✨ From the Pastor’s Desk – December ✨
(Westville United Methodist Church Newsletter)
📖 Scripture for the Season
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
— Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)
🎄 Advent Reflection
As we enter the season of Advent and prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, we are reminded that Christmas is more than lights, gifts, and gatherings—it is the celebration of God’s greatest gift: Jesus Christ. In a world filled with uncertainty, His coming assures us of hope, peace, and joy that cannot be shaken.
December is a time of reflection. We look back on the year—its blessings and its challenges—and we look forward to what God will do in the year ahead. The question for us as disciples is this:
How will we finish this year faithfully?
Will we end 2025 with hearts surrendered to Christ, living out His love in tangible ways?
🙏 A Prayer for December
Gracious God, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who brings light into our darkness and hope into our despair. As we celebrate His birth, renew our hearts and minds so that we may live as faithful followers. Help us to love others as You have loved us, and to share the good news of Christ with joy and boldness. In His holy name we pray. Amen.
🎯 Year-End Challenge: Finish Strong!
Before the clock strikes midnight on December 31, take time to:
✅Reflect – Write down three ways you have seen God’s faithfulness this year.
✅Reconnect – Reach out to someone who needs encouragement or reconciliation.
✅Renew – Commit to one spiritual discipline (prayer, Scripture reading, service) to begin the new year with Christ at the center.
May this Advent season draw us closer to Him and to one another. Let us finish strong—not just as church members, but as disciples who live and love like Jesus.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Toby
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WORD for November 2025
From the Pastor’s Desk: Gratitude and Expectation
Dear Beloved Community,
November invites us into a sacred rhythm—one foot planted in gratitude, the other stepping toward holy anticipation. As autumn’s golden hush settles over the land, we pause to give thanks. And just as the last leaves fall, we begin to look forward, lighting the first candle of Advent and daring to hope again.
This month, we stand at a beautiful threshold: Thanksgiving reminds us of God’s faithfulness in what has been, while Advent beckons us to trust in what is yet to come.
🕊️Scripture Reflection
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
Paul’s words are not a call to naive optimism, but to resilient gratitude. To give thanks in all circumstances is to recognize that God is present not only in abundance, but also in longing, waiting, and even in sorrow. This is the heart of Advent: a season that teaches us to wait faithfully, to hope fiercely, and to prepare room for Christ in a world that often feels too full of everything else.
🌾A Story to Stir the Heart
Years ago, a pastor visited a small village in Central America just before Thanksgiving. The people had endured a devastating flood, losing homes, crops, and loved ones. Yet on Sunday morning, the sanctuary was full. During the offering, one elderly woman walked forward with a single egg in her hand. She placed it gently in the basket and whispered, “Gracias a Dios.”
Later, the pastor learned that this egg was all she had. It was her only source of food or income. When asked why she gave it, she replied, “Because God has not forgotten me. And I want to remember Him.”
Her offering was not out of surplus, but out of trust. It was Advent faith—believing that even in the dark, the light is coming.
🙏A Prayer for November
Gracious God,
In this season of turning, we give thanks for your steadfast love.
As we gather around tables and light candles of hope,
remind us that gratitude and longing can live side by side.
Teach us to wait with holy expectation,
to see your presence in both the harvest and the hush.
Prepare our hearts to receive Christ anew—
not just in the manger, but in the margins,
not just in celebration, but in quiet surrender.
Amen.
🕯️Looking Ahead
As Advent begins, we will journey together through themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Each week, our worship will invite us to prepare not just our homes, but our hearts. I encourage you to take time this month to reflect, to rest, and to reach out. Whether through a shared meal, a handwritten note, or a simple prayer, let us embody the gratitude and grace of this season.
With thanksgiving and hope,
Pastor Toby
From the Pastor – October 2025
Dear Beloved Church Family,
As we step into the month of October, the air begins to cool, the leaves begin to turn, and we are reminded once again of the beauty of God’s creation and the changing seasons of life. Yet even as nature settles into a rhythm of rest and reflection, our world continues to stir with unrest, uncertainty, and sorrow.
