White Rock UMC

For the fourth Sunday of Advent Rev. Kerry Smith explored the love of Advent through the story of Joseph in Matthew 1:18-25.

There is a lot going on the world. The "most wonderful time of the year," is often filled with all kinds of stress and right in the midst of that, on the third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate Joy. Where do you see joy?

As we continue through the Epilogue of our year long series, Unfold, we turn to week three of Advent... Joy! Rev. Kerry Smith preached from Matthew 11:2-11. Keep up with all our media and get connected with others in the White Rock UMC community by downloading our app here; https://get.theapp.co/9sgy

In the midst of "the most wonderful time of the year," do you feel peace?

As we journey through this season of Advent, where are you finding hope?

For week two of Advent Rev. Kerry Smith preached from Matthew 3:1-12. You won't always hear people referred to as "brood of vipers" or "children of snakes," but you will in this week's text! How does that play into a week focused on peace? Check out the sermon and let us know what you think.

Rev. Kerry Smith kicked off Advent, and the Epilogue of our yearlong series Unfold, by exploring hope through Jesus' words in Matthew 24:36-44.

Rev. Kerry Smith preached on mentorship through the lens of Paul and Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:1-14.

Rev. Kerry Smith takes a look at community and how we can be together through the lens of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42.

Who would have though the story of Martha and Mary, in Luke 10, would resonate so well with the midterm elections? Take a listen or you can read along on our website. Have thoughts regarding this blog? Reach out to Rev. Phil Dieke at pdieke@wrumc.org

On this All Saints' Sunday 2022, Rev. Kerry Smith preached about togetherness through the lens of Ruth and Naomi, as found in the Book of Ruth in the Hebrew Bible.

Dr. Lisa and Rev. Justin Hancock preached on 1 Samuel 25, specifically looking at the story of Abigail and David through the lens of their work at the Julian Way. You can find more about Disability Theology and their work at: https://thejulianway.org/

This Sunday is All Saint's Sunday, and sometimes you just need All Saint's Sunday. Check out this spoken addition of Rebecca Garrett Pace's blog, which you can also read here. And, if you need somebody to talk to, Rebecca offers this at the end: White Rock UMC is here for you. If you are struggling with grief or another issue and need to speak with a pastor, please do not hesitate to email Rev. Kerry Smith (ksmith@wrumc.org) or Rev. Phil Dieke (pdieke@wrumc.org). Our staff can also provide resources for finding a therapist or counselor, as well as recovery resources. For more information on recovery resources, visit wrumc.org/recovery. Join us Sunday, November 4 at 10:50am CST (don't forget to fall back an hour) in-person, or join us online (wrumc.org).

In this conversation Rev. Phil Dieke discusses with Sammy Waters, Minister to Children, Youth and Families, about All Saint's Sunday and the need to discuss the details of this Sunday with you kids. They talk the reason behind All Saint's Sunday, and why talking with you kids about death may not be easy, but is very much necessary. They suggest so phrases to stay away from and some resources to check out if you are looking for additional verbiage (see below). As always, let us know if you have any questions, comments, or idea regarding how to bring faith into your everyday lives and/or what kind of content we can create that will be helpful to you and your family. Resources: Faithful Families: Creating Sacred Moments at Home by Traci Smith To Light Their Way: A Collection of Prayers and Liturgies for Parents by Kayla Craig

We regularly write blogs at White Rock UMC. Now you have the opportunity to listen to those blogs. In this episode Rev. Phil Dieke mentions our church app as an opportunity to connect. You can download that app here: https://get.theapp.co/9sgy If you are looking for opportunities to connect you can email Phil (pdieke@wrumc.org). Also, let us know what you think about this read version of our blogs. Is this something we should do more of? We'd love to hear from you.

Rev. Kerry Smith kicked off Chapter 9, titled "Together," by sharing the story of Esther as found in the Hebrew scriptures and reminding us that maybe we have all been called for "a time such as this."

Rev. Kerry Smith wraps up Chapter 8 with Commitment Sunday. She preached from Mark 12:38-44, exploring what God has gifted us and what we are to give back. If you'd like to make a financial commitment to White Rock UMC for 2023, you can do so her: https://forms.monday.com/forms/03b247f083566aba674849bbbaa7553d?r=use1

In week three of Chapter 8 Rev. Kerry Smith talks about what it means to flourish, specifically through the lens of Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. Dara and Randy Austin also offered their reflection on flourishing and why they support the work of WRUMC. What does flourishing mean to you?

