Reverend Jennifer Lambert
February is often called the Month of Love, and while Valentine’s Day fills the shelves with hearts and flowers, there is a deeper and more transformative love that deserves our attention. This is the love that Jesus spoke of when He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34-35).
This love goes beyond sentiment or fleeting emotion. It is the kind of love that forms the foundation of strong communities and enduring relationships. It is a love rooted in compassion, forgiveness, and the willingness to serve others. At Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, we are called to live out this love every day—not just in words but in actions.
The command to “love one another” invites us to notice those around us and take intentional steps to connect. In a retirement community like Sun Lakes, many residents may face isolation, grief, or the challenge of making new friends after moving to the area. Acts of love, no matter how small, can bridge these gaps. A phone call to someone who’s been on your mind, an invitation to share a meal, or even a kind smile during worship can make a world of difference.
At Sun Lakes UMC, we strive to be a place where God’s love is not only proclaimed but experienced. Through ministries of care and outreach, worship, and fellowship, we seek to embody the love that Christ first showed us. Whether it’s through our Bible studies, our many support groups (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Veterans, Hearing Loss, Grief, etc.), or simply a warm greeting on Sunday morning, we aim to make God’s love tangible for all who walk through our doors.
This February, as we focus on love, I invite you to reflect on how you can share love in your own circles. Perhaps it’s by volunteering your time, reaching out to someone who’s lonely, or simply listening with patience and kindness. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13, love is patient and kind; it does not envy or boast, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.
Let us commit to being a community where love is not just celebrated in February but lived out every day of the year. Together, we can create an environment where all feel seen, valued, and embraced—a true reflection of God’s love for the world. Let’s take Jesus’ words to heart and make this February a time to truly “love one another.”
Sun Lakes United Methodist Church is located at 9248 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248. Find us at www.sunlakesumc.org or call us at 480-895-8766. We look forward to connecting with you!