We all explore the meaning of life. Our spiritual and religious practices give us a great context for thinking about direction and purpose in our lives. They do more than that. They help us make the great connection – the divine and human connection – the source of all that is. Why is this important? It is important because we want to live life to its fullest. We want to reach our potential. We want to live joyfully, abundantly, and generously.

Being Christian, being United Methodist is one of those ways to approach the connection. It is the one I know and love. Within The United Methodist Church I have found people who are willing to explore life without being expected to believe out-of-date church doctrine or ancient beliefs that were important to believers many years ago. We encourage one another to question and explore meaning for ourselves, using our broad tradition as a springboard to questions that are important today. It is a place to come together to celebrate our lives, our challenges, and our dreams.

The United Methodist Church is a place to experience the love of our creator by whatever name we use. Traditionally we call that God. Jesus of Nazareth is our primary window into God. Whether one believes that Jesus was God’s authentic expression on earth, what many would call the “Son of God,” or simply a great teacher and prophet, is not as important as how we let our beliefs impact our lives.

What is important is that we reach deep into ourselves for those unique expressions that are connected to the source of life itself. And, then how we live in relation to the things that are the most important: love of self and other, relationships, stewardship of this earth and its resources, caring for those in need, and lifting up those who have been oppressed because of the circumstances of birth, physical, mental, or emotional capabilities.

Our Judeo-Christian tradition gives us a beautiful framework within which to live. It gives us stories in which we can find ourselves, stories that can guide us in making decisions. Through both the stories of old, and the insights of today through science, literature, academic and practical learning, and contemplation – we are compelled to care about this world and all that is in it. Our United Methodist tradition has given us a particular bent toward health and wellness, an interest in social justice, and a love of music as a way to connect with the Divine, the Holy Spirit, the mystery we call God.

If these things are important to you, I would love to have you give Aspen Community United Methodist Church a try. We won’t give you easy answers, but we are comfortable with the questions. And we would like to be a blessing in your life. We are a place of Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors.

Jane Keener-Quiat
Pastor
970-925-1571 (church)
970-923-0676 (mobile)