Over and over in Psalm 103, the Psalmist remembers the “steadfast love” of God toward us. In verse four he writes, “But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.” (Psalm 103:17-18; NRSV)
How do we truly give thanks to such a God? One way is to keep our vows to Him. Our songs and prayers of praise and thanksgiving are empty rituals if we do not “remember to do his commandments.” God longs for and certainly deserves our faithfulness to the vows we made to Him.
Every person who is a member of a Church made a vow of loyalty with our gifts to God. Commitment Sunday provides us with an opportunity to reaffirm our vows to God, through commitment of our time, talents, gifts and service. 187 Adults/Families and 23 children have used the Commitment Card to reaffirm their vows to God. They have committed $907,305.64 toward our 2010 Ministry Budget. That brings us to 50% of the Ministry Budget being committed. The majority of these have also made commitments of their time and talents to one or more ministries of the church.
If you have not turned in your Commitment Card, I encourage you to do so. They help the Finance Committee in their recommendations concerning the 2010 Budget. Commitment Cards are available in the office and the Welcome Areas around the Church.
This Saturday, November 21, is our Community Service Day. A couple of us from my Small Group are anticipating doing some painting that morning. A few others from my Small Group are visiting some homebound persons, taking them some goodies and cards made by one of our Child Enrichment Classes. If you are not in a Small Group you can still share in this morning of outreach. Auburn is off and most of the projects can be finished in time for you to see most of the Alabama game. Be at the Church at 7:30 AM for prayer and final instructions.
This Sunday evening, November 22, we will host our Community Thanksgiving Services. I say services because there will be a Children’s Service in the gym at the same time as the service in the Sanctuary. Both services will begin at 6:00 PM. There will be special music lead by the worship ministries of our church and the Church Revived, with a combined choir from various churches. Pastor Curt Sanford, the president of the North Jefferson Ministry Association and Associate Pastor at The Church Revived, will bring the message. Let’s be good hosts and do our part in filling the sanctuary and gym.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Fulfilling Vows - Part 1
Os Hillman writes a couple of email devotions that I find meaningful. One is Primetime and the other Marketplace Leaders. In this morning’s (11-18-09) Marketplace Leaders he addresses the issues of vows.
In Ecclesiastes we read this about vows; “When you make a vow to God, do not delay fulfilling it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Fulfill what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not fulfill it.” (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5; NRSV)
Those of us who are married or have been married, made a vow. Those in positions of leaderships made a vow in accepting their position. And every person who belongs to a church made a vow to God and the Church. How are you doing on your vows?
Hillman wrote:
Have you ever had a business relationship with someone who made a commitment but later said, "Well, things changed, so I cannot honor our original agreement.”? Sometimes this may be the case, but often it is simply an opportunity to avoid fulfilling an agreement. God is big on fulfilling vows. God's nature is righteousness and truth. You will always see God honor His Word. He expects the same of His people.
Hillman went on to point out…
God says there are consequences when we do not fulfill our vows. Subsequent Scripture verses reveal the following:
It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry with what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.” (Ecclesiastes 5:5-7)
God tells us that He will destroy the work of our hands for failure to fulfill vows. That's pretty strong language. It gives us an indication of how important fulfilling vows is to God. He will not prosper our work if there are unfulfilled vows in our lives.
Hillman ends the devotional this way; “Ask God today if there are any unfulfilled vows in your life. If so, begin today to make them right so that you may be successful in whatever God calls you to do.
Next week we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. I shared with the children this morning in Chapel that Thanksgiving goes further back than the Pilgrims and Indians. The Psalms are filled with reminders to give thanks to God. And one of the main reasons we are to give thanks to God is God’s faithfulness.
In Ecclesiastes we read this about vows; “When you make a vow to God, do not delay fulfilling it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Fulfill what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not fulfill it.” (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5; NRSV)
Those of us who are married or have been married, made a vow. Those in positions of leaderships made a vow in accepting their position. And every person who belongs to a church made a vow to God and the Church. How are you doing on your vows?
Hillman wrote:
Have you ever had a business relationship with someone who made a commitment but later said, "Well, things changed, so I cannot honor our original agreement.”? Sometimes this may be the case, but often it is simply an opportunity to avoid fulfilling an agreement. God is big on fulfilling vows. God's nature is righteousness and truth. You will always see God honor His Word. He expects the same of His people.
