October 7, 2020

 

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What peace can we hope to find elsewhere
if we have none within us. 
                                                   -St. Teresa of Avila


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I came across this quote about peace and it made me wonder...where do we look for peace? Can we find it in this world? Can we manufacture it or buy it? Or, as Christians, does our peace come from someplace else? 
 
As Christians we seek to follow the Prince of Peace. It seems a lot of our peace comes from our relationship with Christ. The peace we need is often found within our own hearts, because that is where we find Christ. This peace from a relationship with Christ is hard to describe. It’s hard to understand! Yet many faithful people in the midst of great struggle and strife have looked within and found peace. 
While sharing this indescribable feeling is quite difficult, sharing Christ is a little more achievable. As disciples we do our best to follow Him, to love as he did and embody the love God has for all God’s children. When that work is done, peace is shared. To do that work, we look within just as St. Teresa of Avila suggests. We follow the gentle call of our Shepherd to love as He did. When we do, others witness and experience what can’t be conveyed by words and we pass the peace of Christ. 
 
Be safe and good to yourself this week, whatever may come. 
 
Grace and peace,
Pastor Peter 

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A few of our volunteers pose by our outdoor altar as we extended the table during our
​World Communion Drive Through Event on Saturday afternoon.

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​Newsletter News

This past week our newsletters were sent out folded in a new way. This may have increased the odds that your newsletter arrived a little worse for wear. We apologize for the tattered arrival and will be returning to the quarter fold.

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

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RETURNING 
Discipleship is hard. Over time the initial commitments we make to God and Jesus may fade. This becomes a more certain reality when we are faced with overwhelming circumstances. We long for that relationship to be restored. The good news is that it is never too late for individuals or nations to return to God when they have strayed. The history of the Israelite nation tells of numerous times when God restored their relationship when they chose to return to Him in obedience. As we read and reflect this week, let us pray that we all might recognize the bright possibilities for our future if we return to God. 
 
This week we focus on ‘returning’ with Isaiah 55:1-13. Each day set aside a few minutes to read the Scripture and reflect. Ask God to open our eyes and soften our hearts as we choose to return to God so that God may guide us to a bright future. 
 
October 4                     Isaiah 55:1-3
October 5                     Isaiah 55:4-5
October 6                     Isaiah 55:6-7
October 7                     Isaiah 55:8-9
October 8                     Isaiah 55:10-12
October 9                     Isaiah 55:13
October 10                   Isaiah 55:1-13
 
On the 11th We’ll begin reflecting on the idea of ‘repentance.’
 
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

WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY


     
Worship in the Fellowship Hall at 8:45 am

This Sunday will be the first Sunday our 8:45 Service shares Communion together in person since the pandemic began.
We are excited to break bread together once more!

 
Worship in Sanctuary at 11 am

Our traditional service in the Sanctuary will observe World Communion Sunday as well as we continue our sermon series, Half-Truths.
This week's phrase works well with our celebration of Holy Communion. 
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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.

Our new sermon series, Half Truths begins this Sunday. We'll take a look at some common sayings that aren't 100% true, which can create complications as we love our neighbors. This week we look at Love the sinner, hate the sin.

​A new sermon series is on the horizon! 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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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!