In recent weeks, we have witnessed heartbreaking events both at home and abroad. The devastating earthquakes in Afghanistan have claimed thousands of lives and left communities in mourning. In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis has deepened, drawing global concern and grief. Here in the United States, violence has erupted in places meant to be safe—schools, places of worship, and even government buildings. The recent attack on an ICE facility in Dallas and the ongoing rise in hate-fueled rhetoric remind us that fear and division are still very much present in our society.
In times like these, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, even helpless. But as followers of Christ, we are called not to despair, but to hope. Not to turn inward, but to reach outward. Not to be consumed by the noise of the world, but to be anchored in the truth of the Gospel.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus.
In a world filled with conflicting voices, conspiracy theories, and misinformation, we must be discerning. Many of these narratives—whether about politics, health, or global events—are designed not to inform, but to divide. They prey on fear, sow distrust, and often promote hatred under the guise of “truth.” As your pastor, I urge you: do not be led astray by these distractions. Test everything against the teachings of Christ. Ask: does this bring peace or division? Does it reflect love or fear? Does it glorify God or elevate human pride?
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Our allegiance is not to any political party, ideology, or movement—it is to the Kingdom of God. Our devotion belongs not to personalities or platforms, but to the One who gave His life for us.
Now more than ever, the world needs the Church to be a beacon of light.
Let us be people of peace in a time of conflict. Let us be people of truth in a time of confusion. Let us be people of love in a time of hate. And let us never forget that our hope is not in the systems of this world, but in the unshakable promises of our Savior.
As we move through this season of harvest and thanksgiving, may we also sow seeds of kindness, compassion, and courage. Let us pray for those who suffer, speak up for those who are silenced, and serve those who are in need.
A Prayer for October:
Gracious and loving God,
In a world that feels heavy with sorrow and division, we turn to You.
You are our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in trouble.
Help us to see with Your eyes, to love with Your heart, and to walk in Your truth.
Guard our minds from deception and our hearts from bitterness.
Make us instruments of Your peace, bearers of Your light, and witnesses to Your grace.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer, we pray. Amen.
With hope and love in Christ,
Pastor Toby Guill
From the Pastor – September 2025
Dear Church Family,
As we step into the month of September, I am reminded of the beauty of change and the promise of new beginnings. The transition from summer to autumn is a gentle reminder of God’s ever-present hand in our lives, guiding us through each season with grace and love.
This month, I want to challenge each of you to embrace the theme of renewal. Just as the leaves change color and the air becomes crisp, let us seek to renew our spirits and our commitment to our faith. Take time to reflect on your personal journey with God and consider ways you can deepen your relationship with Him. Whether it’s through prayer, reading scripture, or acts of kindness, let us strive to grow closer to our Creator.
Scripture Highlight: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
This powerful verse reminds us that in Christ, we are made new. Our past mistakes and failures are washed away, and we are given a fresh start. Let this scripture be a source of encouragement and inspiration as we seek renewal in our lives.
A Story of Renewal: Let me share a story about a man named John. John had always been a hardworking individual, but over the years, he found himself feeling disconnected from his faith and his community. He was going through the motions of life, but something was missing. One day, while walking through a park, he noticed a small sapling struggling to grow amidst the tall, overshadowing trees. Despite its challenges, the sapling continued to reach for the sunlight, determined to thrive.
Inspired by the sapling’s resilience, John decided it was time for a change. He began to attend church regularly, joined a Bible study group, and volunteered at a local shelter. Slowly but surely, John felt a renewed sense of purpose and connection. Just like the sapling, he found his way to the light, growing stronger in his faith and his commitment to serving others.