Hillman went on to point out…
God says there are consequences when we do not fulfill our vows. Subsequent Scripture verses reveal the following:
It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry with what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.” (Ecclesiastes 5:5-7)
God tells us that He will destroy the work of our hands for failure to fulfill vows. That's pretty strong language. It gives us an indication of how important fulfilling vows is to God. He will not prosper our work if there are unfulfilled vows in our lives.
Hillman ends the devotional this way; “Ask God today if there are any unfulfilled vows in your life. If so, begin today to make them right so that you may be successful in whatever God calls you to do.
Next week we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. I shared with the children this morning in Chapel that Thanksgiving goes further back than the Pilgrims and Indians. The Psalms are filled with reminders to give thanks to God. And one of the main reasons we are to give thanks to God is God’s faithfulness.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
A Church For Children
Yesterday, at the North Jefferson Ministry Association luncheon, our Harvest Hoedown was one of the topics of discussion. I was reminded again of the outreach opportunity it is. We had over 1400 persons register. When you add in those who were serving and those who did not go by the registration table, there had to be over 1500 at this year’s Harvest Hoedown. This is a joint ministry between Gardendale-Mt. Vernon and The Church Revived. Of those registered, 130 were from The Church Revived and 250 from Gardendale-Mt. Vernon. That means about 2/3 of those who came were not a part of either of our churches. The majority did say they were members of a church, but 265 have no church home. That is the major reason we invest the time and resources in the Harvest Hoedown. As Kelly Wiegert said at our Administrative Board meeting on Monday, this is our largest Outreach Event. Our Evangelism Team will work with our Children’s Team to follow up on those who do not have a church.
I shared Sunday morning about a family who said they wanted to be a part of church that had such a heart for children. The person to whom that comment was made is not part of our church. When the father said, “I wonder what time worship is?” he was directed to our sign. I don’t know if they were in attendance Sunday. We did have first time guests, as we do most Sundays.
I keep thinking about that statement, I want to be part of a church that has a heart from children. Jesus certainly wants His Church to have a heart for children. He is the one who said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14; RSV) I thank God that Gardendale-Mt. Vernon is seen as a church that welcomes children.
At the Harvest Hoedown, a young lady introduced herself and her daughter to me and said, we are the ones who have an appointment with you. They are not in a church, but her daughter attends our Children Enrichment Center. Her daughter has been learning scripture in her class and in chapel. She had been asking her mother questions about faith. So this mother is bringing her daughter to talk with me. This is another opportunity to touch a child and through a child, touch a parent. These opportunities happen when we make kids a priority.
Here are some upcoming opportunities to touch children:
· Gardendale Soccer Servant Evangelism, November 7th, 4:00 PM. We will be serving pizza and drinks as the Soccer league has their Closing Ceremonies. Volunteers are needed to cook and serve. Contact Paul Wiegert, pwiegert@gmvumc.org.
· Operation Christmas Child - Our Missions Team has boxes with instructions on how to fill them. This ministry serves kids in 130 countries. Our goal is to fill 300 boxes. In order to get them to kids by Christmas, they are due back November 22nd.
· Breakfast with Santa, Saturday, December 12th. This is a great opportunity for persons who do not have young children to bless children and their parents. We want parents of preschool and elementary age children to be able to participate with their kids. Contact Kelly Wiegert kwiegert@gmvumc.org to volunteer.
Our Community Service Day, November 21st, provides the opportunity to touch God’s older children. The Mission Team has 15 projects lined up. They range from yard work, gutter cleaning to painting a shed and painting some bathrooms. There will also be some teams taking Thanksgiving goodies to some homebound persons. If you are not in a Living the Good Life small group, contact Paul Wiegert to volunteer pwiegert@gmvumc.org. You can also provide some financial resources to help purchase paint and other supplies needed that day. Simply identify your gifts for “Community Service Day.”
Talking about ministry with children, Frank Malone made a motion at Monday’s Administrative Board meeting that the Children’s Building Committee be reactivated. The motion passed. One of the first things I anticipate the Children’s Building Committee to do will be to get some new projections on the proposed building. Some other churches have found this to be a good time to build. We presently have $1,235,661.88 in our children’s building fund. Be in prayer as they begin their work.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Take My life - The Church's Theme
John Shugart came from Tennessee in 1860 to what is now Gardendale, Alabama, to plant a new church. Those early brush arbor services soon became Shugart Methodist Episcopal Church, South. That was the beginning of what today is Gardendale-Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church. Next year, we will celebrate our 150th anniversary in ministry.
Just over a decade later, Frances R. Havergal wrote a song that became the theme song for the church. No, it was never adopted as the church’s song. But the song “Take My Life” certainly captures the focus of this church family through the generations. Those early believers who built that first wood frame facility, gave their lives to Christ saying, “Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord to thee.”
