Senior Pastor Blog | The Woodlands Methodist Church

Treasures

My grandbaby recently visited us here in The Woodlands and he found his way into my office and started banging on our old upright piano. As I listened to those tiny hands pound away on the keys, it brought back some really sweet memories.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

December 12, 2024

2 mins

Flip the Switch

Every year, as the days grow shorter, I find myself flipping the switch on our Christmas lights a little earlier. What starts as a simple effort to push back the darkness and keep it at bay, transforms into something much deeper.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

November 21, 2024

1 min

Faithful Voting: John Wesley’s Timeless Wisdom for Today

As Election Day approaches for our country, I am reminded of something I first came across in 2020 – something I believe worth sharing again as we reflect on the spiritual responsibility we hold when we vote.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

October 24, 2024

2 mins

Global Methodist Church Conference

As I write this update, it’s presently 5:55 on Tuesday morning, and I am grabbing a quick breakfast before loading our delegate bus and heading into day four of the convening conference of the Global Methodist Church held here in San Jose, Costa Rica. Before another long day begins, I wanted to share a brief update from our convening conference.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

September 26, 2024

2 mins

So the World Will Know

The date is finally here. This Thursday, September 19, I am traveling to San Jose, Costa Rica, to attend the convening conference of the Global Methodist Church which begins on Friday.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

September 19, 2024

1 min

Excited for What’s Ahead

As I write this message, I can’t help but reflect on how fast the year goes. We are officially saying goodbye to summer and summer vacations, and now, we are in back-to-school mode at The Woodlands Methodist Church. Things are certainly buzzing around our church and campuses. I continue to say, “What a time to be in ministry and see all that the Spirit is...

Rev. Mark Sorensen

August 29, 2024

1 min

Reaching People for Jesus

In Luke 14:15-24, Jesus tells a story about a great banquet prepared by a master who invites many guests. When those who were originally invited made excuses and refused to come, the master sends his servant out with the following orders…

Rev. Mark Sorensen

August 15, 2024

54 secs

Moody’s Greatest Regret

In 1871, a devastating fire swept through Chicago, destroying much of the city and leaving thousands homeless. Among those affected was a young evangelist named Dwight L. Moody.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

July 25, 2024

59 secs

That All of Them May Be One

The call came last Saturday night around 5:30 from one of our pastors. As I answered the phone, he simply said, “Have you heard?” As I was unaware of what was happening, his instructions were as follows: “You might want to turn on the news.”

Rev. Mark Sorensen

July 18, 2024

1 min

The Red Chair Invitation

I have just recently returned from a silent sabbatical. Leaving from Calgary, Canada, where the temperatures were in the mid-50s, I loved what the flight attendant shared when we landed in Houston.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

July 4, 2024

2 mins

Rest and Renew

Have you ever felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit that you just couldn’t shake? For a while now, I have felt the Spirit leading me into a quiet place for a season of listening, prayer and reflection. So as you read this, I am doing just that.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

June 13, 2024

2 mins

The Wind of the Spirit

I once heard a story of a pastor who wanted to preach from the Pentecost passage found in Acts 2. Within that story of the Holy Spirit’s arrival, those early gatherers in that upper room heard what was explained as a “mighty rushing wind”…

Rev. Mark Sorensen

May 23, 2024

2 mins

Inhale, Exhale

I’ve heard the speech given many times, and if you’ve flown enough over the past decade or so, perhaps you have as well. As the flight attendant goes over the in-flight instructions…

Rev. Mark Sorensen

May 9, 2024

3 mins

He Is Risen, Indeed!

I feel like this Lenten season came and went so quickly. As I type this, Easter Sunday was just over a week ago and I am not sure I have fully recovered.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

April 11, 2024

2 mins

The Cape of Good Hope

At the southern tip of Africa, you will find a small cape sticking out into the south Atlantic Ocean which, not too long ago, caused many sailors great anxiety. Because of its awkward placement, many sailors who attempted to sail around it were lost to the elements and choppy seas…

Rev. Mark Sorensen

March 28, 2024

1 min

Strengthen What Remains

Last week I had the opportunity to share a devotional with our staff leadership team based off Revelation 3 and Jesus’ words of comfort and correction to the church at Sardis. I thought I would share a little of that devotion with you all this week.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

March 14, 2024

2 mins

Less Is More

It seems like the world gets a little more complicated every day, and what I am finding is that the busier life gets, the noisier it gets. Perhaps that is why I love this liturgical season known as Lent.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

