Open Hearts Community Church

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

This Pride Month, we celebrate the many ways God’s children reflect His creativity, beauty, and love.

Together we worship.
Together we serve.
Together we grow.

No matter where you’ve been, who you are, or where you are on your faith journey, there is a place for you here.

Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

“Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you.” — Romans 15:7

05/31/2026

What does creation and the great commission have in common? Chaos

Genesis 1:1-2:3, Matthew 28

05/31/2026

Weekly Reader
May 31 – June 7, 2026
Pastor's Corner
Drawn into the Holy Dance
Before there was light, before there was land, before there was life, there was relationship.

The opening verses of Genesis tell us that "the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters" (Genesis 1:2). Out of chaos, God brought beauty. Out of emptiness, God spoke life. Again and again throughout creation, God looked upon what had been made and declared, "It is good."

Christians have long understood that creation was not the work of a lonely God but the work of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father creates, the Word speaks, and the Spirit hovers over the waters. Creation itself springs from the loving relationship that has existed within God from all eternity.

The early church described this relationship with the Greek word perichoresis, often translated as "the divine dance." The Father, Son, and Spirit move together in perfect love, giving and receiving, creating and sustaining. Everything God does flows from this eternal relationship.

At the end of Matthew's Gospel, Jesus gathers His disciples and sends them into the world. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). The Great Commission is more than an assignment; it is an invitation. Through Christ, we are welcomed into the life of the Trinity itself. We become participants in God's holy dance.

One beautiful example of God bringing goodness from chaos occurred in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001. When American airspace was suddenly closed, thirty-eight international airplanes carrying nearly 7,000 stranded passengers landed in this town of only about 10,000 people. Fear and uncertainty filled the air. Yet the people of Gander opened their schools, churches, and homes. They cooked meals, provided beds, shared clothing, and formed friendships that continue to this day. Out of a moment of global chaos came extraordinary acts of love and hospitality. The story became known around the world and inspired the Broadway musical Come From Away.

This is what God does. The Trinity brings order from chaos, hope from fear, and beauty from brokenness. As the Body of Christ, we are called to join that work. Every act of kindness, every prayer, every invitation, every mission effort becomes part of God's ongoing creation.

This Pentecost, may we remember that we are not spectators. We are participants in the life of God. The Spirit who hovered over the waters and empowered the disciples now dwells within us, inviting us into the holy dance of love, grace, and mission.

Daily Lectionary Readings
Sunday, May 31 – Trinity Sunday
Readings: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Acts 2:1-21; John 20:19-23
Theme: The Holy Spirit arrives with power, breathing new life into the Church and sending believers into the world.

Monday, June 1
Readings: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Genesis 11:1-9; Acts 7:44-53
Theme: Human pride scatters people at Babel, but God's Spirit continues to work through imperfect people to accomplish divine purposes.

Tuesday, June 2
Readings: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Numbers 11:24-30; Acts 10:1-16
Theme: God's Spirit cannot be contained and often surprises us by moving beyond our expectations.

Wednesday, June 3
Readings: Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Ezekiel 37:1-14; John 7:37-39
Theme: The Spirit breathes life into dry bones and offers living water to all who thirst.

Thursday, June 4
Readings: Psalm 8; Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Romans 5:1-5
Theme: God's wisdom was present at creation, and God's love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

Friday, June 5
Readings: Psalm 8; Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; John 16:12-15
Theme: The Spirit continues to guide us into truth and reveal the heart of God.

Saturday, June 6
Readings: Psalm 8; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15
Theme: Through faith we stand in grace, sustained by hope and strengthened through trials.

Sunday, June 7 – Second Sunday after Pentecost
Readings: Psalm 8; Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15
Theme: We celebrate the mystery and beauty of the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Indiana Annual Conference
This week delegates, clergy, and laity from across Indiana will gather for the Indiana Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Annual Conference is a time of worship, holy conferencing, discernment, celebration, and planning for the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Prayer for Annual Conference
Gracious God,

Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon all who gather for Annual Conference. Grant wisdom to delegates, courage to leaders, patience in discussion, and grace in every conversation. Help all who attend to seek Your will above their own and to listen carefully for the movement of Your Spirit. Strengthen the ministries of our churches and renew our commitment to share Christ's love throughout Indiana and beyond.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.

