FIRST CHURCH WINDOWS
February 2011
“Love the Lord your God with all
your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
Matthew 22:37
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FIRST CHURCH WINDOWS is published by:
The First United
Methodist Church
201 Dayton Avenue
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Phone:
(856)858-1186
Fax: (856)858-1775
E-mail: info@fumccollingswood.org
Church Staff
------------
Rev. Sam Mountain - Senior Pastor
(pastorsam@fumccollingswood.org)
Mr. Shawn Zook - Youth Director
(shawn@fumccollingswood.org)
Mrs.
Elizabeth Averell - Director of Music
Mrs. Maria Gianfrancesco - Church
Secretary
(maria@fumccollingswood.org)
Office Hours
------------
Monday - Closed
Tuesday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed for lunch
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm)
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FIRST CHURCH WINDOWS is online at
www.fumccollingswood.org.
FIRST CHURCH WINDOWS is available via e-mail.
Send an e-mail to ewindows@fumccollingswood.org to subscribe.
--------------------
IN WINDOWS THIS MONTH
From the Pastor’s Heart
Preaching Schedule
Wee Soccer
Facing Life with Faith Weekend
The RYVER
Missionary Messages
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Wings of Prayer
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The submission deadline for the March issue of
Windows is February 10th.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING WINDOWS!
====================
FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART
The year 2011 has
begun and one thing we know for sure is that the weather is pretty
unpredictable. Since Christmas we have had snow storms one after another. The
amazing thing is how many different forecast predictions on one storm we can
hear in a day.
There is good news as we read God’s word -that as God
gave King Solomon a promise to rely on, we too can rely on the many promises God
has in His Word for us. The other day I was reading about King Solomon and how
after Solomon finished the great temple, the Lord responded to his prayer. The
Lord said to King Solomon, “I have heard the prayer and plea you have made
before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my
Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there. As for you, if
you walk before me in integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father
did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your
royal throne over Israel forever.” (1 Kings 9: 3-5)
As we walk with
integrity of heart and uprightness God will establish our way. I have seen that
over and over in my life and in our church this past year. The good news is that
the Lord knows what we are facing. We can simply say “Lord, your will be done. I
surrender my life and days to you, Lord.” The Lord will establish our path. It
may not always be where we thought we needed to go but if He is leading us
there, then that is the best place to be. My prayer for you is that you might
find that place with the Lord’s leading in your life this year. There are three
exciting things I want to share with you for the month of February. Besides our
regular services and small groups, Bible studies and Sunday school classes and
Wee sports, we have some special things happening in February:
1. On
Sunday mornings we are in a new Sermon series that will help us to understand
and live out values that matter to God!!!
2. On Sunday, February 6, we
will be celebrating God’s care in our lives with a “Celebration Sunday.” There
will also be a special time of Communion.
3. I am really looking forward
to our “Facing Life with Faith Weekend” on February 26th and 27th. The weekend
will begin with a Marriages Matters night focusing on how God helps us with the
challenges we all deal with in our families. On Sunday morning there will be a
special time for our teens and college aged at 9:00 am dealing with the
challenges they often face. At 10:15 am we will have a special service
continuing the theme “Facing Life with Faith” for all ages. Our weekend will be
led by the Maher family, a family that, in the midst of some amazing life
challenges, allowed their faith in Christ to guide and strengthen them in ways
they never could have dreamed! You will not want to miss this weekend. It will
be a great time to bring others along with you!
We have spent 2 weeks of
concerted prayer with one another so let’s not stop praying and being open to
God leading in our lives together. On February 6th, 2011 at 6:00 pm, we will
have another prayer service in the Sanctuary. Join us as we seek the Lord
together. Some will choose to fast their evening meal, others may not. Just do
what the Lord shows you to do!
It is with hope and great joy we look to
the year ahead. May the Lord’s blessing be yours. It is a privilege to be your
pastor.