February 22, 2024

2 mins

A Trusting Life Won’t Topple

It was a pretty typical Monday afternoon. I was home with my wife when the crash happened that, quite literally, shook the living room windows. Have you ever seen something that rendered you speechless? I am pretty sure this was one of those moments.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

February 1, 2024

2 mins

Strike the Arrows

I am still savoring all the Holy Spirit was stirring during our churchwide Vision Night last Sunday in our Sanctuary. The passage I taught on was a little story tucked away in 2 Kings about King Jehoash and the prophet Elisha. Jehoash was the King of Israel and Israel was about to be attacked by Judah. Jehoash needed a miracle.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

January 18, 2024

3 mins

The Light of the World

It started in November with a single string of Christmas lights on a Baltimore County street. Kim Morton was watching a holiday movie with her daughter when she received a text from a neighbor to “take a peek outside.”

Rev. Mark Sorensen

November 30, 2023

1 min

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

What I have come to love about how the Spirit works and moves is that it’s never quite what you expect, but it’s always better than you could have asked or imagined. Isn’t this what Jesus promised to His disciples before ascending to the Father?

Rev. Mark Sorensen

November 16, 2023

2 mins

Seasons

Seasons are funny things in Texas. The summers seem to be drier and hotter than I remember in years past, which reminds me of a saying I hear often: “Don’t like the weather in Texas? Wait 24 hours.” That’s not wrong!

Rev. Mark Sorensen

November 2, 2023

1 min

A Calling for Every Believer

When my wife and I first visited The Woodlands Methodist Church, we were so impressed with the campus, the facilities, the staff and all the various ministries and programs that we saw. But it was the size and scope of the missions program here at TWMC that sealed the deal for our coming to The Woodlands and making this church home.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

October 19, 2023

2 mins

Finding Peace in a Turbulent World

Like many of you, I have been watching the news of Israel and seeing the unspeakable tragedies and horror that came with the early morning attack on October 7. More stories of tragedy and grief have followed each day since. It’s hard to even put into words the heartbreak I feel for so many who have suffered such loss and whose lives will never be the same.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

October 12, 2023

2 mins

Blooming Anew Each Morning

In our garden, we have a beautiful collection of flowers called Mexican petunias. If you have them in your yard, you might be aware that they’re quite aggressive. They love to take over. That said, they also have another quality that I have grown to really love.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

October 4, 2023

2 mins

Rest in This

Two foresters were competing to see who could chop down the most trees in a single day. One was younger and the other was much older. On the day of the competition when the whistle blew, the young man went straight to work.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

September 7, 2023

2 mins

Rest

Bernard Lagat knows a lot about long-distance running. The Kenyan-born citizen of the U.S. is a five-time Olympian who holds seven American records ranging from the 1,500-meter to the 5,000-meter races. He is known for his exceptional endurance and numerous accomplishments in both track and road racing.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

August 24, 2023

1 min

Ordinary to Extraordinary Steps

I was going through some photos from our trip to Greece a few short months ago. What a blessing it was to retrace the footsteps of Paul and learn more of his travels and his sharing of the Good News of Jesus.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

August 3, 2023

1 min

Take a Lesson From Lester

When officers from the Michigan State Police Department (MSPD) learned that a steer had gotten loose and wandered onto Interstate 75, they sprang into action. Thanks to cell phones, viral videos and a post from the MSPD, what followed was captured and seen around the world.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

July 20, 2023

1 min

Undistracted

Did you know that there are fewer than 20 paintings in the art world attributed to Leonardo da Vinci? There’s no question that he had a talent for his craft, but did you ever wonder why there are so few art pieces attributed to him?

Rev. Mark Sorensen

July 6, 2023

1 min

The Straight Way

In June of 1994, 73-year-old Alvin Straight, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, was facing a tough decision. His 80-year-old brother, Henry, had suffered a stroke and his condition wasn’t good. Alvin hadn't spoken to his brother in over a decade because of a fight and decided that it was time to make amends.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

June 22, 2023

2 mins

The Road Ahead

I came across a quote recently by Helen Keller that floored me. Literally, when I read it, I had to stop, find a piece of paper, and write it down. Helen Keller said the following: “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” That’s a powerful word. Sounds a lot like what the wisest man in the world, Solomon, wrote in the Book of...

