Thursday, March 4, 2010
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Monday, November 9, 2009
November 9, 2009
Matthew 18: 5
And any of you who welcomes a little child like this because you are mine, is welcoming me and caring for me.
Mark 9: 37
Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming my Father who sent me.
Luke 18: 16, 17
Then Jesus called the children over to him and said to the disciples, “Let the little children come to me! Never send them away! For the Kingdom of God belongs to men who have hearts as trusting as these little children’s.”
What a joy and great blessing it is to see the number of children that enter our church in the early mornings of the week.
Our creative Corners has 60 three and four year olds enrolled t present and we have about 47 babies from 9 month to 35 months old.
God has truly blessed us with facilities and loving teachers to accommodate our little school and our future seekers and workers for His Kingdom. Thank you, God, for our children
A new office angel,
Sylvia Streater
And any of you who welcomes a little child like this because you are mine, is welcoming me and caring for me.
Mark 9: 37
Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming my Father who sent me.
Luke 18: 16, 17
Then Jesus called the children over to him and said to the disciples, “Let the little children come to me! Never send them away! For the Kingdom of God belongs to men who have hearts as trusting as these little children’s.”
What a joy and great blessing it is to see the number of children that enter our church in the early mornings of the week.
Our creative Corners has 60 three and four year olds enrolled t present and we have about 47 babies from 9 month to 35 months old.
God has truly blessed us with facilities and loving teachers to accommodate our little school and our future seekers and workers for His Kingdom. Thank you, God, for our children
A new office angel,
Sylvia Streater
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Stewardship Devotional
“Thus you shall set apart an offering to the Lord from all the tithes that you receive from the Israelites; and from them you shall give the Lord’s offering to the priest Aaron. Out of all the gifts to you, you shall set apart every offering due to the Lord; the best of all of them is the part to be consecrated.”
Numbers 18: 28-29
Since we started tithing, we always seem to have funds. We haven’t missed the money at all. We give a weekly check and then dedicate an amount each year for our new building program. As we have gotten older our priorities have changed – material things don’t mean as much personally. But, since we have both been active in our church planning, finances and other programs, we know the value of paying more than our own part. It really takes a lot of money to run the business of a church facility. The joy of the return is awesome! The more we can do for God and in the service of love for His people, the more satisfied and happy we are.
Prayer: “God, grant us the dedication to our local church. We need to see the possibilities we can provide the community and the world. Help us provide the funds needed to serve the word in our world. In Jesus name, we pray.”
Lee and Sylvia Streater
Members since 1970
Numbers 18: 28-29
Since we started tithing, we always seem to have funds. We haven’t missed the money at all. We give a weekly check and then dedicate an amount each year for our new building program. As we have gotten older our priorities have changed – material things don’t mean as much personally. But, since we have both been active in our church planning, finances and other programs, we know the value of paying more than our own part. It really takes a lot of money to run the business of a church facility. The joy of the return is awesome! The more we can do for God and in the service of love for His people, the more satisfied and happy we are.
Prayer: “God, grant us the dedication to our local church. We need to see the possibilities we can provide the community and the world. Help us provide the funds needed to serve the word in our world. In Jesus name, we pray.”
Lee and Sylvia Streater
Members since 1970
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Stewardship Devotional
Stewardship Devotion
“…As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15
When you become a member of a United Methodist Church, you make a vow to uphold it with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service. Each year during our stewardship campaign, we are encouraged to make sure that we are fulfilling that vow in all four areas – not just monetarily. As you become a part of this church family, it becomes a privilege to make contributions in any way possible.
At the age of 5, I was first brought to the “old” church at 3rd Street and Illinois. Through the fellowship and guidance of that long-ago congregation, I was able to build a foundation for life built on positive values. Besides the small weekly offering provided by my father, I learned to give in service by playing the piano for Sunday School assemblies, by working in the nursery and by participating in many music activities with other MYF members. I treasure a Sunday School attendance award pin that had accumulated bars for 12 years perfect attendance. This church became so essential to me that I brought both my children back here – one from Georgia, one from California – to be baptized.
Society has become so mobile, it is difficult to form such long lasting bonds – but while you are a part of this congregation – immerse yourself in it…many opportunities exist for you to serve and learn. “Every Member In Ministry” has such a variety of ways to give of your time and talents, it is nearly impossible to not find your very own niche and be blessed by it.
As I watch this church prepare to expand its outreach and impact in our community led by newcomers as well as some second, third, and fourth generation members, my prayer is that everyone finds a meaningful and fulfilling spot within the arms that have held me for so many years.
Prayer “Father God, Watch over this church family as we continue to serve the people of this community and throughout the world that all may know the wonders of your creation and the saving grace of your son, Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.”
