Finding Unity in Faith, No Matter the Election Outcome
For my blog this week I chose to write it early. For me, today is Election Day, and while I’m writing this with the final results still up in the air, I’m aware that by the time you read it, the votes will be counted. Some of us may be celebrating, while others might be feeling a mix of disappointment and frustration. Whichever camp you’re in, here’s a reminder: our work to make this country better doesn’t end with who wins; it starts with us and, even more importantly, our faith.
A healthy faith in Jesus grounds us, bringing hope and peace even when life feels uncertain. If you’re finding it hard to stay calm with all the division we’ve seen, take a step back. Spend time in prayer, or crack open your Bible—try reading passages that focus on peace, strength, and love, like Philippians 4:6-7 or John 16:33. God’s Word can help us find stability, reminding us that Jesus is constant, even when our world feels shaky.
It’s okay to feel disappointment if your candidate didn’t win. But let’s remember that Jesus calls us to trust in Him above all. Use this moment as a chance to lean into your faith. Reach out to others who might be feeling the same way. Talk it through, pray together, and remind each other of God’s bigger plan. Connecting with a church group or close friends can be a powerful way to move through that sense of loss with encouragement and perspective.
Finally, no matter what, let’s strive for unity. Division is a natural part of politics, but as followers of Christ, we’re called to be peacemakers. Let’s work toward a place where we support each other in faith, knowing that our ultimate leader is Christ. We can agree to disagree respectfully, we can care for one another with compassion, and, through it all, we can let our actions reflect the love of Jesus.
Whether today feels like a win or a loss for you, let's remember the goal of unity in the faith. We have the chance to stand together as a church, as a community, and as a country. Try also spending time with the youth. They, after all, are the future of this country. Let’s show them that us “old people” can be a shining example of unity! God Bless America!
Give Thanks
In Luke 17 we read of Jesus traveling to Jerusalem where he is approached by 10 lepers who want to be healed. Jesus' instructions are for them to go present themselves to the priests and as they leave to do so they are healed. What an amazing sight that must have been. As Jesus moved on, one leper returned to say “Thank you”. Ten were healed, however, only one returned to convey their thankfulness. How often do we find ourselves in situations such as this? Yes, we are busy, yes, life is complicated, the excuses are endless. How often do we forget to THANK YOU for all we have and those around us? How often do we forget to thank God?
Max Lucado is a preacher in San Antonio, Texas and prolific Christian author. He shares about living as an American in Brazil. One day, as he was walking along the street on his way to the University to teach a class, he felt a tug on his pants leg. Turning around, he saw a little boy about 5 or 6 years old with dark beady eyes and a dirty little face. The little boy looked up at the big American and said, "Bread, Sir." He was a little beggar boy and Lucado said, "There are always little beggar boys in the streets of Brazil. Usually, I turn away from them because there are so many, and you can't feed them all. But there was something so compelling about this little boy that I couldn't turn away. So, taking his hand, I said, `Come with me' and I took him into a coffee shop." Max told the owner, "I'll have a cup of coffee and give the boy a piece of pastry...whatever he wants." Since the coffee counter was at the other end of the store, Max walked on and got a cup of coffee, forgetting about the little boy because beggar boys usually get the bread and then run back out into the street and disappear. But this one didn't. After he got his pastry, he went over to the big American and just stood there until Lucado felt his staring eyes. Lucado said, "I turned and looked at him. Standing up, his eyes just about hit my belt buckle. Then slowly his eyes came up until they met mine. The little boy, holding his pastry in one hand, looked up and said, 'Thank you, sir. Thank you very much.'" Lucado said, "I was so touched by the boy's thanks that I would have bought him the store. I sat there for another 30 minutes, late for my class, just thinking about a little beggar boy who came back and said, `Thank you.'"
This lad had an attitude of thankfulness, and it was expressed. If we have this attitude, it will show. We will be expressive; we will be praising God; we will have joy in our hearts. Let your attitude of thankfulness show today and every day. Thanks be to God!