Rev. Mark Sorensen

June 8, 2023

2 mins

Swimming Lessons

We have two kids, Nic and Gabbi. They grew up in the same house with the same rules, but they couldn’t be more different. When it came to being “all in” with the swimming lessons, my daughter, Gabbi, was a fish. No hesitations whatsoever. But my son, Nicholas, well, he wasn’t quite as comfortable in the water. He never wanted to get his hair wet and certa...

Rev. Mark Sorensen

May 25, 2023

1 min

GMC Vote Passes

The results of our affiliation vote are in, and I am so pleased to tell you we far exceeded the two-thirds majority vote we set to become a member of the Global Methodist Church.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

May 14, 2023

1 min

GMC: A Faithful Response

Uplifted by the spiritual journey of the last 14 days, I sense God’s presence as strong as I ever have now that I am back on campus, and just in time for Vision Night and our churchwide vote for affiliation with the Global Methodist Church this Sunday, May 7. I truly believe it’s our faithful response to God’s call in this season.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

May 4, 2023

2 mins

Three Reasons to Join the Global Methodist Church

Here are three reasons why I believe joining the Global Methodist Church provides our pastors and congregation the very best opportunity to advance the mission of The Woodlands Methodist Church in ways that truly multiply our efforts to Reach People for Jesus Christ, Disciple Them in Faith, and Help Those in Need.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

April 20, 2023

3 mins

Affiliation: Community Forums & Member Survey

We are preparing to make a final recommendation and call for a member vote as part of Vision Night on Sunday, May 7, but first, we have created two final opportunities for you to listen and give input for our leadership team to consider.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

March 16, 2023

1 min

The Bitter Gets Better

For this Lent, I have been taking some time sitting with the story of Jesus in the wilderness. Specifically, you find this moment right after His baptism which marked the beginning of His public ministry. No sooner than He came out of the water, two things happened: the Father took delight in His son, and the Spirit led Him straight into the wilderness…

Rev. Mark Sorensen

March 9, 2023

2 mins

A Brokxn Kxy

I’ve been spending a little time in the letter of 1 Corinthians, reading Paul’s words to the early believers regarding some conflicts that were happening within the body. One of those conflicts the Corinthians were experiencing was over spiritual gifts.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

February 16, 2023

1 min

Affiliation: Creating the Future

Our affiliation decision will greatly affect the trajectory of our church’s ministry for decades to come, so I want to personally invite you to attend one of four Affiliation Community Forums coming up on February 25 and 26 and again on March 25 and 26 — so we can all listen, learn and discern the best options for future affiliation.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

February 9, 2023

2 mins

What’s Your Business?

William Carey, often called the father of modern missions, was a shoe cobbler by trade who had a heart for carrying the Gospel into India. Each workday, Carey would go into his little shoe cobbler business, open the doors, greet customers and help them with their shoe needs.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

February 2, 2023

1 min

Music to the Lord’s Ears

Did you know that during the late-Medieval period, London had a strange law on the books? Each entry gate into the city had to keep a musician on duty. It was the musician who was given the task of holding their post and staying on watch.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

January 19, 2023

1 min

45 Years of The Woodlands Methodist Church

From simple beginnings on January 8, 1978, to new spaces, a new campus, new ministries and a new season for our church ahead, I think we can all agree that God has done immeasurably more than we could have asked or imagined!

Rev. Mark Sorensen

January 8, 2023

1 min

Disaffiliation Vote Update

I found it fitting that my Advent reading for this morning was from 1 Peter 1:3-5, in which Peter reminds us of the gift of salvation that came to us all on that first Christmas morning. Through Jesus Christ, salvation has come and we are now a people who live with a “great expectation”...

Rev. Mark Sorensen

December 3, 2022

56 secs

Untangling Work

I recently ran across a “help wanted” posting that caught my eye. The position was for a Christmas light untangler. A British supermarket company recognized that getting ready for Christmas can be a stressful time. With all the shopping, cleaning and unpacking of the decorations, you also have those pesky strands of Christmas lights that you didn’t store ...

Rev. Mark Sorensen

December 1, 2022

2 mins

Name Them One by One

I came across a study recently that was focused on the topic of gratitude. Immediately when I read this, my mind went back to that little Baptist church I attended as a kid. When I close my eyes, I can still hear the melody in my mind.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

November 24, 2022

1 min

The Stress Diet

Someone recently shared this little recipe, The Stress Diet, and thought I would pass it along. What’s funny about this little diet is that breakfast starts out great, but by the end of the day, nothing nutritious is on the dinner plate.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

November 17, 2022

2 mins

Affiliation Update: Transitional Independence

Our discernment leadership team has voted unanimously to enter a period of transitional independence in the coming year. What does this mean, exactly? I’m glad you asked!