Monthly Challenge: I encourage you to find one area of your life where you can make a positive change. It could be something as simple as setting aside time each day for prayer, reaching out to a friend in need, or volunteering in our community. Small changes can lead to significant transformations, and together, we can make a difference.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of new beginnings. As we enter this new month, we ask for Your guidance and strength to embrace the changes ahead. Help us to renew our spirits and draw closer to You. May we be a light in our community, sharing Your love and grace with those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
May this month be filled with blessings and opportunities for growth. Let us walk together in faith, supporting and uplifting one another as we journey through this season of renewal.
Blessings, Pastor Toby
From the Pastor – August 2025
Dear Beloved Church Family,
As we step into the month of August, we find ourselves in a season that often feels like a bridge—between the fullness of summer and the anticipation of fall, between rest and renewal, between what has been and what is yet to come. It’s a time when many of us are preparing for new beginnings: students returning to school, families wrapping up vacations, and ministries gearing up for a new program year.
In this in-between space, I invite us to pause and reflect on the rhythm of our spiritual lives. Are we making space for God in the midst of our busyness? Are we listening for the still, small voice that calls us to deeper faith, greater compassion, and renewed purpose?
A Challenge for August
This month, I challenge each of us to intentionally reconnect—with God, with one another, and with our community. Choose one way to deepen your spiritual walk:
- Commit to a daily time of prayer or Scripture reading.
- Reach out to someone in the congregation you haven’t seen in a while.
- Volunteer for a ministry or outreach opportunity.
Invite a friend or neighbor to worship with you.
Let’s be a church that doesn’t just gather on Sundays but lives out our faith every day, in every place.
A Prayer for the Journey Ahead
Gracious and Loving God,
In this season of transition, we seek Your presence.
Where there is uncertainty, grant us peace.
Where there is weariness, bring us rest.
Where there is hope, help it to flourish.
Renew our hearts, O Lord, and guide our steps.
May we be vessels of Your grace,
shining Your light in our homes, our church, and our world.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Friend,
Amen.
May this month be filled with moments of grace, growth, and God’s abiding love.
With peace and gratitude, Pastor Toby
From the Pastor – July 2025
Dear Church Family,
As we step into the heart and heat of summer and gather to celebrate Independence Day, I find myself reflecting deeply on the meaning of freedom—both as citizens of this nation and as followers of Christ.
July 4th reminds us of the hard-won liberties we enjoy as Americans: the right to speak freely, to worship openly, and to participate in shaping our shared future. These freedoms are not to be taken lightly. They were born of sacrifice and sustained by the ongoing work of justice, compassion, and civic responsibility.
But as Christians, we are also called to a deeper, more transformative freedom—one that transcends national identity. In Galatians 5:1, Paul writes, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” This is not a freedom to do whatever we please, but a freedom from sin, fear, and the chains of self-centeredness. It is a freedom to love boldly, serve humbly, and live in the Spirit.
This dual identity—as Americans and as disciples—can sometimes feel like a tension. Especially now, as we witness division, injustice, and uncertainty in our country, we may wonder how to live faithfully in both realms. The good news is that our faith equips us not to retreat from the world, but to engage it with grace and courage.
One area where this engagement is especially complex is in our understanding of war and peace. The United Methodist Church, through its Book of Discipline, offers a clear yet nuanced stance: “We believe war is incompatible with the teachings and example of Christ” (¶165.C). At the same time, it acknowledges that faithful Christians may differ in their views, especially when peaceful alternatives have failed.
This tension invites us into honest, prayerful dialogue—not to win arguments, but to seek wisdom together. As your pastor, I encourage us to be a community where such conversations are welcomed, where we listen deeply, and where we strive to embody Christ’s peace in a world that desperately needs it.
This month, we have two beautiful opportunities to embody that spirit of loving service and joyful community:
- Tuesday, July 16th – Join us for our Free Community Meal. Invite a friend, meet a neighbor, and share a table where all are welcome.
