January 2023 at the United Methodist Church of Santa Cruz

Welcome to the United Methodist Church of Santa Cruz, as we seek to be faithful to God by being fully inclusive.  We have open hearts, open minds, and open doors.  Join us as we deepen our resolve to share love generously.  This is a time for sharing the love of Jesus Christ with our neighbors and the world as we grow deeply in our faith.

Join us as we seek to build relationships with spiritual depth, reaching out to the world.    We remain committed to offering a healthy and safe ministry in the midst of this COVID Pandemic, offering Hybrid Worship and Hybrid/Zoom Small Groups.  Check out our website for the latest information, and “Like Us” on Facebook!   

Whoever you are and wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome to grow with us!

Welcome to the New Year, as the Christmas Season continues!  For Everything There Is A Season … so the writer of Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 reminds us.  This is a wonderful way to start a New Year!  Join us for the breaking into a whole new era; choose one simple spiritual resolution…something you are committed to observing in your life! 

Zoom participants, remember your ‘holy snack’!

We celebrate the Epiphany and the Renewal of Baptism this day … the arrival of the Magi, and the showering of light infested waters upon us as we reaffirm the mystery of God’s Saving Grace in our lives!  Matthew 2 & 3 remind us of the stories of our early faith, and our calling to journey forth in faith!  Let 2023 be the year for deepening your faith in new and amazing ways!

Human Relations Day (and Special Offering) reminds us to be empowering as the people of God…to do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly with God and one another.  Each of us is chosen to be an empowering essence with the world…to be a sacred element in this life.  Isaiah 49:1-7 reminds us that we are chosen by God to care for one another and to be justice seekers for the earth.  May we be faithful!

Matthew 4:12-23 reminds us of our calling to ‘come and follow’ the Jesus who resides in our hearts, our minds, and our spirits.  We are called to walk alongside one another.  To offer healing and to empower others to find their deep spiritual path; to share in helping to cultivate God’s Beloved Community.  How are we choosing to grow in God’s grace?

Care for one another.  That’s all we are called to do; to care; to humble ourselves and our egos so that others may have life … and share life abundantly!  Until that day comes…we have our work cut out for us…to live with a hunger and thirst to make sure that everyone is filled … to be merciful so that everyone is filled with mercy!  Is it possible to live righteously … live mercifully … live meekly?