Welcome to St James United Methodist Church

August 3, 2020

Dearly Beloved in Christ,

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep…”

These dynamic and powerful, yet unsettling, words written by Robert Frost are certainly among my most cherished, and often quoted by my grandfather. I studied these words in my literature courses in high school and college, and they hang upon the wall of our home. They are lifted from a poem penned by Robert Frost entitled: Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. The ending is in fact repeated twice. “…And miles to go before I sleep.”

There are, quite obviously, many layers of interpretation available within this short poem. Along with many thought provoking questions as to why Frost blatantly holds back significant information. Let’s stay for now with the most simple and surface level meaning.

The narrator stops alone by trees, on a snowy evening, to watch the woods fill up with snow. Even his horse finds it odd, demonstrated by the shake of his harness bells. The scene is one of absolute human loneliness. It is bleak; as far as the eye can see, there is but a white expanse of fallen snow. It is the darkest evening of the year, midwinter. Beautiful. Yet lonely and unsettling.

Who hasn’t felt this way during the past several months? Most of us at times have felt alone in the woods. We have struggled to develop new strategies to somehow meet the promises we’ve made in life. We feel we have miles to go before we return to perceived safety. To normalcy. Whatever that is.

Let us continue to take this time in the woods to further embrace the Rock. The Rock of Ages.

We should be prudent, but not panicked. We should count our blessings, in place of worry. For those who believe the good news found only in Jesus Christ, we urge you to share your faith in Jesus with others. Times like these remind us all of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. So let’s spread the greatest news that death has been defeated, that God is present with His people, and that eternal life is available to all who trust in Jesus.

Stay safe, stay hopeful, stay faithful! And remember…

If you’re not spiritually prepared, you’re never prepared…

Many Blessings, Pastor Stu

Scripture Readings:

August 9: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22; Matthew 14:22-33;

Romans 10:5-15

August 16: Genesis 45:1-15; Psalm 133; Matthew 15:10-28; Romans 11:1-2, 29-32

**The Nursery is CLOSED until further notice**

A place to Worship, Grow & Serve

We are a United Methodist congregation open to everyone who wants to come and worship. Located at 401 Carlwood Dr., Miamisburg Ohio, 45342, we are among the oldest churches in Miamisburg, Ohio, with our congregation’s founding dating back to 1838. We are also a come-as-you-are church where everyone is welcome to our casual blended worship led by Pastor Stu Rammes.

We also have a nursery where children, from infants up to 2 years of age, may stay. Quality childcare is provided as well as changing areas in both the nursery and main restroom. We even have TV’s in both the Gathering Place as well as the Nursery so you can keep posted on your child’s activities while also worshiping. We also have a child care center and a Christian based preschool.

Join us to listen to

Pastor Stu’s Sunday message

If you would like to explore becoming a member

or schedule a baptism please contact

Rev. Dr. Stuart Rammes

Please feel free to contact Pastor Stu if you are in need of pastoral care:

Mobile Phone:513.382.9264

Email: mailto:rev.rammes@yahoo.com

UMC General Conference Proposal

During the coming months, we will keep the congregation updated with the latest information and news releases from the West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church, concerning the possible restructuring proposal.

Below are links available for your review:

Traditionalists, Centrists, Progressives, & Bishops Sign Agreement Aimed At Separation

PROTOCOL OF RECONCILIATION & GRACE THROUGH SEPARATION

Join Us Sundays at 10 AM

Our Ministries

St James United Methodist Church - Miamisburg