First United Methodist Church of Crowley Louisiana
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November 19, 2020

PictureCongratulations to Rev. Leah Stevens Gaughan on her Ordination!
      
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      You have been set apart as holy to the LORD your God, and he has
chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.

                                            - Deuteronomy 14:2






In 313, Constantine, the Western Roman emperor issued the Edict of Milan which legalized Christianity and allowed for freedom to Christians to worship throughout the empire. As more people came to join the faith, some felt a shift as persecution came to an end. Desiring to fully embody their abandoning themselves to Christ a few people set themselves apart from their community of faith by moving far out into the desert to become hermits. You might be asking yourself, why on earth would anyone choose to do such a thing. Who would want to be set apart?
 
This past week I had the honor of standing with Leah as she was ordained in full connection to the Order of Deacon in The United Methodist Church. Ordination is a culmination of preparation for ministry and also new beginning. A phrase that is often used in Scripture and when speaking of ordination is “set apart”. As the Bishop lays hands upon each person to be commissioned and ordained, all those present recognized that this person is to be set apart for the work of the Kingdom and the ministry of the church. As I participated in the service I was reminded of that call and the preparation to become the pastor I am today. I am humbled to be called to serve in such a way and am honored to serve as your pastor. 
 
As I looked around the sanctuary at the service, the phrase ‘set apart’ was unshakable as people sat 6 feet apart with masks covering their nose and mouths. Since the pandemic began earlier this year it feels as though we have all been set apart from each other. We like the first zealous Christians have become hermits out in the wilderness. In the Bishop’s sermon she mentioned that we are physically distant, not really socially distant as we are wanting to say. We might be six feet apart or worshipping online, but we are still connected by the Spirit and still in community with one another. 
 
While it was an admirable thing for those early Christians to devote themselves to a life of hermitage, it did not last long. “It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). They didn’t go back to the lives they had left, but they did come together and form the first monasteries. They remained set apart… together. From their work a new way to live became possible. There are still communities that live in such a way today. 
 
Whether we are monks, or ministers, or simply folks masked during a pandemic, we hold a feeling of being apart. We may have sought that apartness, or have been called to it, or simply find ourselves in it. What we need to remember is that whatever the physical distance we may hold between others, we are not alone. In being set apart, we cleave a little closer to God. 
 
This week, let us draw close to one another in prayer and remind each other we are not alone. 
 
Grace and peace,
 
Pastor Peter 

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​THANKSGIVING BASKETS
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This year we are able to hand out 20 baskets.  Thank you for your generosity! We are grateful that Care and Share donated the turkeys for the baskets.  Baskets will be given to our Community and Church families after Worship Service on November 22nd.

Loving Father, help us to become ever more responsive to You. 
May our lives be filled with You, Your Love, Your Spirit, and Your Goodness. Amen 


            Thank you so much!           
                                                                        Debbie Houghton

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While we still are not meeting in person just yet, the Youth are still making sure we keep our HeartCore Mission going strong.  For the month of October, HeartCore donated food to the FUMC drive through food collection that was split between those that were affected by Hurricane Laura and to Crowley Christian Care Center.  For the month of November, HeartCore will be making a donation to Ms. Helen’s Soup Kitchen, and for December will be adopting a family for Christmas.  These are just small ways we can continue to help out our community while trying to keep each other safe.
 
On October 21, the Youth met at Levy Park for some pumpkin carving.  The kids had a great time showing off their pumpkin carving skills and we all   had a lot of good laughs together.
                                                                                                                          Faith and Love,
                                                                                                             Amy, Youth & Children’s Director

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ANGEL TREE
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It’s Angel Tree time again! This year, Methodist Foster Care has nearly 135 children and youth in their care. Our Care and Share committee is asking the congregation to help fulfill 32 Angel Tree wish cards for these children and youth. 

This year, we have set up one Angel Tree located in Fellowship Hall. On it, you will find unreserved Angel Tree Wish Cards—and a Candy Cane treat for you as a thank you from Care and Share!

On the card, you will find a specific gift title and a picture of said gift. All gifts can be found at Walmart! You will also notice a funny looking code on your card. This code belongs to a specific child, so it is very important that you attach your gift card to the gift you purchase! It is also helpful to include gift wrap/bags/tissue paper with your gift. But, please, do not wrap them.

Please return all gifts to Fellowship Hall by 3pm on December 4th!

Thank you so very much for helping us to bless the children and youth in Methodist Foster Care again this year.

Please call or text Anna Lantz at 384-8754 with any questions.

WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY

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Honoring Our Veterans

Our sanctuary has a plaque that honors those members of
​Crowley First United Methodist Church who have joined the
armed forces. We have collected new names to add and
​will be blessing the addition at our 11 am service.


 


Worship in the Fellowship Hall at 8:45 am


 
Worship in the Sanctuary at 11 am

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​
We ask that you wear a mask at these services and observe social distancing.



 Online worship is available each week for anyone uncomfortable in groups, or those sick or symptomatic. The CDC continues to recommend that individuals 65 years or older, people of all ages with medical issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, or a weakened immune system should stay at home as much as possible.



ONLINE WORSHIP
SUNDAYS AT 8:45 AM
Access Online Worship here
Visit our Facebook page for Online Worship Here
Your Support is Needed and Appreciated! 

​You may mail your gifts, tithes, and offerings to:

Crowley First UMC
P.O. Box 1064
Crowley, LA 70527


You can now make a donation to the church by texting 

crowleyfirst

to 888 444 8774

or by clicking the button below
DONATE
Your smart phone will direct you to a page to set up a profile. 
Once that is set up you can give and manage your offerings with ease. 
We are excited to offer this to our members as we continue to find new ways to come together in joy. ​

REMEMBER YOU ARE LOVED! 


And you are always welcome at Crowley First UMC!


Get In Touch!

Office Hours
​Monday-Thursday:
​8:30am - 3pm

Telephone
​337-783-6754

Email
​[email protected]

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1064
Crowley, LA 70527
Sunday Services:
11:00am - Traditional Worship
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  • Ministries
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