Open Hearts Community Church

Open Hearts United Methodist Church
Weekly Reader
June 14 – June 21, 2026
Pastor's Corner
The Light of the World
John 8:12

"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'"

Jesus did not simply tell us to admire the light. He invited us to walk in it and reflect it. When Jesus taught us to love our neighbors, he wasn't merely calling us to treat others the way we would like to be treated. Through his life, death, and resurrection, he showed us something even deeper: love your neighbor as I love them.

Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, every moment of compassion becomes a way of shining Christ's light in our neighborhoods. We become living reminders that God sees, values, and loves every person.

One powerful example of someone who reflected the light of Jesus is Mother Teresa. She spent her life serving the poorest and most forgotten people in Calcutta, India. The world noticed her compassion, but those she served noticed something even greater—they saw Christ's love shining through her. Her ministry inspired millions of people around the world to care for those in need. One person carrying the light of Christ transformed communities and changed countless lives.

Most of us will never be known around the world, but Jesus never asked us to be famous. He asked us to be faithful. The light of Christ shines brightest in ordinary places: hospital rooms, classrooms, workplaces, neighborhood conversations, and dinner tables. Every day gives us another opportunity to let others see the love of Jesus through us.

This week, consider: How can I shine Christ's light in my corner of the world?

"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." — Matthew 5:16

Daily Lectionary Readings & Reflections
Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings (Semi-Continuous)
Monday, June 15
Readings: Psalm 126; Genesis 23:1-19; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Sarah's death marks the end of an era, yet Abraham's purchase of a burial place demonstrates faith in God's promises for future generations. Paul expresses deep concern for the young church in Thessalonica, reminding us that faith grows stronger through perseverance and encouragement.

Tuesday, June 16
Readings: Psalm 126; Genesis 25:7-11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13—3:5

Abraham's life comes to a close, and God's covenant continues through Isaac. Paul encourages believers to stand firm in the truth and trust in the Lord's faithfulness to strengthen and protect them.

Wednesday, June 17
Readings: Psalm 126; Nehemiah 9:1-8; Luke 6:12-19

The people of Israel gather in confession and praise, remembering God's faithfulness throughout their history. Jesus spends the night in prayer before calling the twelve disciples and ministering to those seeking healing and hope.

Thursday, June 18
Readings: Psalm 86:1-10; Exodus 12:43-49; Hebrews 2:5-9

God's covenant community is called to faithfulness and inclusion. Hebrews reminds us that Jesus willingly shared our humanity, suffering and death so that all might experience God's grace and salvation.

Friday, June 19
Readings: Psalm 86:1-10; Genesis 35:1-4; Acts 5:17-26

Jacob calls his household to put away foreign gods and renew their commitment to the Lord. In Acts, the apostles are imprisoned for preaching Christ, yet God opens the prison doors and sends them back to continue proclaiming the good news.

Saturday, June 20
Readings: Psalm 86:1-10; Ezekiel 29:3-7; Luke 11:53—12:3

Ezekiel warns against pride and misplaced trust in earthly powers. Jesus cautions his followers about hypocrisy and encourages them to live openly and faithfully before God, whose truth will ultimately be revealed.

Sunday, June 21 – Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7)
Readings: Genesis 21:8-21; Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17; Romans 6:1b-11; Matthew 10:24-39

God hears the cries of Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness and provides for them. Jesus calls his followers to courageous discipleship, trusting that God's love and care remain steadfast even in difficult times.

Church Calendar
Sunday – June 14
9:00 a.m. Something's Brewing
9:30 a.m. Worship Service
10:45 a.m. Sunday School

Monday – June 15
5:30 p.m. Open Hands Board
6:30 p.m. Church Board

Tuesday – June 16
Wednesday – June 17
Office Hours: Noon – 6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m. Choir Practice

Thursday – June 18
Friday – June 19
6:30 p.m. Game Night

Saturday – June 20
Sunday – June 21
Happy Father's Day
Pastor Heidi Preaching

9:00 a.m. Something's Brewing
9:30 a.m. Worship Service
10:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School

Prayer Concerns
Please keep these persons and concerns in your prayers this week:

Immigrants

Law Enforcement

Our Leaders

The Military

Evelyn, recovering from surgery

Ron, improving but still recovering from shingles

Harriet, receiving hospice care

Janice, recovering from pneumonia and surgery in Indianapolis

Heidi, recovering from shoulder surgery

Announcements
Open Hearts T-Shirts
Interested in an Open Hearts T-Shirt? See Sarah King for details.

Vacation Bible School
Thank you to everyone who helped make VBS a huge success!

Pastor Kerry Family Appreciation & Goodbye
Join us on June 14 as we celebrate and thank Pastor Kerry and family for their ministry among us.

Game Night
Mark your calendar for June 19 at 6:30 p.m. for an evening of fellowship and fun.

Guest Preacher
June 28 – Mark Mullinex will be preaching.

Fish Fry
Save the date! July 12 for our annual Fish Fry.

A Blessing for the Week
May the light of Christ shine in your heart,
guide your path,
brighten your home,
and overflow into the lives of everyone you meet.

Go in peace, and be a light in the world.
Amen.

