Youth Gathering at
The Bridge
509 Main Street
Mantorville
Wednesdays 6:30 - 8 pm
Come & Join in the fun!!
Family softball game
at Vet's Memorial Park
Wed Sept 4 at 5 pm
Pastor’s Lesson for the Week
God and Politics
Colossians 2:9-10 “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.”
To begin this article, know that I hate the divisiveness of politics.
I, like all of you, have my own thoughts, opinions, and concerns. I have my own thinking on economics, immigration policy, gun control, and everything else under the sun. Just like you, I will vote upon my convictions and beliefs when the time comes around this next year.
Part of the reason this article is coming out now, and not in November of 2020, is because I want us to be thinking ahead of the curve. This article is not about what I think though in the traditional sense, it is about the proper way to approach divisive politics in our churches today because we unfortunately experience lots of heated debates and backlash in our communities. From a Christian’s perspective, the most important thing to keep in mind when it comes to politics is that we are to be a reflection of Christ. In other words, your voting and political thoughts should be centered around your faith in Christ, and that is the purpose of this article.
The above verses from Colossians are a reminder that we serve a Creator who has made us clean. Jesus went to the cross for you and me, not so that we could do whatever we pleased, but so that we could follow Him. If you pay attention in church, if you read your Bible, if you take seriously your faith, then you know that God has given us two main guiding principles to live by. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, body, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. All the other commandments are fulfilled in these.”
(Matthew 22:36-40) We are called to abide by God’s rules first, and to love our neighbors above our own feelings. These guiding principles should extend into our actions, our choices, and ultimately into our politics as well. But that begs the question, “What does that actually look like for me?” To put it succinctly, you have to ask how Christ would wish for you to respond.
When it comes to your time in the voting booth, or who you will support with your money, or whose voice you will give credence to, it should all be done with God’s glory in mind. Often we as God’s people will ignore our faith when it comes to how we think about politics, and that is just patently bad. Christ should be the guiding force in all aspects of our life. He should be the rock that we hold on to, and the One in whom we seek our peace. In addition to simple contemplation, also pray that you would be led by the Lord in your political actions. Do your part in reading through scripture and asking the hard questions. Talk to people, lovingly and kindly, who you do not agree with politically in the church to share their views with you. Above all, no matter how you vote or who you agree with, remember that the Lord still reigns. Remember that you are still called to love your neighbor as yourself, and that you are to love the Lord with everything you have got. If we all hold those truths in mind, we may still disagree, but we will at least agree to love one another. As always, if there are questions or thoughts or concerns that you would like to share with me, do not hesitate to ask. No matter where you stand on heated political debates, know that I as your minister care for you, and that your church still cares for you.
God Bless,
-Pastor Jake
Plans for the Summer Bible Study
During the month of July we went through the book of Colossians together. Our adult Bible study on Wednesday nights similarly followed this plan, and we looked at each chapter of Colossians at length. If you are the planning type, start planning for the month of August to be focused upon the book of Galatians. We will be working our way through this book of the Bible together both in service and in our adult Bible Study. Galatians is a shorter book, five chapters in length, so God willing we will be able to cover the whole thing this month. Read ahead and you will be ready! God Bless!
Confirmation Plans
Students and parents who are looking at confirmation this year, we will be having an informational meeting on August 18th6-7pm. We will be going over the year-long plans, the purpose behind confirmation, and choosing which dates/times we will meet. Bring your planners and your questions!
Faith Village Sunday School
Resumes Sunday Sept. 8th at 10:30 am
Kasson UMC
KUMC is located just
three blocks west of the Kasson Pool
at 801 5th Ave NW, Kasson MN 55944
Pleasant Corners UMC
Pleasant Corners is located about half way
between Kasson and Dodge Center.
Physical Address: 21927 650th Street
Kasson, MN 55944
Mail to: 801 5th Ave NW
Kasson, MN 55944
Kasson and Pleasant Corners
United Methodist Churches
507-634-7823
Congregations of faith
Community Service
Our outreach programs help us bring the gospels to life every month.
Kasson Worship 9:00 am (Nursery Available)
Pleasant Corners Worship 11:00 am
Fifth Sundays Congregations worship together
Apply the Good News to your daily life.
Teen Programs
Our youth programs help teens learn to navigate those toughest of years.
Sunday 25 9:00 am Sunday Worship at KUMC 10:00 am Coffee Fellowship at KUMC
11:00 am Sunday Worship Pleasant Corners UMC 5:00 pm Worship Music Team
Wed 28 9:00 am M & M's meet at KUMC 6:00 pm Bible Study at KUMC 7:00 pm Miriam Circle meets at KUMC
Sunday 1 9:00 am Sunday Worship at KUMC 10:00 am Coffee Fellowship at KUMC
11:00 am Sunday Worship Pleasant Corners UMC 5:00 pm Worship Music Team
Mon 2 Have a Safe & Happy Labor Day! Church Office is CLOSED
Pastor Jake Hanson
Our Mission Statement:
To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world