In Christ’s love and service,
Pastor Sam
Forward in
Faith
====================
Collingswood First United Methodist
Church
Under Construction 2011: Trusting God for The Future
LIVING ON
PURPOSE
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence
is in Him . They will be like a tree planted by the water…It has no worries in a
year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17: 7-8
Sermon Series On “Our Values That Matter to God.”
February 6 Celebration
Sunday - A special service of music, testimonies and communion.
13 Living Out Life’s Mission, Part 2
Matthew 3:15-17
20 Values That
Matter To God
Matthew 28:18-20
27 Facing Life Challenges With Faith
Weekend
March 6 God’s Special Children Service
This is a sermon
series on the values that matter to God. We will go on a practical journey of
exploring our purpose and some key values that are
important to God. We have
identified nine core values form God’s Word that we, as a church, believe are at
the core of all we do. These core values stem from our passion and mission
of “Loving God … Loving People … and Connecting with our Neighbors” with God’s
love. Each message will lay foundation for our journey together. Don’t miss
any of these and future messages and services. Invite a friend to come or listen
to our radio broadcast on WFIL 560am at 11:00am every Sunday morning. Keep
this special series in your prayers. If you miss a service, you can order a CD
from the office. What a great way to begin our New Year together. Happy New
Year!
====================
WEE SOCCER IS BACK!
Dear
Friends,
First United Methodist Church is beginning the 2nd season of the
winter Indoor Soccer for Children program for boys and girls in kindergarten
through grade 3. Games are played on Saturday beginning January 22nd and run
through Saturday, February 26th.
Last year’s program was highly
successful in addressing the wishes of our church community – especially our
children. Many families – and children
themselves – have shown a desire to
get more involved in our church – whether it be a member of the Sunday service
congregation, Sunday School, Master’s Men or Bible School. Indoor Soccer for
Children is a program designed for children.
We thank the Lord for giving
us the opportunity to provide this program for our children. God works in
wonderful ways and being a part of our church family is one thing that will
be of benefit to us all. Thank you again for this opportunity to serve our
children and the Lord.
For additional information call Ed Hill or the
church office at 856-858-1186.
====================
We are
looking forward to this special weekend!
FACING LIFE WITH FAITH WEEKEND
February 26th and 27th
The weekend will begin on Saturday, February
26 at 5:30 pm with a Marriages Matters night with our focus on how God helps us
with challenges we all deal within our families. Then, on Sunday morning
there will be a special time for our teens and college aged at 9:00 am dealing
with the challenges they often face. At 10:15 am we will have a special
service continuing the theme “Facing Life with Faith” for all ages. Our weekend
will be led by the Maher family, a family that, in the midst of some amazing
life challenges, allowed their faith in Christ to guide and strengthen them in
ways they never could have dreamed!!! You will not want to miss this
weekend, it will be a great time to bring others along with you!
Here is
some more background on the couple...
John and Andrea Maher had high
aspirations for each of their four children and raised them in a strong, loving
Christian home. They have been happily married for thirty-four years. John,
a retired Police Chief, is the current Executive Undersheriff in Southern New
Jersey and Andrea writes a column called “Family Matters,” and co-hosts a
weekly radio show, “That Guy’s Mom.” Both co-teach the adult Sunday School at
their church and have an extensive resume of service in their church, as
well as in their community.
In the past five years, tragedy has befallen
two of their sons - their oldest son, John, suddenly died at the age of 28, and
their youngest son, Matt, is serving a five and a half year prison sentence
for aggravated manslaughter due to a drunk driving accident. Matt was “That Guy”
who grew up achieving in every area of his life. He was a role model, active
in his community, excelled in academics and athletics, earned himself a full
scholarship to Temple University, and eventually signed a professional
contract as a soccer player. Now he is “That Guy,” a drunk driver, who killed an
innocent man and who now resides in prison.
But the story doesn’t
end there...
