Blog & Trail Talk-May 23, 2025
- jei614
- May 23
- 6 min read
The Church: Prequel Trilogy
The Wait
Dr. Linda Settles
5/23/25
Hurry up and wait! Maybe you’ve heard that phrase before. It implies an impatience that only leads to waiting, so you might as well just wait. As we contemplate what it must’ve been like for the disciples in that time between Jesus’ resurrection and the power of the Holy Spirit raining down on them, one thing we know they had to do was…wait.
It's not easy to wait on things. Just ask the 4-year-old waiting for Christmas morning to come. Ask the anxious bride as she plans her wedding. Ask the one whose pregnancy seems to be taking nine years rather than nine months! Ask the patient awaiting test results. It’s not easy to wait.
What do you do in the wait? As these early believers learned, it is better to be in community in the wait. The disciples and others were together often. It’s always good when you can be around like-minded people. That way you know that you’re not alone. But even in community, it is important to prepare yourselves for what is to come. But if you don’t quite know what or how it will come, how do you prepare for it?
One thing that helps us to wait is to remember Jesus. Remember what Jesus did, what He said, and why He came. Remember the risen Christ. Jesus remained with the disciples for forty days after the resurrection! He continued to minister to them, which causes us to remember the reality of His resurrection. Jesus gave them infallible proofs of His post-resurrection existence. He ate with them, laughed with them, cooked fish for them. And finally, remember the coming of His kingdom. If this is all there is, one might throw in the towel. But there is a kingdom to come in which God will establish His glorious kingdom first in our hearts, then all over the universe. That’s good news!
Another things to do in the wait is to prepare for Jesus. We can’t sit around waiting on Jesus’ return. And the disciples show us that one thing we should be doing is praying.
All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.
Acts 1:14
The disciples prayed constantly, devoted themselves to prayer, men and women gathered in prayer. Church, if we ever needed prayer, it is now! Throughout history, we see that no great move of God happened without the prayers of the people. So pray, saints, pray!
Our preparation also includes following Jesus’ instructions in the Great Commission:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20
Friends, there are things we should be doing to prepare for His return! Gathering together, sharing our faith with others, praying, receiving others into the fold. The list goes on.
And finally, in the wait, we have to trust Jesus. When I was in seminary, one professor always told us to “trust the process!” In other words, as long as you do what you are asked to do, you will make it through your program. Well, as long as we do the things Jesus has asked us to do, we will not just survive, but we will thrive in the wait!
I hope you will join me on Sunday as we continue the sermon series: The Church: Prequel Trilogy! This three-part mini-series will include: The Rock, The Wait, and The Call, culminating on June 8, Pentecost Sunday, with A Church is Born! Don’t miss an episode! (or you’ll have to binge watch it online!). This Sunday is: The Wait.
WOW Bible Study WOW (Word on Wednesday) is continuing with another set of Essentials of Faith, from RightNow Media. Don’t forget, if you haven’t signed up for your own free account, just contact the office and we’ll send you a login link. This study is about why Jesus matters. Join us on Wednesday at 6:30p for class. And if you’d like to share in the potluck, come at 5:45!
New Bible Study You’re invited to the small group study that takes place on Sundays from 9:00-9:45am! This is an experience of prayer based on Rev. Mark Batterson’s book: The Circle Maker. What impossibly big dream is God calling you to pray about? Is there any limit to God’s power? As a church, let’s take the month of May to PRAY! After this Sunday, the Revelation study will resume.
Women’s Event What a blessing! The speakers, the worship, the vendors, the sistership – and oh, the food! Thank you to ALL who helped make this such a wonderful retreat for women.
New Director! We have hired a new part-time Director of Worship and Music. His name is Andrew Pulliam, and he will be introduced to the congregation on Sunday. He has extensive music training and worship leading experience and is the Director of Orchestras for the Webster Groves School District. Let us welcome Andrew to the GT staff!
Victoria Grogan, our Youth Leader, has moved out of the area, which makes for a long commute to GT. So, unfortunately, she will be leaving at the end of May. This Sunday will be her last Sunday with us. Let’s celebrate her for her dedication to our youth and young adults on this Sunday!
Annual Conference will be held at the St. Charles Convention Center again this year! That means it’s accessible for anyone who wants to go. Visitors are always welcome, in fact, there are visitor sections for anyone who would like to see the greater connection in action! If you have never attended one, please plan on going for a session or two. The dates are June 6-8. For the agenda you can go to: moacinfo.com. You don’t have to register, you can just come in as a visitor. This year, the Annual Conference will vote on several constitutional amendments pertaining to regionalization, inclusiveness, racial justice, and clergy voting rights. I encourage you to take a peek at over one thousand UMs gathered in worship, prayer, and the business of the Church!
Vision for 2025:
Deeply Rooted:
Growing Through Discipleship!
Have a safe and blessed Memorial Day!
Blessings,
Pastor Linda
This Week!
Sunday, May 25 9AM-Small Groups The Bethany Siblings-Room 204 Children's Cafe-Room 206 Youth Group-Room 210 In the Word-Room 108 Circle Makers-Room 109 10AM-Sanctuary Worship Prequel Trilogy: The Rock Pastor Linda Settles | Monday, May 26 Memorial Day Church Office Closed Tuesday, May 27 10AM-Multipurpose Room Tai Chi 6PM-Multipurpose Room After Hours Community Band Wednesday, May 28 5:45PM-Multipurpose Room Potluck Dinner Bring a dish to share or just yourself! 6:30PM-Multipurpose Room Word on Wednesdays Saturday, May 31 8AM-Multipurpose Room Zumba with Julie Durham Next Sunday Senior Send Off |
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