GREG
UCHIMURA
VIDEO TECH
THE WEEKDAY WORD…
UPDATED: January 15, 2026
Awakened to Grace
This past Sunday, the story of Daniel reminded us that prayer is not something we reach for only in moments of crisis. Daniel’s faithfulness was shaped by a regular rhythm of prayer long before he faced the lions’ den. That daily practice became a lifeline when circumstances turned dangerous and uncertain. Prayer, formed in ordinary time, prepares hearts and spirits for moments that feel anything but ordinary.
That being said, you may not feel that you are in a grounded, peaceful season to forge a discipline for the future. Whether you are experiencing a season of personal turmoil, or feeling overwhelmed with the needs of the world around you, I would encourage each of us to start small and allow our practices to grow. Life is full of disruptions, while the call to faithful practice remains steady. Prayer anchors us, and even a humble practice can provide us the lifeline we need.
This theme of steady faith carries into the coming weekend, as I will be away officiating a wedding for two former students from my campus ministry years. It is a gift to stand with them as they make a covenant grounded in faith, love, and God’s enduring promises. Even in my absence, I am grateful for a congregation shaped by prayerful habits - ones that sustain worship, community, and trust in God’s abiding care.
Sunday School
We will still have Sunday School this Sunday, even with my absence. I hope you will join and deepen the conversation on reading Scripture as a valuable spiritual practice to increase our awareness of God’s grace.
Sunday School will is held after worship each week in the Fellowship Hall, beginning around 10:45am.
Bring a Bible, pen, and maybe a journal as we learn about the breadth of these practices together!
Awakened to Grace Resources
This conference-wide initiative is meant to go beyond weekly sermons and discussion and be a deeper invitation to daily practices that can transform our lives. The Spiritual Disciplines we will explore can be practiced in numerous ways, and each of us needs to find the way we can best connect to God’s grace. Some of the resources available include a daily devotional. You can order a print copy, download a copy, or access it through a new app. There is also a spiritual practices guide with opportunities to engage with God in a new way and reflect. I hope these resources are helpful to your own transformation!
Awakened to Grace Daily Devotional:
https://www.wesleyanrooted.org/daily-devotional.html
Devotional App:
https://www.wesleyanrooted.org/get-the-app.html
Spiritual Practices Guide:
https://www.wesleyanrooted.org/uploads/1/3/2/7/132790944/awakened_to_grace_practices.pdf
Visit from the Florida Foundation
On February 1st, after worship, Elena Nichols from the Florida United Methodist Foundation will be joining us with some great resources, especially for those thinking about their legacy.
It can be such a kindness to leave loved ones with clear arrangements on your care, finances and legacy. I hope this information will be helpful as we steward our legacy to be a blessing for others.
In Christ's Love,
Pastor Haley
Emmanuel United Methodist Church
941-792-3497
5115 Cortez Rd. West, Bradenton, FL 34210