The Maher family unfalteringly held onto their faith
believing that they serve a loving God who does all things well, regardless of
their circumstances. They fervently beseeched the Lord in prayer to use
their awful tragedies for His greater purpose. From the onset of the tragic
news, they, along with their son Matthew, dedicated themselves to honor the
memory of the victim, Mr. Hort Kap, by continuing the call of finding a higher
purpose in this unspeakable tragedy. This story is compelling in that it
exemplifies the power of forgiveness and redemption. It magnifies the role of
faith to sustain us. It is a living example of how bad things can happen to
good people. It’s about choices, consequences and how our actions can change
countless lives - for the good or bad. It offers hope in navigating the
storms that enter our life. God has taken this story, and in a short amount of
time, it has spread to all fifty two states and 92 countries. We are humbled
by His graciousness to use fallen people who turn to Him for strength and
guidance to further His Great Commission in the midst of the storms.
Please take the time to check out their website,www.themattmaherstory.com,
or listen to “That Guy’s Mom” radio show to learn more about this story that
is touching lives and spreading the good news of Christ to the lost, bruised,
and hurting.
“A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
Psalm 51:17 NRSV
====================
THE RYVER YOUTH MINISTRY OF
FUMC
A ministry of students
loving God, loving people,
connecting
with our neighbors
Senior High (grades 9-12) meets on Sunday nights and
Junior High (grades 6-8) meets on Wednesday nights, both from 6:00-8:00 pm (for
relationship
building and spiritual topical discussions), and everyone meets
on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am (for deeper Bible teaching and spiritual life
training) except for the following:
ryver staff – (first Sun) – for
all youth leaders – praying, planning, preparing
All-ryver Games – (first
Wed; all grades) – come meet people through sit-down games, open-gym, etc.
All-ryver Serving – (last Sun; all grades) – focused on meeting needs in our
surrounding community
All-ryver Worship – (last Wed; all grades) – experience
God through music, teaching, and arts
COMING EVENTS
Super Bowl
Party
Sunday, 2/6 - 6:00 pm
Great food! Great game (hopefully!) Great
commercials! Or just hang out and play games with great people! Open to grades
6-12. Cost: no charge, but we will accept donations for the food. YOU MUST
SIGN UP BY WEDNESDAY, FEB. 2!
Blue Mountain Trip - Sking/Snow Tubing -
Saturday, 2/12 We'll be meeting at the church at 10:30 am (and returning around
8 pm) to give you as much snow time as possible. Registration forms and
payments (pricing varies) are due in ADVANCE - No later than Sunday, 2/6!
Students are encouraged to pack a bag lunch & dinner, or you can buy it
there. In case of bad weather, trip will be rescheduled for Saturday, 3/5. So
get some friends and let's go play in the snow!
College Tour
Thursday 2/17 to Friday 2/18 If you are in grades 9-12 and interested in going
to a Christian college after high school, this trip is for you. During these
2 days we'll travel to Lancaster Bible College and Eastern University where
you'll have the chance to sit in on chapels and classes, eat meals, and tour
the campuses as you search out where God may be leading you. We have room for 9
people (upperclassmen will have first priority) and you must sign up by
Sunday, 2/6.
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CHILI/SOUP COOK-OFF:
Keep
perfecting those chili and soup recipes! Since several of our special comedy
acts will be on the road in January, we are moving the date for our chili &
soup cook-off with its LOL chaser to Saturday, March 19th at 5:30 PM. Whether
you enter the cooking competition (prizes will be awarded!) or perform for
our LOL night or just come for the fun – you won't want to miss this!
