There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. (Matthew 21:28-29)

My Beloved Family in Christ,

I am Pastor Sophia. I would like to share a story. One day, after the fellowship, I asked a student to take out the trash. With all the charm of a politician, he said, “Of course, no problem!”—and then promptly put his headphones on and played video games. The trash stayed right where it was.

Another student, however, sighed as if I’d asked them to eat broccoli: “Ugh, why me?” But later, when no one was watching, the trash was gone, the recycling was taken out, and even the floor was swept. Whose actions spoke louder than words?

Friends, this is exactly what Jesus said in Matthew 21:28–32. A father asked his two sons to go work in the vineyard. One son said, “I will not,” but later changed his mind and went. The other son said, “Yes, sir,” but never showed up. Jesus reminds us that what matters is not polished promises, but faithful follow-through.

Friends, God isn’t impressed by lip service. What matters is how we live—choosing forgiveness when it’s hard, choosing kindness when it’s inconvenient, and choosing faith when life feels uncertain.

Here’s the good news: even when we hesitate, even when we stumble, God still welcomes us to the vineyard. There’s always room for us to live out our “yes” to Him.

That’s why I want to warmly invite you to come join us at church this Sunday. We can say we love God, but gathering together to worship, pray, and serve is how we live it out.

Also, remember our special event this Sunday: “Breathe Again: Keeping Peace in a Chaotic time.” In the middle of all the stress and noise around us, this will be a time to pause, exhale, and rediscover God’s peace. Bring a friend, a neighbor, or anyone who could use a reminder that God’s vineyard is a place of rest and renewal too.

So, let’s not just talk about faith—let’s practice it. I hope you’ll join us for “Breathe Again.” After all, there’s no better way to keep peace in a chaotic world than to walk side by side, with God leading the way.

In Christ’s love,

Sophia (Seung Hae) Yoo-Hess
Pastor of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church
43987 Little River Turnpike, Chantilly, Virginia

Office (703)327-4461