Ryan's Jumbled Thoughts: August 5, 2026

This week we continue reflecting on what it means to do good. At first glance, this seems like one of the easiest parts of the Christian life. As the body of Christ, of course we are called to do good. Yet our motivations matter. It's easy for good deeds to become about recognition, appreciation, or the expectation that someone will return the favor. John Wesley viewed doing good through a different lens. While the well-known quote often attributed to him has been paraphrased in many forms, its message remains powerful: Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can. Whether or not those are his exact words, they certainly reflect the way he lived. Wesley devoted his life to serving others, and generations of Methodists followed that example by establishing hospitals, orphanages, schools, soup kitchens, and countless other ministries of compassion.

What makes this legacy so meaningful is that it was never meant to be driven by obligation. We serve because we have experienced God's grace, mercy, and love. Out of gratitude for what Christ has done for us, we desire the very best for our neighbors. So, as you seek opportunities to do good this week, do so not because you have to, but because God's love has transformed your heart. If you're wondering where to begin, I encourage you to visit our food pantry. Every time I'm there, I'm amazed by the dedication, efficiency, and kindness of our volunteers. As Ellen shared last week, the pantry continues to grow and will soon begin receiving weekly shipments, allowing us to serve even more families. Sue's Table also continues to be a tremendous blessing to our community, offering not only a warm meal but also a welcoming smile and genuine fellowship. If you've been looking for a place to serve, there has never been a better time to get involved.

Speaking of serving, we are excited to begin reimagining our youth ministry. This Sunday evening, following worship at Round Robin, we'll gather for an informal interest meeting during our barbecue dinner to talk about the future of our youth program. If you have a youth in your family or feel called to serve alongside our young people, I hope you'll join us at one of the designated tables. We'd love to hear your ideas and invite you to be part of what God is building. I continue to be deeply grateful for the many ways this church family demonstrates Christ's love in our community. Your generosity, compassion, and willingness to serve are a blessing to so many.

I also wanted to share a brief update on the parsonage. The cabinets have been installed, and the countertops should be coming soon. Once the work is complete, we'll share pictures in our email newsletter.

Finally, to the person—or people—who have been leaving encouraging notes on my desk: thank you. Those unexpected words of encouragement are a true gift, and they always brighten my day when I return to the office.

I pray you all have a blessed week. Grace and peace, Ryan