====================
MISSIONARY MESSAGES
Helen
So much has
happened since I arrived in California to begin a Certificate Program in
Spiritual Formation at Talbot School of Theology at Biola
University. It has
been a real eye-opener to learn how people grow spiritually and how our family
of origin influences the way we relate to others, God and ourselves. In one
course, we looked at the way that the church has cared for souls throughout the
ages and we tried out different methods of relating to God and other
believers. A favorite method of daily devotions has been using a book of Celtic
prayers written and spoken centuries ago, yet fitting for believers in our
day as well. I especially appreciated their way of committing the ordinary daily
chores and activities into God’s loving hands and creating space for God
morning, noon, evening and bedtime. As a result of taking a course on how to
interpret the Bible, I have been blessed by getting into the habit of
reading verses in context (at least the whole paragraph and often the whole book
in which they occur). I’ve been learning how to appreciate the special
features of each type of literature (stories, prophecy, gospels, poetry, etc.)
and how to interpret and apply each type. Most of all, I have been blessed
getting to know my fellow students and teachers who are modeling the principles
they are teaching us.
Saints Prison Fellowship
Now may the
God of hope fill you with
all joy and peace in believing, that you may
abound
in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13.
Do
not remember the former things, nor consider
the things of old. Behold, I
will do a new thing,
now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?
I
will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah
43:18-19
Praise God for a bountiful 2010: thousands of miles of travel
and more than 200 games played without any major problems.
Dave &
Andrea Brunner
Thank you all so much for helping us in prayers and
giving so that we may minister effectively. Our winter storms have slowed down
across our country and we have seen the bluest sky we have seen in a long
time. As of December 22, 2010, we have become grandparents for the first time.
Alec Philip Brunner came early and weighed 6 lbs. and 6 oz and is doing
well. Rejoice with Andrew and Sarah (his parents) and with us as we celebrate
this birth. Our son, Andrew, is in his last year at Appalachian Bible
College in WV.
Chuck & Bev Truxton
Thanks for your prayers
for us during this short Home Assignment in the USA. We were able to visit with
many friends and supporters and wish that we had been able to see everyone
who is a part of our support team. Your prayer support is vital. God has used
some people in very special ways to help with our financial support. Some
have supported us right from the time we joined SIM in 1972, and helped us with
passage and initial outfit needs. Some of those dear friends are with the
Lord. On the other hand, one friend who started supporting us with $10 per month
in 1972 is still sending us $10 per month and has never missed a single
month! I know we could do the math, but it’s really not about that is it? It’s
all about HIM and how your prayers and gifts have translated into changed
lives – the “letters written on our hearts.” (2 Corinthians 3:2) And you are a
letter written on our hearts, too, because of your partnership with us in
our ministry in Nigeria.
Armand & Jean LeBlanc
“Hi, my name
is Robert, My family has been killed and I’m in danger.” So began refugee day
which we have once a month at the fellowship. His real name wasn’t “Robert,”
just his nick name because the GI’s couldn’t pronounce his real name. Neither
could I. We had about 95 families - Iraqi Arabic speakers and Iranians come
to the refugee day for food and clothing distribution. Pray for an Arabic
speaker to help with Iraqi refugees. The number of refugees coming has
dramatically increased in the last few months. Sometimes we don’t have enough to
give to all but this week we were able to help each family.
The
Christmas service/party was led by the refugees. They had 2 Iranians speak, a
couple of skits/plays depicting the Christmas story and its truths.They
cooked and served the food. Our team did some cooking, decorating and
transporting. About 140 attended. 11 New Testaments were given out to
unbelievers. Lift up the word to bear fruit. Jean and her co-workers had 15
Iranian ladies over for a Christmas tea and cookie bake. An Iranian woman
shared the devotional. There were a few non-believers in the group. Lift up
their need for salvation.
Our daughter, Lori’s, visit was a great
encouragement. We had not seen her in 2 years. Pray for her to keep up the pace
and be strong in the Lord.
Neale & Carol Goetsch
For your
many letters and greetings over the past month we want to express our humble
thanks. As I re-did my prayer list this week (if you receive this letter YOU
are on it) I was struck by how many dear ones have entered His presence in the
past twelve months. What joy is theirs as they now behold HIM, whom having
not seen, they loved.
