“But he was pierce for our transgressions, he was
crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon
him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
Isaiah 53:5, NIV
====================
WORSHIP THE LORD WITH US!
Sunday Worship
--------------
Contemporary Praise and Worship: 8:30 am
Sunday School for all ages: 9:45 am
Traditional Worship: 11:00 am
11:00 service broadcast live on WFIL 560 AM
----------
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. Dr. William B. Wilson - Senior Pastor
(WBWilson@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)
----------
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
The Pastor’s Corner
Holy Week Events
Announcements
Tiara Club
Preaching Schedule
The RYVER
Missionary Messages
Wings of Prayer
A Vision for FUMC
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Financial Notes
--------------------
The submission deadline for the April issue of Windows is March 10th.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING WINDOWS!
====================
THE PASTOR’S CORNER
By Pastor Bill Wilson
Dear Friends,
As we journey through this Lenten season we are reminded of the awesome love of God as revealed through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What a blessing it is to have a Savior who loves us and has saved us. We would be lost without His transforming love.
As a church it brings great joy to celebrate and preach/teach his amazing grace. I enjoy reading historical records in journals which give us insight into the past, guidance for today and vision for the future. Here are some snippets from reports of the District Superintendents from years past:
1909
----
Collingswood, one of the most aggressive churches
of the Conference, has built a neat chapel costing about $2,500 at what
is know as City Line, to be called Haddon Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church.
The city of Camden is growing in that direction and this unpretentious
chapel, which is now affording a comfortable place of worship to that suburban
part of the city, is destined to grow into a good church in the near future.
It was dedicated by the District Superintendent September 27th. Collingswood
Church has also purchased the old school building at Westmont and moved
it on a desirable lot, organized a Sabbath School, and arranged for evening
service at that place. Both of these appointments are served Sunday evening
by local help from the church proper. So that Collingswood now has an ideal
Methodist plan, a flourishing church with two chapels which the organization
is supporting, the pastor and official board having oversight of the whole.
This is in our judgment much better than a number of little independent
churches making a struggle for a mere existence and not being able to give
a pastor a comfortable support or do for the community what ought to be
done.
1910
----
Collingswood has purchased plots adjoining the church,
upon which they will build a Sunday School temple and enlarge the present
church edifice: $400 have been paid on improvement, and $2,000 on debt.
A two-story church was dedicated at Westmont. This church will become a
separate appointment at this Conference and will ask for a pastor to be
appointed. It starts out with 40 members in the church and 170 in the Sunday
school. This achievement has been made possible by the missionary enterprise
of Collingswood Church.
1911
----
Collingswood spent $500 on improvements and raised
$2,000 toward a new Sunday School Temple; 40 persons have been converted.
1912
----
Collingswood is building a Sunday School temple;
the building, which is of Holmesburg granite, is 85 x 90 feet, and consists
of two stories and gallery, with accommodations for 1,200 scholars; it
is thoroughly modern in its appointments for graded study and is a model
for Sunday School work; the cost, with furnishings, will be about $30,000;
the vapor system of heating has been installed in the church and temple;
four lots adjoining the temple have been purchased; a lot next to the parsonage
is being negotiated for, on which will be erected a new parsonage.
Wow! What a wonderful testimony on God's grace. I believe it can happen again 100 years later. God can use us to transform our community and our world. What does it require?
1. Trust in God
2. Faith that all things are possible.
3. Love for our neighbors here and around the world.
Collingswood Methodists of long ago trusted, had faith and loved. What about us? What is God going to do in and through us in the days ahead?
Yes, Lent is a time for us to reflect upon God's awesome love revealed through Jesus Christ. As we continue our journey may we renew our hearts and minds in the service of Jesus Christ.
On the journey with you,
Pastor Bill
====================
Come worship with as celebrate Christ's sacrifice on the cross and triumphant resurrection from the tomb.
BE HERE FOR A SPECIAL PALM SUNDAY MUSICAL PRESENTATION!!
On Palm Sunday evening, March 16, at 7:00 pm, our church ministry will present The Rose of Calvary, which is the companion piece to The Winter Rose, presented by the choir and orchestra in December 2006. The Rose of Calvary continues the narrative beyond the manger, to portray the life, ministry, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Rose of Sharon. Our Sanctuary Choir, additional choir members from other churches, soloists, full orchestra, and handbells will join together for this concert.
