<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, Jesse Enniss and John Yeager discuss the themes of humility, connection, and community as they reflect on the past year and look forward to 2026. They emphasize the importance of letting go of unrealistic expectations and perfectionism while embracing change and experimentation in ministry. The conversation also highlights the church's role in society, the need for intentional spiritual life, and the power of asking for help. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to engage in public witness for the common good and to support one another in their journeys of faith.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Show Notes:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a title="Bishop Carter's Pastoral Letter" href= "https://www.wnccumc.org/newsdetail/bishop-jan-2026-pastoral-letter-19556942%20-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Bishop Carter shares his monthly pastoral letter and calendar with the WNCC.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a title="Human Relations Sunday" href= "https://www.resourceumc.org/en/umc-resources/umcgiving/special-sundays/human-relations-day-pastor-and-leader-kit?_gl=1*1ew3d5t*_gcl_au*NzU0MzQ3Mjc5LjE3NjU5OTM4MDE." target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Human Relations Sunday - January 18th&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a title="Equip &amp; Connect" href= "https://www.wnccumc.org/ec2026jan" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;Equip &amp; Connect in-person district gatherings will be happening on January 25th.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a title="2026 Peace Conference" href= "https://www.wnccumc.org/peace-conference-2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Register for the 2026 Peace Conference coming up in March. &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;&lt;a title="Grant Skill Builder webinar" href= "https://www.wnccumc.org/resourcedetail/grant-skill-builder-19552729" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Register for the Grant Skill Builder webinar happening later this month.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Chapters &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;00:00 New Beginnings and Reflections for 2026 &lt;br /&gt; 02:09 Understanding the Calendar: The Significance of 2026 &lt;br /&gt; 07:08 What to Carry into 2026: Humility and Connection 12:25 Embracing Change: Letting Go of the Old&lt;br /&gt; 18:35 The Importance of Experimentation in Ministry&lt;br /&gt; 24:05 Adjusting Expectations: Meeting People Where They Are&lt;br /&gt; 30:32 Navigating First Impressions in Church&lt;br /&gt; 33:31 The Challenge of Welcoming Newcomers&lt;br /&gt; 35:27 Understanding Growth and Community Dynamics&lt;br /&gt; 38:25 Innovative Ministry Approaches&lt;br /&gt; 39:56 Letting Go of Shame and Embracing Vulnerability&lt;br /&gt; 47:59 Intentional Spiritual Life and Community Engagement&lt;br /&gt; 48:12 Conference Announcements 50:30 Intentional Spiritual Life and Community Engagement Continued&lt;br /&gt; 57:47 The Power of Asking for Help&lt;br /&gt; 01:02:05 MOG-Like and Subscribe&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Means of Grace

Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church

What We Carry, What We Release

JAN 15, 202662 MIN
Means of Grace

What We Carry, What We Release

JAN 15, 202662 MIN

Description

In this episode of the Means of Grace podcast, Jesse Enniss and John Yeager discuss the themes of humility, connection, and community as they reflect on the past year and look forward to 2026. They emphasize the importance of letting go of unrealistic expectations and perfectionism while embracing change and experimentation in ministry. The conversation also highlights the church's role in society, the need for intentional spiritual life, and the power of asking for help. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to engage in public witness for the common good and to support one another in their journeys of faith. Show Notes: Bishop Carter shares his monthly pastoral letter and calendar with the WNCC. Human Relations Sunday - January 18th Equip & Connect in-person district gatherings will be happening on January 25th. Register for the 2026 Peace Conference coming up in March. Register for the Grant Skill Builder webinar happening later this month. Chapters 00:00 New Beginnings and Reflections for 2026 02:09 Understanding the Calendar: The Significance of 2026 07:08 What to Carry into 2026: Humility and Connection 12:25 Embracing Change: Letting Go of the Old 18:35 The Importance of Experimentation in Ministry 24:05 Adjusting Expectations: Meeting People Where They Are 30:32 Navigating First Impressions in Church 33:31 The Challenge of Welcoming Newcomers 35:27 Understanding Growth and Community Dynamics 38:25 Innovative Ministry Approaches 39:56 Letting Go of Shame and Embracing Vulnerability 47:59 Intentional Spiritual Life and Community Engagement 48:12 Conference Announcements 50:30 Intentional Spiritual Life and Community Engagement Continued 57:47 The Power of Asking for Help 01:02:05 MOG-Like and Subscribe