Curt & Carol Detwiler
Carol and I want to
wish you a Happy and Blessed New Year. May our Lord continue to draw you closer
to Himself in your heart, soul, and mind. The month of December was a busy
one for us here in Cary. Here are a few words from a TWR listener on a recent
visit to Kabylia.
We recently attended a service in Kabylia with 50
baptisms. A Muslim family invited me for dinner in the evening. The people asked
many questions on prayer, like, “According to the Bible, how often should we
pray, each day? Is there any number, like 5 times?” When I answered, “Jesus
recommended us to pray not 4 or 5 times per day, but 24 hours without
stopping,” they were astonished. The father of the family exclaimed, “To pray
without stopping? But who is able to do that?” Afterwards, I explained that
to pray unceasingly does not mean to kneel unceasingly, but to live in the
Spirit, to be in contact in prayer with God. I then recited the verse from
the Bible with Jesus’ words in Matthew 26:41: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not
into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” All
were amazed. They exclaimed, ‘Frankly that is true, the spirit is willing but
the flesh is weak.’ They said, ‘We recognize that the Word of Jesus is the
true word of God.” That evening, all the family members gave their lives to
Jesus. On the day of worship, all 15 of them came to church. It is in this way
that the Gospel spreads in Kabylia. Since then, this family is determined to
listen to the broadcasts of TWR.
Pray for this family because they are
in a fierce spiritual struggle.
Don & Norma Toland
A
misnomer that people have of those in Christian service is that when they
retire, they retire to “No work and all play.” Especially with former
missionaries, this is not usually the case. Since I retired (as per the
government), I remain serving Wycliffe as a “retired” volunteer. I still
coordinate several representatives around the country and act as their
advisor/trainer. I travel to New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, the National
Capital Area, and to Philadelphia to represent Wycliffe at government
sponsored Workplace Giving charity fairs. The government has a program called
CFC (Combined Federal Campaigns) that allows government employees to give to
the charities of their choice on a monthly basis through payroll deduction. By
establishing good relationships with many government departments around the
country with many phone calls and emails, Wycliffe is invited to attend
charity fairs to pass out literature and to tell the Bible translation story to
the government workers.
Norma and I continue to praise the Lord that we
are still active in volunteer service with Wycliffe. The Lord is providing for
us through several faithful supporters. We thank each of you faithful ones
who continue to be members of our team.
Fellowship House
It’s really cold as I arrive at Fellowship House today. There is a sign in the
window announcing “Code Blue” and advising everyone to be on the lookout for
vulnerable individuals who might not be able to survive this weather without
assistance. Inside the office I find staff members Doreen and Jonathan
bustling around the kitchen getting ready to prepare hot soup and sandwiches for
the street people in the neighborhood. We cannot provide housing, but we do
have ingredients from the Food Bank, and we have the facility and the expertise.
Doreen tells me there is one volunteer who can “make soup out of anything!”
When the weather turns cold, Fellowship House will be a place for nourishment
and loving concern for the sake of Christ.
I am continually surprised at the
wide variety of ministries that take place here. Run down the list of those
things Jesus mentions in the last judgment scene in Matthew 25. “I was
hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, etc., and you ministered to me.” A lot of
those things go on here every day. From children’s work to youth work, to
addictions counseling, to feeding the hungry, the love which Jesus calls for is
being carried forward on South Broadway. They say it is the worst, most
dangerous city in the nation and now services from law enforcement to social
support are being drastically cut because of the neglect of the needy for
the sake of the well off. Matthew 25 concludes, “Come ye blessed of my father,
for I was hungry and you gave me food…”
Don & Esther Parsons
A very blessed New Year to all of you! We have come to an end of a year of
many transitions and blessings. Please pray with us about the following as
2011 begins:
* For wisdom regarding our kids’ education. They are all
doing well, but we have questions as we look to the future.
