Dear Beloved in Christ,

March carries us through the sacred journey of Lent—a season of prayer, fasting, and self-examination. As the world marvels at Artificial Intelligence, Lent invites us to cultivate something far older and wiser: Soul Intelligence.

When Jesus entered the wilderness (Gospel of Matthew 4:1–11), He faced the devil’s temptations not with spectacle, but with a rooted awareness of God’s Word. In a world of shortcuts and instant answers, Jesus relied on deep communion with the Father. That is Soul Intelligence.

If Artificial Intelligence scans data, Soul Intelligence is the Spirit-led search engine of the heart. Guided by the Holy Spirit, it uncovers where our path has strayed from Christ. It reveals temptations disguised as opportunities, ego hidden as righteousness, and fear dressed up as prudence. The psalmist prays, “Search me, O God” (Psalms 139:23–24). Lent reflects this prayer, inviting God to examine our inner algorithms—our desires, habits, and assumptions. Soul Intelligence does not shame but clarifies. It is committed to facilitating renewal.

Some truths are not merely reasoned but directly apprehended. We sometimes know we must forgive before we can justify it. We sense a path is unfaithful, though it appears successful. This intuitive illumination is the Spirit guiding our free will. As Paul writes, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Epistle to the Romans 12:2). Renewal is not coercion; it is grace-enabled freedom.

Consider Jesus’ nighttime dialogue with Nicodemus in the Gospel of John (John 3:1–8). Nicodemus, accomplished and learned, comes with theological credentials. One might imagine him asking, “Rabbi, what must I add to my résumé?” Jesus answers, “You must be born from above.” Nicodemus protests, “Return to my mother?” Jesus gently, playfully lifts him beyond literalism: “The wind blows where it chooses…” Spiritual rebirth is not self-upgrade but surrender. We do not engineer salvation; we receive it. To be born again is to let God rewrite the operating system of our hearts.

Lent teaches that renewal happens not only through serious effort but also through joyful play and rest. Jesus withdrew to pray, participated in weddings, and blessed children. Rest signifies trust, and play embodies freedom from anxious self-justification. During rest, we recall that our worth is given to us, not something we create ourselves.

How do we live meaningfully, accountably, joyfully, and lovingly during this season?

First, through honest self-examination. The wilderness temptations reveal hunger for power, recognition, and control. Soul Intelligence asks: Where am I turning stones into bread for myself? Where am I testing God? Where am I bowing to lesser kingdoms?

Second, through repentance and accountability. We need the community to see what we cannot see alone. Confession and prayer refine our inner discernment.

Third, through enacted love. “Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with God” (Book of Micah 6:8). Renewal is not introspection alone; it is compassion embodied.

As we approach Palm Sunday and Passion, we see both praise and betrayal. The One who resisted temptation in the wilderness now endures retaliation on the cross. Jesus’ journey—frequently misrepresented by triumphalism—is shown as a love expressed through suffering. Soul Intelligence understands that genuine kingship is rooted in self-sacrifice.

Yet Lent does not end at the tomb.

Easter affirms that new life is genuine. The Spirit that resurrected Christ injects renewal into exhausted souls. What once seemed empty can flourish; what was hidden can uplift. Being born from above means living in resurrection’s light now—opting for forgiveness instead of resentment, generosity instead of scarcity, and trust instead of fear.

Beloved, may we cultivate Soul Intelligence through prayer, reflection, holy play, and restorative rest. May the Spirit search, cleanse, and renew us. And as we wave our palms and contemplate the Passion, may we prepare for Easter dawn—where every surrender becomes seed, and every ending in Christ becomes a new birth.

In the Lenten journey and Easter hope,

Premkumar Immanuel Clement

“Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.” (Joel 2:13)

As February unfolds, the Church invites us to a meaningful turning of the heart. We stand at a threshold: looking back with gratitude, attending to the present with care, and preparing for the sacred journey ahead. Before we enter the season of Lent on Ash Wednesday, February 18, we will gather for Transfiguration Sunday, when Christ is revealed in glory—a reminder that even as we descend into reflection and repentance, we are guided by divine light.

