“Back to School: The Three Simple Rules – 2. Do Good” – August 22, 2021

Throughout August, we’re journeying through a series, Back To School: The Three Simple Rules. John Wesley, one of the founders of the Methodist movement, gave us these rules that consist of: Doing No Harm, Doing Good, and Loving God. John Wesley also wanted to share the pulpit with colleagues to help the faith communities he served hear a variety of voices. This Sunday, we are blessed to welcome a friend and colleague in the Western Jurisdiction, Rev. Joseph Kim to SDUMC. He has served as Lead Pastor of Bothell United Methodist Church (Bothell, Washington) since April 2018. Here are a few thoughts from Rev. Joe:

Dear SDUMC,

I am so looking forward to joining you in worship this Sunday as you continue your series – Back to School: The Three Simple Rules. I have been a long-time follower of the amazing ministry that you all live into and a dear friend to your pastors, Rev. John and Rev. Chelsea. I’m grateful for the invitation to bring you the word!

When I heard that the theme for this series would be related to John Wesley’s Three Simple Rules, I immediately began thinking about the role that compassion plays in our communities and in our world.

Last week, Rev. John reminded all of us that our words matter and that in doing no harm, either through our words or our actions, we were being reflections of God’s love and light to the world. Well, this week, I want to continue that thought as we explore the ways God invites us to proactively do good.

On a personal note, this will be my first time preaching to a congregation made up of both people in-person and people joining virtually since March 1, 2020! I confess that I am incredibly excited and preemptively ask for your grace!

For all that God already has in store, and for the ways God will move in us and through us on Sunday morning, know that your community is in my prayers!

In Christ’s Love,
Rev. Joe Kim