October 1, 2020
PASTOR'S POST
How does one pray without ceasing? Long ago, there were an order of monks who believed dreams were a part of prayer. Folks found them napping all over the place in their pursuit of praying without ceasing. Fortunately, dreams are one of many ways that we can pray. There are also many things that we pray for and about. This past Saturday marked 40 days until the election. Now is an excellent time to join together in prayer. We can all ask for God to lead us through this season with grace and goodwill. We can ask for strength and guidance to act in ways that do no harm, do good and stay in love with God. We can pray for the future of our country.
In this time, a friend offered a way for many to rally together in prayer for our nation. Each day we focus on the same piece of Scripture. Each week holds an overarching theme for We The People to reflect on as well as we continue the work of transformation in our nation and world. These themes take us from remembrance to revival. I invite you to join me and many others in prayer over the next 5 weeks.
We begin with a week of remembrance focusing on Deuteronomy 8:1-20. Each day, set aside a few minutes to read the Scripture and reflect. As you hear of the Israelites situation, can you remember the times in your life when God’s presence, protection and provision delivered and sustained you? Where have you seen this in the history of our country and where would you like to? Ask for God to open our eyes and soften our hearts as we remember what was and to guide us into what can be.
As time goes on, I'll share more Scripture with you to follow along. I look forward to praying through these Scriptures with y’all.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Peter
In this time, a friend offered a way for many to rally together in prayer for our nation. Each day we focus on the same piece of Scripture. Each week holds an overarching theme for We The People to reflect on as well as we continue the work of transformation in our nation and world. These themes take us from remembrance to revival. I invite you to join me and many others in prayer over the next 5 weeks.
We begin with a week of remembrance focusing on Deuteronomy 8:1-20. Each day, set aside a few minutes to read the Scripture and reflect. As you hear of the Israelites situation, can you remember the times in your life when God’s presence, protection and provision delivered and sustained you? Where have you seen this in the history of our country and where would you like to? Ask for God to open our eyes and soften our hearts as we remember what was and to guide us into what can be.
As time goes on, I'll share more Scripture with you to follow along. I look forward to praying through these Scriptures with y’all.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Peter
Daily Scripture Readings For Our Country
|
Sept. 27 -Deuteronomy 8:1-3 Sept. 28 -Deuteronomy 8:4-5 Sept. 29 -Deuteronomy 8:6-9 Sept. 30 -Deuteronomy 8:10-14 Oct. 1 -Deuteronomy 8:5-18 Oct. 2 -Deuteronomy 8:9-20 Oct. 3 -Deuteronomy 8:1-10 |
On the 4th we’ll begin reflecting on the idea of 'returning.' Oct. 4 -Isaiah 55:1-3 Oct. 5 -Isaiah 55:4-5 Oct. 6 -Isaiah 55:6-7 Oct. 7 -Isaiah 55:8-9 Oct. 8 -Isaiah 55:10-12 Oct. 9 -Isaiah 55:13 Oct. 10 -Isaiah 55:1-13 |
Annual Giving Campaign Begins
The annual giving campaign begins this month and will culminate with a celebration of remembrance on All Saints Day, November 1st, as we honor the legacies of First United Methodist Church. This is a joyous and important time for the church. It gives the opportunity to reflect on our recent accomplishments and favorite memories of people and events at FUMC. Also, it offers occasion to look at the present and build our vision for the future. The exterior restoration and preservation of the church that was envisioned in 2016 was completed this year. This could not have happened without the generosity of our members. Not only in donations, but also in the time and talent given by those who made it all happen.
This year has posed many challenges in how to reach our audience and deliver God’s message. With that, we adapted by combining traditional and modern communication methods. The Mission and Ministry Committee launched a very popular, good o’ fashioned note writing campaign with stamps and all. Pastor Peter initiated the online services that send the message of First United Methodist Church and Christianity, not only to this congregation, but to the world. There are no limits to our reach.
Now, that the exterior work is complete, this is a point to look inward and address other needs of church. There is pressing maintenance required on the beloved organ and other interior improvements. Not only physical though, how do we connect spiritually to God, to each other, to our community and beyond?
Pray for our church during this time as we continue to build on our very strong foundation left by those who came before us. Join us in thinking about the next steps for this church and how you can help make them happen.
This year has posed many challenges in how to reach our audience and deliver God’s message. With that, we adapted by combining traditional and modern communication methods. The Mission and Ministry Committee launched a very popular, good o’ fashioned note writing campaign with stamps and all. Pastor Peter initiated the online services that send the message of First United Methodist Church and Christianity, not only to this congregation, but to the world. There are no limits to our reach.
Now, that the exterior work is complete, this is a point to look inward and address other needs of church. There is pressing maintenance required on the beloved organ and other interior improvements. Not only physical though, how do we connect spiritually to God, to each other, to our community and beyond?
Pray for our church during this time as we continue to build on our very strong foundation left by those who came before us. Join us in thinking about the next steps for this church and how you can help make them happen.
October
Upcoming Events
_________________
Sunday Services
8:45 am-Fellowship Hall
11:00 am-Sanctuary
Sermon Series:
Half Truths
10/3 World Communion
Drive-Thru
10/4 8:45 am *
*Communion
11:00 am
10/11 8:45 am
11:00 am
10/18 8:45 am
11:00 am
10/25 8:45 am
11:00 am
11/1 8:45 am
11:00 am
Legacy Sunday
_________________
Meetings
10/12 Mission
& Ministry
5:30 pm
10/19 Church Council
6:00 pm
Upcoming Events
_________________
Sunday Services
8:45 am-Fellowship Hall
11:00 am-Sanctuary
Sermon Series:
Half Truths
10/3 World Communion
Drive-Thru
10/4 8:45 am *
*Communion
11:00 am
10/11 8:45 am
11:00 am
10/18 8:45 am
11:00 am
10/25 8:45 am
11:00 am
11/1 8:45 am
11:00 am
Legacy Sunday
_________________
Meetings
10/12 Mission
& Ministry
5:30 pm
10/19 Church Council
6:00 pm
Our world communion drive through event will be held on the Avenue I side of the church from noon to 3 pm.
We will have 3 different stations:
· The first will collect food and batteries to assist our neighbors in need after Hurricane Laura.
· The second is a prayer station to receive prayer requests and share a simple gift.
· The third is an opportunity to receive Holy Communion.
All are welcome to visit one or all of our stations!