June 16, 2024 | Asbury-St. James UMC, Charleston, SC

Recap of Today's Service at Asbury-St. James United Methodist Church
Welcome to the recap of today’s church service at Asbury-St. James United Methodist Church, located in the heart of downtown Charleston, SC. If you missed the live service, don't worry; we've got you covered. Today’s sermon, delivered by Pastor Tim Shaw, was nothing short of inspiring and thought-provoking. Whether you’re a regular attendee or just curious about what we offer, we invite you to explore how this message can resonate in your daily life.
Planting Seeds: A Modern Take on Timeless Lessons
Pastor Tim began with a parable that’s both simple and profound, from Mark 4:26-34. He shared Jesus’ words: “God's Kingdom is like a seed that a man plants in the ground. He goes to bed and forgets about it. The seed sprouts and grows, and he has no idea how.” This imagery of growth and transformation is a powerful reminder that change often happens beyond our immediate control or understanding. The Earth does its work, and similarly, God works in our lives in unseen ways.
Relatable Reflections on Personal Growth
Pastor Tim personalized the message by reflecting on his son’s journey from a young boy to a mature, Christian man. This growth, he explained, didn’t happen overnight but was nurtured through the consistent planting of seeds of faith. He used this metaphor to encourage us to look at our own lives and the opportunities we have to plant seeds for the future.
“How many of you have given up on the world?” he asked, urging us to reconsider our outlook. It’s easy to feel disheartened in today’s society, but Pastor Tim’s message is one of hope and persistence. Just like the seeds we plant, the positive actions we take today may not show immediate results, but they contribute to a greater transformation over time.
A Modern Parable for Today’s Society
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose sight of long-term goals amid daily distractions. Pastor Tim’s sermon serves as a poignant reminder that the little things we do-small acts of kindness, moments of faith, and personal growth-add up over time. He likened God’s kingdom to a tiny pine nut that grows into a massive tree, providing shelter and support for many. This illustrates how even our smallest actions can have significant impacts.
Engaging with Modern Life
Pastor Tim seamlessly connected ancient wisdom with contemporary life. He shared humorous and heartfelt anecdotes about his daily routines, gardening, and family life, making the sermon relatable and engaging. For instance, he humorously recounted how his wife’s superior coffee-making skills symbolize the little acts of love and service that enrich our lives.
Celebrating Fathers and Their Roles
As today was Father’s Day, Pastor Tim took a moment to honor fathers and their pivotal role in the family. He outlined the qualities of a good father using the acronym FATHER: Faithful, Active, Teacher, Hopeful, Everything, Ready and Willing. This part of the sermon highlighted the importance of being present and active in the lives of our children, teaching by example, and providing hope and guidance.
An Invitation to a Community of Faith
At Asbury-St. James, we believe in creating a community that’s inviting, diverse, and inclusive. Pastor Tim emphasized that we are all part of God’s family, and this family isn’t bound by traditional definitions. It’s about being there for each other, supporting each other’s growth, and nurturing our collective faith.
Why You Should Join Us
If you’ve been hesitant to attend a traditional church, we understand. Our services are designed to be relatable and welcoming, especially for those who may feel disconnected from conventional church practices. We’re a community that values individuality and personal growth within a supportive and loving environment.
Final Thoughts and Invitation
Pastor Tim concluded with a powerful message: “What this world needs now is for all of us to spread those seeds of Christ that I talked about in the parable this morning. If we can do that, we can bring others into God's family, a family that will live together, grow together, and love together.” This is a call to action for all of us to engage in small acts of faith and kindness that, collectively, can transform our world.
We invite you to join us next Sunday and experience firsthand the warmth and inspiration of our community. Whether you’re exploring your faith or looking for a place to grow, Asbury-St. James United Methodist Church welcomes you with open arms.