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  On the first Sunday of Advent in 2024, the Grief Group Ministry at Mullins United Methodist Church introduced a meaningful tradition: the Remembrance Tree Celebration. I was humbled to speak at this sacred gathering, where we honored the lives of loved ones and friends we lost.  Grief is a complex journey, often filled with emotions—gratitude and sorrow, peace and regret, joy and longing. Whether our relationships are harmonious or marked by unresolved issues, we carry both the beauty and the burdens of those connections.  Considering this, I was faced with an important question: How can we celebrate and find peace in a "remembrance tree of celebration" amidst such a range of emotions? I wanted to explore how God’s love and promises allow us to celebrate, heal, and hope, even amid life’s complexities. The following is my response to this relevant question. ***** Placing an ornament on the Remembrance Tree carries profound meaning, whether the relationship with our loved...

Dear Baby Boomers,  We are the generational group born between 1945 and 1965, and we've witnessed profound global, national, and cultural changes in the first 20 years of this century. For some, these changes have been challenging and unsettling, while for others, they've been a source of satisfaction. But let's take a step back and look at history. Our generation was born out of another era marked by similar upheavals—challenging and rewarding times, depending on one's perspective. Life on this planet is constantly evolving. The writer of Ecclesiastes describes life as like smoke—something you can see and experience but never fully grasp. Alongside this, we face the inevitability of time, death, and the randomness of life. Yet, amid these uncertainties, God's message of hope, deliverance, and victory stands firm. As I journey through life, it's a great joy to meet people who love God and Christ, those striving to find their way through the complexities of life ...

  Be Not Afraid Adapted from an article by Dr. Lisa Hancock, UMC Discipleship Ministries  "Jesus said to them: 'Do you see all these great buildings? Not one stone here will be left on another; everyone will be thrown down.’   Mark 13:1-8 (NIV)   When I hear the word “apocalypse,” I often remember disaster movies. These stories are filled with destruction, creating an almost overwhelming sense of doom. And sometimes, when I read texts like Mark 13, the apocalyptic language evokes that feeling. Jesus speaks of the temple being destroyed and of “wars and rumors of wars”—it’s intense! But what if Jesus’ intention wasn’t to scare His followers but rather to reassure them? Jesus knew His disciples were in awe of the temple’s beauty and strength, yet He wanted them to look beyond what they could see and place their faith in something even more significant. Earthly structures may crumble, Jesus tells them, but God’s presence remains steadfast. This message is for u...

David's Life of Worship: Through Repentance By Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow Worshiping God when all is well is one thing, but how do we worship Him when mired in sin and iniquity? Iniquity represents immoral or grossly unfair behavior, such as hatred, unforgiveness, jealousy, prejudice, and selfishness. Living in sin while claiming to be a true worshipper of God would be hypocrisy. However, true repentance is the transformative act of worship and the pathway to healing and restoration with God. David's story offers a profound example of this process. Though a king chosen and beloved by God, David succumbed to sin when he saw Bathsheba bathing and, overcome by desire, committed adultery with her. To cover his sin, he orchestrated Uriah's death and took Bathsheba as his wife. This stark reality shows how even a man after God's heart can be led astray by the corruption of power. Yet, the narrative does not end in despair. God sent the prophet Nathan not to condemn David eter...

David's Life of Worship: God’s Way is the Best Way By Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow  “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  2  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing , and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 NIV.” Self-determination is a gift from God, and it can be a force for good when it helps us rise above challenges and work toward the well-being of ourselves and others. However, when self-determination becomes selfish and disregards others, it becomes counter to God’s will and dangerous. For example, one of Frank Sinatra's most famous songs, "My Way," captures a man's journey of living life on his own terms. Although the song became a national anthem for self-determination, Sin...