Beginning in January we will have a year long celebration of these 150 years of ministry in North Jefferson County. One of the things I’ve noticed as we look over the history is the commitment of God’s people to give their lives whole-heartedly to Christ and the building of Christ’s Church. They have lived the song, “Take My Life.” That is the reason I suggest it could well be the theme song of this church. We are blessed with this present location and facilities, because of people who did more than sing, “Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.” What about you and me? Are we willing to make such a commitment?
The many ministries that take place today, happen because of people who continue to live the song, “Take my will, and make it thine, it shall be no longer mine. Take my heart, it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne. Take my life, my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store. Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for thee.”
Just over a decade later, Frances R. Havergal wrote a song that became the theme song for the church. No, it was never adopted as the church’s song. But the song “Take My Life” certainly captures the focus of this church family through the generations. Those early believers who built that first wood frame facility, gave their lives to Christ saying, “Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord to thee.”
Beginning in January we will have a year long celebration of these 150 years of ministry in North Jefferson County. One of the things I’ve noticed as we look over the history is the commitment of God’s people to give their lives whole-heartedly to Christ and the building of Christ’s Church. They have lived the song, “Take My Life.” That is the reason I suggest it could well be the theme song of this church. We are blessed with this present location and facilities, because of people who did more than sing, “Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.” What about you and me? Are we willing to make such a commitment?
The many ministries that take place today, happen because of people who continue to live the song, “Take my will, and make it thine, it shall be no longer mine. Take my heart, it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne. Take my life, my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store. Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for thee.”
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Penny War
Have you noticed the change wagons around the church? The Child Enrichment Center and Children’s Ministries are having their 2nd Annual Alabama verses Auburn Penny War. This year the funds will go to upgrading the Playground. Presently, Auburn is in the hole. You might ask how a team gets in the hole. Pennies score for your team. Silver change and dollar bills in your team’s bucket are a penalty against your team. For example, someone put a $20 dollar bill in the Alabama bucket in the office. That means $20.00 of pennies will have to be taken out of Alabama and put in the Referee’s bucket. So there are two ways to help your team. Put pennies in your teams bucket and other change and bills in the other teams bucket.
Last year, Alabama won, but the real winner was the Church. 72,500 pennies were raised and that went toward the pay off Principle on our Debt. This year, it seems that some Big Ten involvement has joined with Auburn. I understand one particular Big Ten supporter has been collecting money to help Auburn. So Bama fans, you have your work cut out. You know you don’t want to see Orange in the pulpit the Sunday before the real Alabama-Auburn game.
Last year, Alabama won, but the real winner was the Church. 72,500 pennies were raised and that went toward the pay off Principle on our Debt. This year, it seems that some Big Ten involvement has joined with Auburn. I understand one particular Big Ten supporter has been collecting money to help Auburn. So Bama fans, you have your work cut out. You know you don’t want to see Orange in the pulpit the Sunday before the real Alabama-Auburn game.
Church Facilites - Place of Ministry
September 23, 2009
Church Facilities – Place of Ministry
One of my images of the Church is the “Training Facilities” to the Body Christ. We gather in the Church facilities to worship Christ and to grow as disciples.
When many of us think about church, our mind goes to Sunday when the Church gathers for worship and learning. Some of us also think about Wednesday evening when a couple of hundred gather for G.R.O.W. opportunities. But these facilities are the place of many more ministries of which you may not be aware.
I’ve been thinking about all the ministries that took place on the campus this past weekend, September 18, 19 and 20th. Here are some of which I’m aware:
Friday, the Open Door Sunday School Class provided a meal in the Fellowship Hall for the Land family, before Mary Land’s memorial service.
Friday and Saturday, pictures were being taken for our next Pictorial Directory. If you have not registered to have your picture taken, contact the office. We have had a great response, so some additional dates in October have been opened.
Friday evening the Chapel was the site of a wedding for some of our church family.
Friday evening the Fellowship Hall and Family Ministry Building were used for a Youth Fifth Quarter. In spite of bad weather that caused football games to be delayed and even canceled, 110 youth came to Fifth Quarter. A variety of activities were offered, food, of course and two of our youth (Haley Brown and Gregory Payne) shared their testimonies.
Saturday, a Prayer Vigil was held in the Chapel from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Saturday Morning the Sanctuary was used for the visitation and Memorial Service for Charles Scroggins. Then the Fellowship Class provided a meal in the Fellowship Hall for the Scroggins Family.