In week two of Chapter 8 Rev. Kerry Smith invited us to consider how our generosity helps us to be salt and light to the world, as Jesus discussed in Matthew 5:14-16. Turns out, neither salt, nor light exist for the benefit of itself, rather they both enhance other things!

Rev. Kerry Smith kicked off Chapter 8 entitled "Recognizing Abundance & Flourishing," by preaching from Genesis 12:1-2. In this text we are reminded that we, like Abraham, are blessed not for our own benefit, rather we are blessed to be a blessing to all. How do you understand "blessing"?

This week concluded Chapter 7 of our Unfold series. Throughout the chapter we have look at various aspect of "radical." This week, Rev. Phil Dieke looked at radical hospitality through the lens of Genesis 18:1-8 and Luke 10:1-12. What image emerges when you think of hospitality, much less radical hospitality? How have the actions of our country, our state, even our church aligned, or failed to align, with this notion of radical hospitality?

Rev. Kerry Smith takes a look at one of the most familiar parables, the parable of the Good Samaritan, as she explores what radical compassion looks like in our lives and our church. How are you showing radical compassion in your community?

The statement "Thoughts and Prayers" has become a divisive statement in a country desperately in need of action. Can the statement "Thoughts and Prayers" be reclaimed for a radical faith? Rev. Kerry Smith addresses this in her sermon as she considers Romans 8:26-27. What do you think of the statement "Thoughts and Prayers"?

This week Rev. Kerry Smith takes a look at radical non-violence, specifically through the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:38-48. Is non-violence a viable option in our world today, or is it just too radical?

Rev. Dara Austin joined us as a guest preacher to kick off chapter 7 of our Unfold series. Dara introduced this chapter by inviting us to consider what is radical about our faith, what mad Jesus radical for his time, and how might we apply his radical love in our lives, today? Let us know your thoughts on "Radical." Email us at office@wrumc.org

In our final sermon from chapter 6, "Cosmic Wisdom," Rev. Kerry Smith embraces the wisdom from the book of Job. She preached from Job 28:20-28 and invited us to consider the deep wisdom from this tradition. How are we to respond to pain and suffering? What does it have to teach us? Let us know your thoughts on Job, and the wisdom associated with it.

Rev. Kerry Smith continued our look at Cosmic Wisdom, this week focusing on wisdom that comes from unlikely places. Rev. Smith preached from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, drawing on the wisdom of "the teacher" she invited us to recognize the power of community and the collective wisdom that surrounds us.

This week we begin a new chapter in our Unfold series, a chapter specifically focusing on Cosmic Wisdom. The Hebrew Scriptures, our Old Testament, has much to say about wisdom. We begin this chapter focusing on the wisdom of Proverbs. This wisdom comes from the Deuteronomistic Theology that professes when we do good and live according to the law we will have a good and blessed life. Conversely, when we break the law bad things will happen to us. Rev. Smith preached from Proverbs 3:1-6. Let us know what you think about the wisdom of Proverbs.

In this final installment of Chapter 5, Cheap but Costly, Rev. Kerry Smith dove into Sanctifying Grace. John Wesley believed this was the grace that continues to work on us throughout our lives. After we have been wooed by prevenient grace (though God never stops wooing), after we have responded to God's justifying grace (though this is sometimes a daily occurrence), we are empowered and made holy by God' sanctifying grace. This form of grace continues to make us into the person God created us to be. Rev. Smith preached from Romans 12:2, 9-21. Let us know your thoughts on sanctifying grace.

In this third sermon of Chapter 5, Free But Costly, Rev. Kerry Smith looks at justifying grace. John Wesley talked about justifying grace as the grace that produces a response in us, while prevenient grace woos us, justifying grace creates a response in us, we turn toward God and make a conscious response to accept God's grace. Rev. Smith preached from Ephesians 2:1-10. Let us know your thoughts on justifying grace.

Rev. Kerry Smith continues Chapter 5's dive into grace by discussing prevenient grace, or the grace that goes before. Before what? Before we can know God or even understand God, or God's grace, prevenient grace is God's constant and continual pursuit of us. God's perpetual wooing of us. Kerry used Psalm 139 as the text to discuss prevenient grace. Check out this week's sermon, then find other aspects of the service on our website or our app.

