October 14, 2020

 
The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the community, to their shared meals, and to their prayers. A sense of awe came over everyone. God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles. All the believers were united and shared everything. They would sell pieces of property and possessions and distribute the proceeds to everyone who needed them. Every day, they met together in the temple and ate in their homes. They shared food with gladness and simplicity. They praised God and demonstrated God’s goodness to everyone. The Lord added daily to the community those who were being saved.
                                                                                      -Acts 2:42-47

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​After the first Pentecost Sunday, the community of Christ followers began to do everything in life together. They shared meals around a table, they prayed together, they studied Scripture, and they shared their wealth to care for one another. This early church became the model for the church we still know and love today. We know that together, we can do much more than any one person could do on their own. Together we get to celebrate communion. Together we worship. Together we are in mission in the community. The small things we have to offer become great and wonderful things together. 
 
When I was reading Acts 2, it wasn't just the togetherness of the community that struck me. They also found great joy in praising God together as One body. And that joy in God and God's goodness started the beginning of the church. I found that joy here in Crowley as Leah and I were welcomed and again when we welcomed Scarlett Rey into the world. I see that joy as we collaborate on ways to help our neighbors. Personally that joy most noticeably warms my heart when we gather together. Whether it was for a progressive dinner, Bible study or Sunday worship, the feeling of joy was electric and it continues to be. I look forward to witnessing it every Sunday morning. This Sunday we'll begin to look at this joy that we share with our new sermon series, Together for Joy. 

I look forward to connecting with you this Sunday, in person or online. 
This week, may you remember and rediscover the joy we share.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Peter 

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Together for Joy will accompany our stewardship program this year as we look the joy in Scripture
and all around.

Let us prayerfully prepare for this series which will conclude with Legacy Sunday, the day we honor
​those who gave gone before us and the day we renew our pledge to carry on their legacy.

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How are you doing after the storm?

In the wake of yet another storm, folks have been reaching out asking how we are doing. If you are in need of some extra help, members of the Methodist Connection want to know so that they can lend a hand. Please let us know at crowleyfirstumc@gmail.com.

Pastor Appreciation Month

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​Last week, on behalf of the youth Amy Trahan presented Pastor Peter with a new notebook and bronze plaque to thank him for Pastor Appreciation Month. The notebook reads 'Be still and know that I am God." 

This was a wonderful and welcome surprise. It is an honor to be y'alls pastor!

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​CONTINUING TO PRAY FOR OUR NATION
​AND WORLD THROUGH SCRIPTURE 

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REPENTANCE
Exodus 20:3 says “You shall have no other gods before me.” Today, we are still guilty of worshipping other gods, the god of personal pleasure, materialism, status, and certainty that we are right. True repentance is allegiance to God, with priorities in line with God’s will. The sins of our nation and its people are like those of the Israelites. The prophet Isaiah was urging repentance so that redemption could be carried out. It did take place and God’s relationship with the people was restored. The call to repent is offered to us even now. 

 This week we focus on ‘repentance’ with Isaiah 59:1-21. Each day set aside a few minutes to read the Scripture and reflect. Ask God to open our eyes and soften our hearts so that we might repent and turn toward God. 
 
October 11                   Isaiah 59:1-3
October 12                   Isaiah 59:4-8
October 13                   Isaiah 59:9-11
October 14                   Isaiah 59:12-15
October 15                   Isaiah 59:16-19
October 16                   Isaiah 59:20-21
October 17                   Isaiah 59:1-21
 
On the 18th We’ll begin reflecting on the idea of ‘reconciliation.’
 
October 18                   Romans 15:1-4
October 19                   Romans 15:5-7
October 20                   2 Corinthians 15:11-15
October 21                   2 Corinthians 15:16-18
October 22                   2 Corinthians 15:19-21
October 23                   2 Corinthians 15:11-21
October 24                   Psalm 133: 1-3

WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY


     
Worship in the Fellowship Hall at 8:45 am


 
Worship in 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

REMEMBER YOU ARE LOVED! 


And you are always welcome at Crowley First UMC!