* For our
monthly support. We praise the Lord for some special gifts that have helped keep
our support up, but we need at least $500 of regular monthly support.
* That God would raise up many from around the world to work on SEND teams.
We want to see many missionaries, from all nations, engaging the unreached
with the Gospel.
Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel.
Dave & Liz Givens
In some ways, 2010 could be called our Year of
Islam. We began the year in the southern Philippines with a team from
Philadelphia Biblical University who worked in medical clinics, explored
sustainable agriculture, tutored Muslim students in computer skills, while we
mentored the PBU students into a deeper relationship with the Lord and
missions. Another PBU team is returning to the southern Philippines in January.
Liz wrote a curriculum called I (Heart) Muslims, a six-lesson study
guide for small groups to accompany a video series on Islam done by SENDmedia.
Hundreds of copies are being used by churches around the country, and we’re
getting good feedback that this series is helpful in identifying how we can
better relate to the Muslims we know here in the USA. (http://www.send.org/ihm)
2010 has also been a Chinese year. We visited Beijing in January and
deepened friendships with the university officials. We returned in June with a
large team to teach English.
SEND International is growing, but more
importantly, the mission is changing to focus on those who have the least chance
to hear the gospel. We’re excited with these changes and want to continue to
assist as God gives us open doors for ministry.
In 2011 we expect to
help with a conference in Thailand for our China and Taiwan workers, teach a
month in Beijing, host an ESL training in Michigan for missionaries and
volunteers, then return to Beijing with a team for the English program -- and
that’s just the first six months!
Larry & Fay Buckman
Zezito
Xavante’s testimony is one for the books. Zezito completed our 3 year Bible
Institute program, and then did an internship with a Terena pastor while
completing his high school. He went to the World of Life Seminary, raising his
tuition from Brazilian churches. He met a Brazilian lady during a mission
trip and married her.
Zezito and his wife, Ana, are completing an
internship with Word of Life in a northern Amazon tribe. They plan to return
home as missionaries with
UNIEDAS. The Xavante leadership has given him the
title to property that was used by the foreign mission before the government
expelled them.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your
prayers and encouraging letters as we move toward the goal of helping Indians.
Neil & Wannee Thompson
Wannee and I returned from our final
trip as National Director, one of a string of “lasts” over the past three
months. I started out in Boston and then we met at BWI to begin our Maryland
& Pennsylvania tour of many faithful, long term (20-45+ years!) supporters,
friends and family. We returned feeling tremendously blessed by God and His
people.
As we finished sharing at one meeting, a hand went up. The voice
said, “I have a vision and I’d like to share it with you.” You might think that
this vision was that of a 20-something excited about finding God’s will for
lifetime ministry; you’d be wrong. This was the vision of an 80-something
retiree still passionate about reaching the Thai in Central Thailand! We
left Calvary Fellowship Homes in Lancaster, PA once again blessed by the lives
of our retiree community.
Dana and Debbie Cherry
We
wanted to thank you for your prayers, cards, and notes of sympathy. God has been
comforting us and is helping us as we adjust to life without Debbie’s dad.
Debbie’s mom also wanted us to express to you how much she appreciated all your
cards and prayers. It is never easy to adjust to life without someone you
love, but it helps so much to have family and friends who can surround you with
their love.
We decided to move in with Debbie’s mom for the time we are here
in the states. We hope that our staying with her will not only give the kids
some much needed stability, but also allow us to help mom adjust to life
without dad. Of course we will still be doing some travel in order to share with
churches and visit with friends and supporters, but at least this way we
will be able to spend as much time as possible with mom and will be able to get
Danielle enrolled in a preschool program.