Saturday evening we hosted a Volunteer’s in Mission group from Ohio. This was not their first time to stay with us on their way to the Gulf Coast where they were helping people who are still recovering from the Hurricanes of the last few years. We tend to forget that recovery on the Gulf Coast is still taking place following the destruction of Katrina.
Sunday began with worship teams rehearsals, the Prayer Walk and preparations for hospitality.
The Volunteer’s in Mission Team from Ohio worshipped with us at the 8:30 service, where we had prayer for them.
We had new members join in two of our three Sunday morning services.
On Sunday afternoon we hosted a training for Girl Scout Leaders in the Fellowship Hall.
On Sunday evening there were rehearsals for youth choir, Sonrise Team and Ladies ensemble.
Youth Small Groups and an Adult Living the Good Life group meet.
The weekend closed with the Evening Grow Service.
This was not a typical weekend, but not totally out of the ordinary either. The facilities here are used seven days a week to provide a variety of ministries. All of these ministries take place because of those who honor God by bringing their tithe to the storehouse.
The Fellowship Hall had to be cleaned and reset four times during this past weekend. The gym had to be set up for Crossfire Worship on Saturday, instead of Friday, due to Fifth Quarter. When you arrived Sunday morning, you found the facilities looking good and ready for fellowship, worship and study. This does not happen by accident. This variety of ministry happens because of dedicated custodians and committed volunteers who labor to have things looking good each week. And it happens because of persons who bring their tithe to the storehouse.
Church Facilities – Place of Ministry
One of my images of the Church is the “Training Facilities” to the Body Christ. We gather in the Church facilities to worship Christ and to grow as disciples.
When many of us think about church, our mind goes to Sunday when the Church gathers for worship and learning. Some of us also think about Wednesday evening when a couple of hundred gather for G.R.O.W. opportunities. But these facilities are the place of many more ministries of which you may not be aware.
I’ve been thinking about all the ministries that took place on the campus this past weekend, September 18, 19 and 20th. Here are some of which I’m aware:
Friday, the Open Door Sunday School Class provided a meal in the Fellowship Hall for the Land family, before Mary Land’s memorial service.
Friday and Saturday, pictures were being taken for our next Pictorial Directory. If you have not registered to have your picture taken, contact the office. We have had a great response, so some additional dates in October have been opened.
Friday evening the Chapel was the site of a wedding for some of our church family.
Friday evening the Fellowship Hall and Family Ministry Building were used for a Youth Fifth Quarter. In spite of bad weather that caused football games to be delayed and even canceled, 110 youth came to Fifth Quarter. A variety of activities were offered, food, of course and two of our youth (Haley Brown and Gregory Payne) shared their testimonies.
Saturday, a Prayer Vigil was held in the Chapel from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Saturday Morning the Sanctuary was used for the visitation and Memorial Service for Charles Scroggins. Then the Fellowship Class provided a meal in the Fellowship Hall for the Scroggins Family.
Saturday evening we hosted a Volunteer’s in Mission group from Ohio. This was not their first time to stay with us on their way to the Gulf Coast where they were helping people who are still recovering from the Hurricanes of the last few years. We tend to forget that recovery on the Gulf Coast is still taking place following the destruction of Katrina.
Sunday began with worship teams rehearsals, the Prayer Walk and preparations for hospitality.
The Volunteer’s in Mission Team from Ohio worshipped with us at the 8:30 service, where we had prayer for them.
We had new members join in two of our three Sunday morning services.
On Sunday afternoon we hosted a training for Girl Scout Leaders in the Fellowship Hall.
On Sunday evening there were rehearsals for youth choir, Sonrise Team and Ladies ensemble.
Youth Small Groups and an Adult Living the Good Life group meet.
The weekend closed with the Evening Grow Service.
This was not a typical weekend, but not totally out of the ordinary either. The facilities here are used seven days a week to provide a variety of ministries. All of these ministries take place because of those who honor God by bringing their tithe to the storehouse.
The Fellowship Hall had to be cleaned and reset four times during this past weekend. The gym had to be set up for Crossfire Worship on Saturday, instead of Friday, due to Fifth Quarter. When you arrived Sunday morning, you found the facilities looking good and ready for fellowship, worship and study. This does not happen by accident. This variety of ministry happens because of dedicated custodians and committed volunteers who labor to have things looking good each week. And it happens because of persons who bring their tithe to the storehouse.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
August 5, 2009
Being the Body of Christ
The song says “You are the Church, I am the Church, We are the Church together.” The Church is not a place we go, as we often say. The Church is the followers of Jesus Christ, seeking to deny ourselves, taking up our cross and following Jesus.