800 Beds
Navarre United Methodist Church and Sleep in Heavenly Peace: A Partnership of Love
At Navarre United Methodist Church, we believe in serving our community with the love of Christ. One of the ways we’re putting our faith into action is through our partnership with Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that no child has to sleep on the floor. Their mission is straightforward and powerful: "No kid sleeps on the floor in our town."
Founded by Luke Mickelson in 2012, SHP began as a small project in a garage and has grown into a worldwide movement. With over 300 chapters in 44 states and operations in four countries, SHP is bringing hope to families in need—one bed at a time. We’re proud to be part of that mission, and we’re making a real difference right here in Navarre and in our county.
A Community in Action
Our journey with SHP started in 2023, and the partnership has been nothing short of amazing. Last weekend, NUMC volunteers helped the SHP Pensacola chapter deliver their 800th bed! Can you imagine the joy on those children's faces? Getting a new bed is life-changing for kids who have spent countless nights sleeping on the floor or on a couch.
These beds aren’t just places to sleep—they’re symbols of care, security, and dignity. And the best part is that we can all be a part of it. Whether you’re handy with tools or not, SHP has a place for you to serve. You don’t need special skills or tools—SHP provides all the necessary materials and training. All you need is a willing heart and the desire to make a difference!
We’re also excited to announce that two more bed-building events are planned on our campus in 2025. These build days bring together our church family in such a meaningful way. It’s a chance to roll up our sleeves, work side by side, and know that we’re doing something tangible to help children in our community.
How You Can Get Involved
There are plenty of ways for everyone at NUMC to get involved in this vital work. If you’ve wanted to lend a hand but weren’t sure how SHP makes it easy. As we mentioned, you don’t need any special skills or equipment—show up with a heart to serve, and SHP will train you on the spot. From sanding and assembling bed frames to delivering the finished products to families, there’s a role for everyone.
If building and delivering isn’t your thing, you can still make a difference. Consider donating new bedding or making a financial contribution. For just $20 a month, you can join the Bunkhead Club, and your recurring donation will cover the cost of one complete bed by the end of the year—mattress, bedding, pillow, and all. You can do that here:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=EKHPFHJN4X2KW
Every contribution counts. Together, we can provide children with a safe, comfortable place to sleep, bringing them the gift of rest and the comfort of knowing they are loved.
The Power of Partnership
Our partnership with SHP is more than just a service project—it’s an extension of our mission to love our neighbors. By building and delivering beds, we’re showing the love of Christ in a practical way. It’s incredible to think about how something as simple as a bed can profoundly impact a child’s life.
When we partner with SHP, we’re not just building furniture; we’re building hope. Each bed delivered represents a child who can now sleep peacefully, knowing they are valued and cared for. And in serving these children, we’re serving Christ Himself, as Matthew 25:40 reminds us: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Looking Ahead
As we prepare for our upcoming bed builds in 2025, we’re eager to see even more of our NUMC family get involved. Whether you’re donating your time, talent, or treasure, this ministry has a place for you. Stay tuned for more details about our next build days, and let’s keep the momentum going as we work to ensure that no child in Navarre has to sleep on the floor.
Let’s continue to be Christ's hands and feet in this important work. Together, we can ensure that every child knows they are loved, valued, and safe.
If you or a family you know needs a bed, you can apply for one here:
https://shpbeds.org/apply/
God bless,
Christine
Who’s My Enemy?
There’s a joke I’ve heard since I was a kid. A man arrives at the gates of heaven, and St. Peter asks, "What’s your religion?" The man replies, "Methodist." St. Peter checks his list and says, "Alright, head to Room 24, but please be very quiet as you pass Room 8." Soon, another man approaches. "What’s your religion?" asks St. Peter. "Lutheran," the man responds. "Go to Room 18, but again, be sure to stay quiet by Room 8," St. Peter instructs. A third man comes to the gates. "Religion?" St. Peter asks. "Presbyterian," the man says. "Go to Room 11, but make sure to keep it down when you pass Room 8." Curious, the man asks, "Why do I need to be so quiet near Room 8?" St. Peter leans in and whispers, "Well, that’s where the Baptists are, and they think they’re the only ones here.”
