Gilead UMC shares poem from Brother Ralph Miller
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
Brother Ralph Miller
During the 9:15 a.m. worship service this Sunday at Gilead United Methodist Church, Pastor, the Rev. Joey Rhodes will present his sermon on Matthew 10:24-39. This message sermon will focuses on the challenging call to discipleship, emphasizing that followers of Jesus should expect persecution and division, even from family. Believers must not fear worldly threats – because God’s care for them is absolute, urging them to bravely acknowledge Jesus and take up their cross to follow Him, even at great personal cost. Key themes in this inspiring presentation include enduring hardship, radical commitment, the contrast between fearing God and fearing people, and the promise of eternal reward for those who remain faithful, shared the church.
The recent church newsletter, “The Gilead Times,” featured the following poem penned by Brother Ralph Miller of rural Centralia. Pastor Rhodes remarked, “Ralph is a talented writer and has been featured in several newsletters.”
“Mortals and Immortality”
“I’ve journeyed into the wilderness, once again, where hunger, thirst, and pain begin. I did not choose this tiresome and torturous march. It was thrust upon me, while I was standing, looking up at my the cross, pondering my gain, pondering my loss.
Faith, trust and willpower have become my strength, while I move steadily, hopefully, through a world I did not make. While my heart grow faint, and my feet drag in the sand, while anger, doubt, and double mindedness play out their hands.
Hatefulness, deceit, and lust have entered into my mind. Yet, I know this is not me, nor my willing thoughts. Those thoughts come to me from another source. I choose – to sing about God‘s goodness with Psalms and hymns. I choose – to love my neighbors and live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit that dwells within.
The mind of man reaches out into this puzzling world we explore. And because we are human, we cannot always control what our physical senses and intuitive thoughts, behold. Therefore, God said, I am – that I am. Because how one wills to think and to act – describes the spirit of man.
It is not so much the thoughts or dreams that inner one mind. It is about what one holds onto, that brings us peace and eternal life, from our living God, the divine.”
Pastor Rhodes will share his vision for the future of Gilead United Methodist Church in 2026 during his sermon.
On Jan. 11, a local Church Council meeting will take place. At that time a new “South District Pastor Evaluation” tool will be introduced and will include quarterly check ups.
On Jan. 15, the Rev. Rhodes will be attending a South District Conference of the clergy in Benton, Illinois.
This Sunday, the Sacrament of Holy Communion will be observed.
The liturgy service will be led by Lay Leader and Liturgist Cindy Jones. Other members will assist in the interactive service. The Homily and Lord’s Prayer service is led by Scotty Boyce . The offering prayer will be provided by Ralph Miller. Hymns will be performed by the church’s talented musician Dorothy Aydt. Church Ushers include Ralph Miller of Centralia. Acolytes are Tristin and Victoria Boyce, son and daughter of Scotty and Teresa Boyce.
The church is located a few minutes south of Centralia on Route 51 and turns at Country Bobs east on Base Line Road for 2 miles and then south to the church on Gilead Lane; please watch for the signs to assist motorists.
The church host a Facebook group “Gilead United Methodist Church.” A Podcast, “Power Prayer” is held there at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. Currently Pastor Rhodes is hosting a Bible study of the 66 books of the Bible. This week, the Rev. Rhodes teaches about the book of Second Timothy. Sunday worship is broadcast from the Facebook group starting at 9:15 a.m.
Gilead United Methodist Church is an emotional support animal friendly church, shared the membership. The “little church with a big heart” welcomes everyone.