  David's Life of Worship: Dance to the Glory and Honor of God 2 Samuel 6:1-5; 12-19 By Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow In a vibrant city where excitement buzzed like electricity, King David prepared for a celebration that would be etched in history. Jerusalem was about to host the Ark of the Covenant, the very symbol of God's presence among His people. David, a man known for his passionate devotion to God, was determined to honor this sacred arrival with a display of worship that mirrored his heart's deepest joy. As the Ark approached, David’s enthusiasm was palpable. He wore a simple linen ephod, a symbol of humility and devotion, and danced with all his might before the Lord. The streets of Jerusalem were filled with the sounds of joyous celebration—harps, lyres, tambourines, and the shouts of a jubilant crowd. David's dance was not just an expression of joy but a reflection of his life, dedicated entirely to God. Yet, this celebration was not without its challe...

The Sufficiency of G od's Grace 2 Corinthians 12:9 By Rev. Dr. Russell M, Morrow But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and [ a ]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may [ b ]pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!  Amplified Bible, Classic Ed.  It was the summer of 2005, a time meant for joy and family adventures. My wife Elaine and I, along with our three children, my five-year-old brother Joseph visiting from New York, and a young boy from our church, embarked on a trip to the Crazy Horse Monument and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Our journey also included a stop at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN, to enjoy its famed am...

The Power of the Divine Touch   Mark 5:21-43 By Dr. Russell M. Morrow In the sacred halls of the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam" speaks of divine touch. Completed in 1511, this masterpiece captures the moment when God's hand reaches out to Adam, symbolizing the dawn of humanity. This iconic image reveals a profound truth—the transformative power of God's touch. Similarly, in Mark 5:21-43, we witness the divine touch through the stories of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood. These narratives bridge human suffering with divine intervention, reminding us that faith draws us closer to the life-giving touch of our Creator. In a small village, Jesus' touch profoundly transformed two lives. A woman cast aside by society and a young girl, the cherished daughter of a respected leader, experienced the life-giving power of faith in Jesus. The crowd dispersed, filled with awe and wonder at their witnessed miracles. Jesus' interactions w...

What's Going On Mark 4:37-38 By Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morro w 37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish ? When the disciples said to Jesus, "Carest thou not that we perish?" (KJV), it reminded me of Marvin Gaye's iconic recording over fifty years ago: "What's Going On?"  Check out the lyrics: "Mother, mother, there's too many of you crying. Brother, brother, brother, there's far too many of you dying. You know we've got to find a way to bring some lovin' here today. Father, father, we don't need to escalate. You see, war is not the answer, for only love can conquer hate. You know we've got to find a way to bring some lovin' here today. Picket lines and picket signs, don't punish me with brutality. Talk to me so you can se...

  The Incomparable Truth of the Kingdom of God Mark 4:29-34 Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow Jesus shares the profound truth about the Kingdom of God through the growing seed parable. This story shows how the Kingdom operates through human effort and divine power. The Sower, representing preachers and believers, prepares the soil and plants the seed, symbolizing our responsibility to share the gospel. However, the growth of the seed, like the spread of the gospel, is a divine process beyond our control, reflecting God's mysterious and influential work in people's hearts. Just as the Sower waits patiently for the harvest, we must be patient in our spiritual journeys and ministries. God wants us to faithfully share God's message and trust that the growth of His Kingdom is ultimately in His hands. Just like the bamboo tree, the Kingdom of God often grows in ways that are not immediately visible. We may not see immediate results, but God works beneath the surface. This growth ...

  Embracing God's Immutable Love Scripture Reading: Mark 3:20-35 By Dr. Russell M. Morrow On St. Johns Island, near Charleston, South Carolina, the magnificent Angel Oak tree, estimated to be over 400 years old, has withstood the test of time, enduring countless storms and environmental changes. Its sprawling branches offer shelter and refuge to all who seek its shade, standing as a testament to resilience and endurance. Just as this ancient oak remains steadfast and unyielding, God's immutable love has endured from the beginning of time through every age. In our scripture reading, we witness Jesus facing significant challenges. His family thought He was out of His mind due to the intense demands of His ministry, and the scribes accused Him of being possessed by Beelzebul. Despite these false accusations and misunderstandings, Jesus responded with patience and explicit teaching. He dismantled the scribes' claims by explaining that a divided house cannot stand and emph...