The image of a sacred flower, a Divine Rose, from Heaven's own garden blooming in the shadows of our world, is a portrait of hope and comfort. When translated into music, it becomes a song that speaks to our deepest needs for restoration and redemption. It sings to us of gardens lost to sin and despair. It reveals to us a lonely garden where ancient olive trees stand silent witness to the suffering of the Savior. It sings of a garden meant for death, suddenly springing to life in a shower of joyful alleluias. It is God's tender love song, reminding us all that we are children of the garden. Finally, at its heart, it is the music of one truly perfect Rose, who, choosing grace, died for His beloved thorns.
----------
Maundy Thursday Service
Sacrament of Holy Communion
March 20 - 7:00 pm
----------
Good Friday Service
The Last Seven Words from the Cross
March 21 - 12:00 to 3:00 pm
Various speakers will be sharing with us.
You are invited to come when you are able and leave
when you must.
----------
Resurrection Celebrations
March 23 - 8:30 and 11:00 am
Worship with us as we celebrate Christ's
resurrection and victory over death!
“He is Risen!”
Luke 24:6
====================
The next Men's Breakfast will be held on
Saturday, March 8th at 8:00 pm.
----------
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME STARTS MARCH 9.
Beginning in 2007, the United States began observing Daylight Saving Time at 2:00 am on the second Sunday in March.
----------
SCHOLARSHIPS
2008 Scholarship forms are available in the church
office or on our website at
http://www.fumccollingswood.org/scholarships.
The completed forms may be returned to the church
office in person or by e-mail to maria@fumccollingswood.org.
Forms are due back to the church office by April
7.
--------------------
GOD’S BIG BACKYARD
Where kids have a blast serving Jesus!
Arf, Arf--it's Cooper here. I am the mascot for this years Vacation Bible School. I like to go exploring and find ways to serve my master Stan just like Jesus taught you to serve the people of the world. Some of the lessons that we will learn are how to serve family, serve friends, serve neighbors, serve community and serve Jesus. Vacation Bible School at First United Methodist Church of Collingswood will be the week of June 23-27, 2008 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm everyday. I hear that some people have already responded to teach and help with this program. There is still a need for many more people to be willing to serve the Church in this most important mission for the children of the community and this Church. Please pray for this program. Next month I will tell you about some supplies that we will need and where they can be delivered. If you would like to help, please contact Cheryl Averell by phone or via e¬mail.
====================
TIARA CLUB
Daughters of the King
“How great is the love the father has lavished on
us that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
1 John 3:1
Tiara Club is a women's ministry of First Church. How exciting it is to recognize our identity in Christ as daughters of the King, yes, princesses. And that is what we are. Not because of anything we've done but because of the love God has lavished on us. The Tiara Ministry's purpose is to provide varied opportunities for fellowship that will encompass interests of the full magnitude of ladies of our congregation. Attend as many or as few events as you want but know that we would love to see more of you. No matter what your age, 10 - 110 as long as you can behave like a lady, (or princess) you are welcomed to join us. We will get to know women in our church, outside of our Sunday School classes and small groups and have opportunities to reach out to family members and the community during some events as well as have some opportunities to be in ministry as we reach out in service. Let's worship God through our outreach within these walls as we help to make every lady feel welcomed. After all, we are all sisters in this, our church family. Consider this a personal invitation to be a part.
----------
The Tuesday Morning Women's Bible Study is meeting and it's not too late to join them. All ladies from the church are welcome to attend. They are currently studying Acts being led by Bert Stevens. Ladies can meet at 9:30 in the Parlor for coffee which is followed by the study from 10:00-11:00.
----------
Looking for a few “GREEN THUMBS” - in St. Patty's Day spirit that is. Tuesday March 18th we will meet at the church in the jr. dining room (adjacent to the kitchen) at 6:30 to share a covered dish dinner. Each one coming should bring a favorite casserole, the salad and beverages will be provided. No need for dessert - when we are through we will be making Irish Potatoes as tray favors for the 4th floor residents at Collingswood Manor to be given out the next day. Please e-mail FUMCTiaraclub@comcast.net to RSVP or sign up outside the church parlor by 3/16.
----------
It's time to register for the Lysa Terkeurst seminars we've been waiting for. Please E-mail Linda Schoch *or* call Linda's cell phone by MARCH 7th to register for either or BOTH seminars. Transportation will be provided.
