SPIRIT ABLAZE: A podcast of the Northeast GMC

Day 25 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey" with Rev. Richard Morris

Greetings in the name of Christ.
My name is Richard Morris, and I am the presiding elder of the Pennsylvania Southwest District in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 25 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our annual conference gathering on May 8th and 5th in Cortland, New York.
The 10 churches of the Pennsylvania Southwest District are located in the southwest central part of the state of Pennsylvania. What I love about our district is the variety of ministry settings, from the very rural to small town to inner city. Our churches are Bedford Methodist, Bellwood Cross of Calvary, First Church Greencastle, the Harrisonville Churches, Hicks Memorial Methodist Church, Second Avenue Global Methodist, Tyrone Good Shepherd, and Warriors Mark Methodist Churches. Pray for us today that we would faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe. 
We in the Pennsylvania Southwest District are eager to see many of you at annual conference in May. We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God's Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.
Here is today's Focus scripture passage from Acts 2, verses 1-4.
"1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
This is what we desire. This is what we have been praying and fasting for these past many days, for God to pour out His Spirit on all flesh. This is what Peter said was happening at that first Pentecost long ago as described in the second chapter of Acts. Center your prayers this day on the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Pray for the Holy Spirit to come with a mighty wind and with tongues of fire on the people of the Northeast Annual Conference this week. Ask for power so that we can, like the first disciples, boldly go and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.
Today’s Suggested Prayer
Here is today's suggested prayer. Let us pray.
Come, Holy Spirit. As you hovered over the waters of creation, ready to form the earth and the world with the speaking of the word, so hover over the people of the Northeast Annual Conference, poised and ready to move, as this new movement of your church takes its next steps.
Come, Holy Spirit, as you breathe life into the dry bones of your people so that they could once again stand tall, so breathe upon us in the Northeast Annual Conference that we, too, may be fashioned into a great army ready to do your will. 
Come, Holy Spirit. As you came upon your disciples gathered together in one place, with the sound of a rushing wind and with tongues of fire, so send your power upon the Northeast Annual Conference, as your disciples gather together in one place, so that we might pour out into the streets and proclaim your mighty works with boldness.
In the name of Christ, come, Holy Spirit. Amen.
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of these 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.

Day 24 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey" with Rev. Brendan Hock

Greetings in the name of Christ. 
My name is Brendan Hock and I am the Presiding Elder of the Pennsylvania Southeast (Hershey) district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 24 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The five churches of the Pennsylvania Southeast district are located in the eastern part of the state of Pennsylvania. What I love about our district is our congregations' complete commitment to be faithful to the Lord. Their faithfulness has taken them down some roads they never guessed they would have been called to walk, but their spiritual bond with each other as a church family and their openness to the witness of the Holy Spirit has been so refreshing to me as I’ve met with them and heard their stories. I also love the pastors in our district. In their sacrifice, God has blessed them with a renewed sense of call, and their desire to lead faithfully and lead well as Spiritual Shepherd’s is inspiring to my heart. Even though we are really spread out geographically, I love connecting with the pastors each Saturday in prayer and lifting them up to the Lord as they prepare for worship.
Our churches are: Church of the Great Redeemer in Jim Thorpe, Limeville Church - Gap, John Wesley Covenant in Wind Gap, Grace St. Paul’s Church in Jim Thorpe and Halifax Community Church, in Halifax, PA.  And we also have five additional churches in our district who are seeking to be part of the Global Methodist Church, but who currently remain in exit negotiations and so we keep each of them in prayer. Pray for us today, that we would faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
We in the Pennsylvania Southeast (Hershey) district are eager to see many of you at Annual Conference in May. We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.  
Here is today’s focus Scripture passage from Acts 1:6-14: 
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” 12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
After appearing to them in resurrection glory, the disciples wish to know when Jesus will restore the kingdom to Israel. Jesus says it is not for them to know this. Moreover, he also tells them they are thinking too small. Beyond just Jerusalem, beyond just Judea and Samaria, the Holy Spirit power they will receive will make them witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” Center your prayers this day on the outward growth possible with the Holy Spirit. Pray that what Holy Spirit gives you will be fanned into a great flame that will spread across the globe like wildfire.
Today’s Suggested Prayer
God of all Creation, you anointed your Son and sent himto preach good news to the poor,to give sight to the blind,and to set at liberty the oppressed.Anoint this Northeast Annual Conference with your Holy Spirit,so that we may, with his power,fan into flame this great gift of the Gospel;and be his witnesses, not just in our hearts,but in our homes,and in our churches,and in our communities,and to the ends of the earth.Do this so that all may see,and all be set free, in the name of Christ. Amen.
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of these 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.