This Sunday we welcome our new Senior Pastor, Rev. Kerry Smith. Kerry kicked off chapter 5, "Free but Costly." Throughout this chapter we will be focusing on grace, and more specifically, John Wesley's understanding of grace, and his understanding of the process of salvation. Kerry began this chapter looking at the story of Jacob, specifically Genesis 32:22—33:4. Find out more at www.wrumc.org or on our app.

In the midst of difficult situations, Monica Frazier invites us to take our Bibles in one hand, and the newspaper in the other as we wrestle with our theology and troubling times in our culture. You are empowered to use your voice, to speak out, to work! Monica preached from Luke 24:44-53. Find more of our resources at our website or by downloading our app.

Rev. Keith Boone shared the incredible story of grace present in the story of Saul becoming Paul in Acts 9.

To continue our journey through Chapter 4: Flawed but Empowered, Rev. Phil Dieke preached from Acts 10. As he indicates in his sermon the entire chapter of Acts 10 is so good, and has much to offer. Thus, take some time to read it in its entirety. Phil focused specifically on Peter and his progressive approach to a faith he held so dear. An approach that allowed him to institute change, an approach that allowed the birth of the church to spread far beyond Jerusalem. Peter wasn't perfect in his approach, but he did allow for progress, and most importantly allowed for the Holy Spirit to show up and do her work... even when he wasn't expecting it. If you'd like to keep up with not only our sermons, but the various media that is produced at WRUMC, you can download our app here: https://get.theapp.co/9sgy

What a way for Rev. Mitchell Boone to conclude a decade of ministry at White Rock UMC, and more generally in East Dallas. If you haven't heard, Mitchell has been appointed as the Senior Pastor at First UMC Dallas, beginning July 1, 2022. If you'd like to reach out to Mitchell, you can still email him at mboone@wrumc.org to send him well wishes. Enjoy this final sermon, and farewell from Mitchell.

This week Rev. Mitchell Boone kicked off Chapter 4 of Unfold Series. This chapter is title "Flawed but Empowered." Once again, we find ourselves faced with a very challenging and tough week. Following the school shooting in Uvalde, TX Mitchell addressed Ascension Sunday through the lens of pain, suffering, and so much grief being felt following this horrible event. Mitchell doesn't hold back, we hope you'll listen and let us know your thoughts. If you are feeling hopeless or simply in need of somebody to talk to, or if you are looking for ways to respond and mobilize around gun violence, gun safety, and gun reform, email Rev. Phil Dieke (pdieke@wrumc.org).

The work of the North Texas Conference Board of Church and Society is to raise awareness regarding issues of justice, raise and distribute funds for the work of justice, and provide opportunities for local churches and individuals to engage in the work of justice. This month's episode covers all bases as Rev. Phil Dieke, Board Chair, interviews two previous Peace with Justice grant recipients and fellow board member Rev. James Minor who is coordinating an auction to raise fund for the Peace with Justice grants. The first grant recipient we hear from is Janet Fisher. Janet is a member of First UMC Denton and co-founder, with her husband Dennis, of Marfa Ministry. Marfa Ministry works with eight Eurasian United Methodist Churches, seven in Russian and one in Ukraine. Janet shares how the Peace with Justice grant helped support their work with these ministries and also shares the struggle these ministries have experienced given the ongoing war in Ukraine. There are many ways to get involved with the work of Marfa Ministries, including buying some of their art and/or puzzles! Learn more about this incredible ministry here. The second grant recipient we hear from is Rev. Cathy Sweeney. Though she currently serves at Arapaho UMC in Richardson, Cathy received the grant when she was serving at Christ UMC in Plano where they started a warming station in partnership with The Salvation Army. This has become an ecumenical project reaching across Plano and the greater Collin County area. You can read more about their work and sign up to volunteer or donate here. Finally, we hear from Rev. James Minor, a retired clergyperson in the North Texas Conference. James serves on the NTC Board of Church and Society, specifically as the Peace with Justice coordinator. James has a great passion to raise money for these grants so local congregations will feel supported and encouraged to engage in the work of justice in their own communities or all around the world. If you or your local congregation would like to donate items for the auction in June, you can do so by filling out this form. The more items collected, the more money raised. There will be a silent auction as well as an inperson auction on Tuesday, June 7 at Hamilton Park UMC. Stay tuned for more info regarding this auction. Note, James's wifi had some issues, so there are a few points his audio cuts out a bit. If you'd like more information on these ministries, the upcoming auction, or Church and Society you can contact the individuals via email: Janet Fisher - janetfisher@marfaministry.org Rev. Cathy Sweeney - cathy@arapahoumc.org Rev. James Minor - revjiminor@outlook.com Rev. Phil Dieke - pdieke@wrumc.org