Rev. Kerry Clear
Pastor

Weekly Reader - June 7–14, 2026
"Blessed to Be a Blessing" - Genesis 12:1-9
When God called Abram, He made a remarkable promise: "I will bless you... and you will be a blessing." God's blessings were never meant to stop with us. They are meant to flow through us to others.

Abram had no map, no guarantee of what lay ahead, and no idea how God would fulfill the promise. Yet he went. His faithfulness opened the door for generations of blessing.

Several years ago, a teacher volunteered one evening each week at a community literacy program. She never thought much about it. She simply felt God nudging her to help. Years later, one of the students she tutored reached out to thank her. As a struggling teenager, he had been close to dropping out of school. Her encouragement helped him stay on track, graduate, attend college, and eventually become a physician serving an underserved community. She never imagined that a few hours each week would impact thousands of lives through the people he would one day serve.

That is often how God's blessings work. We may never fully see the impact of our obedience. A kind word, a prayer, a meal delivered, a volunteer hour given, or a gift shared—God takes these acts and multiplies them beyond our imagination.

As we begin Vacation Bible School this week, we have an opportunity to live out God's promise to Abram. We have been blessed with faith, gifts, and a church family. Now we have the privilege of becoming a blessing to children, families, and our community.

May we trust God enough to follow where He leads, knowing that every blessing we receive is also an invitation to bless others.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the blessings You have poured into our lives. Help us to be faithful like Abram, trusting Your leading even when we cannot see the whole path ahead. Use us this week to be a blessing to others in ways we may never fully know. Amen.

Calendar & Daily Lectionary Readings

Sunday – June 7

Lectionary Readings: Genesis 12:1-9; Psalm 33:1-12; Romans 4:13-25; Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

Reading Focus: God calls Abram to leave the familiar and trust His promises. Jesus calls Matthew and demonstrates God's power to restore life and hope.

9:00 a.m. Something's Brewing
9:30 a.m. Worship Service
10:45 a.m. Safe Sanctuary

Monday – June 8

Daily Readings: Psalm 119:41-48; Genesis 16:1-15; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:2

Reading Focus: Even when people try to force God's promises into existence through their own efforts, God remains faithful and attentive. We are called to live as people set apart for God's purposes.

9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Vacation Bible School

Tuesday – June 9

Daily Readings: Psalm 119:41-48; Genesis 17:1-27; Hebrews 13:1-16

Reading Focus: God establishes His covenant with Abraham and calls His people to lives marked by faithfulness, hospitality, and praise.

9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Vacation Bible School

Wednesday – June 10

Daily Readings: Psalm 119:41-48; Genesis 18:16-33; Matthew 12:1-8

Reading Focus: Abraham intercedes boldly for others, while Jesus teaches that mercy stands at the heart of God's law.

9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Vacation Bible School
7:00 p.m. Choir Practice

Thursday – June 11

Daily Readings: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Genesis 21:1-7; Hebrews 3:1-6

Reading Focus: God fulfills His promise through the birth of Isaac. In gratitude, we remember God's faithfulness and place our confidence in Christ.

9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Vacation Bible School

Friday – June 12

Daily Readings: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Genesis 24:1-9; Acts 7:35-43

Reading Focus: Abraham's servant is entrusted with an important mission, reminding us that God's purposes often unfold through faithful obedience.

9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Vacation Bible School

Saturday – June 13

Daily Readings: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Genesis 24:10-52; Mark 7:1-13

Reading Focus: God guides Abraham's servant to Rebekah, while Jesus reminds us that true faith is measured not by outward appearances but by the condition of the heart.

Sunday – June 14

Lectionary Readings: Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7); Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Romans 5:1-8; Matthew 9:35–10:8
Reading Focus: God's promises often seem impossible, yet God remains faithful. Jesus sends His followers into the world to share compassion, healing, and good news.

9:00 a.m. Something's Brewing
9:30 a.m. Worship Service
10:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School

Prayer Concerns
Immigrants

Law Enforcement

Our Leaders

The Military

Evelyn (recovering from surgery)

Ron Gibson (Shingles)

Annual Conference

Announcements
Vacation Bible School
June 8–12 • 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Please keep our children, volunteers, and leaders in your prayers throughout the week. See Allie if you would like to help.

Open Hearts T-Shirts
Interested in purchasing an Open Hearts T-Shirt? See Sarah King for details.

Pastor Kerry Family Appreciation & Farewell
Join us on Sunday, June 14, as we celebrate Pastor Kerry and family and give thanks for their ministry among us.

Game Night
Mark your calendars for June 19 and join us for an evening of fun and fellowship.

Annual Conference Sunday
Hear from our delegates about the 2026 Indiana United Methodist Annual Conference and the work of the Church across our conference.

Fish Fry
Our annual Fish Fry is scheduled for July 12. Watch for more details and opportunities to help.

"I will bless you... so that you will be a blessing."
Genesis 12:2

This Pride Month, we celebrate the many ways God’s children reflect His creativity, beauty, and love.

Together we worship.
Together we serve.
Together we grow.

No matter where you’ve been, who you are, or where you are on your faith journey, there is a place for you here.

Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

“Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you.” — Romans 15:7