Where does the time go? The month of July simply flew by. Busy schedules,
work, chores, and daily tasks fill up the days. Warm weather fun, like trips,
outdoor events, swimming, and spending time outside makes the weeks fly. The
fast pace makes the long summer days often blend together quickly.

And here we are. It seems like just yesterday that our schools’ summer break
was just starting. The kids were excited. The teachers were excited. The school
bus drivers were excited. Yet, this is where we find ourselves. The excitement of
the beginning of summer break has faded. Some are excited that we’re
beginning another school year. Some are disappointed. But the beginning of
another school year is inevitable, whether it comes with excitement or sadness.

As I think about how quickly summer comes and goes, I’m also reminded of how
quickly our lives pass. Our old friend James, the brother of Jesus and one who
we would consider the most practical of Bible book writers, said “What is your
life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” Talk
about practicality? That’s exactly what seems to happen with our summers,
doesn’t it?

But it also happens with our lives. This month (July 15 th ), I celebrated (not sure if
it was a celebration) my 67 th birthday. I look in the mirror these days and I think,
“Who is that old guy?” In my mind, I still feel young. But my body? And, in that
mirror, I see wrinkles and gray, thinning hair. The body feels like 67 years old. It
sure brings that James quote to mind.

Well, all things considered, our best bet is to make sure that everything is okay
between us and the Lord. As I preached on July 19 th , we’d be well served to do
some self-examination from time to time. Considering the brevity of life, what are
we doing with the brief time we have on this Earth?

I saw an anonymous quote the other day that really brought home the reality of
how brief life really is. It said, “The brevity of life is a universal truth: we have
roughly 80 to 90 years—or about 30,000 days—to make an impact. This fleeting
reality isn’t meant to cause despair, but to inspire radical intentionality, urging you
to focus on meaningful relationships, purposeful actions, and savoring the
present moment.”

Sounds like a great exhortation to do everything we can for God in the brief time
we have! Mrs. Preacher and I wish for you a great month of August.

Pastor Tim

July 2026 is a monumental milestone year for our United States of
America. The United States is celebrating its Semiquincentennial—the
250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which was
adopted on July 4, 1776. How do you like that word? Frankly, I wasn’t
aware of the word “Semiquincentennial” until I did some research on
the 250 th anniversary of our country. Wikipedia has two other names
for it- the Sestercentennial (two and a half centuries), or the Quarter
Millennium.

Like me, many of you remember our nation’s Bicentennial back in the
year 1976. I remember standing in the middle of Main Street in front
of the Cumberland County Courthouse as fireworks and celebration
culminated the day with tremendous fanfare and remembrance. As a
teenager, even then, I was awestruck by the huge crowd of people
who came together in unity to celebrate the occasion.

Whichever name we choose to call it, Semiquincentennial,
Sestercentennial, or Quarter Millennium, we should be fully aware of
the significance of this momentous event. Very few nations down
through the ages have been able to sustain itself for that long. For the
United States of America to have been able to accomplish this great
feat is a testament to the foresight of those who set our great country
in order.

Were they perfect people? Certainly not! But the vast majority of our
country’s founders claimed a relationship with Almighty God. Even with
all their faults and shortcomings (sins), they accepted the love, mercy,
and grace offered by our Heavenly Father through His Son, Jesus
Christ, our Lord! It is still a great example for us today.

Some say we are no longer a Christian nation. Many going so far as to
say we never were a Christian nation. Perhaps both of these
assessments are true or at least partially true. But, in my humble
opinion, there are still many people in our country who adhere to the
precepts, teachings, and commandments given by God the Father
through His written word, and as we go through all the celebrating this

July 4 th , let us be reminded that without that love, mercy, and grace,
extended to us by our Heavenly Father, we might not have the
opportunities we have to live in such a great country. I still believe,
with all its shortcomings, we live in the greatest, most blessed country
in the world!

Mrs. Preacher and I wish for you a wonderful July 4 th
Semiquincentennial holiday this year! May God richly bless you and
yours.

Pastor Tim

Schools out! Yay! Let summer begin NOW!

