A Note From Your Lay Leader

Sunday, March 16th at 11:15 AM (Following Worship) Berwyn United Methodist Church will hold a special session of Charge Conference on Sunday, March 16th at 11:15 AM, immediately following worship. The purpose of this session is to discuss and decide on the church’s mortgage and funding options for essential building improvements related to our transition to a full-day childcare program. Key Considerations: Our current mortgage rate has increased from 4.14% to 6.73%. Option 1: Refinance the entire mortgage with the United Methodist Loan Board at its current rate of 5.25%, while adding a modest amount to fund necessary building improvements, including: Air conditioning (most pressing need) Bathroom additions (child-sized toilets) Furnishings for childcare spaces Safety and security measures to ensure church ministry can continue while childcare is in session. We have requested three estimates for air conditioning and will explore costs for other improvements. Option 2: Keep the loan as it is and borrow against the $100,000 invested with the Loan Fund, as our endowment is invested with the Mid-Atlantic Foundation and this is a viable alternative. This decision is crucial for the future of our church and the successful launch of Berwyn Early Learning Academy. All members are strongly encouraged to attend, ask questions, and participate in this important conversation. For questions or more information, please contact Pastor Kevin or a member of the Leadership Team.

Exchange Anxiety for Peace: A Transformative Gift In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by anxiety. From global conflicts to personal challenges, the weight of worry can seem unbearable. But what if there were a way to exchange that anxiety for something infinitely more valuable—God’s peace? The Gift Exchange That Transforms As the holiday season approaches, many of us get caught up in the frenzy of gift-giving—making lists, shopping, and stressing over finding the "perfect" presents. Amid this whirlwind, let’s consider a different kind of exchange—one that doesn’t involve material goods but transforms our hearts. The world gives us its own “gifts,” but often these come as sorrow, fear, and darkness. These unwanted burdens can leave us feeling heavy and discouraged. Thankfully, God offers a divine exchange: trading our worries for His gifts of hope, peace, joy, love, and light. These are not temporary fixes—they are life-changing treasures. Jesus’ Promise of Peace Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” These words are more than comforting—they’re an invitation to trust in a peace that transcends understanding. Say them aloud: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you.” There’s a soothing rhythm in these words that quiets our hearts. This peace is more than a feeling of calm. It transforms our thoughts, actions, and even the world around us. It’s a peace that calls us to be active participants in God’s vision. Becoming Peacemakers The peace Jesus offers isn’t passive. It’s a call to action: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” True peace requires more than internal calm—it demands reconciliation, love for our neighbors (and enemies), and a commitment to seek justice. Our world desperately needs this kind of peace. News of war, violence, and injustice reminds us that as long as such realities exist, we cannot claim to have fully realized peace. Yet, this does not mean we should lose hope. Instead, hope propels us forward, helping us live in the tension between our current reality and the promised peace of God’s kingdom. Living the Divine Exchange How do we begin this exchange of anxiety for peace? It starts with turning to God. When worry threatens to overwhelm us, we can lean on Jesus’ words: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not let them be afraid.” This peace is more than a personal escape from stress. It transforms how we live, love, and interact with others. It enables us to love ourselves, embrace our neighbors, and even extend grace to our enemies. Through this transformation, we become true children of God—peacemakers in a world hungry for hope. A Daily Challenge As we journey through this season and beyond, let’s challenge ourselves to make this exchange every day: When anxiety knocks, trade it for peace. When fear takes hold, exchange it for hope. When darkness creeps in, replace it with God’s light. This exchange isn’t always easy. It takes faith, practice, and perseverance. But the rewards are profound. Living in God’s peace allows us to share that peace with others, becoming beacons of hope and healing in a broken world. Reflecting the Prince of Peace Whatever weighs on your heart today, bring it to God. Offer it up in exchange for His peace. Then, empowered by that peace, step into the world as a peacemaker. In doing so, you reflect God’s love and bring His transformative peace to those around you. The Prince of Peace is always with us, ready to help us make this exchange. In His strength, we can trade anxiety for peace, fear for love, and darkness for light. This is the ultimate gift exchange—one that not only transforms us but also the world we touch. Are you ready to make the exchange today?