Rev. Mark Sorensen

November 10, 2022

3 mins

God’s Pounder Room

I’ve always been fascinated with the stories behind how things are made. Take, for example, the Steinway piano. Did you know that these pianos are made the same today as they were when they first went into production when Henry Steinway began his business over 140 years ago?

Rev. Mark Sorensen

October 20, 2022

1 min

Spiritual Albedo

In Philippians 2:12-17, the Apostle Paul encourages the early Christian believers to pursue holiness amidst a culture that doesn’t hold the ways of Jesus or holiness as a priority. Among a “crooked and corrupt” people, Paul reminds them that as they hold to God’s Word and follow in the footsteps of Jesus, something will happen…

Rev. Mark Sorensen

October 13, 2022

1 min

Secondhand Experiences

Recently, I had the privilege to travel to Africa to observe and serve alongside some of our key ministry partners, and I must tell you, the Lord is doing powerful things everywhere we went!

Rev. Karen Tyler

October 4, 2022

2 mins

Warning Lights

I have been guilty of letting a warning light (or two) stay on for a period before actually doing something about it. It’s funny, those warning lights are there to notify us that something needs to be addressed, but if we’re honest, it’s hard to take something seriously when you don’t really see the damage that it’s pointing to.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

September 22, 2022

2 mins

Awakening

As we settle into the rhythms of fall, I want to take a minute to share a brief update on our Forward in Faith campaign, and to ask for your help.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

September 15, 2022

2 mins

Swept Away

I saw a story recently about a tourist who was swimming in the ocean off the coast of Greece when he got caught in a riptide and was carried out to sea by a strong current. Though friends and family alerted the Coast Guard, he couldn’t be found and ultimately, was considered to have been lost at sea.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

September 8, 2022

1 min

Flatlanders

As I write this, I have just returned to The Woodlands fresh from a much needed getaway to the beautiful mountains of Colorado. For six glorious days, my wife and I were able to unplug, disconnect from our email and cell phones, and practice the lost art of “no technology” while hiking trails, finding waterfalls and enjoying morning temperatures in the 50...

Rev. Mark Sorensen

September 1, 2022

2 mins

Why We Serve

Serving in church benefits not only your church and those you serve, but it also benefits you and your spiritual walk. As you serve and are surrounded by other believers serving with you, you can see the Gospel lived out and be encouraged by that. Serving others can help you discover your purpose in life and give you a sense of fulfillment.

Mrs. Carole Maynard

August 27, 2022

2 mins

The Invitation

When I think about my faith, I’m thankful people didn’t force it on me. My family and friends did not push their faith on me, but they invited me on a journey with Jesus and with them. Nothing was ever held back from me along the journey, but my faith was slowly given over time as my curiosity and relationships deepened, both with Jesus and the community ...

Rev. Pierce Drake II

August 20, 2022

3 mins

Out of Control - Video

Have you ever been in a season of your life where you feel like things are out of control? I've been there more than you would imagine. But where you focus in those seasons makes all the difference.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

August 17, 2022

1 sec

Waiting Out the Storm

I have a confession to make. I have an app on my phone counting down the days until my wife and I take our first vacation of 2022, and I can’t stop checking it. Full disclosure: I have never been more ready and in need of a vacation.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

August 11, 2022

2 mins

Hope

I have an app on my phone that pulls up memories from days past. It’s funny. Some of them I love to see! Other memories — particularly the difficult ones — I am quite ready to move on from and not remember.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

August 9, 2022

38 secs

Disaffiliation Update

I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for each one of you — for your faithfulness and for your bold support of our ministry together here at The Woodlands Methodist Church.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

August 7, 2022

2 mins

Moving Forward

It’s funny how, reading a passage from Isaiah, took me back to the days that I taught my kids how to drive a car. I’m not exactly sure how that responsibility fell on me and not my wife.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

July 21, 2022

2 mins

Is Anybody Else Up There?