Church Calendar
Sunday – May 31 – Pentecost Sunday
9:00 AM – Something's Brewing
9:30 AM – Worship Service
10:45 AM – Safe Sanctuary Training

Monday – June 1
1:00 PM – 7:00 PM – VBS Set-Up

Tuesday – June 2
Office Hours: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Wednesday – June 3
Indiana Annual Conference Begins
7:00 PM – Choir Practice

Thursday – June 4
Indiana Annual Conference

Friday – June 5
Indiana Annual Conference

Saturday – June 6
Indiana Annual Conference

Sunday – June 7
9:00 AM – Something's Brewing
9:30 AM – Worship Service
10:45 AM – Adult Sunday School

Prayer Concerns
Please keep these persons and situations in your prayers:

Immigrants
Law Enforcement Officers
Our Elected Leaders
Members of the Military
Evelyn (recovering from surgery)
Natasha Norris and grandson Henry
An unnamed uncle diagnosed with cancer
A neighbor whose father was murdered
Kim B. (Linda Minnick's daughter) – Multiple Myeloma (terminal)
Ron Gibson (Shingles)
Indiana Annual Conference
Announcements

TODAY STAY AFTER FOR SAFE SANCTUARY] (Mandatory for all volunteers)

Open Hearts T-Shirts
Interested in an Open Hearts T-Shirt? See Sarah King.

Vacation Bible School
June 8–12
See Allie if you would like to volunteer or help with VBS.

Pastor Kerry Family Appreciation & Goodbye
June 14
Join us as we celebrate and give thanks for Pastor Kerry and family.

Fish Fry
July 12
Mark your calendars and invite your friends and neighbors!

Rev. Kerry Clear

05/28/2026

Please keep Ben Fulks in your prayers. He is currently at the hospital for chest pains and testing.

05/24/2026

Where is the Spirit??? With the people. Lessons from Exodus. "Oh That All Would Prophecy"

05/24/2026

SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS NEEDED:

Each year our church is honored to distribute the McDermott Scholarship to local, involved students. This has truly been a blessing for our church, and the fund is performing well, currently valued at $42,000 (approximately $10k more than 5 years ago, even after distributing $6000 in scholarships, praise be to God.)

In addition to the McDermott scholarship, we also give secondary scholarships every year, funded by a free will offering and local donations. We are currently collecting for those secondary scholarships. You can send donations to the church c/o scholarship fund, or drop them in the offering plate. We have several applicants and are excited to be able to support their growth and education. - Ellen Packard, Scholarship Committee

05/22/2026

Weekly Reader – Week of May 24, 2026
As we gather for Pentecost Sunday, we remember the powerful story of God revealing Godself among ordinary people through wind, fire, and Spirit. The disciples were not transformed into something other than human; rather, they were empowered to fully live the life and message of Jesus in the world. The Holy Spirit gave them courage to speak in ways others could understand, crossing boundaries of language, culture, and fear. Pentecost reminds us that God still moves among people today — empowering us to love boldly, serve faithfully, and proclaim hope in a divided world.

This week also includes Memorial Day, a solemn time of remembrance for those who gave their lives in military service. As we honor their sacrifice, we pray for peace, for grieving families, and for a world where justice and compassion might flourish more fully. May we remember both the cost of freedom and the calling of Christ to be peacemakers in our communities and beyond.

Calendar & Daily Readings
Sunday – May 24 – Pentecost Sunday
Acts 2:1-21 – The Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples, empowering them to proclaim God’s good news to all people.
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b – A song celebrating God’s Spirit renewing all creation.
Romans 8:22-27 – The Spirit intercedes for us even when words fail.
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 – Jesus promises the Advocate who will guide the disciples in truth.

9:00a – Something’s Brewing
9:30a – Worship Service
10:45a – Adult Sunday School

Monday – May 25 – Memorial Day
Psalm 80 – A prayer asking God to restore and save the people.
Numbers 11:16-17, 24-29 – God shares the Spirit among the elders of Israel.
Ephesians 2:11-22 – Christ breaks down dividing walls and creates peace.
Matthew 7:28-8:4 – Jesus heals and restores one considered untouchable.

