Homecoming Sunday 2026

What Really Matters

Bishop Jonathan Holston

May 3, 2026

Scripture: Micah 6:6–8 and Ephesians 6:13–20

Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church celebrated Homecoming Sunday with gratitude for 153 years of God’s faithfulness. We were honored to welcome Bishop Jonathan Holston and his wife, Felicia, for this special day.

Bishop Holston serves the Alabama Panhandle Episcopal Area, which includes the North Alabama Conference and the Alabama-West Florida Conference. He brought a message reminding us that faith is not simply about honoring the past—it is about living faithfully in the present and trusting God with the future.

His sermon asked an important question:

What Really Matters?

Micah 6:8 gives God’s answer:

He has told you, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.

God is not looking for empty religion or outward appearance. God desires hearts and lives shaped by justice, mercy, humility, and faithful obedience.

GROW Framework

Grounded in Scripture

Micah was a prophet called to speak truth to God’s people. True prophets call people back to faithfulness and challenge them to live differently.

Ephesians 6:13–20 also reminds believers to stand firm in faith, putting on the full armor of God.

God calls His people to live with courage, prayer, truth, and humility.

Reasons We Believe

Bishop Holston reminded us that testimony matters.

As a worshiping community, we share more than a building—we share our stories. Every believer has a story of grace. We have all walked through trials, hardships, joys, and answered prayers.

But God’s story is greater than all of ours.

God wants to restore relationships. God wants to raise up a people. God wants to make a way.

For 153 years, Pleasant Grove UMC has been shaped by generations who worshiped, served, prayed, gave, and loved their neighbors.

Obedience in Action

God’s call is clear:

Act justly – Seek what is right and fair.
Love mercy – Show compassion, forgiveness, and kindness.
Walk humbly – Depend on God daily.

Bishop Holston also reminded us that we must be willing to say, “I’m sorry,” speak up for others, and place faithfulness above appearances.

This connects with our conference vision:

Love Boldly
Serve Joyfully
Lead Courageously

Walk It Out

Bishop Holston shared a story about his son wanting a brand-new car with every extra feature. Instead, he received a reliable car that would still get him where he needed to go.

At first, he did not appreciate it.

Sometimes we respond to God the same way. We want something different, but God often gives us what we truly need.

Micah reminds us that God has already shown us what really matters.

Bishop Holston also shared the image of footprints in the sand. When we see only one set of footprints, we may think we are alone. But perhaps those footprints belong to God, because He is carrying us.

Truth – Reason – Change

Truth: God has shown us what matters—justice, mercy, humility, grace, and faithful obedience.

Reason: Empty religion cannot transform lives, but God’s grace can restore hearts, shape testimonies, and build faithful communities.

Change: This week, ask where God is calling you to live Micah 6:8 more fully.

Heart, Mind, and Action

Heart: Receive God’s mercy and remember your story matters.
Mind: Understand that God has already shown us what He requires.
Action: Live with justice, kindness, humility, and courage this week.

Beacon of Light

For 153 years, Pleasant Grove UMC has served as a Beacon of Light in Pleasant Grove, western Birmingham, and Jefferson County.

Neighbors become family here.

Reflective Questions (with Possible Answers)

1. What part of Micah 6:8 do I most need to live out this week: justice, mercy, or humility?

Possible answers:

• Justice: I need to be fair in how I treat others.
• Mercy: I need to forgive someone.
• Humility: I need to trust God more and control less.
• I need all three in different areas of life.

2. How has God carried me through seasons when I did not realize He was carrying me?

Possible answers:

• Through grief or loss.
• Through illness or recovery.
• Through financial hardship.
• Through loneliness or fear.
• Through faithful people God placed in my life.
• Looking back, I now see He was with me all along.

3. What testimony of grace can I share with someone else?

Possible answers:

• How God answered prayer.
• How God gave peace during hardship.
• How God restored a relationship.
• How church family helped me.
• How God never gave up on me.

4. How can I help Pleasant Grove UMC continue serving future generations?

Possible answers:

• Pray for the church.
• Invite someone to worship.
• Volunteer in ministry.
• Give faithfully.
• Encourage children and younger families.
• Share church posts so neighbors can hear.

5. Where is God calling me to love boldly, serve joyfully, or lead courageously?

Possible answers:

• Reach out to someone who feels forgotten.
• Help someone quietly and joyfully.
• Step into leadership when needed.
• Speak truth kindly.
• Begin something I have avoided because of fear.

6. What might God be giving me right now that I do not yet appreciate?

Possible answers:

• A season of rest.
• A lesson in patience.
• Daily provision.
• A smaller opportunity that can grow later.
• Exactly what I need, even if it is not what I wanted.

Come and See

Looking for a church family where faith is lived out through worship, service, and love for neighbor?

Come and see what God is doing at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church.

PGUM.org