God calls us to be disciples of Jesus, building community through
service and fellowship and sharing the love of Christ with all.
“The United Methodist Church of Westford is an open and welcoming community of Christian
Faith. Without any exceptions, we welcome anyone who seeks to love and to serve God.” Learn More
This Sunday, we listen to one of Jesus’ most piercing parables—the Pharisee and the tax collector who both go up to the temple to pray. At first glance, the Pharisee seems to be doing everything right. He’s disciplined, generous, and devout. He fasts and tithes—what could possibly be wrong with that? But as Jesus tells it, the Pharisee’s prayer is not a prayer of gratitude but of self-congratulation. His thanksgiving is built on comparison, not compassion; on merit, not mercy. Then we see the tax collector—standing far off, unable even to lift his eyes to heaven, whispering only, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” His words are few, but his heart is open. He’s not trying to prove anything. He’s simply letting grace find him.
In a season of stewardship, this parable reminds us that gratitude is not about measuring what we’ve earned or achieved. It’s about remembering what we’ve received—undeserved, unearned mercy. True stewardship begins not with pride in what we can offer, but with awe for what God has already given.
We live in a culture that rewards performance and praises self-sufficiency, yet Jesus calls us to a different posture—one of humility, mercy, and deep thanksgiving. When we know that all we have and are comes from God’s mercy, our giving becomes an act of joy, not obligation. Our generosity flows from grace, not guilt.
So as we pray, plan, and pledge in this stewardship season, may we come before God like the tax collector—with honest hearts and humble gratitude. For in God’s kingdom, it is mercy—not merit—that makes us whole.
Luke 18:9-14
October 26, 2025
Pastor Jinyong Choi
Special Music by the Adult Choir
Join us in-person at 9:30 or online later in the day
College Care Package Ministry
We will be sending out late October college care packages to encourage and support young adults from our church family who are away at college.
See the eNews for more details
November 2, 2025
Remembering the Faithful Departed
On All Saints’ Day we will remember the people that were saints to us in a video moment.
If you would like a dear friend or loved one to be remembered, please click the link below to provide their name(s).
Please submit by Monday, October 27.