Confirmed and Confident

Hey Church Fam!

This upcoming Sunday is a special one—Confirmation Sunday! It's the day we celebrate our youth who've taken a BIG step in their faith journey. They've asked questions, explored their beliefs, and decided to say, "Yes, I'm in!" to following Jesus and being part of our church community.

Why Confirmation Matters

In the United Methodist Church, confirmation is more than a tradition; it's a meaningful milestone. Typically, youth around 7th or 8th grade engage in a preparation process that lasts several weeks. During this time, they learn about our history, our faith, ask tough questions, and build relationships that often last a lifetime.

The Impact of Confirmation

While specific statistics on confirmation retention can vary, studies have shown that youth who go through confirmation are more likely to stay connected to their faith communities into adulthood. It's not just about the classes; it's about the relationships and the sense of belonging that keeps them engaged.

A Time to Celebrate

So, let's celebrate our confirmands! They've shown commitment, curiosity, and courage. They've laughed, learned, and maybe even had a few awkward moments along the way. But most importantly, they've grown in their faith and are ready to take on the world with Jesus by their side.

As we cheer them on this Sunday, let's also commit to walking alongside them in the days to come. Confirmation isn't the end—it's just the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith. And as their church family, we're here to support, encourage, and love them every step of the way.

See you Sunday!

Is Patience A Virtue?

Man, it’s been a tough one for me these last few weeks! As most of you know, I had a medical issue happen — and boy, what a wake-up call that was. March 16th — there I was, up on stage rehearsing some songs for my Lord, who I also call my Hero. Then down I went! Made it through one song, and I not only lost my breath — but my consciousness. It was scary. I thought this was it — He was calling me home.

Folks, I’ve been smoking since the age of 15 — until that day. 38 years it took before my lungs said, “You’ve had enough.” And now I’m paying for it, because I can’t sing for a couple of months — and it’s killing me! No pun intended with that one — but you know what I mean.

God has given me the gift of singing, and I almost wasted it for my own selfishness and pride. As I pray every day to Him for strength, I only hope I don’t veer off the new path I’ve chosen — a path of cleanliness and a new sound He has given me... given back to me. A voice I haven’t heard come out of me in over 30 years! I’m hitting high notes without a struggle, the wasted phlegm in my throat is slowly disappearing, and oh my — I think I have my falsetto back! If only Michael Jackson had some worship songs! Lol. Hehe!

Fast-forward to my release from the hospital. The doctor said I am a ticking time bomb — and in order to get back on my feet again, I cannot sing lead for at least 3 months! Boom! Yup — I sure messed this one up. I not only let my God down, but my church, my wife, and especially my children. But I know I am forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15 & Ephesians 4:32). I will overcome this and win! But I will have to be patient. Oh wow — a new struggle.

Psalm 37:7 says, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” I slept on this one, and I thought to myself — that’s me. I need to be patient. But the wicked scheme thing?

I need to change that — because it’s about my wonderful praise band. They’ve been killing it on stage these last few weeks, and I have to do everything I can not to force myself to get up there and praise with them. I so want to be a part of that every second — but I’m not healed yet, and it’s tough.

I feel like the farmer who waits patiently for the fruits of the earth (James 5:7-8) — but the fruit is right there in front of me, ready to pick, and I can’t pick it! My band is, and I want to help! We love each other so much.

So, as the farmer heals, the rest of the family carries the weight — sharing the fruits of praise with our beautiful congregation while I heal. And when He says it’s time, my congregation, my band, and I will celebrate together in joyful praise — the reward for patience.

So yes — patience is a virtue!

Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me and prayed for my family and me. Thank you to my church staff and congregation for their patience as I heal. The doctor may have said I’m a ticking time bomb — but I believe I’m a bomb about to explode with praise and worship as our church continues to grow every day!

Thanks be to God — and thanks be to N.U.M.C!

Jamel Boast
Your Restored Worship Director

Easter: Not Just Another Box To Check

With all the busyness of spring—sports, school, schedules—it’s easy to treat Easter like just another holiday on the calendar. But this year, I invite you to slow down and make Easter more than just a box to check. Let this be a season when your family truly reflects on Jesus—His love, His sacrifice, and the victory of His resurrection. We want to help you create meaningful moments together as a family that are centered around what Easter is all about.

We’re offering a special Easter Story Activity Kit for every family to make this season impactful for all ages. Inside each kit, you’ll find:

10-Day Family Devotional with Scripture

Walk through the story of Easter—Jesus’ plan, His life, His death, and His resurrection—in an engaging and age-appropriate way.

Mini Family Activities and a Special Three-Part Activity

These simple and fun activities are designed to fit into your family’s everyday routine, helping you connect spiritually and emotionally, no matter how full your calendar is. We’ve also included a larger family experience (with supplies provided!) to help create a lasting memory.

Discussion Questions for All Ages

From preschool to high school, these questions are crafted to spark honest, faith-centered conversations at the dinner table, in the car, or during bedtime.

Easter is an incredible opportunity to grow closer—not just to God, but to each other as a family. These kits are a great way to help you do both. You can pick them up in Hildreth Hall or the nursery before or after service.

We’d also love for your family to join us during Holy Week. Each gathering is designed to help us experience the story of Jesus in a powerful and memorable way.