This turning feels especially timely as many of us continue to recover from the impact of Storm Fern. While the snow has begun to clear, winter’s weight can linger in body and spirit. I gently invite you to reflect on how you are coping during this season—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. If you’re feeling tired, remember that the church remains a space for warmth, prayer, and mutual support.

At the heart of our life together is our shared responsibility to discern where God is leading us. In that spirit, I extend my sincere thanks to all committees and ministry teams who worked diligently and prayerfully to submit their reports for the Annual Charge Conferenceon February 1. Your faithfulness in documenting the work of the church allows us to reflect honestly on our ministry and to move forward with clarity and purpose. The Annual Charge Conference itself is more than a formal meeting; it is an act of stewardship. As we gather, we do so with prayerful hearts, listening for God’s wisdom, affirming our shared mission, and recommitting ourselves to faithful service in the year ahead.

As Lent approaches, Scripture calls us not simply to outward observance, but to inward renewal. Lent invites us to return to honest prayer, to fasting that makes room for God, and to generosity that reflects Christ’s compassion. These practices do not end in themselves; they are pathways that lead us back to love.

May this season be one in which we turn our hearts toward the light revealed in Christ, trusting that God meets us with mercy, even in the wilderness. As winter slowly loosens its grip and we prepare for the journey to the cross, may we do so together, grounded in faith, strengthened by community, and hopeful in God’s transforming grace.

I am grateful to walk this path with you.

Grace and Peace,

Premkumar Immanuel Clement

As we step into this new year, let us pause to thank God for His unfailing love and mercy that carried us through the past seasons. Each sunrise ahead is a fresh page in the story He is writing in our lives—a tale of grace, hope, and transformation. January invites us to reflect, to give thanks, and to look forward with holy expectation to what God will yet do among us.

The beginning of a new year often brings resolutions—promises we make with good intentions, yet ones that can fade with time. John Wesley understood this human struggle well. Rather than placing our hope solely in resolutions rooted in our own strength, Wesley invited the Methodist people to renew their covenant with God. In 1755, he introduced the Covenant Renewal Service, calling believers to gather at the dawn of the new year to experience God’s healing power and be renewed for faithful living. This practice reminds us that our hope does not rest in willpower alone, but in God’s grace that always goes before us.

In the Wesleyan tradition, renewing our covenant is not a private transaction but a communal act. We gather as the Body of Christ to offer ourselves again—heart, soul, mind, and strength—to the God who has already claimed us in love. Through Jesus Christ, God makes a new covenant, promising new life, forgiveness, and freedom. Our response is gratitude expressed through faithful living, compassionate service, and joyful obedience. Trust in the Lord’s plan and step into this year with courage and faith, knowing that God’s mercy is never dependent on our deserving.

May this year be one where our faith deepens, our love overflows, and our service shines brighter than ever. Let us walk together in unity, lifting one another in prayer, and keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. As we renew our covenant, may we also renew our commitment to worship, to fellowship, to justice, and to caring for God’s creation.

May God’s presence fill your heart with peace and joy. May you experience God’s guidance and protection in every step you take. Trust in God’s promises and walk boldly into the blessings He has prepared for you. May the love of Jesus Christ surround you today and always, and may the New Year, 2026, bring spiritual growth, renewed faith, and countless blessings for you and for our church family.