Ellie Hall
I am so
thankful that my thesis could be completed in time, and that everything could be
packed up to come back to the US for six months. Please pray for the Lord’s
leading in my time here in the US. Pray that He would guide the way I use the
time, and who I meet. Please pray also for a good rest. Pray for good
communications and relationships with the people I am working with in Asia and
for peace. Also pray that God would prepare the way for a good meeting with
church leaders, probably in April 2011.
====================
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
Birthdays
Feb. 6 Jim Doyle
Marilyn
Ellis
Feb. 7 Stan Sheaffer
Feb. 8 Florence Twigg
Feb. 9 Ruthmaria
Weinberg
Feb. 10 Carol Vernon Grant
Ruth Smith
Feb. 11 Kacey Ehret
Julie Ross
Feb. 14 Ruth Davis
Feb. 16 Jadon Hamilton
Rose Hamilton
Feb. 17 Lou VanPelt, Jr.
Feb. 18 Marva Wallace
Feb. 20 Jennifer Schwehm
Feb. 22 Cheryl VanPelt
Feb. 23 Philip Sheaffer
Barb Oliver
Ruth Wolf
Feb. 24 Barbara Edelman
George Hemphill
Feb. 26 Jane Doyle
Feb. 27 Jennifer Kennedy
Jennifer Skalko
If you have not already done so,
please give your dates (birth dates and anniversary dates) to the church office
in writing or by e-mail:
maria@fumccollingswood.org.
====================
WINGS OF PRAYER
We praise God for the
amazing faithfulness we have experienced this past year and for the Lord's
guidance, care, healing and provision for every need. It is our hope and
prayer that everyone in our church family would draw closer to the Lord during
the coming year. Please pray specifically for our church, its ministries,
our congregation and beyond. We also lift up those whose needs are known to God:
Joe Cilcone, Betty MacNamara, Ken Landis, KJ Schmitt, Nancy Marino, Ken
Steward, Betty Averell, Arnie Arnold, Bea Williams, Nancy Kearney, Jack Latch, Jason Piligno, Kim Aurig Hartke, Annie Hartke, Lily Reckeweg, George
Stevens, Christine Fink, Florence Keller, Cynthia Fuester, Warren Creely,
Mildred Young, Helen Lewin, Betty Andrew, Caroline Gerelus, Paul Gaehring.
Here are some thoughts and prayers to meditate on in the new year. May
the Lord’s blessing be upon you as we seek the Lord’s will to be accomplished in
all our lives as we journey this year together.
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A Prayer
for Self-Change and Guidance
O Lord, tell us what to do. We do not have
the insight, the knowledge or the wisdom to handle life on our own. We are so
often conditioned by error and mistake. We humbly ask you to take our life
and make it what it ought to be. Hear our prayer that something wonderful will
happen.
Grant, O Lord, that there may be within us a deep desire to be
truly different, better than we have ever been before. May this change take
place in us now. Please bless us with healing, peace, faith, love, goodness
and dynamic life. For this we give you thanks. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
-Norman Vincent Peale
Thoughts on Prayer
* We
must come out from prayer the most rapturous and sweet, only to do harder and
ever harder works for God and our neighbors. —St. Teresa of Avila
* More
things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. Wherefore, let thy voice
rise like a fountain for me night and day. —Alfred Lord Tennyson, “Morte
D’Arthur”
* Prayer is not an old woman’s idle amusement. Properly
understood and applied, it is the most potent instrument of action. … Prayer is
not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one’s
weakness. ... It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words
without a heart.
—Mahatma Gandhi
* A day hemmed in prayer is less
likely to unravel. —Unknown
* Prayer should be short, without giving God
Almighty reasons why He should grant this, or that; He knows best what is good
for us. —John Selden
* Prayer is the fair and radiant daughter of all
the human virtues, the arch connecting heaven and earth, the sweet companion
that is alike the lion and the dove; and prayer will give you the key of
heaven. —Honoré De Balzac
* Our prayers should be for blessings in
general, for God knows best what is good for us. —Socrates
* Love to
pray -feel often during the day the need for prayer, and take trouble to pray.
