June 2, 2024 | Asbury-St. James UMC, Charleston, SC

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the fast-paced society we live in, yearning for a moment of clarity and purpose amidst the chaos? Today's service at Asbury-St. James United Methodist Church, led by Pastor Tim Shaw, offered just that-a chance to pause, reflect, and understand the importance of making time for what truly matters.
In his sermon, Pastor Tim revisited a powerful biblical story where Jesus confronts the Pharisees about the true meaning of the Sabbath. He used this narrative to challenge our modern perceptions of rest and obligation. The central message was clear: the Sabbath was made to serve us, not to enslave us. Pastor Tim eloquently argued that the day of rest is not just a religious formality but a necessary reprieve that rejuvenates the spirit and reorients our priorities.
Drawing on the story of Jesus healing a man with a crippled hand on the Sabbath, Pastor Tim illustrated how Jesus prioritized human need over strict legalism. He posed a thought-provoking question to the congregation: "What kind of action suits the Sabbath best? Doing good or doing nothing?" This question isn't just theological-it's deeply practical, encouraging us to consider how we choose to spend our own moments of rest.
Pastor Tim didn't just leave the message in biblical times; he connected it directly to our lives today. He spoke about the surprises life throws at us-much like the unexpected events faced by biblical figures like Jonah or Zechariah-and how these moments are often opportunities for growth and reflection. His message was clear: just as the Sabbath was a surprise gift of rest and reflection for ancient peoples, our own weekends can be a time to recover and contemplate, away from the relentless pace of modern life.
For those among us aged 25 to 45, who might view traditional church as out of touch with contemporary life, Pastor Tim's message resonates on a different frequency. It's about finding balance and making room for personal spiritual journeys without the burden of outdated rituals. It invites us to a space where faith meets practicality, where the historical context of scripture enlightens our daily routines.
If you've ever felt that religion seems too rigid or distant from the realities of your everyday life, the approach at Asbury-St. James might change your mind. Here, faith is not about adhering to strict rules but about finding ways to enrich your life and well-being. It’s about community, support, and understanding-values that never go out of style, no matter how fast the world moves.
We invite you to join us next Sunday at Asbury-St. James United Methodist Church. Whether you're seeking a moment of peace, a new perspective, or a community that values practical spirituality, you might just find what you're looking for. Remember, in the words of Pastor Tim, "Life is full of surprises, and so is faith.