In this episode, Brian Myers, Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams, and Derrick Scott III explore service as a means of grace — not an optional add-on to faith, but the very shape of it. Drawing on John 13, Matthew 25, James 2, and Wesley's theology of works of mercy, the conversation traces how serving others moves us from self-centeredness to other-centeredness, challenges our privilege and ego, and ultimately forms us in the likeness of Christ. From the foot-washing table to the food pantry, they offer a practical framework for discovering your unique calling to serve — and remind us that sometimes, the most sacred act is simply taking out the trash.

• 0:11 — Service as a Wesleyan means of grace
• 4:48 — John 13: Jesus's foot-washing as a paradigm shift for leadership
• 10:14 — Personal Sanctification: Why we need those we serve
• 13:08 — The Savior Complex: How service transforms the servant's heart
• 22:00 — Finding Your Calling: Gifts, burdens, place, and rhythm
• 27:13 — Opening the Door: Faithful service in the small, disruptive moments

For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org.

Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.

In this special episode, Co-Conference Lay Leader Derrick Scott III sits down with Bishop Tom Berlin for a candid conversation about what's on his heart for the Florida Conference right now. From the spiritual and collaborative work behind appointment making, to the real and present impact of immigration policy on United Methodist congregations across Florida, to upcoming regional gatherings — Bishop Berlin offers honest, pastoral perspective on a season that feels like the world is spinning. He closes with a personal challenge for Ash Wednesday and Lent that may change how you enter this sacred season.

• 0:45 — Bishop Berlin recaps recent conference activity and engagements.
• 8:30 — Inside the appointment-making process.
• 12:30 — Immigration as a present reality in Florida United Methodist churches.
• 19:49 — Regional gatherings: bringing back what the conference heard from the people.
• 21:55 — Bishop Berlin's Ash Wednesday and Lenten challenge.

In a world built on hurry and hustle, God offers a different rhythm—one that restores our souls. Hosts Brian Myers and Jenn Stiles Williams are joined by Jim Cook, a trained spiritual director, to explore Sabbath as a gift rather than a burden. Jim shares how the book Sabbath has informed his understanding of holy rest, offering this acrostic: "Spirit Awareness Brings Blessings, Adding Truthful Holiness." The conversation moves from the ancient commands of Exodus to modern practices, exploring Sabbath through two anchors—creation rest (we are not machines) and Exodus freedom (we are not slaves). Discover what Sabbath is and isn't, practical ways to reclaim sacred time through family time, meditation, silence, and friendship, and the fruits of the Spirit that emerge when we honor God's rhythm. Jim closes with a beautiful haiku prayer: "May I honor time, the gift given for living as holy treasure."

Show Notes

• 4:33 – Jim Cook introduces himself and shares how the book Sabbath shaped his spiritual life over 30+ years in the local church
• 8:10 – Reading Exodus 20:8-11 and Jim's Sabbath acrostic: Spirit Awareness Brings Blessings, Adding Truthful Holiness
• 11:03 – Two anchors of Sabbath: creation rest (we're not machines) and Exodus freedom (we're not slaves)
• 31:33 – What Sabbath is NOT—distinguishing between zoning out and true holy rest
• 32:28 – Practical Sabbath practices: family time, meditation, silence, labyrinth walking, and simple friendship
• 38:48 – Jim's closing haiku and the four-fold rhythm: cease, rest, delight, worship

For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org.

Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.