Prayer enlarges the heart. Ask and seek, and your heart will grow big enough
to receive him and keep him as your own. —Mother Teresa
A Prayer for
Today
Whatever happens today, Lord, help us to remember your presence.
If we find ourselves in the shadows of disappointment or rejection or pain, let
us see your comforting light. If we are in the radiant light of success or
acceptance or wholeness, may we acknowledge your providence and grace. Wherever
we are, grant us the assurance of your nearness. Amen.
A Prayer
of Confession
Dear God, we admit we’ve fallen short in all areas of our
lives. We haven’t followed you faithfully, and we haven’t shown love to our
neighbors. We don’t deserve your forgiveness. But we confess our sins,
knowing that you are a God of grace. Thank you for offering us your riches at
Christ’s expense. Give us a clean slate and help us live for you, now and
always. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
A Few Ways of Praying
1. Put your
hands together and make a bowl-like vessel of them. Ask God to fill your entire
being with the Holy Spirit. Expect to feel a powerful presence within
yourself.
2. Pray in “radar” mode. Recall how radar works? A radar
transmitter sends out electronic waves. When the waves hit an object, such as a
boat, a building or a vehicle, they bounce back and appear on a monitor. So,
try praying by letting your mind/ spirit send forth loving thoughts toward God
and others. When you sense that there is a response within yourself, sit
silently and enjoy what you feel.
3. As you travel in your car or go on
a walk, look around to see what God may be trying to show you. A beggar, a
handicapped person or children at play, for example. Send an arrow prayer
toward God and say, “Heavenly Father, please let those people feel your presence
and your power. And help me to do the loving thing toward them.” If you are
walking in or near gardens or woods, look at the captivating beauty of flowers
or trees or a flowing stream. Offer a prayer to God for the blessings of
nature which lift up the human spirit. The more we appreciate the wonders of our
fascinating world, the more we will sense the presence of God.
4.
Spend time thinking about God’s purpose for you. What do you think God’s will
for you is? Pray for empowerment and guidance in doing the will of God.
How to Pray
+ Pray where you are. God is present everywhere and
ready to listen.
+ Pray, when possible, in a quiet place where you can
be alone. It is good to fix your mind deliberately on God, apart from confusing
distractions.
+ Pray to God simply and naturally, as to a friend. Tell
him what is on your mind. Get help from the prayers of others.
+ Pray,
remembering the good things God has done for you. Give thanks for all your
blessings.
+ Pray for God’s forgiveness for the unworthy things you may
have done. He is near to a humble and contrite heart.
+ Pray especially
for those things that will make your life more Christ-like.
+ Pray for
others, remembering the help they need for the situations they confront.
+ Pray for the world in its need, and for God to guide you toward ways you
can help.
+ Pray that God’s will be done in you. His purposes are deeper
and wiser than our own.
“Come near to God and he will come near to
you.”
James 4:8
A Prayer for Our Church
Lord Jesus, we
pray that you will somehow give us ears to hear, hearts to love and wills
devoted to serve; that in the days to come this congregation may be known not
for our glory but for thine alone -a congregation of people who know you; that
this place may be an oasis, a place where people come to find out about you,
where lives are straightened out and made whole, where people find the peace
that passes understanding. Give us, we pray, a heart to desire these things
above all else. We pray through br>Jesus Christ. Amen.
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BIBLE QUIZ
First Corinthians 13 is a popular
Scripture reading at wedding ceremonies. The so-called “love chapter” provides
an extended definition of what Paul
calls “the greatest” gift (verse 13).
Which of the following characteristics of love isn’t found in 1
Corinthians 13?
A. Love is patient.
B. Love rejoices in the truth.
C. Love believes all things.
D. Love is childlike.
Answer: D
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The First United Methodist Church
201 Dayton
Avenue
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Loving God...Loving People...Connecting
With Our Neighbors