*What Happens When Women Say Yes to God*
with Lysa Terkeurst
Hawthorne Gospel Church
Hawthorne NJ
April 5, 2008, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Lunch included
Cost $35
Link for info:
http://www.hgcusa.org/index.php?pageID=360&history_list=14,29
also...
*Your Dream ... His Purpose...*
with Lysa Terkeurst.
Calvary Fellowship Church
Downingtown, PA
April 18 7:00-10:00 pm (check in at 6:00 pm)
April 19th 9:00 am-3:30 pm (check in at 8:00 am)
Lunch NOT included.
Cost $35
Link for info:
http://cfcwomen.com/default.aspx
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The Tiara Club will once again be assisting the Auxiliary to the Collingswood Manor by collecting items for their annual April Showers event. At “April Showers” the residents are invited to “shop,” at no charge, for personal items that, as we know, add up so quickly. This savings to their limited budget is greatly appreciated. Last years' participation by our church contributed to the most generous supply of goods ever. Thank you for your support last year and please feel equally generous this year. The residents truly appreciate it. Items can be placed by Sunday April 6th, in the basket provided outside the church office. Below is a list of needed items.
Collingswood Manor April Showers
--------------------------------
Please bring items from list below to church by Sunday,
April 6th. All items will be distributed to Collingswood Manor Residents
in their April Showers event sponsored by the Collingswood Manor Auxiliary.
(Basket outside Church Office)
Kitchen
-------
dish cloths
tea towels
dish soap
sponge
laundry soap (small)
paper towels
Zip Lock sandwich bags
Bathroom
--------
large bars of soap (not hotel size)
shampoo
Soft soap
hand lotion
face cream
powder, dusting or baby
baby oil
Vaseline
cotton balls
dental floss
toothbrush/paste
wash cloths
shower cap
Misc
----
hand towels
note paper
greeting cards
comb/brush
kleenex
napkins
bobby pins
needle/thread
pens/pencils
puzzle books
safety pins
scotch tape
knee highs/socks
====================
March 2
“Living in the Light”
Ephesians 5:8-14
March 9
“Living by the Spirit”
Romans 8:5-11
March 16
“Living in Service”
Philippians 2:5-11
March 23
“Living with Christ”
Colossians 3:1-14
ATTENDANCE
Sunday
Weekend of 8:30 11:00 School
Other
--------------------------------------
January 6 66
126 139 7
January 13 82
100 119 18
January 20 77
110 119
January 27 90
103 121
====================
SOCIAL CONCERNS CORNER
The Social Concerns Committee is collecting food for the food pantry at St. Paul's. Needs for this month are both hot and cold cereals, pancake mix and syrup. Generic cereal in bags is fine. The pantry always needs canned soups and vegetables and peanut butter and jelly. Please leave food donations outside the Parlor.
Also, the food pantry is in need of large canned hams - the 3 pound size. Please bring them to the church by March 9th. They will be given the families for their Easter dinner.
====================
wade in. dive deep. saturate the world.
wade Sr. High - Sundays, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Jr. High - Wednesdays,
6:00 - 8:00 pm
wade in to see what this Christian faith is all about
through interaction with people and the Bible.
deep Sundays, 9:45 - 10:45 am
dive deep into a love relationship with God and others
who know Him through Bible study, worship, prayer, and interaction with
people.
saturate Sundays, 11:00 am - where noted
allow God to saturate the world with His love through
you as you discover your gifts and become equipped to use them in ministry
and service.
COMING EVENTS
Snow Tubing - Friday, March 7
We’ll be leaving from the church at 3:30 p.m. sharp
(and returning at 12:30 am) to give you as much tubing time as possible.
Ride solo or in giant family tubes on 14 different slides for only $15!
Bring some friends but you must pay in advance and hand in registration
forms by Wednesday, March 5. (Will be rescheduled for March 14 in case
of weather.) Students are encouraged to pack a lunch, or you can buy dinner
there.
NYGO Training Session
Sunday, March 9, 5:00-6:00 pm
Our first opportunity of preparation for this awesome
summer ministry - MANDATORY for all students involved.
Good Friday Service
Friday, March 21 - 12:00-3:00 pm
An Easter tradition here at FUMC - a series of approximately
25 minute mini-services, focusing on the last words of Christ. Come to
as many or as few as you'd like.
“It is finished.”