As we head into the summer season, we see the beauty of God’s glorious creation all around us. In reality, the beauty of what the Lord God has created is always there, but summer brings this out in all its summer glory. As we travel over the summer months (even with record high gas prices!), we can find beauty in many places. These places are soothing to the soul. We may find beauty and peace in the mountains, be it the Smokies, the Blue Ridge, or even our Cumberland Plateau, places that show us the handiwork of the Master Artist. That beauty and peace of the mountains, with the trees and hidden valleys, causes us to stand in awe and wonder.

There are so many places around us that show us the awesomeness of the Lord, who made all beauty. That beauty can be seen in our own backyard where plants and trees, birds and animals, insects, and many forms of life, all containing the miracle of life, are witnesses to the Lord God who created them. Just sitting outside on a summer evening as day gives way to night (don’t forget the bug spray), the words of the psalmist ring true in our ears: “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,  the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:3-4). Though the psalmist wrote these words thousands of years ago, they are just as true today as when they were first written. When we consider the beauty of the world around us, we begin to understand that this is not some happenstance accident that caused all of this to come together in such a beautiful tapestry of life. No, something far deeper and truer is at work here.

In the midst of our daily lives with all its ups and downs, its demands and challenges, we sometimes long for places away from the busyness, whether it be at the beach, the mountains, or some other beautiful place. We long for space and time to breathe deeply, and rediscover the wonder, beauty, and joy of God’s gift of life. We all need these times away to recharge our batteries; to step away from the everyday routines that at times make us feel boxed in. The vibrant colors of life become muted and dull in us.

I pray that you will have time away over the course of this summer so that you can be renewed and refreshed in body, mind, and spirit. And even if a big trip, such as to the mountains or ocean, is not possible for you this summer, please do seek out some space to see all of life in simple pleasure. That space might be as close as your back porch or deck.

In praising the Lord who made all beauty, we realize that all of life can become worship. No longer limited to an hour or so on Sunday morning, each and every day, each and every moment, can become an opportunity to give thanks and praise to our creating God.

Mrs. Preacher and I wish you a summer filled with constant wonder that you may see all of life in simple pleasure. We praise the Lord who has indeed made all beauty!

What do you think of when you think of Memorial Day? Is it the beginning of summer vacation, cookouts in the back yard, family get-togethers? There is certainly nothing wrong with those thoughts. In some churches, Memorial Day is kind of skipped over because it is not one of the holy days on the church calendar. But I believe that it would be good for us to be reminded of what Memorial Day really represents because its very name calls us to remember.

The ability to remember is a wonderful gift God has given us. In a flash we can be a child again, skipping rocks across a pond or walking in a meadow. Through our memories, we can fall in love, get married, and enjoy our children all over again. All this is possible through the wonderful blessing of memory.

Some of our memories are happy as we recall wonderful experiences. But some are sad, and we may shed tears as we remember them. Memories are also very practical. If we couldn’t remember that a red light means “stop,” we’d be in trouble. If you weren’t able to remember what day it is, or your anniversary or spouse’s birthday – you might be in big trouble. So, memories are practical. The problem, though, is that sometimes memory fails us. Sometimes we forget. But there are events that we should never forget. And Memorial Day encourages us to remember some of them. But people tend to be forgetful, and we seem to need help to jog our memories.

2 Timothy 2:3 says, “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” In America, we observe this day called “Memorial Day” or “Decoration Day.” It is marked by parades and speeches. Flags and flowers are placed on the graves of many servicemen. It was first observed on May 30, 1868, for the purpose of decorating the graves of the Civil War Dead. Then, after WW1 it became a national holiday dedicated to remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms that we enjoy. Now, it remembers ALL of those who died in the wars our nation has fought. And it is also a day upon which we remember our loved ones who have gone on before us. I also think we would be wise to remember the “good soldiers of Jesus Christ,” who paved the way for you and me in our Christian lives. Thank God for the good soldiers of Jesus Christ who have fought well, such as those who are mentioned in Hebrews 11.

What are some marks of a good soldier? Let me share a few.

He or she is a follower. Mark 8:34 says, “When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’”  No one can be a good leader who cannot first be a good follower. In the military, there is almost always someone in rank above you, someone whose orders you must follow. Following Jesus is not an option. It is a command! In the military, refusal to obey an order is not allowed. Court martial may very well follow. Yet we take obedience to God so very lightly in our daily lives.

