Beyond the Pulpit 6.7.26

Good Morning Crozet UMC, I’m Back!!!!

In recent weeks, I have been quite literally beyond the pulpit as David and I enjoyed vacation and traveled through Scandinavia together. I am deeply grateful to Crozet United Methodist Church for supporting times of rest, renewal, and rejuvenation for its clergy. Such opportunities are a gift, and I return refreshed, grateful, and excited for the ministry we continue to share together.

Before sharing a few highlights from our journey, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Andrew Bessell and Doug Gaskell for stepping in to preach while I was away. We are truly blessed to have such capable leaders who are eager and willing to serve. Their leadership gives me great confidence that the ministries of our church continue to move forward whenever I am away. I also want to thank all of our staff and lay leaders for the many ways they lead…not only during my absence, but every single day. The ministry we share together is strengthened by your faithfulness, dedication, and servant hearts. I am aware of several pastoral care needs that arose while I was away, and I want to assure you that I will be following up in the days ahead. Thank you for your prayers and care for one another.

As for our trip, it is impossible to capture all of the incredible experiences we had across Scandinavia. This trip has been in the making for more than 2 years. We were originally planning to go in May/June of 2024, but that would not have been ideal considering my pastoral transition from Richmond to Crozet at that time! The stunning landscapes, rich history, and beautiful cities we encountered on this trip made for a remarkable journey. Yet one of the unexpected joys of the trip was the reminder of our United Methodist connection around the world.

While visiting Bergen, Norway, David spotted something familiar…a United Methodist cross and flame displayed on a church building. Naturally, we had to investigate! Although it was a Saturday and the church was closed, someone happened to come out of the building while we were there. We introduced ourselves and asked if anyone might be available to meet. It was a Saturday afternoon and the church was closed. She’d been putting flowers on the altar for the Sunday service! She graciously invited us to worship with them the next day. Unfortunately, our itinerary made that impossible, but it was a wonderful encounter nonetheless.

Later, in Copenhagen, Denmark, David and I took our lives into our own hands and bravely navigated the city on electric bicycles to visit the local United Methodist Church, which also houses the regional office for the bishop. Once again, we were unable to get inside, but it was exciting to discover another United Methodist congregation serving faithfully in a different corner of the world.

Then, in Stockholm, Sweden, there was no local United Methodist congregation for us to visit, but we experienced our connection in an even more personal way. One of the surprises of the trip, carefully arranged by David, was reconnecting with one of my seminary roommates from more than twenty-five years ago. Jenny (who is from Sweden) and I lived together for a year while attending Candler School of Theology at Emory University, in Atlanta, GA. It was a tremendous joy to spend time with her, meet her husband, and get to know their three children.

Each of these encounters reminded me of the gift of being part of a connectional church. No matter where we are, what language we speak, or how we live our lives, there is a unique bond among those who seek to live out our faith through the United Methodist Church. Across countries and cultures, we remain connected in faith, mission, and purpose.

I am grateful for that connection, and I am grateful for you. I look forward to being back with you this morning for worship at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. and for Grow Groups at 10:00 a.m.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Christy