John 19:30
Messy Game Night
JH - Wednesday, March 26
SH - Sunday, March 30
Just like it sounds! Wear old clothes, bring your
friends,
and get ready to have fun (& get messy)!
====================
David and Phyllis Schmid, Haiti
For some of you this will be a repeat but for others it is new. Last Monday afternoon our son, Jeff, who is 22, had a “grand mal seizure.” He was not feeling sick or anything and it just happened very suddenly. There is no history of this kind of seizure in our family so it really took us by surprise. Thankfully he was not driving when it happened and he was being cared for by paramedics very quickly. They did a CT scan and found no tumor which is what they were looking for immediately. He is scheduled for an EEG this coming Friday to look at the brain waves. He will be having an MRI soon.
He is doing better but he is not permitted to drive
for 6 months and is not to be alone much for at least the next 4 weeks.
So he is staying with Amy and can walk to work. It was a shock to all of
us but God has worked through this to once again show us His care in all
things. Please pray for the doctors to determine the cause. Pray for patience
for Jeff and us as we await the diagnosis and follow-up. There are no surprises
in our lives because God knows each step we'll take and goes right along
with us. We are so thankful Karen and Amy are close by to help him get
to his appointments, etc.
Harrison Davis, Fellowship House, Camden
Dear Friends in Christ,
In one of the most challenging neighborhoods in the city and state, there are soldiers for Christ working on the front line. Not only Fellowship House, but also many other non-profit Christian organizations have been called to this mission. There are soldiers for Christ plundering the enemies' camp and taking back what rightfully belongs to Christ. We know that behind every great army there is an unselfish support system. We know that behind every successful battle there is a great leader or commander.
Just like in the battle that took place in the Valley of Jezreel, Gideon a mighty warrior of God, faced insurmountable odds (135,000 to 300) in favor of the enemy. We sometimes feel as though we are facing the same challenge that Gideon faced, but because of God's supernatural power and support of this ministry we know that, like Gideon, we will also be VICTORIOUS in our battle not because of our own strength but because our leader and commander is Jesus the Christ. When I think about it, I see the hand of the Lord orchestrating the direction of this ministry, and I am amazed and in awe of how He continually provides for the needs of Fellowship House.
How do you thank those who unselfishly pray, work,
and support the ministry in which God has placed us? We are forever in
debt to those who continually give their time, talent and treasure without
complaining.
Genesis 18:14 - Is any thing too hard for the LORD?
Chuck and Bev Truxton, Nigeria
The ECWA AIDS Ministry (TEAM)
Earlier this year Chuck was privileged to travel with an evaluation panel to assess the impact of TEAM in Nigeria. It was exciting. Well, hitting a donkey with the car (actually, he bolted from the side of the road and hit us) was exciting. Climbing in and out of dry river beds and getting stuck in the sand was exciting, too. But the best part was finding out that the training seminars we have been doing have paid off. All across Nigeria the work of TEAM is well known. ECWA and SIM were among the first church/mission groups to begin preparing their people for the coming AIDS pandemic. People in our ECWA churches are knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS matters. We felt proud to be part of a pioneer work that has gone well and is accomplishing its mission: “To glorify God by empowering ECWA to serve society through HIV prevention and care.”
One thing we discovered we are not doing too well is providing enough literature to follow up the great “Training of Trainers” and “Peer Education” seminars we are conducting all across the country. We have created a hunger for more knowledge.
ECWA Evangel Hospital
In her 34th year as a physician at Evangel Hospital, Bev is kept busy in the training program where interns and residents are learning from capable SIM and ECWA doctors who take time to be sure they are imparting knowledge, not just marking time. It's been said, “If you want an easy ride, train at the government hospital. But if you really want to learn, Evangel Hospital is the place.”
Malaria, TB, and HIV account for a lot or our patients. Now Bev is also in charge of the Evangel Hospital maternity ward, so seeing expectant mothers making deliveries at any time of day or night is part of what keeps her very busy.
About 40% of our patients come from the Muslim community, so we do need your prayers that we will be a good witness to them while providing the best in medical care. Many of our patients really struggle with the cost of medical care. Pray that we will be both wise and compassionate in sharing the help that friends like you have sent through donations to assist those in need.
Security concerns
Our confidence is in the Lord and our security rests
ultimately with him. With an increase in armed robberies across the country,
we notice that missionaries and other foreigners seem to be a special target.
So we request your prayers on this matter in a special way.