Of course, this joke always got a laugh because the baptists were the punchline of every church joke. When service finished early it was so we could beat the baptists to church. One thing I’ve had to come to grips with is that these jokes, while entirely meant to be light hearted and fun with no nefarious intentions, helped me to form an unconscious bias against the baptists. They became the enemy denomination. As a a result, I can list off several issues I have with the baptist theology and how I think they have horrible practices.
But one thing I want to be adamantly clear about, Baptists are not the enemy. While we disagree on several fronts, they have the same goal as Methodists do: to make disciples of Jesus Christ. I think you would find that we have far more in common than we have differences, it’s just that we take so many of our similarities for granted. I mean, when’s the last time you even thought about the fact that we both worship on Sundays instead of Saturdays? While that seems like a weird thing to bring up, there are other denominations that vehemently disagree with us about worshiping on Sundays. They aren’t the enemy either.
What is easy to reason out but hard to live as if it were true is that most people are not our enemies. It feels like the stakes in the denomination disagreements are small so it’s easier to talk about, but the hard truth is that those whom you disagree with politically are also not your enemy. You may think that you couldn’t possibly agree with anything that the other party stands for, but I would like to believe that if you had an honest, non-confrontational conversation with them, you would find that some core goals are still the same even if their approaches are diametrically opposed. Just like Methodists and Baptists both have a mission of making disciples, both major political parties are trying to create the best America they can.
With that being said (even if not believed), John Wesley gave us three rules for how we should vote. And as we enter into the final stretch before the election, I particularly hope that we can live into number three.
To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy;
To speak no evil for the person they voted against;
To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those on the other side.
Autumn or Fall
As summer's warmth (hopefully) starts to fade, there's something special for me about the anticipation of autumn—the air almost turning crisp, pulling hoodies from the closet, and the tempered excitement that colder weather is on its way. For others, this season feels like a fresh start. As school routines settle in and we gather together more and more frequently, REVIVE is thriving on our strong sense of community.
We make the most of the season with events that bring everyone together. Picture a cool Sunday evening around a glowing bonfire, surrounded by laughter and conversation as the flames crackle and dance. These gatherings aren't just about staying warm—they're a chance to connect on a deeper level. There's something about the combination of a cozy fire, roasted marshmallows, and sharing stories that makes these nights unforgettable. We actually have a bonfire coming up in a couple months on December 1st. (Let me know if you have any scrap wood or old wooden furniture you’d like to donate to the cause, lol)
Autumn also means football, and our youth boys are ready to embrace that excitement. Whether it's tossing the ball around before service or hosting a game of touch football on the lawn, there's always room for some friendly competition. It's a great way to burn off some energy and build bonds within our group, while enjoying the crisp fall air.
Of course, no autumn gathering is complete without a hearty meal to warm the soul. At FamJam during the fall and winter, we love to serve up delicious, autumn-inspired meals that bring everyone together. From steaming bowls of chili to hearty casseroles, and from hot apple cider to pumpkin-spiced treats, our menu is filled with seasonal comfort foods. These meals not only fuel our youth for the evening’s activities but also create a welcoming atmosphere where they can relax, share stories, and feel right at home. There’s something about enjoying a warm, homemade dish on a cool autumn evening that makes these nights even more special.
As we move into this new season, we want to extend an invitation to you as well as your youth. Our FamJam gathering happens pretty much every Sunday night from 5-7, and we'd love for you to be a part of it. Whether you’re passionate about mentoring young people, helping serve and/or cook dinner, organizing fun activities, or simply being a warm friendly face, your involvement could make a huge difference in the lives of our future generation.
Autumn brings a sense of renewal and reflection—and what better way to invest in this season than by helping serve these awesome kids? We’d sure love to have you be part of our Sunday night FamJam gatherings. The door is always open!