Office Closed

Tuesday – May 26
Psalm 81 – God calls the people to listen and trust.
Numbers 11:31-35 – God provides for the people in the wilderness, though not without consequences.
Ephesians 4:1-16 – Paul calls the church to unity and spiritual maturity.
Matthew 8:5-17 – Jesus heals through compassion and faith.

Office Closed

Wednesday – May 27
Psalm 104:24-34 – Creation rejoices in the renewing breath of God’s Spirit.
Joel 2:28-29 – God promises to pour out the Spirit on all people.
1 Corinthians 12:1-13 – Many gifts, one Spirit, one body in Christ.
John 20:19-23 – The risen Christ breathes peace and Spirit upon the disciples.

Office Hours 12-4p
7:00p – Choir Practice

Thursday – May 28
Psalm 33:12-22 – Hope rests not in human strength but in God’s steadfast love.
Isaiah 6:1-8 – Isaiah answers God’s call: “Here am I; send me!”
Romans 8:12-17 – Through the Spirit we are adopted as children of God.
John 3:1-17 – Jesus speaks of being born anew through Spirit and grace.

Office Hours 12-4p

Friday – May 29
Psalm 146 – Praise for the God who lifts up the oppressed and cares for the vulnerable.
Micah 6:6-8 – God desires justice, kindness, and humble living.
James 2:1-17 – Faith is shown through acts of mercy and love.
Luke 10:25-37 – The Good Samaritan teaches neighborly compassion.

8:30a - ? – Rummage Sale

Saturday – May 30
Psalm 121 – God watches over us and keeps us in safety.
Deuteronomy 31:1-8 – God promises to remain with the people as they move forward.
Philippians 4:4-9 – Rejoice, pray, and dwell on what is good.
John 14:25-31 – Jesus promises peace through the Holy Spirit.

8:30a - ? – Rummage Sale

Sunday – May 31
Isaiah 6:1-8 – Isaiah encounters the holiness of God and is called to serve.
Psalm 29 – The voice of the Lord moves powerfully through creation.
Romans 8:12-17 – We are children and heirs of God through the Spirit.
John 3:1-17 – Jesus teaches Nicodemus about new life in the Spirit.

9:00a – Something’s Brewing
9:30a – Worship Service
10:45a – Adult Sunday School

Prayer Concerns
Immigrants
Law Enforcement
Our Leaders
The Military
Evelyn (recovering from surgery)
Natasha Norris and Grandson Henry
An unnamed uncle diagnosed with cancer
A neighbor whose father was murdered
Kim B. (Linda Minnick’s daughter) – multiple myeloma (terminal)
Ron Gibson (shingles)

Announcements
Want an Open Hearts T-Shirt? See Sarah King
May 29-30: All Church Rummage Sale – Bring your priced donations to the shed. Want to use the space for your own sale? Spots available.
VBS – June 8-12 – See Allie to help
Pastor Kerry family appreciation and goodbye – June 14
Fish Fry – July 12

05/15/2026

Weekly Reader – Week of May 17
“So That They May Be One”
Scripture for Sunday: John 17:1–11

Devotional
In 1969, more than 400,000 people gathered at Woodstock for a music festival that no one person could have managed alone. Roads were overwhelmed, supplies ran short, and the organizers quickly realized the event had grown far beyond their plans. Yet something remarkable happened. Local farmers brought food. Volunteers directed traffic and cared for medical needs. Musicians played extra sets. Ordinary people shared blankets, water, and kindness with strangers. What could have become chaos instead became a powerful picture of people united around a common purpose.

History is filled with examples like this. Great accomplishments rarely happen because of one gifted individual. They happen when people come together with shared vision, shared sacrifice, and shared love.

In John 17, Jesus prays for His disciples just before His arrest and crucifixion. Of all the things He could pray for, Jesus asks the Father that His followers “may be one.” Jesus understood that the mission ahead would be impossible if everyone tried to go their own way. The church would only reflect God’s love when people lived in unity.

Unity does not mean everyone is identical. It does not mean we always agree on everything. Instead, Christian unity means we are bound together by Christ’s love and purpose. We forgive one another. We encourage one another. We work together to share hope with the world.