Day 23 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey with Rev. Josh Wargo

Greetings in the name of Christ. 
My name is Josh Wargo and I am the Presiding Elder of the Pennsylvania East York district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church.  Welcome to Day 23 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY. 
The ten churches of the Pennsylvania East York district are located in the South Central part of the state of Pennsylvania.  What I love about our district is the strong commitment to Biblical truth, the Pennsylvania Dutch culture, and being located right between Harrisburg and Baltimore.
Our churches are Dover Bethany, Christ Jacobus, Bethany York, Emmanuel Windsor, Highmount Community, Bethlehem Stonepile, Christ Yorkana, Mt. Nebo Delta, Saginaw Community, and New Jerusalem. Pray for us today, that we would faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread Scriptural holiness across the globe.
We in the Pennsylvania East York district are eager to see many of you at Annual Conference in May.  We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.  
Here is today’s focus Scripture passage from Joel 2:28-29
28 “And afterward,    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy,    your old men will dream dreams,    your young men will see visions.29 Even on my servants, both men and women,    I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.
Today’s Suggested Prayer
Father, Son, Holy Spirit, pour out your blessing upon your people.God, may we prophesy;may we dream dreams, may we see visions,and may we be followers of Jesuswho make new followers of Jesus.God, you have led us here to be the people called Methodistsin the northeast United States.May we continue to spread scriptural holiness across the land.May we share your message of hopeand your promise of forgivenessin the Gospel of Jesus Christ.Lord, we thank you for calling us, for equipping us,and for showing us our mission field.Lord, as we prepare for this Annual Conference,may you continue to speak to us,may you continue to challenge us,may you continue to convict us, Lord.May you meet us in the means of grace,that we can become the men and women you have called us to be.We say this in your name. Amen.
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of these 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org. 
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.

Day 22 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey" with Rev. Max Furman

Greetings in the name of Christ.
My name is Max Furman and I am the Presiding Elder of the Pennsylvania Northwest (Williamsport) district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church.  Welcome to Day 22 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The eleven churches of the Pennsylvania Northwest (Williamsport) district are located in the North Central part of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  What I love about our district are the pastors, dedicated supply speaker, and the people in the churches they minister with. As pastors and the supply speaker, we get together monthly by way of the marvels of modern technology. Through this, we have strengthened our bond as partners in ministry. Though separated by many miles, we are certainly one in the Spirit and one in the Lord.
Our churches are Antes Fort, Genesee Community, God’s County, Keating Summit, Middle Ridge, Oriole, Oval, Pine Creek Valley, Ulysses, Wingate Faith, and our newly planted church, New Life.   Pray for us today, that we would faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
We in the Pennsylvania Northwest (Williamsport) district are eager to see many of you at Annual Conference in May.  We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.  
Here is today’s focus Scripture passage from James 5:16-18: 
16  Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 17  Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.  18  Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
The second Northeast Annual Conference begins in less than a week. Our task over these past many days of prayer and fasting has been to ask for a rain of God’s blessings when we gather. For many of us coming from other denominations, previous denominational gatherings were dry and barren, sources of tension, and a dreaded annual ritual. Center your prayers this day on a fresh spirit of anticipation and eagerness for all participants in this Annual Conference. Pray for God’s outpouring of his Spirit to wash away those arid, fruitless years of the past. Pray earnestly for God’s refreshing, healing rain.
Today’s Suggested Prayer
Send your rain, O God.When your people hungered in the wildernessMoses prayed;and you rained bread from heaven.When the land was parched because of sin,Elijah prayed for rain;and the heavens filled with clouds and wind.Send your rain, O God.Forgive us our sin, heal us,so that the prayers of the righteous be powerful and effective.Pour out your blessings upon the faithful who will soon gatherat the Northeast Annual Conference.Wash away lingering resentments and dread from the past,so that these steps into your promised futureare taken on well-watered, fertile ground.In the name of Jesus, send your rain, O God. Amen.
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of these 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.