Lorraine Stirneman, Philadelphia
First, let me THANK YOU for your prayers and gifts and encouragement. What would I do without such a wonderful support team?? God is so good to me.
God has answered prayer for faithful teachers. Some of those who came to the training are now teaching or helping for the first time. One new helper was shocked when she asked a mother how many children she had, and the answer was 12!!! Another new teacher could hardly believe the terrible conditions in some of the homes. Some of the young people have been helping us this year. What a blessing! Pray for all to remain faithful.
We were able to start quite a few new Bible clubs
as a result of the summer ministry. Some of the new hostesses cancelled
before we even started, but God provided others, praise His name! I have
several clubs in the Spanish section, as well as many in the Afro-American
community. I was looking for a hostess on one block when Hakeem (5) got
so excited he ran up and down the street knocking on doors until we found
someone. We now have 16-18 children in this club, and Hakeem is the first
one there. When I asked for prayer requests, he said, “I want Jesus in
my heart” Prav for this precious bov, and manv others who drink in the
Word.
Christine asks prayer for the Released Time Bible
clubs in schools. It is hard to get the principals to agree to a time when
all the children can attend.
Keith and Char Brown, China Radio
Much of what you read about China talks about the development: companies with exploding growth, new millionaires every day, Shanghai and Beijing skylines reflecting hundreds of construction cranes building yet more office and apartment buildings, fashion designer clothes, luxury cars, and many more examples of China's prosperity.
But don't be fooled. Much of China today is still made up of poor farmers and others with meager incomes, enjoying none of this new prosperity. It also trickles down to the churches and leaders. Life is hard. A visitor to some Chinese pastors wrote about an elder who oversees six village churches. Now in his 60s, he apologized to the visitors that he no longer could visit six villages in a day like he used to, either walking or riding a bike. The leaders working with him were described as “quiet and loyal servants.” They walk day after day, year after year, on rugged, mountainous paths to bring the love of Christ to remote villages.
Because there is still so much poverty in the rural areas, particularly among the ethnic minority churches, the believers have difficulty affording donations to their churches. One wrote about a believer from a mountainous area in Sichuan who had so little to spare that he actually broke a coin into halves and put them into the offering box on two Sundays so as to be able to make donations twice. Many believers have no cash money at all and can only donate some of their crops they grow on the mountains.
Thankfully, Christian radio programs can reach people
like this. He can listen to the radio to give him a sense of a place to
worship and learn more about his Christian life. All over China the radio
functions as the pastor and Sunday school teacher, as untrained church
leaders take their radio from village to village as the “church” gathers
around it to be instructed.
Walt and Pat Stuart, France
Not all has gone so well since we experienced flooding
in our local Church and thus in our Famille Je t'Aime (FJA) offices. Just
about everything was destroyed (books, paper files, video projector, computer,
book cases, desks, the new 2008 calendars that were in stock, etc.). It
called for a quick move to larger but more costly offices. Painting, cleaning,
setting up and before you know it a month's worth of work time was lost,
especially since we haven't had Internet access. This means our publicity
for the three FJA camps haven't gone out; the calendars that do sell in
January were lost, etc. You can imagine the mess. But, praise God, we haven't
been discouraged. God is still at work and we rejoice.
Our local church now has a full time pastor and we're
really excited about Jean-Pascal and Anne. They have vision and real gifting
so please, as you pray for us, pray for them. Also remember that on Sunday,
March 2 Jean-Pascal will be officially installed as pastor and local government
dignitaries, the local press and pastors from other churches will be invited.
Do pray!
It seems that God has opened a multitude of opportunities to be counseling and consulting with missionaries and pastors, both French and North American. These are folks who need a listening ear, prayer and confidentiality.
We marvel at the support team that God has put together on our behalf and on behalf of those whose lives are being touched by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether by Internet (Top Chrétien) or in a teaching, preaching or counseling situation we are seeing the hand of God moving throughout France and the French speaking world.
====================
“And now these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love.
But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:15
Dear Friends in Christ and Partners in Prayer,
As I write to you in early February for the March edition of Windows, the calendar shows Valentine's Day on the 14th. This is what prompted the Bible verse regarding love. I pray that love is surrounding your days. We also celebrate Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday and President's Day. These all remind us of the love for our country. It is in need of our support and upholding prayers.
Then in March, we have a little Leprechaun showing up on the 17th - but more importantly, woven all through are all the important days we cherish - The Holy Days! Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Talk about LOVE - we can never forget His wonderful love for us.
