Brantley United Methodist Church

“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

This was the focus of our message this past Sunday. We talked about the exhaustion that comes from trying to meet the standards of this world compared to the peace that can only be found in Jesus Christ, who is always with us.

In full transparency, this wasn’t the midweek reflection I had planned to write. Instead, we’ll just call this an inspired moment that came while holding my son at 2:00 this morning.

William had a rough night. Something has his stomach upset, which meant lots of diaper changes and an uncomfortable little boy who just couldn’t settle down. Jennifer and I did what good partners do, we took turns caring for him throughout the night. Around 1:00 a.m., it was my turn.

When I got to his room, I realized he needed more than just a diaper change. He needed a warm bath, some comfort, and someone to simply be with him.

After his bath, he was wide awake, so we settled onto the couch. I turned on Bluey, and, if I’m honest, I started mindlessly scrolling on my phone, wishing I was back in bed.

That’s when I came across the story of Will Roberts, a 15-year-old here in Alabama who is fighting for his life.

Suddenly, my perspective changed.

I realized how blessed I was in that moment. I thought about how Will’s parents would likely give anything to be sitting where I was holding their child in the middle of the night, comforting him after a bath.

It reminded me that there’s a difference between being exhausted because you’re chasing the world’s expectations and being exhausted because you’re loving someone.

There’s a difference between the weariness that comes from trying to prove your worth and the tiredness that comes from embracing the blessings God has placed right in front of you.

So I put my phone down. I pulled William a little closer. He looked up at me, smiled, said, “Dada,” and then buried his face into my chest. We stayed like that for the rest of the night.

The truth is, I’m not very good at resting. Just ask Jennifer. She reminds me all the time that I need to rest too.

I carry a lot of insecurities. I wonder if I’m a good enough husband, father, friend, or pastor. Too often, I fall into the trap of believing, “If work hard enough, then maybe I’ll be enough.”

But Jesus never said, “Work harder and you’ll find rest.”

He said, “Come to me.”

Today, Jennifer and I decided to keep William home and work from home with him. I chose to rest with my son instead of trying to prove my worth by staying busy.

I know these days won’t last forever. One day, William will grow up. One day, he won’t ask for his dada’s snuggles anymore. But today, he still does.

So today, I’m choosing to sit on the couch, watch Bluey, and hold my son. Because sometimes resting isn’t about doing nothing. Sometimes resting is recognizing the blessing that’s already in your arms.

My prayer for you this week is that you’ll hear Christ’s invitation again: “Come to me.” And when you do, I hope you’ll have the courage to set down whatever burden you’ve been carrying long enough to notice the blessings God has already placed before you.

Remember we swap on Sunday!

You’re invited to worship with us tomorrow at Brantley United Methodist Church at 10:30 AM.

In a world that constantly asks us to do more, be more, and carry more, Jesus offers an invitation that still changes lives:
“Come to me… and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28–29)

Join us as we explore what it means to accept Christ’s gentle invitation—not to escape life’s challenges, but to walk through them with the One whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light.

Whether you’ve been in church every week or it’s been a long time, there is a place for you here. Come and experience worship, fellowship, Holy Communion, and the hope that only Christ can give.

We look forward to worshiping with you!

📍 Brantley United Methodist Church
🕥 Sunday Worship – 10:30 AM

Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we give thanks for the blessings of this nation and remember those whose courage, sacrifice, and service have helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy today.

We can love our country while also recognizing that love calls us to honesty. Loving our nation means celebrating its strengths, acknowledging its shortcomings, and working together to help it become more just, more compassionate, and more faithful to the ideals of liberty and justice for all. Real patriotism seeks not only to preserve what is good but also to improve what can be better.

As followers of Christ, we remember that while this nation is our earthly home, our highest citizenship is found in the Kingdom of God. That calling shapes the way we live here and now. We are called to love our neighbors, seek justice, show mercy, and care for one another not because of political identity or national pride, but because every person bears the image of God.

So today, celebrate with gratitude. Remember those who came before us. Enjoy the company of family and friends. And may we continue to be people who love our neighbors well and who work together for the common good, reflecting God’s kingdom wherever we are planted.

Happy Fourth of July! May God bless you with a safe, joyful, and meaningful holiday. See you at the Parade!

If you missed our wrap up on Abraham yesterday we hope you’ll enjoy it today! Abrahams entire life was about walking in faith not fear! We hope you’ll join us this coming Sunday and God Bless!

Worship 06/29/26 Abrahams Final Chapter Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Tomorrow we finish our sermon series on the life of Abraham by reflecting on one of the Bible’s most unforgettable passages: Genesis 22:1–14.

When Abraham climbs Mount Moriah, he doesn’t know how the story will end, but he chooses to trust God anyway. In the end, Abraham discovers what we are invited to remember as well: the Lord will provide.

Whatever burdens, questions, or uncertainties you may be carrying, you’re invited to come and worship with us as we remember the faithfulness of God.

📍 Brantley United Methodist Church
🕥 Sunday Worship – 10:30 AM

There is a place for you here. We hope you’ll join us as we worship together.