October 21, 2020

 

I'm happy to share this week's reflection, written by Lee Lawrence.
                                                 - Pastor Peter



Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.
                                                 - Anna Bartlett Warner
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​​Can Tithing Be A ‘Feel Good’ Thing?
“Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” This is a ‘feel good’ song that we learned as children. What else does the Bible tell us? It tells us the way to salvation. That’s what we learn as we get older. Another thing that makes us feel good.

From the Bible, we know that literally everything is a gift from God. He created the universe and everything in it, including eventually me. I would not be here and would not have the things I have if it were not for God’s gifts of life and all it has produced. Another ‘feel good.’

The Bible also tells us about tithing. Oh oh, that one does not make us feel so good —at least, not at first. It took me a long time to feel good about giving 10% back. It was not until I was in my early 60’s that I learned about the ‘feel good’ that comes from tithing. Most of us in our early years find that looking at that “Adjusted Gross Income” or even the “Taxable Income” line on the IRS form, and thinking about giving up 10% of that is just not possible. That’s where I was; that level of giving was just too much amid all our other expenditures.

But we gave it a try about 12 years ago, and it was amazing how it changed tithing to a ‘feel good’ lesson from the Bible. Good things, unexpected things, began to happen in our walk through life. Things that I never imagined, like returning to Crowley and having an opportunity to find happiness here in church and civic volunteerism — and so much more.

We’d be delighted to talk to any of our fellow church friends about this. Don’t feel you must apologize if you can’t give a full tithe right now. But begin giving back as much as you can. With the current challenges we face, our church needs your gifts more than ever. Please think about this and pray about it during this stewardship time.

Lee Lawrence
Member of the Finance Committee

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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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This year you have the option to submit your pledge card digitally.
Simply click the button below to begin!
​

2020 Digital Pledge Card

New Way to Give! 
As we continue to grow in faith and discipleship, we keep looking for notes in that “new song.” We are delighted to share a new way to support the ministries of Crowley First United Methodist Church! Our finance committee has found a secure and easy way to offer gifts tithes and offerings through Text-to-Give. 

Simply text   crowleyfirst   to  888 - 444 - 8774

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. ​

            An Invitation to Sing
            Choir Room 
            Wednesdays at 6 pm



​
While congregational singing is not currently in full swing, music continues to be an integral part of worship. Our organist, Laura Lowder, is preparing music for some special services coming soon. 

If you would like to sing hymns and an anthem for Legacy Sunday, Advent and/or Christmas, you are invited to join her in the Choir Room on Wednesday at 6 pm.

This is the old choir rehearsal time, but Laura is happy to change it if there is a better night and time for those participating. 

You are welcome to talk to Laura at any time if you are unable to attend this week. 
She can be reached at  

919 - 769 - 1150

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A Word of Thanks

​Our Volunteers from Broadway UMC in Columbus, Ohio
served 5 houses in our area in the 3 days they were here! ​

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"Thank you for your incredible hospitality. We are blessed to have had the opportunity to serve the people of Crowley. Our prayers of healing and recovery remain! 

-The North Broadway UMC Adult Missions / ERT"

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​CONTINUING TO PRAY FOR OUR NATION
AND WORLD THROUGH SCRIPTURE 



RECONCILIATION
Forgiveness must precede reconciliation, seeking first forgiveness from God for our sins, then forgiveness to others. This work begins in the heart. Personal reconciliation with God is an important step toward reconciliation with others.
First, we must have peace with God, commitment, peace in God, relationship, and peace of God, direction.

This week we focus on ‘reconciliation.' 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 find God's peace and work on mending relationships with others. 
 
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
 
On the 25th We’ll begin reflecting on the idea of ‘revival.’
 
October 25                   Psalm 80:16-19
October 26                   Psalm 85:1-7
October 27                   Acts 2:1-4
October 28                   Acts 2:5-13
October 29                   Acts 2:14-21
October 30                   Hosea 6:1-3
October 31                   Ephesians 2:1-10
November 1                 1 Timothy 2:1-4
November 2                 Psalm 113:4​

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WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY


     
Worship in the Fellowship Hall at 8:45 am


 
Worship in Sanctuary at 11 am

 
​
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

REMEMBER YOU ARE LOVED! 


And you are always welcome at Crowley First UMC!