Second, he/she is a fighter. They are trained and taught to be aggressive when necessary. They will not cower or retreat in the face of the enemy. They will defend their own honor and that of their country. The Bible tells us to “Fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12). The verb “fight” in the Greek is present tense and is in the imperative mode, which means it is a command and not a suggestion.

Third, he or she is familiar. First, a soldier is familiar with the strategy of the enemy. They are familiar with the skills concerning weaponry. Also, they are familiar with the shadows of their friends. The good soldier is not only looking out for their self, but also for their friends–there is a mutual need for being close to other soldiers as you fight.

Lastly, he or she is faithful. A soldier remains true even when they must endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. That expression means, “to take one’s share of rough treatment; to suffer or endure affliction together.” It actually means to “suffer hardship in company with”—the good soldier is always true and loyal.

How will you remember? As we celebrate Memorial Day this coming May 25^th, may we remember, with respect and endearment, all those who made the ultimate sacrifice (both sacred and secular) for our religious and personal freedoms.

Alleluia! Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed.
 
Warmest Easter Greetings to you all!
 
Depending on when you are reading this, Easter Sunday may or may not
have already passed. However, the promise of the resurrection is alive and
well. This is the promise of new life. During the season of Lent, which began
on Ash Wednesday, February 18 th and comes to an end Thursday, April 2 nd ,
we are reminded of our own mortality. We are reminded of our sins, and we
learn that death is a natural thing. However, in Jesus’ death and
resurrection, we are promised that we, too, will rise again and that death is
not the final chapter. We are shown that we are a people of death and life.
Our mortal bodies may change, but our life in Christ will always remain. “For
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever
believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).
 
However, in the resurrection, we are also promised a new life NOW. A life
filled with joy, hope, and love. In the resurrection, Christ makes all things
new. You. Me. All of Creation! God breathes new life into all things, and sets
all things free to thrive, grow, and love. One of my favorite things about this
time of the year is seeing all the flowers bloom, and the trees regaining their
color. I especially love seeing the tulips, daffodils, and delicate purple violets
popping up this time of year. They are a reminder, for me, of the life that we
are promised in Christ’s resurrection. They are a reminder of God’s love and
mercy for us.
In Luke 12, Jesus says these words to his disciples. “Consider the lilies, how
they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in
all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothes the
grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how
much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? And do not seek what
you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind.   For all
these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that
you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things
shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good
pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
The promise of the resurrection is that God brings life to all of creation and
that means all of us. This is because we are a part of God’s creation and we
are of God’s kingdom. So, if God raises the tulips, daffodils, and violets, then
God raises us too.

So, in this Easter season, I challenge you to recognize this new life. I
challenge you to walk in the light of Christ that is the light of life.
“Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen
upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1)
 
Alleluia! Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed.
 
As always, Mrs. Preacher and I wish you Peace and Blessings!
Pastor Tim

“Beware the Ides of March!”

From google- “In modern times, the Ides of March is best known as the date on which Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC. Caesar was stabbed to death at a meeting of the Senate. As many as 60 conspirators, led by Brutus and Cassius, were involved. According to Plutarch, a seer had warned that harm would come to Caesar on the Ides of March. On his way to the Theatre of Pompey, where he would be assassinated, Caesar passed the seer and joked, “Well, the Ides of March are come”, implying that the prophecy had not been fulfilled, to which the seer replied, “Aye, they are come, but they are not gone.” This meeting is famously dramatized in William Shakespeare‘s play Julius Caesar, when Caesar is warned by the soothsayer to “beware the Ides of March.”

“Caesar’s assassination opened the final chapter in the crisis of the Roman Republic. After his victory in Caesar’s civil war, his death triggered a series of further Roman civil wars that would finally result in the rise to sole power of his adopted heir Octavian. In 27 BC, Octavian became emperor, and thus he finally terminated the Roman Republic. Suetonius and the historian Cassius Dio characterized the slaughter as a religious sacrifice, noting that it occurred on the Ides of March.”

“Does the name Octavian mean anything to you? Among many other names he went by, perhaps you know him best by his official name- Augustus. Or, when mentioned in the New Testament, Caesar Augustus. Emperor Caesar Augustus (formerly Octavian) reigned during the birth of Jesus, with his decree for a Roman world census acting as the catalyst for Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem. This event fulfilled the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Augustus reigned from 27 BC to AD 14.”