Grace and peace, and wishing you a blessed New Year,

Premkumar Immanuel Clement

Dear friends,

As winter settles in and the landscape fades into muted tones, the colors of Christmas—red and green—shine with striking brightness. These colors are not mere decoration; they tell a story of creation, fall, and hope. Red, throughout Scripture, symbolizes life through blood and reminds us of our beginning. Adam—the first human—bears a name in Hebrew that can mean “man” or “red,” pointing to the precious life God breathed into him. Yet this same Adam also became the one through whom death entered the world. Green, on the other hand, is the color of living things—leaves, pastures, and flourishing trees—symbols of the life God intended for humanity and creation. But sin touched everything, bringing decay not only to human life but also to the natural world. Into this wounded creation, Jesus came as the One who restores life to humanity and promises renewal for all creation. Thus, the colors of Christmas invite us to remember both our fall and the vibrant hope offered in Christ.

This hope is beautifully echoed in the journey of the Magi—wise seekers who traveled from the East, guided by the mysterious light of a star. They left comfort and familiarity in pursuit of God’s revelation, carrying with them gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When they arrived at the place where Jesus was found, Scripture tells us: “They fell down and worshipped him… And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their own country by another road.” (Matthew 2:11-12). Their encounter with the Christ child not only drew them in—it sent them back changed. They returned by “another road,” a symbol of transformation, renewal, and the new direction God inspires in all who genuinely seek Him.

This Christmas and New Year, the journey of the Magi invites us to ponder what it truly means to take “another road” in life. Their encounter with Jesus opened their hearts to a new direction—and so it can be for us. In today’s world, where countless voices compete for our attention, Christ calls us toward a way shaped by love, forgiveness, compassion, justice, brotherhood, hope, simplicity, acceptance, tolerance, inclusion, purity, and holiness. Choosing this different path means allowing the light of Christ to reorient our values, renew our relationships, and inspire choices that heal and bless.

As we celebrate the season, may its vibrant colors remind us of God’s enduring love and His promise to bring renewal into every part of our lives. May the journey of the Magi inspire us to step into the New Year with courage, openness, and a willingness to walk a path illuminated by Christ’s transforming grace.

Wishing each of you a blessed Christmas filled with deep joy, and a New Year guided by Christ’s radiant light, abundant hope, and everlasting peace.

May God bless you all.

Grace and Peace,

Premkumar Immanuel Clement

November is a month marked by sacred transitions. The earth becomes quieter as trees shed their final leaves, and daylight shortens into early dusk. It feels as if creation itself pauses—no longer basking in the warmth of fall, yet not quite in winter’s stillness. In this in-between moment, the church invites us to remember and hope.

At the start of November, we observe All Saints’ Day, appreciating those who have gone before us in faith—the saints whose lives reflected God’s grace during their time. Some of their names stay with us; others are known only to God. Together, they form the “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1), encouraging us to persevere in our own race.

The saints teach us that faith is expressed through trust, not perfection. They also faced seasons of uncertainty but believed Christ’s light would ultimately overcome darkness. Their stories inspire us to live courageously and compassionately. Through them, we see the ongoing flow of God’s grace—each generation passing the faith, candle-like, from one to the next.

As November progresses, our hearts turn toward Advent, beginning this year on November 30. Advent is a season of holy waiting—a time to prepare for Christ’s arrival. While the world rushes toward Christmas with noise and consumerism, the church encourages us to slow down, breathe, listen, and create space for the quietly coming Christ who changes everything.

In the church calendar, Advent signifies both an end and a beginning. It concludes the old year of grace and ushers in a new one. It beckons us to live with hope—hope grounded not in wishful thinking but in the firm promise that God is with us and love will ultimately prevail.

Between the remembrance of All Saints’ and the anticipation of Advent lies a profound truth: we exist between memory and hope. We honor the saints and the God who sustained them, and we look forward with eager anticipation to the coming of Christ—at Bethlehem, in believers’ hearts, and in the renewal of all creation.

Living between memory and hope involves balancing gratitude and longing. We give thanks for what God has done and remain receptive to what God is yet to do. We honor the past without dwelling there; we look ahead without rushing. Instead, we live faithfully today, trusting that God’s light continues to guide us through every season.

May this November bring us gentle gratitude and joyful expectation: grateful for the saints guiding us, and hopeful for the Savior walking beside us. May our remembrance deepen faith, and our waiting renew hope.

