admin, Author at First United Methodist Church McHenry

“May you live in interesting times…”

Posted on 14Nov CATEGORIES: General

There is an English expression derived from the Chinese, “may you live in interesting times.” I don’t know if I could handle any more of an interesting time than what we are living through. Some of it is wonderful, I love space and space exploration and what we are learning about and the viewing distant galaxies excites me. I love international travel of all kinds from motorcycling in Vietnam to a “do it yourself safari” in Africa. Yet at the same time I am painfully aware this beautiful third planet from our sun is under increasing stress from the ways that it is being exploited with little regard for her or her inhabitants.

Bigotry is being exposed and the animas towards those who are different than what is traditionally thought of as the ‘norm,’ is painful to hear about and worse for those who have to live with it. Our denomination, the United Methodist Church will next year separate into two denominations – the choice for the local church and the clergy being, full unequivocable welcoming of the gay and lesbian lifestyle or ‘something less.’ This church is clear, we welcome all – fully and unconditionally. We embrace 1 John 4:7-8; “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

If there is any error in our lives we want to err on the side of unconditional love. Life is complicated and as we gather it is our intent to help one another and help make the world a better place for as many as we can. As noted elsewhere we gather on Sunday mornings at 9am and enjoy a blended style of worship.

If you have any questions I welcome your call at 815-385-0931 or email at kagoffice@earthlink.net.

Worship February 27th, Black History Month II

Posted on 27Feb CATEGORIES: Sermon

Worship February 27th, Black History Month II

What is church?

Posted on 5Nov CATEGORIES: Sermon

What is Church ?

Where is God?

Posted on 31Oct CATEGORIES: Sermon

Where is God? Ever ask yourself that? Many if not most of us have. Today we looked at part of Job’s story as we turned to Job chapter 23. We talked about mental illness and talked about where to get help. Rob Weckler led us off with that and then Gina shared her perspective. Our morning message was followed by our personal sharing and then we concluded with Lynne’s playing a great number for the day “Toccata in D Minor” – be sure to watch it to the end.
If the service is helpful and or you know someone who is asking “where is God?” I hope you will share a link to today’s service. Thanks

The Church-Who We Are Called To Be

Posted on 19Sep CATEGORIES: Sermon

One of the songs in our hymnal that has been around for a long time is “We’ve A Story To Tell to the Nations” – just what is our story? We looked at Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and it reveals how that first among others it is the proclamation of unity.
Thanks for being a part of our extended family. If there is anything we can do for you or someone you know please let us know We will always appreciate your ‘following’ us or sharing our Sunday service in your social media.

Church is More than a Building

Posted on 2May CATEGORIES: Sermon

Church is More than a Building

Kurt Reads Some Halloween Stories

Posted on 27Oct CATEGORIES: Reading

Hey Kids…. I am trying to get back on schedule…. A bit late but here are two fun books…. Halloween is coming up so a book about “Trick or Treat” and then a story of a boy who wanted an unusual pet so why not…. A Pet Dragon….. Lots of fun. Thanks for watching

Does God Care?

Posted on 25Oct CATEGORIES: Sermon

A great day to gather together while worshipping in the safety of our homes. Today we looked at does God still care? It can feel like a wilderness inside and outside right now? We looked at Exodus chapter 3 – Moses and the burning bush. Moses had forgotten his people but God had not….. thanks for checking us out. We always appreciate it when you share our service in your social media feed. Have a great day.

The Path

Posted on 11Oct CATEGORIES: Sermon

We gathered to talk about the high calling, our high calling to follow the path to where we can bring the most healing and help. Often times that is not the easiest path.

Promises and Covenants

Posted on 20Sep CATEGORIES: Sermon

We had a great time this morning as we looked at promises…. in the Bible we sometimes use the word ‘covenant.’ Those who have said yes to Jesus, what does that mean? Those who have said yes, are we living into the fullness of what God is wanting to offer to us. God is faithful and will led us into a deep and abiding joy if we will follow ‘Him.’ We are blessed by those who watch our service here and if there is anything we can do for you please let us know. And we appreciate those of you who support this church and our ministry with your donations. Thanks. Pastor Kurt

Author page: admin