Rev. Mitchell Boone shared the Easter story found in Luke 24:1-12. He talked about preaching on Easter being like telling a joke everybody already knows the ending to, they want you to finish the joke, but you better do a good job telling it. The Easter story is something we celebrate every year, but the reality of Easter often goes back up on the shelf after Easter Sunday, and is kept there until we bring it down again next year. Mitchell encouraged us to embrace Easter each and everyday, even though it doesn't feel like Easter for many today, or other days. Mitchell received two applauses during this sermon. You'll have to listen to hear why! May you experience the truth of Easter each and everyday. If you are struggling to make sense of Easter in your head, or feel the truth of Easter in your heart, reach out to us. We'd love to talk with you. You can email us at office@wrumc.org.

*Note: there was a glitch with Dexter's audio, so we took down the original episode and reposted. Our apologies. This week was a special episode as Rebecca and Phil were joined by Mitchell and Dexter. In this episode the team reflected on Easter, this being the last episode before Rebecca's renewal leave, and quite possibly Mitchell's final episode before he is reappointed to First UMC Dallas. This is a really fun episode with great reflections on the beauty of Easter, a little roast of Mitchell, and also some great theological conversations. Let us know what you thought about our Easter worship or any other topic discussed in this episode. As always, you can email us at worship@wrumc.org

Christ is risen. Christ is risen, indeed! ... but what does that mean? Mark's Gospel leaves a bit of work for us to make sense of the meaning of Easter Sunday. However, with an open heart and mind, there is definitely an invitation there for us. If you'd like to share your reflections on this Easter Sunday text, or any of the Holy Week texts read this week, reach out to Phil. He'd love to discuss over a cup of coffee, or video chat if you're not in Dallas. You can email him at pdieke@wrumc.org. A blessed Easter Sunday.

Today is Holy Saturday. Interestingly, the Gospel of Mark says nothing about Holy Saturday. So what is there to reflect on? The omission itself. Rev. Phil Dieke shares how he has come to understand the role of sabbath in the midst of Holy Week. As always, if you want to share your reflections on Holy Week, or discuss Phil's reflections, you can email him at pdieke@wrumc.org

This week's sermon began with Rev. Mitchell Boone discuss the elephant in the room. If you have not heard Mitchell has been reappointed to First UMC Dallas. His final Sunday at White Rock UMC will be June 5th. After sharing his excitment for this incredible opportunity, and his great sadness leaving White Rock, we turned to our Palm Sunday text: Luke 19:29-40. Mitchell shared his disdain for parades in relation to the celebratory parade Jesus received coming into Jerusalem. Jesus's parade is opposite Jerusalem from Rome's militaristic parade entering the city to ensure there are no uprising during the Passover holiday. In the midst of the parades there is expectation, both good and fearful. And, as we know, the shouts of "Hosanna" quickly turn to shouts of "crucify him."

Holy Friday is also called "Good Friday," but why Good? The events of Holy Friday seem to be anything but good. Today's reflection looks at a bit of the history behind this name, potential other names, then turns to the full text of Holy Friday in the Gospel according to Mark. In this reflection you are invited to be the interpreter, the one offering your own interpretation and reflection. Phil makes an invitation to email him if you wish to discuss your reflection of the text, have questions about Mark's theological telling of the events of Holy Friday, or if you need space to process all this. Again, you can email Phil at pdieke@wrumc.org. He also refers to a book he has been using to guide his reflections. That book is called "The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach about Jesus's Final Days in Jerusalem" by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan. You can find the book here, or wherever books are sold. Blessings to you all on this Holy Friday.