Grace and Peace,

Premkumar Immanuel Clement

As autumn approaches once again, I find myself captivated by the fragrance  of falling leaves and the brilliance of colors that adorn every tree and hillside. The golds, browns, and fiery reds carpeting the roads invite me to pause and reflect. Each leaf has lived its season—offering shade in the summer heat, shelter for birds, and beauty for all who passed by. Now, in their falling, they remind us that life is both fleeting and fruitful. They ask us: Did we, too, bear fruit in our season? Did we bring joy, shelter, and nourishment to others? Or have we withered without leaving behind a blessing?

When I joined the Methodist Church in 2022, I wrestled with a similar question: What lies at the heart of the Christian life that John Wesley so faithfully proclaimed? As I studied his sermons and writings, I discovered that Wesley’s vision was deeply rooted in what we might call a life of virtue—an intentional shaping of the heart and will in the pattern of Christ. Wesley reminded us that the Christian journey is not simply about belief but about “faith working through love.”

For Wesley, to follow Jesus meant to practice the virtues that Jesus embodied: love that reaches out to the stranger, justice that uplifts the poor, forgiveness that reconciles enemies, generosity that loosens the grip of greed, and inclusivity that welcomes all into God’s household. These are not abstract ideals but lived realities—practices that form our character and shape our witness.

In this way, the falling leaves of autumn become more than just a seasonal change for us; they are a spiritual invitation. Just as the trees surrender their leaves to prepare for renewal, so we, too, are called to let go of what is no longer life-giving and open ourselves to God’s renewing Spirit. We stand in the long tradition of prophets, apostles, and saints who bore witness—often at significant cost—to God’s glory. Their lives remind us that each season, even one of letting go, paves the way for fresh growth.

This autumn, as you notice the beauty of the changing leaves, may you also hear God’s call to transformation. May we, as Wesley urged, seek holiness of heart and life, allowing our faith to take root in love. And may we trust that even in seasons of loss, God is preparing the soil of our hearts for renewal, so that we might once again bear fruit in due season.

Grace and peace,

Premkumar Immanuel Clement

Dear Friends,

It’s a joy to reconnect with you after our two-month summer break. Although the calendar says it has been a while, to me it feels like only yesterday that I began my new role in ministry here in Delhi, NY. These past two months have been a season of learning, discovery, and deep gratitude.

One of the most memorable moments was serving the Holy Eucharist for the very first time. I felt the Spirit moving among us, filling the moment with joy and reverence. Working through Scripture and shaping new themes for sermons has been both a spiritual discipline and a creative delight. I continue to discover what it means to serve as a priest through Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service.

At the same time, I’ve been learning to be present—not only within the church walls but also in the broader community. Visiting with members in their homes, being warmly welcomed, and praying that God would use me as a vessel of His love has been a great blessing. My time at the farmers’ market every Wednesday has allowed me to connect with many from our community; casual conversations and simple greetings have begun to build friendships. Some have received invitations to church, and I remain hopeful that the Spirit will continue to open the doors.

The men’s breakfast gatherings and the casual café meetings have also been rich opportunities to share ideas, stories, and even parts of my own Indian background while learning more about the history and culture of Delhi. My participation in SUNY Delhi’s student activities fair in August gave me the chance to meet eighty-eight students, share invitations to worship, and begin planting seeds of relationship that I pray will grow in the months ahead. I look forward to being present again at the Harvest Festival in September, where I will have the opportunity to meet students and their families and extend Christ’s welcome to them.

The children’s ministry, although quieter during the summer months, has already given me glimpses of joy. Even in small moments during children’s time, I find myself being called to embrace a childlike spirit in the ministry. I am also grateful to the staff of our church, who have been supportive and cooperative as I settle into this new role.