Palm Sunday (April 13th)

-Egg Hunt at 9:30 AM during kid’s worship

-Palm Procession during the 11:00 AM service

Maundy Thursday (April 17)

-Foot Washing Service at 6:00 PM

This service is a beautiful reflection of Jesus’ humility and servant-hearted love.

Good Friday (April 18)

-Tenebrae Service at 6:00 PM

This service is a moving, candlelit service focused on the depth of Christ’s sacrifice.

Easter Sunday (April 20)

-Services at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 AM

Nursery available during all services

Kids Worship and Small Groups at 9:30 and 11

Whether it’s your first time joining us or your hundredth, there’s something special about coming together to remember and celebrate that Jesus is alive.

A Season to Reflect—and Invite

Easter is the foundation of our faith. It’s a reminder that death doesn’t have the final word and hope is alive. It’s also one of the best times to invite a friend, neighbor, or coworker to come and experience God’s love authentically. Easter is the perfect time to reach out. Who’s one person or family you can invite to join you this year? Whether it’s for the egg hunt, the Tenebrae service, or Easter morning worship—your invitation could change someone’s life.

Let’s not just go through Easter…

Let’s live it. Reflect on it. Share it.

Let’s make it about Jesus.

We hope to see you and your family this Easter season.

“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” – Matthew 28:6

Blessings,

Christine

Loaves and Fish

In chapel this past week, Christine shared the story of the feeding of the 5,000. For those that have been in church for any significant amount of time, you’ve probably heard this story a dozen times. It’s come to be so familiar to us that we have whittled away all the points of the story to focus on the main thing, Jesus preforming a miracle.

I’m not saying we’ve missed the point, but perhaps we’re just complacent with the rest that this story has to offer. When the disciples came to Jesus with a problem, lots of hungry people, Jesus didn’t immediately perform the miracle. He told the disciples, “You feed them.” It’s funny, this story is told in all four gospels, but only one of them mentions the little boy. In all of them though, the disciples reply back with we only have 5 loaves and two fish, so even in the retelling they take credit for this little boy being the only one smart enough to pack a lunch.

When there was a problem, before resorting to supernatural measures, Jesus told us that we are capable to solving the problem. I don’t think he was being flippant, I think he was just stating expectations. And the only person among the 5000 that took him seriously was a little boy with next to nothing to offer.

This past weekend, a small group of teenage boys put on a concert. Power Bomb raised almost $600 for the weekend food program. I’m reminded that in our community we have hundreds of kids, not including adults (a bit of a reversal from the biblical counting methods), that go hungry. Jesus’ reply to us would probably be the same, “you give them something to eat.” And just as it happened thousands of years ago, we just witnessed the youngest among us take the lead and do something to feed the masses.

How are the rest of us leaning in to Jesus’ command to feed the hungry? Luckily, there are two easy steps that you can take right now. The first is to join an amazing group of volunteers on Thursday nights as they pack food. The work isn’t difficult, it doesn’t a long time, and it is more fun than you would ever thing.

The second thing you can do is raise money for the program itself. You don’t have rot put on a full on rock concert to do that. Businesses often donate money to these programs for tax purposes, they just have to be asked. Shopping or volunteering at the thrift store provides funds that go to support this mission and the mission of the church.

As fun as it is would have been to be a witness to a kid’s lunch being multiplied into thousands of meals, I don’t think anyone that day was happier than the kid who offered up what he had and as a result a miracle occurred.

Valentine Origins

The True Origin of Valentine’s Day—And What It Means for Us

Every February 14th, the world celebrates Valentine’s Day with flowers, chocolates, and heart-shaped everything. Many believe the holiday originated from a tale of a kind-hearted priest, St. Valentine. Others think it’s purely commercial, designed by companies to sell greeting cards and candy. But what’s the real story?

The Truth Behind Valentine’s Day

Historically, Valentine’s Day has roots in both Christian and Roman traditions. The Catholic Church recognizes multiple saints named Valentine, but the most well-known was a third-century Roman priest. According to legend, he defied Emperor Claudius II’s decree against soldiers marrying, believing that love and commitment honored God more than the laws of man. For this, he was imprisoned and ultimately executed on February 14, around AD 269.

Over time, this act of faithfulness and sacrifice was woven into the holiday we now associate with romantic love. But at its core, the holiday was never about grand romantic gestures—it was about a commitment to love, even when it came at a cost.

The Greatest Love Story

While Valentine’s Day celebrates human love, it pales in comparison to the greatest love story ever told—the love of Jesus for us. Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of love by laying down His life for us (John 15:13). His love isn’t based on fleeting emotions or romance, but on sacrifice, grace, and an unbreakable covenant.

In a world where love is often measured by gifts and feelings, Jesus calls us to a different kind of love—one that serves, forgives, and endures. Whether we’re single, dating, or married, the truest expression of love we can experience and share is the love of Christ.

A Valentine’s Challenge

This week, let’s go beyond candy and cards. Choose one intentional act of Christ-like love:

- Encourage someone who’s struggling—a text, call, or handwritten note can make all the difference in the world.

- Serve in love—buy a coffee for a coworker, help a neighbor, or volunteer with the NextGen team at church. (See what I did there?)

- Forgive—Search your feelings; is there someone you need to let go of bitterness toward? Love is patient, kind, and keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).

Let this Valentine’s Day be more than a holiday. Let it be a reflection of the One who first loved us and calls us to love in return.