There is a timeless truth that says, “The fruit will not fall far from the tree.” This truth reminds us that character, values, and legacy are often passed from one generation to the next. In our faith journey, this is more than a proverb—it is a spiritual inheritance that flows from God the Father down through spiritual and earthly fathers to their children.

We honor our earthly fathers, the roots of our lives. Fathers are the first to lift us, guide our steps, and teach us lessons that echo for a lifetime. Whether by blood, choice, or calling, the fathers in our lives sow seeds of strength, compassion, and integrity.

We give thanks for the men who have stood tall like trees—deep-rooted, enduring, and fruitful—bearing witness to the love of God in daily life.

We also honor John Wesley, whose birthday we celebrate on June 28. Wesley is the father of Methodism, a tree of revival. Wesley’s passion for holiness and justice bore fruit across generations. His life reminds us that true spiritual fathers plant seeds that grow far beyond their time.

Looking at John Wesley’s faith, we see that it was not stagnant. It was active, alive, and reaching into the streets, the mines, the prisons, and the margins. He modeled a faith that was personal, social, prayerful, and prophetic. Wesley once said, “Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not whether they be clergymen or laymen, they alone will shake the gates of Hell and set up the kingdom of Heaven upon Earth.” As heirs to his legacy, we should bear fruit that reflects his bold, disciplined, Spirit-led faith.

At the heart of it all is God the Father, the true and eternal source of all life. From Him flows every good and perfect gift. He is the Tree of Life, whose love sustains, corrects, and carries us.

Jesus taught us to pray “Our Father,” inviting us into a relationship not of fear, but of intimacy. This divine Father never gives up on His children and continually calls us to grow, to bear good fruit, and to reflect His image.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” - John 15:5

We thank God for the gift of fathers, those who nurture, teach, guide, model faith, and lead by conviction. Most of all, we thank God for being our perfect Father, loving, merciful, faithful, and always near. May we grow in God’s Spirit, bearing fruit that is pleasing to see, taste, and touch -love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control. – Galatians 4:22-23

Happy Father’s Day!

With love, Pastor Candy