Category Archive

Dear Members and Friends of Napa United Methodist Church,

Perhaps you have had that experience when a scent catches you off guard and suddenly reminds you of something long forgotten. That is what happened to me this summer in the parsonage. Here is my story:

When I was in the fourth grade, growing up in the rural countryside of Meru, Kenya, in a school where we did not have running water, I joined the local 4-K Club. The deal was simple: they gave each of us a tiny plot of land to plant whatever we wanted.… Read the rest “Grace Note – October 2, 2026”

Dear Members and Friends of Napa Methodist Church,

Here is a piece of trivia you will certainly not need to enter the kingdom of heaven, prepare your taxes, or get through a church committee meeting: The Guinness World Record for the jigsaw puzzle with the most pieces is an astonishing 551,232 pieces. It was assembled in 2011 by 1,600 students in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and depicted a beautiful lotus flower. When completed, this puzzle of more than half a million pieces measured approximately 49 by 76 feet!… Read the rest “Grace Note – September 25, 2026”

Hispanic/Latino Ministry Coordinator for CA-NV Conference

Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month is more than a celebration of culture. It is a celebration of the human story. Migration is not new. Throughout history, people have moved across lands and borders in search of safety, opportunity, belonging, and a better future. Anthropology and sociology remind us that migration has shaped societies and cultures throughout human history. Wherever people go, they carry something with them: their language, memories, traditions, food, music, faith, and dreams.… Read the rest “Note from Rev. Corazon Moran Luna”

This past summer, the Catholic Biblical Association made history by electing Dr. Amy-Jill Levine as its president for 2026–2027.

Dr. Levine is exceptionally qualified. She taught New Testament at Vanderbilt University for nearly three decades and is now Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. She is the author of 39 books and numerous articles, has taught at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, and had three audiences with Pope Francis.

I know A-J personally.… Read the rest “Grace Note – September 11, 2026”

When I was fifteen years old, I decided that I would no longer say one particular line in the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.”

I attended a Catholic boarding school where morning assembly always included the Lord’s Prayer. I would faithfully ask for my daily bread, come to a hard stop at the forgiveness line, and then pick up again in time to ask not to be led into temptation. Here’s why.… Read the rest “Grace Note – September 5, 2026”

Nearly a month ago, on Friday, July 24, Katherine Parker came to Napa from Nepal. Napa’s Methodist women, United Women in Faith, welcomed Katherine with delicious food and warm fellowship. She shared stories, experiences, and an update on the inspiring work she is doing on our behalf. Katherine also gifted us with a beautiful framed piece of artwork from Nepal, which you can enjoy in the parlor.

A native Californian, Katherine is a member of Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church in Mill Valley, California.… Read the rest “Grace Note – August 30, 2026”

It has been fifty‑one days as your pastor, and what a joy it has been. The tally so far? One funeral, six “Grandmother parables” shared with our young disciples, one hat fashion show, seventeen suppers shared with sixty‑eight members — and, to be honest, far fewer church meetings than the two thousand my brain insists on.

To be clear: I love this church, its people, and its story. I am grateful to be woven into a small piece of it. Hallelujah!

So, when Pastor Marylee announced her retirement, the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) was tasked with gathering the church’s wish list for their next pastor and presenting it to the Bishop and Cabinet for the sacred matchmaking of pastor and congregation.… Read the rest “Grace Note – August 21, 2026”