the household and slave children grew up under the same roof.

A phrase that Bible scholars have debated for centuries appears in Philemon 1:15-16. 

15For perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever, 16no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

 The Greek phrase, “ἀδελφὸν κατὰ σάρκα,” (adelphon kata sarka) means “brother in the flesh.”  There’s not really another way to interpret that than to mean the person is your brother, related to you, sharing common parents, etc.  So when Paul tells Philemon that Onesimus is a beloved brother to him, he says that he’s a brother more so to Philemon, because unlike Paul, to Philemon he’s a brother “both in the flesh and in the Lord.”

 Some argue that it just means Onesimus is back “in the flesh,” as if to say he’s there “in person,” as opposed to “in spirit” like someone might say today.  However, it is possible that the moment Onesimus shows up with Tychicus to deliver Paul’s Letter to the Colossians was not just a moment of high drama.  It’s possible that it was a moment of family drama worthy of its own TV show!

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.