The truth is, there are things no single Christian can accomplish alone. No one person can feed every hungry neighbor, comfort every hurting heart, or carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth. But when God’s people join together in love and service, amazing things happen.

As we move toward Pentecost Sunday next week, may we remember that the Holy Spirit was given not just to individuals, but to the whole church. God calls us to be united in Christ so that the world may see His love through us.

Daily Scripture Readings & Reflections
(Based on the Revised Common Lectionary / UMC Daily Readings)

Sunday – May 17 – Seventh Sunday of Easter
Readings: Acts 1:6–14; Psalm 68:1–10, 32–35; 1 Peter 4:12–14; 5:6–11; John 17:1–11
The disciples wait prayerfully for the coming of the Holy Spirit while Jesus prays for unity among His followers. Even in uncertainty, God is preparing His people for what comes next.

Church Calendar
9:00a — Something’s Brewing
9:30a — Worship Service
10:45a — Adult Sunday School

Monday – May 18
Readings: Psalm 93; Proverbs 8:22–31; Ephesians 1:15–23
God’s wisdom existed before creation itself. Paul reminds believers that Christ reigns above all things and strengthens the church with hope and power.

Church Calendar
Office Closed
5:30p — Open Hands Board
6:30p — Administrative Board

Tuesday – May 19
Readings: Psalm 93; Proverbs 8:32–36; Ephesians 2:1–10
We are reminded that salvation is God’s gift of grace, not something we earn. Through Christ, we are made alive and called to live faithfully.

Church Calendar
Office Closed
6:30p — Scouts @ Open Hands (Graduation)

Wednesday – May 20
Readings: Psalm 93; Daniel 7:9–14; John 3:31–36
Daniel’s vision points to God’s eternal kingdom, while John’s Gospel proclaims Jesus as the One sent from heaven with words of eternal life.

Church Calendar
Office Hours 12–4p
7:00p — Choir Practice

Thursday – May 21
Readings: Acts 2:1–21; Psalm 104:24–34, 35b; Romans 8:22–27
As Pentecost approaches, these readings remind us of the Spirit’s power and presence. God breathes new life into creation and into the church.

Church Calendar
Office Hours 12–4p

Friday – May 22
Readings: Genesis 11:1–9; Psalm 104:24–34; Acts 2:1–21
The confusion of Babel is contrasted with Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit brings understanding and unity across many languages and peoples.

Church Calendar
Office Hours
6:30p — Game Night

Saturday – May 23
Readings: Numbers 11:24–30; John 7:37–39
God’s Spirit cannot be limited or controlled. Jesus promises living water for all who come to Him in faith.

Church Calendar
8:00a — Town and Country Men @ Bethel Church (Pinkley)

Sunday – May 24 – Pentecost Sunday
Readings: Acts 2:1–21; Psalm 104:24–34, 35b; Romans 8:22–27; John 7:37–39
Pentecost celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church. God empowers ordinary people to carry extraordinary hope into the world.

Church Calendar
9:00a — Something’s Brewing
9:30a — Worship Service
10:45a — Adult Sunday School

Prayer Concerns
Please continue praying for:

Immigrants
Law Enforcement
Our Leaders
The Military
Evelyn (recovering from surgery)
Natasha Norris and grandson Henry
An unnamed uncle diagnosed with cancer
A neighbor whose father was murdered
Kim B. (Linda Minnick’s daughter) battling terminal multiple myeloma
Ronn Gibson - Shingles

Announcements
Want an Open Hearts T-Shirt? See Sarah King
Game Night — May 22
May 29–30: All Church Rummage Sale
Bring your priced donations to the shed
Want space for your own sale? Spots are available
VBS — June 8–12
See Allie if you would like to help
Pastor Kerry Family Appreciation & Goodbye — June 14
Fish Fry — July 12

05/13/2026

VBS is right around the corner!!! It is going to be super cool this year - June 8-12, 9:30a-3:30p. Registration is here:

Event Timing: June 8th - 12th 9:30 AM t0 3:30 PM Event Address: 1414 E National Ave Brazil, IN 47834 Contact us at (812) 605 -1896 (Text Only) or 812 - 443 - 2231