You may ask what this has to do with Dorton Methodist Church and Homestead Methodist Church. Ahh, March, the beginning of Spring! Or is it? Friday, March 20^th officially kicks off this year’s spring season. Sunshine, warm weather, and all the things that go with it.

But old man winter may not be ready to give up its icy grip on us that easily. In my lifetime, do you know when the biggest snowfall took place here in our neck of the woods? Again, from Google- “The 1993 Storm of the Century (also known as the 93 Superstorm, The No Name Storm, or the Great Blizzard of ’93) was a devastating cyclonic storm, or nor’easter, that formed over the Gulf of Mexico on March 12, 1993. The cold weather, heavy snowfall, high winds and storm surge that the storm brought affected a very large area; at its height, it stretched from Canada to Honduras. The cyclone moved through the Gulf of Mexico and then through the eastern United States before moving on to eastern Canada. It eventually dissipated in the North Atlantic Ocean on March 15. Did you catch that range? Canada to Honduras!!!

Heavy snow was first reported in highland areas as far south as Alabama and northern Georgia, with Union County, Georgia reporting up to 35 inches of snow. Birmingham, Alabama, reported a rare 13 inches of snow.”

Crossville Memorial Airport reported 20.5 inches of snow. Many areas in Cumberland and surrounding counties reported more than two feet! Mrs. Preacher and I were pastoring in Kentucky at the time. We didn’t get quite as much snow there in south central Kentucky as you folks here in Cumberland County got. But my parents made pictures of our house down in Eastland/Clifty. The snow drifts were up to the front porch roof line.

So, I say all that to say this. Beware “the ides of March”! March can be a rough time of year here in Tennessee. Between winter weather, spring storms, tornadoes, and such, we best be prepared for this unpredictable month of year. But, through it all, God’s holds in His great big hands, and he will never leave us nor forsake us. Be careful out there this month!                                                        

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. (1 Corinthians. 13:1–3)

There isn’t much in February to celebrate. For most of us, by the time February rolls around we’re tired of winter and ready for spring, and that makes the shortest month of the year feel all that much longer. Of course, sports fans get the Super Bowl and the Daytona 500, and baseball fans start to get excited because pitchers and catchers report to spring training. Outside of that, though, pretty much all there is in February to look forward to is Valentine’s Day. This is a day in which we celebrate romantic love, named after a 3rd century saint who was martyred for his care of the faithful during times of persecution. How a ‘holy day’ commemorating him became associated with romantic love is something of a historical question, but anyway, that’s what’s happened.

So, that’s why I’ve been thinking about Saint Valentine and Valentine’s Day. I’m reminded what Jesus said when asked what the greatest commandment is: ‘“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”’ (Mark 12:29–31) Love! That’s what it all boils down to for us. Many of us have grown up singing the hymn, They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love. How about, this Valentine’s Day (and month) try to get back to the way of love.

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. (1 John 4:19–21)

Dear ones,

I am reminded once again of the old hymn “ I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” which we will
sing (sung) on the first Sunday of the new year. None of us know for sure what the
future holds for our personal lives nor our church. We may think we do, but we really
don’t. Some things may be a given. But, as we have all learned, life can change in the
span of just one breath. For instance, how many friends and loved ones were with us
on January 1 st of 2025. But they’re not with us today? I imagine we all can think of
some loved one or friend who has left this walk of life. Proof that we don’t really know
what tomorrow holds.

I was reminded this week while reading another’s pastor’s end of year newsletter of the
old Andrae Crouch song entitled “How Can I Say Thanks?” It is also called “My
Tribute”. The first verse goes like this:

How can I say thanks
For all the things You’ve done for me?
Things so undeserved
Yet You gave to prove Your love to me
The voices of a million angels
Could not express my gratitude
All that I am
And ever hope to be
I owe it all to Thee.

That’s how Mrs. Preacher and I feel here at the end of 2025 with the dawn of 2026 looming. God has
blessed us in so many ways. We serve two wonderful churches. Both church groups are such a
blessing to us. You give to us in so many ways. Your generosity (especially this Christmas)
overwhelms us. We are so thankful for all of you! How can we express our THANKS to all of you for
what you mean to us? There are no words. Just please know we are thankful for you.