Patricia Smith
“…As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15
When you become a member of a United Methodist Church, you make a vow to uphold it with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service. Each year during our stewardship campaign, we are encouraged to make sure that we are fulfilling that vow in all four areas – not just monetarily. As you become a part of this church family, it becomes a privilege to make contributions in any way possible.
At the age of 5, I was first brought to the “old” church at 3rd Street and Illinois. Through the fellowship and guidance of that long-ago congregation, I was able to build a foundation for life built on positive values. Besides the small weekly offering provided by my father, I learned to give in service by playing the piano for Sunday School assemblies, by working in the nursery and by participating in many music activities with other MYF members. I treasure a Sunday School attendance award pin that had accumulated bars for 12 years perfect attendance. This church became so essential to me that I brought both my children back here – one from Georgia, one from California – to be baptized.
Society has become so mobile, it is difficult to form such long lasting bonds – but while you are a part of this congregation – immerse yourself in it…many opportunities exist for you to serve and learn. “Every Member In Ministry” has such a variety of ways to give of your time and talents, it is nearly impossible to not find your very own niche and be blessed by it.
As I watch this church prepare to expand its outreach and impact in our community led by newcomers as well as some second, third, and fourth generation members, my prayer is that everyone finds a meaningful and fulfilling spot within the arms that have held me for so many years.
Prayer “Father God, Watch over this church family as we continue to serve the people of this community and throughout the world that all may know the wonders of your creation and the saving grace of your son, Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.”
Patricia Smith
Monday, February 16, 2009
Upper Room
Upper Room Feb 16th devotional
A Change in Focus
Read Philippians 4:1-9
Whatever is true, ... noble, ... right, ... pure, ... lovely, ... admirable ... think about such things. ... And the God of peace will be with you.
-Philippians 4:89 (NIV)
ONE night I had to ask our neighbors to turn down their music so we could sleep. The next day, I got ready to write them an angry letter about how I and other neighbors feel about them and their rowdy friends.
As I let my anger run wild, the Lord reminded me of the wonderful church service the previous Sunday and of being with our friends at an upcoming retreat. I thought about our home Bible study and the new people who would be coming the next week. I recalled my faithful Christian children and our wonderful grandchildren. I thought about the good that God was doing in my life and in the lives of my loved ones and friends. In only a few seconds, my negative attitude had been driven out by good things.
Over the next few hours I caught myself slipping back into the negative, and each time I would fight back by considering again all the good that God had done and was doing in my life. I realized that Paul encourages us to dwell on the true, noble, right, pure, and lovely because if we do that, no room is left for anger. Instead, we will find the life of peace we all seek.
Richard Lewis (California, USA)
Dear God, help us to set our minds on you and on the blessings you bring us. Amen.
In the midst of anger, we can find peace by thinking about all the good God has done.
My neighbors
ForgivenessForgiving does not mean forgetting that you have been wronged or pretending you have not been hurt. It does not mean that you must like a person who has caused you pain. Forgiving does mean releasing the pain to God. In this simple, gentle book, the writers of FORGIVENESS offer their own experiences, prayers, and suggestions for making peace with your past so that you can move forward toward the future.
A Change in Focus
Read Philippians 4:1-9
Whatever is true, ... noble, ... right, ... pure, ... lovely, ... admirable ... think about such things. ... And the God of peace will be with you.
-Philippians 4:89 (NIV)
ONE night I had to ask our neighbors to turn down their music so we could sleep. The next day, I got ready to write them an angry letter about how I and other neighbors feel about them and their rowdy friends.
As I let my anger run wild, the Lord reminded me of the wonderful church service the previous Sunday and of being with our friends at an upcoming retreat. I thought about our home Bible study and the new people who would be coming the next week. I recalled my faithful Christian children and our wonderful grandchildren. I thought about the good that God was doing in my life and in the lives of my loved ones and friends. In only a few seconds, my negative attitude had been driven out by good things.
Over the next few hours I caught myself slipping back into the negative, and each time I would fight back by considering again all the good that God had done and was doing in my life. I realized that Paul encourages us to dwell on the true, noble, right, pure, and lovely because if we do that, no room is left for anger. Instead, we will find the life of peace we all seek.
Richard Lewis (California, USA)
Dear God, help us to set our minds on you and on the blessings you bring us. Amen.
In the midst of anger, we can find peace by thinking about all the good God has done.
My neighbors
ForgivenessForgiving does not mean forgetting that you have been wronged or pretending you have not been hurt. It does not mean that you must like a person who has caused you pain. Forgiving does mean releasing the pain to God. In this simple, gentle book, the writers of FORGIVENESS offer their own experiences, prayers, and suggestions for making peace with your past so that you can move forward toward the future.
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