Happy New Year

We have officially entered a new year. I have a fresh calendar on my desk with lots of space to fill as the year unfolds. As I look back through my 2025 calendar, I remember people and events that shaped my life and my faith in new ways. I could not have imagined them all just a year ago.

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, encouraged an annual recommitment to God, especially at the beginning of the new year. At the heart of the covenant renewal service is Wesley’s prayer. I have a copy of it hanging in my office as a daily, not yearly, reminder of the need for continual response to God’s call and claim upon my life. I offer it to you in hopes that you might pray it as this new year begins, and regularly as the year unfolds.
 

                “I am no longer my own, but thine.

                Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.

                Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

                Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee,

                Exalted for thee or brought low for thee.

                Let me be full, let me be empty.

                Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

                I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.

                And now, O glorious and blessed God,

                Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

                Thou art mine and I am thine. So be it.

                And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven.

                Amen.”

Blessings for the journey+

Pastor Mary Teasley