Even though I, nor we, know what 2025 holds for us, we do know that God’s got this. And we have no
other alternative but to keep our trust in Him. I’m thankful that you dear ones have remained faithful
to trust the Lord and to guide our steps. I believe God has joined us together, congregation and
shepherds, for such a time as this. Let us pray for a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit so that we
may experience new growth both inwardly and outwardly. Surely the best is yet to come as we serve
God together. Jeremiah 29:11

In Christ’s love,
Pastor Tim and Mrs. Preacher (Teresa)

With each passing day, week, month, and year, one of the ways in which God has
challenged and moved me in life is to be more grateful. It is not only because we just
celebrated Thanksgiving that I share this but also because we are now in the season of
Advent.
Advent is a time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Of course,
we’re preparing for Christmas and all that it involves for each of us and our families. For
many of us we prepare and set up decorations, gatherings, lists, menus, gifts, and much
more. In the life of our church, we go from giving Thanksgiving food bags to giving
Christmas food bags to our pantry recipients, preparing our church with decorations, the
Christmas meals and parties, Advent candle lightings and readings, Christmas Eve
Service, and all the things seen and unseen.
I am so grateful to God for all that we have. I’m thankful that we can celebrate the birth
of Christ and what Christ has done and continues to do for us. I am grateful for how we
can do all that we do, not only for ourselves but also for many who are in need in our
community. I encourage all of us to be more grateful as we go about all that we do in
preparation for Christmas. May we not only prepare the things all around us and on our
to do list but also prepare our hearts and spirits as we look to Christ who came, who
died and resurrected for us, who calls us to be living witnesses and disciple-makers,
and who will one day return.
Advent is a time to prepare for Christmas as well as for Christ’s return on day. And as
we prepare, Jesus calls us to continually be prepared as we do everything for him. In
being thankful for all the gifts, we have received as well as being able to give to others,
let us always be thankful for the gift of Jesus Christ for us and for all!
From Pastor Tim and Mrs. Preacher, we thank you for the blessing of being your
pastoral family, and we wish for you a happy and blessed Christmas season!
Pastor Tim

November is a month where people tend to list the things they are thankful for, (it’s
probably because of that one big holiday called “Thanksgiving”). Some even will list
something each and every day on Facebook (which is not something you will find me doing).
Don’t get me wrong, it is good to be thankful, and I am thankful for many different things …
I just don’t need the whole Facebook world to know it. Besides, a lot of times the things
listed after family and friends are all material things which will eventually break and get
replaced. 
            Please don’t take me as being the Scrooge or the Grinch of Thanksgiving, it is good to
be thankful. The Bible even tells us that. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “give thanks in all
circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
            Wait a second! Look at the verse again! Did you notice what that verse says? “Give
thanks in ALL circumstances.” So … does this mean I have to give thanks in those times
when life isn’t going like I planned it or when something bad happens? Hate to be the
bearer of bad news but … yes, that is exactly what it means. We all know that bad things
are going to happen. People will get sick, things will break or be stolen, feelings will be hurt
by those we call our friends, and relationships are going to go through tough times and
may even lead to a break-up. It may be hard to see these as times to give thanks. But they
are. And here’s why …
            Notice that bold, underlined before the word all? What is it? It’s the word in. We are
told to give thanks in all circumstances, not for all circumstances. The evil, the bad things of
life do not come from God. Those are a result of sin being in the world. This is why we are
not thankful for all circumstances. We are thankful in all circumstances because no matter
what we are facing in life … God is still in control and God’s presence is still with you. This
means that His love, His mercy, His grace, His compassion, and all the other wonderful
things God is and does are still with you. They are with you because you are His dearly
loved child. And to prove that, God sent Jesus, His only Son, so that anyone who believes in
Him may have eternal life.
            So, in this month of reflection on what it is we are thankful for … the thing I’m most
thankful for is this … the precious blood shed by Jesus and His victorious resurrection! For it
is through this that you are claimed as one of His dear children. I’m thankful that God
continues to go with you wherever it is that you go. It is my constant prayer that no matter
what you experience in your life, that you remember that He is there with you and that can
you lean on Him all the time. From Mrs. Preacher and I to you and yours, may you have a
blessed, happy, and thankful Thanksgiving!
Pastor Tim