On a broader level, these past weeks have also been filled with opportunities to connect with colleagues in ministry—through the New England Conference’s new pastors’ orientation and through my growing relationships with pastors in the Farms and Forests Cooperative Parishes of the Hudson-Catskill District of the New York Conference.

Through all these experiences, I have come to see Delhi as a beautiful and welcoming place, and I am thankful to be serving this congregation and community.

As we enter this new season, I would like to close with a special word of blessing for our children who are starting another school year. May this year be filled with new friendships, fresh opportunities, and growth in knowledge and wisdom. May you know that God is with you in every classroom, every challenge, and every joy.

“Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). And may you walk with trust in this promise: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6).

May God bless you all.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Prem

Dear Beloved Members of the United Ministry of Delhi,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

As I prepare to begin my ministry among you on July 1st, my heart is filled with profound gratitude, joy, and hopeful anticipation. I consider it a great blessing and privilege to serve as your new local pastor and to be invited into the sacred life of this wonderful church community.

Although I had long known that there was a place called Delhi in the United States — a name that echoes the capital city of my home country, India — I never imagined that I would one day be appointed to serve here. And now, as I prepare to move to this beautiful part of the world, I find myself affectionately learning to call it “Delhai,” adapting myself joyfully to its culture and life. My learning begins here, and I am excited to grow alongside each of you.

My journey to this appointment has been both humbling and deeply enriching. In 2022, I came to the United States to pursue my theological studies at the Boston University School of Theology. These past three years have been transformative, as I completed my academic work and received my licensing as a local pastor. Leaving behind familiar surroundings, stepping into a new culture, and forming relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and stories—all of this has been an extraordinary gift from God, for which I am deeply grateful. I never cease to marvel at how God’s providence leads us to places and people beyond our imagination.

My call to ministry was a long-pending and unrealized task before I joined the Boston University School of Theology. Although I came from a family of pastors and my mother wanted me to pursue ministry, I was unable to fulfill my personal ambitions or familial legacy due to the hardships I faced in my younger days, both economically and otherwise. Before answering God’s call to ministry, I served for 35 years as an Associate Professor of Philosophy at The American College in Madurai, India, where I specialized in epistemology and completed my doctoral research. I believe the knowledge, insights, and experiences gained during those years will find new meaning and application in my ministry among you, as we study God’s Word, seek wisdom, and grow in faith together.

[Sujatha holding granddaughter Gia, Pastor Prem, daughter Mona, and son-in-law Jaiwant]

God has graciously blessed me with a loving family that has stood by me throughout this journey. My wife, Sujatha, who recently joined me here after resigning from her job in India, will be with me in Delhi, NY. Our daughter lives with her family in San Jose, California, and has blessed us with a precious granddaughter, Gia, who is now 18 months old. Adding to my joy is the presence of my son, Varun Immanuel, who is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in quantum physics at SUNY Albany. He will live with us in Delhi this year and commute to Albany twice weekly.

[Pastor Prem with his daughter, Mona (L), his wife Sujatha holding granddaughter, Gia, and his son Varun]

As we prepare for our move, I am deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of support and generosity from the United Ministry of Delhi. A dedicated team, led by Barbara Jones and Pastor Catherine Schuyler, Susan Ackerly, Fran Ackerly, Deb Kearney, the SPRC members, and many others, has worked tirelessly to make our transition smooth and welcoming. I am sincerely grateful to all who have donated furniture, kitchenware, and countless other items to prepare the parsonage for our arrival. Your kindness has already made us feel at home even before we set foot in Delhi.

I am especially looking forward to meeting each of you during our first worship service—a gathering around the Lord’s Table, where we will celebrate Holy Communion. There could be no better way to begin our journey together than at Christ’s table, where all are welcome, and where grace, love, and unity abound. I am eager to build relationships that transcend all barriers, share in the church’s life, and participate in its various ministries and activities with joy and humility.