Saturday, July 26th – Our Vacation Bible School will bring energy, laughter, and the love of Christ to our youngest disciples. We’d love your help as volunteers, snack suppliers, or prayer partners.
These events remind us that freedom in Christ finds its fullest expression in the ways we serve and care for others.
Let me close with a prayer:
Gracious God, We thank You for the freedoms we enjoy in this land and for the deeper freedom found in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Strengthen us to live boldly in both. Where there is division, let us be peacemakers. Where there is need, move us to serve. Where there is despair, may our lives bear the light of Your love. Lead our church to be a beacon of hope in Westville and beyond. In Christ’s liberating name, Amen.
Grace and peace,
From the Pastor – June 2025
A Season of Growth and GraceBy Pastor Toby
Dear Beloved Church Family,
As we step into the month of June, we find ourselves in a season of warmth, renewal, and growth. The days are longer, the flowers are in full bloom, and the world around us reflects the beauty of God’s creation. This is a time when we are reminded of the abundant grace that surrounds us and the ways in which God continues to work in our lives.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches us about growth through the parable of the mustard seed. He says, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches” (Matthew 13:31-32). This powerful image reminds us that even the smallest acts of faith, kindness, and love can lead to great and lasting impact.
As we enjoy the summer months, I encourage you to take this time to reflect on the ways in which your faith is growing. How can we continue to nurture our spiritual lives and strengthen our connection with God? Perhaps it is through daily prayer, acts of service, or moments of gratitude for the blessings we receive.
June is also a time of community—whether through summer gatherings like Summer Conversations with Pastor Toby, outreach efforts like the community garden, or worship services, we are reminded that we are stronger together. Let us continue to lift one another up, support each other in faith, and share the love of Christ with all those we encounter.
May this month be filled with joy, peace, and the unwavering presence of God in your life. Know that I am praying for each of you and looking forward to all the ways we will continue to grow together as a church family.
Blessings and peace, Pastor Toby
From the Pastor – May 2025
Greetings, beloved congregation!
As the vibrant energy of spring continues to uplift our spirits, we are reminded of the beauty of renewal and growth that this season brings. Just as flowers bloom and nature awakens, we, too, are invited to reflect on our own spiritual journey. In May, we celebrate the promise of God’s love and the gift of new beginnings. Let us embrace this season with gratitude and a commitment to serve others, spreading His light wherever we go.
This month, I encourage you to focus on kindness and compassion. In a world that often feels divided, our faith calls us to be beacons of hope and unity. May we strive to embody Christ’s teachings, extending love to our neighbors, supporting our community, and praying fervently for our nation.
In the spirit of renewal, I invite each of you to take a moment of stillness each day. Reflect on how God’s grace has touched your life and consider how you can share that grace with others. Whether through acts of service, a kind word, or simply being present for someone who needs it, your actions have the power to transform lives and uplift hearts.
Let us also take time to celebrate the milestones and joys within our congregation. Together, we are a family bound by faith and love, and each moment of connection strengthens the bond we share. May our church continue to be a place of solace, inspiration, and community for all who seek it.
A Prayer for May
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for Your boundless love and grace. Thank You for the gift of renewal and the beauty of spring that reminds us of Your creation and promises.
We lift up our congregation, praying for strength, unity, and unwavering faith. Guide us as we seek to serve You and share Your light with others. Help us to support one another, celebrate our joys, and find peace in Your presence.
We pray for the community we serve, asking for Your blessings upon those in need, the lonely, and the burdened. May Your love be their comfort, and may we be instruments of Your compassion.
Lord, we lift up our country, placing it into Your hands. Grant wisdom to our leaders, healing to the hurting, and hope to all. May Your peace reign, and may Your justice flow like a river across this land.
In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
As we journey through May, let us hold onto the promise of God’s love and the strength that comes from being His children. Together, we can grow in faith, serve with joy, and bring His light into the world.
Blessings and peace,
Pastor Toby
Toby.guill@inumc.org
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Westville IN United Methodist Church 