Devotional for May 1, 2025 with Rev. Steven Taylor

Have you ever had a season where life just felt... blah? You know Jesus is alive. You know the tomb is empty. You believe — but somehow, life feels gray, directionless, and heavy. You’re not alone. Join Rev. Steven Taylor as he examines Luke 24:27 and how our perspectives in life sometimes require going back to the basics.
"Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures." Luke 24:27
 

Day 21 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey" with Rev. David Layser

Greetings in the name of Christ.
My name is David Layser and I am the Presiding Elder of the Pennsylvania Northeast (Wilkes-Barre) District in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 21 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The 4 churches of the Pennsylvania Northeast (Wilkes-Barre) District are located in the northeast part of the state of Pennsylvania. What I love about our district is the way our pastors and congregations have a hunger to learn and grow in disciple-making. When we connect together as local church pastors, I see a shared passion to be servant leaders who are seeking to really live out the mission of every-day disciples who make disciples, who make disciples, in our churches and communities.  We long to see a movement of God in our region. We learn from one another, we sharpen one another, we talk about what we’re discovering about making disciples and what it means to spread scriptural holiness. When I interact with our congregations, I see willingness and eagerness to live into this shared mission whatever our context looks like - to find new ways, for a new day. This is so exciting, and such a blessing.  
Our churches are, from north to south, North Jackson Community Church, Meshoppen Community Church, Bethany Church of Berwick, and Trinity Church Danville.  (There are also 1 or 2 more congregations in this region in the process of joining the Global Methodist Church, so we’re very excited to be able to welcome them in the future!) Pray for us today, that we would faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
We in the PA Northeast district are eager to see many of you at Annual Conference in May. We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.  
Here is today’s focus Scripture passage from Hebrews 10:19-25: 
"19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.  
Today’s Prayer Focus
The author of Hebrews encourages his audience to have confidence to enter into God’s presence. With the assurance that comes through faith in Christ, ordinary places and events can become places of holiness when God is invited into them. Center your prayers this day on the necessary business of life together as an Annual Conference. Pray that the ordinary business of the Annual Conference gathering next week becomes extraordinary when placed in God’s hands. When we meet together, as Hebrews urges, let us spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Today’s Suggested Prayer (This Day: A Wesleyan Way of Prayer, by Laurence Hull Stookey. Copyright © 2004 by Abingdon Press. Used by permission. p. 143, alt.)
O God, to the delegates of the Annual Conferenceyou have entrusted the task of governing.Make them faithful in their service.Keep their hearts centered on your Good News,lest they wander off into pursuits of their own.In their discussions, grant them clarityand understanding of different views.In their voting, give them wisdom and integrity.For the sake of fulfilling your missioncause them to be good stewards of all of the resourcesof talent, time and moneyat their disposal.Your will be done, through Christ our Leader. Amen.
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of these 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.

Day 20 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey" with Rev. Thadius Sales