Embracing the Sabbath By Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow Scripture: "Observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy, as the LORD your God commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God..." (Deuteronomy 5:12-14) Reflection: The Sabbath is a divine gift from God, deeply embedded in the fabric of creation. When God created the world, He worked for six days and rested on the seventh, setting an example for us to follow (Genesis 2:2-3). This rhythm of work and rest reflects God's rest and desire for us to enter His peace and rejuvenation. Historically, the Sabbath was crucial for the Israelites. It was a sign of the covenant between God and His people, a reminder of their deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:15). By observing the Sabbath, they acknowledged God's mighty hand and outstretched arm that brought them out of bondage. This day of rest was marked by a pause from work, communal worship,...

  "Encountering the Transformative Glory of God" By Rev. Russell M. Morrow Scripture Reading:  Isaiah 6:1-8,  Romans 6:12-17,  Isaiah 40:29-31 This week, we reflect on the awe-inspiring power of God's glory and its ability to transform our hearts and lives. In Isaiah 6:1-8, the prophet Isaiah has a profound vision of God's holiness and glory. Overwhelmed by this divine encounter, he becomes acutely aware of his sinfulness and the need for purification. God’s response is not to condemn Isaiah but to cleanse and commission him for a mission: “Here am I. Send me!” Similarly, in Romans 6:12-17, Paul encourages believers to reject sin and offer themselves to God as instruments of righteousness. Through Jesus Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin but are transformed by grace. This transformation empowers us to live in a way that honors God, reflecting His glory in our daily actions. Isaiah 40:29-31 reminds us that God is the source of our strength and hope. When we trust ...

I Believe These Dry Bones Can Live By Rev. Dr. Russell M, Morrow Scripture Readings: Ezekiel 37:1-14, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-13 In the biblical narrative, God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David is ultimately fulfilled through Jesus's life, death, resurrection, and ascension. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." This promise was realized at Pentecost when disciples spoke under the power of the Holy Spirit in an unknown language, understood by a diverse group of people representing places from the known world in their native languages. Why is this relevant today? Suppose America mirrors the valley of dry bones described in Ezekiel 37:1-4, with its deep divisions across political, cultural, racial, and religious lines. In that case, the church is responsible for prophesying  [i]  God...

  The Power, Purpose, and Mission of Prayer By Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow John Chapter 17 Prayer, dear friends, is not just a mere act of communication; it is our direct line to God, a channel through which we pour our desires, joys, and sorrows. It is a comforting truth that whenever we reach out to God, He is always there, listening attentively to our every word. Indeed, Jesus himself, in his earthly journey, exemplified the profound importance of prayer. Jesus's prayer life was extraordinary. In the quiet moments of the morning, on mountain slopes, and even in the darkness of night, he sought communion with his Heavenly Father. His example, documented in Mark and Luke, reveals a deep intimacy with God that sustained him through every trial and challenge, culminating in surrender on the cross. In the prayer recorded in John 17, Jesus speaks directly to the heart of his disciples, expressing gratitude for their companionship and interceding for their protection, sancti...

  Stay Connected By Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow John 15:1-8   In 1943, amidst the turmoil of World War II and the civil rights movement, Thomas Dorsey penned a timeless hymn, "If We Ever Needed the Lord Before, We Sure Do Need Him Now." This song resonates through the decades, reminding us of our constant need for divine guidance and support. Today, its message rings truer than ever. As we navigate the challenges of our time, let us find solace in the enduring hope, deliverance, and victory that come from staying connected to God. In John 15:1-8, Jesus urges his disciples to remain rooted in him, promising sustenance and purpose despite the storms of life. Jesus, speaking in the language of his agrarian audience, compares himself to a vine, with God as the gardener. He illustrates that by staying connected to him, we find the spiritual resources needed to bear fruit, undergo necessary pruning for growth, and maintain a close relationship marked by faith and obedien...