I heard a story once about a man who went for a hike, lost his footing and tumbled over the side of a cliff. Instinctively, he threw his hands out at the last minute, caught a branch and gripped it for dear life.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

July 7, 2022

2 mins

You Cannot Yell People into Holiness

I was reading a devotional recently by the late pastor and writer Eugene Peterson. He was telling a story about vacationing with his wife and children and walking in the Yellowstone National Park.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

June 30, 2022

2 mins

Moving Forward In Faith

The time is quickly approaching when the members of The Woodlands Methodist Church will play a role in determining the future affiliation path for our church.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

June 24, 2022

1 min

Summer of Denominational Discernment

As I write this, I am back in office after spending part of the Memorial Day weekend attending the Texas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church in Downtown Houston. I am pleased to say your church was well-represented, with 10 clergy and 20 lay delegates attending.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

June 2, 2022

2 mins

Latest Update on Our Denomination

I want to share an important update regarding The Woodlands Methodist Church and the formation of a new, Wesleyan denomination.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

April 29, 2022

1 min

Five Ways to Find Peace in Our Stress-Filled World

With the war in Ukraine, the pandemic, political division in our country, crime, and the daily worries of rising consumer prices, health concerns, and caring for children and grandchildren, it’s no surprise that stress levels for all people are the highest they’ve been since 2008.

Rev. Joy Johnston

April 26, 2022

2 mins

What I Discovered about G.R.O.W.: From a Longtime Churchgoer

G.R.O.W. helps me understand how to develop a lifestyle of faith so I can grow closer to God and follow His calling for my life – from now until I take my last breath.

Mrs. Kenda McVeigh

March 23, 2022

3 mins

Latest Update on General Conference

Grace and peace, friends. I want to update you on the latest that’s happening within the United Methodist Church.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

March 4, 2022

1 min

Who Goes First? Conflict Resolution for Marriages

In the early days of our marriage, it might have been quite comical if someone had been watching us have a difficult discussion. A tense topic comes up and he proceeds to make his point as I’m walking out of the room, and… he’s following me. He wants to work it out and I want to hide. He follows me all over the house as I attempt to evade him, and he atte...

Mrs. Kenda McVeigh

March 3, 2022

4 mins

The Purpose and Meaning of Ash Wednesday

Lent is a time for humility and repentance. Prayer. Self-examination and self-denial. With God’s help, Lent is that season where we are asked to look deep within ourselves, finding those faults and feelings that have kept us away from a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God and with Jesus Christ, seeking to ignite the change that will both tran...

Dr. Bob Hayes

February 23, 2022

3 mins

G.R.O.W. Points - A Pathway to a Deeper Faith

It's an exciting time in the life of our church. 2022 will bring a renewed focus and vision on growing deeper in faith. Jesus' call "to follow me" is an invitation to begin a life-long journey to explore and apply God's Word, grow in maturity, love our neighbors, share our faith, and, ultimately, become more like Him. At The Woodlands Methodist Church, we...

Rev. Luann Riley

February 1, 2022

2 mins

Meet Nycki Sorensen, A Sister's Reflection

As women, whether in business or in our homes, brave is rarely a word we use to describe each other. But it’s the best word I know to sum up my sister – your pastor’s wife. Her bravery first showed up when she married a radio DJ more than twenty-eight years ago. She didn’t marry a pastor – she didn’t have any idea where God would call them. But she bravel...

Ms. Kristan Gross

January 4, 2022

3 mins

Generations Work Together at UM ARMY

One of the beautiful things about missions is people of all generations can work together for the common purpose of sharing the love of Christ with people young and old, and of all cultures and languages. UM ARMY is one of those missions’ experiences where generations share in the work of God to help others.

Mrs. Kenda McVeigh

January 3, 2022

3 mins

A Message from Our New Senior Pastor, Mark Sorensen

Have you ever just stopped to think, “You know, God has a terrific sense of humor,” sometimes? Let me tell you, I do. Almost daily.

Rev. Mark Sorensen

January 3, 2022

3 mins

Four Ways to Find Joy in the New Year Amid a Pandemic

After the last few years, most of us are pretty cautious about what 2022 might bring. Certainly, life is filled with unexpected twists and turns. I mean who could have ever imagined that we would all be living through a worldwide pandemic and that it has now been two years since life was “normal.” In years past many of us would have set resolutions for th...

Rev. Joy Johnston

January 3, 2022

4 mins

The Vision for The Future

Rev. Mark Sorensen’s vision for the church is for all of us to grow as followers of Christ – he really means all of us. Yep. That’s every single one of the members of The Woodlands Methodist Church to be growing in their faith journey day by day.

Mrs. Kenda McVeigh

January 3, 2022

1 min