Greetings in the name of Christ. 
My name is Thadius Sales and I am the Presiding Elder of the Pennsylvania West York/Adams district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church.  Welcome to Day 20 of the 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The eight churches of the Pennsylvania West York/Adams district are located in the south-central part of the state of Pennsylvania. As the churches, laity, and clergy in our district continue to draw closer to one another, I find that there is an increasing hunger to grow in the faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ, with churches around our district hosting many opportunities to grow and learn together. People in our district not only serve in their local church contexts but also in a variety of ways around the Annual Conference. There is a desire for service, for being the hands and feet of Jesus, and a desire to see this movement of the Global Methodist Church grow in strength, effectiveness, and most importantly faithfulness to Jesus Christ.
The churches that currently make up this district are Calvary Methodist Church of Dillsburg, Centenary Global Methodist Church, Chestnut Grove Church, First Church Hanover, Grace Church of Hanover, Idaville Global Methodist Church, Mt. Victory United Christian Church, and York Springs Global Methodist Church. We are asking that you pray for us today that we will faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
We in the Pennsylvania West York/Adams district are eager to see many of you at Annual Conference in May.  We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.  
Here is today’s focus Scripture passage from Acts 2:37-42
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
A new thing was happening in those heady early days of the Church, and those touched by the Gospel message did not know what to do next. “Repent and be baptized,” Peter said. Words as true today as they were then. But, then what? The Book of Acts says that those thousands gathered together. Center your prayers this day on the communal aspect of life together. Among the many who will gather at the Northeast Annual Conference, most will be new to each other. As the participants learn together, eat together, and pray together for three days in May, pray that such fellowship results in new connections, new friends, and renewed spiritual encouragement for the journey ahead. 
Today’s Suggested Prayer (based on “And Are We Yet Alive,” by Charles Wesley, and “Blest Be the Tie That Binds,” by John Fawcett)
And are we yet alive, O Lord?Out of all the troubles we have seen,the mighty conflicts past,fightings without and fears within,are we yet alive?We are alive, for you, Lord,have brought us through by your love.As those who gather at Annual Conferencelearn, pray, and share meals together,forge among them the blest tie that bindsso that hearts united in Christian love,and the fellowship of kindred minds,is like to that above.We ask this in the name of Christ. Amen.
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of these 27 Days, on theConference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.

Day 19 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey" with Rev. Joe DiPaolo

Greetings in the name of Christ.
My name is Joe DiPaolo, and I am serving in Southeastern Pennsylvania, within the territory of the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 19 of 27 Days of Prayer, in preparation for the Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
Right now, the churches in my area are in a unique situation. Some 52 congregations, who are theologically aligned with the GMC, are involved in legal action seeking to depart from the United Methodist Church. Several of them have already been preapproved to join the Northeast Conference when able, the others taking things one step at a time. These churches range in size from quite small to rather large, and all are committed to maintaining an orthodox Wesleyan witness. Please pray that these churches will soon end their legal odyssey, to freely unite with you in the GMC’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
We in Eastern Pennsylvania encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.
Here is today’s focus Scripture passage from 2 Kings 19:14-19:
14 Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. 15 And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD: “LORD, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 16 Give ear, LORD, and hear; open your eyes, LORD, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God. 17 “It is true, LORD, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. 18 They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. 19 Now, LORD our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all thekingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, LORD, are God.”
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
A powerful enemy surrounded God’s people. Many others had fallen before the might of Assyria. A message was sent to Hezekiah, King of Judah, promising the same fate for him and the people trembling in fear behind the walls of the city. Hezekiah does the right thing … he spreads the threats before the Lord. Center your prayers this day on the Prayer Walks to occur both in the city of Cortland, NY, and around the walls of Grace Christian Fellowship on Wednesday, May 7. Pray that those who participate in the walk spread all fears and doubts before the Lord, so thatthe Lord can send the enemy away. Discern if you are being called to be part of the Prayer Walks on May 7.
Today’s Suggested Prayer
Lord, God of all kingdoms of the earth,you alone protect your people.Soon, your people will be walking and prayingaround the city of Cortland, New York,and the walls of Grace Christian Fellowship.Whether they go right or left, a short distance or a long one,use their prayers, and this prayerto protect those in the Northeast Annual Conferencewho will gather there.As they encircle that space they will spread at your feetthe fears and doubts of your people.Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see.Drive out before them all the evil spiritsthat would seek to disrupt and distract the Northeast Annual Conference.Lift, especially, the burden of uncertainty and the legal challengesthat surround those churches in the Southeastern Pennsylvania areawho would long to be part of this fellowship in the GMC.Use these Prayer Walks so that all may run to youand all the earth may know that you, alone, are God.This we ask in the name of Christ. Amen.
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of these 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.