As I join this congregation, I come not as one who has arrived but as one who desires to grow with you, share the love of Christ joyfully, and work together toward building a beloved community where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. I am humbled by this church’s rich legacy, and I pledge to honor and uphold it while trusting that God will continue to lead us into a fruitful future for the sake of God’s Kingdom.

I step into this role with a sense of awe and reverence, confident that God, who has called me, will equip me for this sacred work. It is my prayer that, together, we may grow in faith, love, and service, and that our ministry will bear witness to the goodness of our Lord.

I look forward to seeing you all in the first week of July. Until then, may the grace and peace of Christ be with each of you.

With joy and gratitude,

 Premkumar Immanuel Clement

Ministers Musings

Thank you, friends.  Thank you for four years of good ministry, living out the gospel together as the body of Christ in this place.  What a joy it has been to be your pastor!

We have done good things together since the summer of 2021.  There has been singing and praying, preaching and sharing Christ’s peace, time at the Lord’s Table and time at the fellowship table.  We have shared baptisms, funerals, Bible studies, and great times at Kids’ Club (if you missed the great times, you might want to come by and help out on Wednesdays.)  Families in the community have filled their cupboards at the food pantry and we have filled boxes of cheese and eggs and tuna and apples, and more, for senior citizens in town.  Love among us and love given from us.  I have appreciated your commitment to accepting and welcoming any and all of God’s children.  You offer a powerful witness to God’s love here at the United Ministry of Delhi.  Thank you for that witness.

Every memory brings to mind another.  The Holy Spirit has certainly been with us, and I thank God for bringing me here to be church with you.

I will miss this community of love.  I will miss the mountains on all sides as I ride my bike around town.  I will miss crossing the river regularly and watching it run high and run low, depending on the recent rain and snow.  I will miss the Farmers’ Market and Fair on the Square and all the ways this community comes together to say hello and stay connected.

Mostly, I will miss you.  Each of you and all of you.  Your love, your care, your trust in God’s hand through difficult times, your willingness to enter into friendship and service and ministry with me.  I will miss the joy of passing Christ’s peace with you in worship, the hugs and the smiles, the sharing of joys and concerns through prayers.  Thank you for sharing life in Christ with me.  

Keep sharing your love and life in Christ – with each other, and with Pastor Prem who arrives soon.  God does wonderful things through you.  Stay open to God’s hand.

We’ll have a few more times to be together this month.  I hope to see you then.  

Grace and peace,

Pastor Cathy

Ministers Musings

Just this past week, the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church shared a Guiding Vision for the church, a new statement of current understanding of who we are called to be.  

“The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.”  

The video introducing this vision includes these words of explanation:

“Let’s briefly explore what this vision means in action: 

Love Boldly: We passionately love God and, like Jesus, embrace and include people of every age, nation, race, gender, and walk of life.

Serve Joyfully: With the heart of Christ, we journey alongside the most vulnerable, offering care and compassion with joy.

Lead Courageously: And, following Jesus’ example, we resist and dismantle all systems of evil, injustice, and oppression, striving for peace, justice, and reconciliation.   

In this new season, God is calling United Methodists to embody this vision as we form and grow disciples, develop Christ-like leaders, as we stand in solidarity with the poor and the most vulnerable, and seek health and wholeness for all people and creation.”

On Mother’s Day we will use an Affirmation of Faith in worship that was newly approved and endorsed by the Susquehanna Presbytery (that’s our local Presbytery).

Much of what we do and say as The United Ministry is based on old, old words – words of scripture, proclaimed by the prophets, declared by Jesus, explained by gospel writers and authors of letters to old, old churches.  New words, new thoughts, new commitments are a welcome addition to our language and to our witness to God’s grace.   Our shared belonging to both the United Methodist and the Presbyterian traditions brings us in contact with a wealth of wisdom and vision for the days that are to come.  Thanks be to God for fellow disciples willing to put their hope and their faith into new words for us to embrace for our ministry in 2025 and beyond.  

Grace and peace,

Pastor Cathy