Our Holy Thursday reflection comes from Mark 14:17-25. May today's reflection prepare you for a Maundy Thursday worship experience, if you are able to attend one, and may it invite you into remembrance and connection with God and all creation, especially each time you eat. A couple notes from Phil: - If the reflection on the differences in the Gospel is a hangup for you, reach out to me. I'd love to talk through this. You can email me at pdieke@wrumc.org - I apologize for my voice. In yesterday's devotion I talked about the allergies in Dallas, well they got me real good today! So apologize for my voice!

The Gospel according to Mark doesn't give us a significant amount of content regarding Holy Wednesday, nonetheless the content we have is quite significant. Rev. Phil Dieke offers his reflections on Mark 14:1-11, specifically what it has to teach us about discipleship, leadership, and the importance of women in this Holy Week journey. If you have questions or wish to discuss today's reflection, you can email Phil at pdieke@wrumc.org.

The Gospel according to Mark dedicates a significant amount of time to the events that took place on Tuesday of Holy Week. Today's reflection focuses specifically on the parable Jesus tells in Mark 12:1-12. As you hear the text and reflect on it's layers of meaning, allow the parable to act as a mirror for you today as you continue this journey through Holy Week. If you have questions about today's text or wish to discuss it further email Phil at pdieke@wrumc.org

In this week's episode of The Day After Sunday, Mitchell joins Rebecca and Phil to discuss Palm Sunday, the conclusion of Chapter 2: We Are Who We Are, and the elephant in the room... Mitchell's appointment to First UMC Dallas. Palm Sunday worship included kids waving palms, a wide variety of lovely music, and Mitchell sharing his disdain for parades. This worship gathering begin our transition from Chapter 2 to Chapter 3. In Chapter 3 we will be exploring Divine Love and Holy Persistence, and though Chapter 3 doesn't officially begin until next Sunday, the journey through Holy Week preps us for this new chapter. As mentioned in this episode, we hope you'll join us for all our Holy Week opportunities. Phil will be releasing daily reflections here on the podcast channel. We will also have a Maundy Thursday service at 7:00pm CDT, Good Friday services at 12:00pm and 7:00pm CDT, Easter Sunrise service at 7:00am CDT in the Garden and Easter Worship at 10:50am CDT. All service will be live in person and streaming online with the exception of Easter Sunrise, it will not be streaming. Also note, this is the second to last episode before we take a break. Be sure to join us next week for the season finale!

Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday. Sure, you've probably heard of these days, but what about the rest of the days of Holy Week? What takes place on those days? Join Rev. Phil Dieke for a daily reflection highlighting aspects of each day of Holy Week, beginning here with Holy Monday. The passages for this week will be taken from the Gospel according to Mark. Today's text is Mark 11:12-19. Questions to consider: Why is Jesus hangry? What does Jesus have against fig trees? What is the association between fig trees and the Temple? What exactly is a den of robbers? If you have questions or want to discuss today's reflect, email Phil at pdieke@wrumc.org.

Rev. Mitchell Boone and Rev. Phil Dieke are joined by Dr. Donna Bowman, author of "Being Human: Becoming the Best Bag of Bones You Can Be." This Tiny Desk conversation kicked off Chapter 2 of the year-long series "Unfold," at White Rock UMC. In this Chapter, entitled "We Are Who We Are," White Rock is exploring what it means to be human, what is human nature, and is that nature good, bad, or neutral? In a world filled with conversations about evil, sin, and the "brokenness" of the world, this conversation offers an alternative perspective and an invitation toward healing the wounds of the world, rather than fixing something that is broken. If you have questions for Tiny Desk Theology, email Phil Dieke (pdieke@wrumc.org). We'd love for you to be a part of the conversation.

In this week's sermon Rev. Mitchell Boone took us out of the Gospel of Luke, to the Gospel of John, specifically John 8:2-11. Through this story Mitchell approached our human nature, or what it means to be human, through the lens of scapegoating our tendency of denial, projecting onto and/or blaming others. The scripture is another difficult one. One that once again reminds who we are far too often guilting of putting ourselves at the center of our own stories. This has been a difficult journey through Lent. One that has forced us to hold a mirror to ourselves and acknowledge the shadow side of our human nature. What has stood out most to you in this chapter? Find more of our Unfold resources at www.wrumc.org/unfold.