Oh, how he loves you and me.
Oh, how he loves you and me.
He gave His life, what more could he give?
Oh, how he loves you,
Oh, how he loves me,
Oh, how he loves you and me!
It is in love that we continue to pray for those in
our church who are having problems. Please continue to pray for the following:
Betty Alber, Joan Steward, Dan Kreh, Helen Lewin,
Sherry Wilder, Paul Gaehring, Eileen Jahn, Dorothy Cockerham, Sue Johnson,
Kathy Fletcher, Mary Newell, Bob Klessel, Theresa Carroll, Grace Welch,
Carolyn Dugan, Evelyn Service; Evelyn Kuchera, Dorothy Williams, Dr. George
Covintree, Tom Costello, Allison Crist, Linda Ham, Brian Cain, Betty Andrews,
Jason Piligno, Evelyn Hales, Florence Hare, Florence Keller, Rosetta Millbury,
MaryAnn Kaighn, Gladys Rambo, Bill Davis, Caroline Gerelus, Nancy Tirpack,
Karen Clay, Charlotte Earle.
May the days of February and March we have talked about be kind to you and yours and may God grant you His peace.
In His Love,
Florence Keller
====================
A VISION FOR FUMC
From
“Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations”
By Robert Schnase – copyright 2007.
Pastor Bill recently gave out several copies of a book, “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations” by Robert Schnase, to members of the Church Council. The author is a Bishop of the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist church. He puts forth five principles which, taken together, form the core practices of vibrant, fruitful congregations. The “five practices” described by the book are:
* Radical Hospitality
* Passionate Worship
* Intentional Faith Development
* Risk-Taking Mission and Service
* Extravagant Generosity
In his introduction, Robert Schanse makes this statement: Effective congregations change, improve, learn and adapt to fulfill their mission, and these words push us to rethink our basic congregational culture, organization, and practice. As I read the book, I felt that the Lord pointed out some statements to me. I presented some points on the Practice of Passionate Worship and on Excellence and Fruitfulness to the Church Council and now I present some of them to you. Perhaps, through this, we can get a glimpse of the church the Lord wants us to be. As you read this, be in prayer for how the Lord might be leading you and our church to grow and improve our relationship with the Lord, with each other and with others. All bullet points are quotes taken verbatim from the book.
The Practice of Passionate Worship
* Worship describes those times we gather deliberately
seeking to encounter God in Christ.
* Passionate Worship connects people with God and
with one another.
* Passionate Worship is not restricted to any particular
style.
* Flexibility to change the way of presenting God's
word runs
through the United Methodist heritage. John Wesley
stretched himself beyond his own traditional tastes and practices and,
in his own words, “submitted to be more vile” (Journal, April 2, 1739)
when he began to preach outdoors in fields to reach those beyond the church's
touch. Wesley kept the end in mind – helping people find a way to God and
helping God find a way to people – even if it required forms he himself
found distasteful.
* When churches practice Passionate Worship, the
gathering forms a congregation that is a community and not a crowd of people
experiencing the same thing like strangers at a movie. People feel welcomed
and supported; they sense belonging, mutual affection, warmth, and connection.
They look for openness to belonging. “Do they love one another? Will they
love me? Is God active in this community? Is there evidence of God's grace
in how they treat each over?” Passionate worshiping congregations appeal
to newcomers because people delight in one another and feel grateful in
being together.
* Churches that exhibit passion for worship prepare
their services not only with long-term, spiritually mature members in mind,
but also with attentiveness to visitors, young people, and those with little
worship experience in mind.
* Everyone has a role in fostering Passionate Worship.
Excellence and Fruitfulness
* To fulfill the ministry of Christ, congregations
must change and grow and adapt in ways that are purposeful, thoughtful,
and faithful.
* As John Wesley established the practices that gave
rise to the life-changing ministries of early Methodism, he sprinkled his
teachings and writings with clear expectations of fruitfulness. For those
persons considered for preaching and leadership, Wesley's questions were
frequently simplified to, “Is there faith? Is there fire? And, are there
fruits?”
* Fruitfulness for congregations means effectiveness
in fulfilling the mission and purpose God has given them. The mission of
The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world.
* Are we fruitfully and faithfully allowing God to
work through us to make the difference in the lives of people?
