Pastor Malinda's musings ...
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Clarifying National News + Epiphany
Dear friends, I’m writing to you about a few different topics that have common bonds … the tension within our global denomination, resisting harm, and the ongoing ministry of our local church here in Avondale. If you’re not interested in the global things going on, I hope you’ll skip to
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O Come All Ye Faithful!
Each year on Christmas Eve, we read the birth story of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:1-20). Why? Only two Gospels – Matthew and Luke – contain details of Jesus’ conception and birth. Of the two, Luke is the only one that gives the details about the actual
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Make a Child’s Christmas Possible
When I think back on my childhood, I have fond memories of celebrating holidays with my extended family. My family took every opportunity to get together … from Christmas to Easter to Memorial Day to the 4th of July … we were always together. All of them were fun, but
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Fans in the Stands
All Saints Day is a significant day in the life of the church as we remember and celebrate that great cloud of witnesses that we call the communion of saints. It’s a day that we give thanks to God for the lives of all those who, in their earthly life,
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The Pledge to Be Grateful
Thanks to the generous support of many members and friends, 2019 has been a great year in the life of the church. In April, the congregation voted unanimously to affiliate with Reconciling Ministries Network. This decision affirms who we are as a welcoming and fully inclusive body that seeks to
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Supporting our Mission
This week we’re spotlighting our mission arm Avondale Samaritan Place (ASP). If you follow our social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter – you’ve likely already seen us showcasing various ministries. We’re doing so to raise awareness around the great things that are happening as a result of ASP and to
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Important Church Vote
Everywhere I look, nature is showing off … flowers and trees are in full bloom, the grass is green again, and everything has a thin, sneeze-worthy layer of yellow dust on it. Yes, it’s springtime in Alabama, and that means Easter is almost here. It’s that beautiful time of year
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A Pastoral Response in the Wake of General Conference 2019
You are loved. YOU are loved. YOU ARE LOVED. God loves you. I love you. And the people of Avondale United Methodist Church love you. No General Conference decision can change that. While I dearly love The United Methodist Church, the Thing that binds us together with chords of love
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What the Future Holds
Our denomination will make national headlines at the end of February as United Methodists from around the globe gather in St. Louis, Missouri, for a Special General Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC). Some of you have been closely following the work of the Commission on the Way Forward.
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Star Gifts: Focus on the Light
Happy New Year!!! As a child, I used to really look forward to January … mainly because it’s my birth month, and what kid isn’t excited about her birthday?! Now I dread the birthday because it means I’m growing older, and I want life to slow down so I can
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