* Where is the presence and power of God being manifested
in this congregation’s life? (Resurrecting Excellence: Shaping Faithful
Christian Ministry, Greg Jones and Kevin Armstrong)
I have created a more extensive list of points covering all five practices. The document is far too long to publish in its entirety in Windows. I have placed a copy in the Worship Suggestions folder in the church office. It is also available in PDF form on our website at this address: http://www.fumccollingswood.org/Five_Practices.pdf
Phil
====================
BIRTHDAYS
---------
March 2 Caroline Gerelus
March 3 Christa Ballinger
Matthew C. Schmitt
March 5 Harold Shallcross
March 6 Joan Elfreth
March 7 Bob Klessel
Steve Schoch
March 9 Lorraine Rudderow
March 10 Bob Alber
John Reynolds
March 11 Mark Burgoon
March 12 John Cluelow Jr.
William C. Davis
March 13 Nan Dempsey
March 15 Janet Johnstone
March 16 Ean Meyers
March 18 Robert Elfreth
Alyssa Malgrave
March 19 Brook A. Ducati
March 23 Shirley Grube
March 26 Bob Holmes
March 29 Todd MacGlaughlin
March 30 Nancy Fleming
ANNIVERSARIES
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March 12 Betty & Jack MacNamara
March 22 Brent and Nora MacGlauglin
March 30 William & Suzanne Hoover
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.
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FOR SALE
Recently, when a yard sale was held for benefit Teamwork
Associates Christian Centre in Jamaica, a beautiful set of bone china was
donated for us to sell. This Noritake pattern has been discontinued. It
is called “Audrey.” (You can look it up on the web.) It is a perfect service
for 8 with enough additional pieces to serve 12.
The proceeds from the sale of this china will go
toward the purchase and installation of a commercial dishwasher at the
Teamwork school. For more information please call Margie Underwood.
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The Legend of the Dogwood
There's a legend that the dogwood was once the size of the oak and other forest trees. It was so strong and firm that it was chosen as the timber for Christ's cross. This greatly distressed the tree. Jesus, nailed upon it, sensed the tree's regret and told it:
“Because of your sorrow for my suffering, never again shall the dogwood grow large enough to be used as a cross. It shall be slender, bent and twisted. Its blossoms shall form a cross – two long and two short petals. And at the outer edge of each petal will be nail prints, brown with rust and stained with red. In the center of the flower shall be a crown of thorns. And all who see it will remember...”
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Why a fish?
One of the most significant statements the early Christians used was “Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior.” Because Greek was the universal language then (the New Testament books were written in Greek), Christians often said and wrote, “Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior” in Greek. That phrase, if printed as an acrostic (using the first letter of each word), looks like this:
I = Jesus
CH = Christ (anointed)
TH = God
U = Son
S = Savior
The acrostic forms the word ICHTHUS, which is Greek for fish. If Christians needed to know where to gather for worship, they could look for a fish and perhaps an arrow pointing in the right direction. Persecuted Christians, seeing a fish on the door of a home or business, knew it was a safe place occupied by fellow Christians.
====================
OPERATIONS THROUGH DECEMBER 2007
Dec. Receipts: $37,751.63
Dec. Expenses: $32,293.62
2007 Receipts: $384,066.80
2007 Expenses: $379,326.20
As seen in the numbers above, the total receipts for
the year 2007 covered all of our operational expenses for this period.
Thank you for your generous support of the Lord's work through our church
ministries.
DOLLARS & CENTS
Weekend
Faith World
Of
Operations Missions Radio Promise Service
---------------------------------------------------------
January 6 $5,431
$1,955 $415 $33
January 13 $4,731
$2,743 $275 $95
$41
January 20 $5,259
$1,648 $188 $45
$91
January 27 $5,847
$1,363 $670 $100
$68
MISSIONS THROUGH DECEMBER 2007
2007 Receipts: $156,107.80
2007 Disbursements: $159,236.67
FAITH PROMISE THROUGH DECEMBER 2007
Goal: $16,400.00
Received: $4,870.96
If you have yet to turn in an “Estimate of Giving for 2008” stewardship card, you still may do so. Please put it in an envelope, marked to the attention of “Financial Secretary”, and either place it in the offering plate on Sunday, or mail it in.
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart
to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful
giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7
====================
The First United Methodist Church\
201 Dayton Avenue
Collingswood, NJ 08108
ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN!
Proclaiming the Good News in the 21st Century