I’ve seen the Church being Christ to one another this week. The Church grew during our 11:00 service on Sunday as three joined the Gardendale-Mt. Vernon Family. Members of the family were there to stand with and welcome these new members of the Family.
I witnessed the Church (Sharon Stephens) inviting family to worship. They filled most of a row of chairs in last Sunday’s 9:45 Service.
I witnessed the Church (Wallace and Jo Dickenson) spend a hot August day cutting shrubs, getting the Campus ready for Back to Church day.
I witnessed the Church get excited about the opportunities of a spiritual growth campaign, being called “Living the Good Life.” Tables were full Monday night with Ministry Team members planning the fall. Some spent over three hours planning. It is going to be an exciting fall.
I witnessed the Church there for the Burbage family during their journey in the valley. As I left the Funeral Home Monday evening, people were already lining up to weep with them. Then on Tuesday members of the Church provided a wonderful meal for them.
At the request of Sidney, Ginny Hughes was the Church as she blessed the congregation with the song, “Find Us Faithful.” Even in death, Sidney was reminding the Church to be the Church. And I witness the Church (Men’s Ensemble) turn out to have a part in celebrating Sidney’s homegoing.
I witnessed the Church (a generous follower) put some money in the hand of a father. I’ve witness this servant being there for others going through the family, cutting grass or providing some needed resources.
Yes, “You are the Church, I am the Church, We are the Church together.” Where have you been the Church lately?
Our Church is headed to Kenya on Thursday, as David Salters joins a Volunteers in Missions Team that will be serving with Michael Agwenda. We are haveing a prayer time for David and the Team on Wednesday night, August 5th, 6:15 in the Chapel.
Your staff continues to study the Book of Acts, attempting to learn what it means to be the Church from the early Church. Monday we were in Acts 4, where those early believers prayed for greater boldness in being witnesses. They also prayed for signs and wonders to be evidence of the Holy Spirit.
This Saturday, the Church will come together to pray for signs and wonders to take place in the Church. If you have not signed up for a 30 minute time of prayer in the Chapel, you can still come and pray. The Book of Acts confirms that something powerful happens when the Church comes together to pray. The Prayer Vigil runs from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Sunday is Back to Church Day. I was in the hospital on Tuesday, visiting one who had surgery on Monday. As I was leaving she said she would be in worship Sunday. I said, “It’s Back to Church Day. I hope you willing be feeling like staying for lunch and afternoon activities.” She turned to her mother and said, “We want you to come with us Sunday.”
Who will you bring with you to Back to Church Day? It could be a family member, a neighbor, friends or some other association. Ask God to lead you to the person(s) God wants you to bring with you Sunday. The Good News we will be considering Sunday is “New Life is Possible.”
Every time you come onto the campus, you have the opportunity to be the Church in prayer. Become a Weekday Prayer Intercessor. Come 15 to 30 minutes early or stay a little later, and spend time in the Chapel praying for those who have made a commitment to invite someone during August and those they will be inviting. A prayer box is on the altar with instructions about praying for those who are planning to invite someone to worship during our Reach 2009 – August Camp Meeting Services.
Young Adults and Youth have the end of summer “Slip and Slide” to which you can invite your friends. It is this Saturday, August 8th. You need to register today for this afternoon of fun. Contact the Amy Sizemore to register - asizemore@gmvumc.org
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Being the Body of Christ
The song says “You are the Church, I am the Church, We are the Church together.” The Church is not a place we go, as we often say. The Church is the followers of Jesus Christ, seeking to deny ourselves, taking up our cross and following Jesus.
I’ve seen the Church being Christ to one another this week. The Church grew during our 11:00 service on Sunday as three joined the Gardendale-Mt. Vernon Family. Members of the family were there to stand with and welcome these new members of the Family.
I witnessed the Church (Sharon Stephens) inviting family to worship. They filled most of a row of chairs in last Sunday’s 9:45 Service.
I witnessed the Church (Wallace and Jo Dickenson) spend a hot August day cutting shrubs, getting the Campus ready for Back to Church day.
I witnessed the Church get excited about the opportunities of a spiritual growth campaign, being called “Living the Good Life.” Tables were full Monday night with Ministry Team members planning the fall. Some spent over three hours planning. It is going to be an exciting fall.
I witnessed the Church there for the Burbage family during their journey in the valley. As I left the Funeral Home Monday evening, people were already lining up to weep with them. Then on Tuesday members of the Church provided a wonderful meal for them.
At the request of Sidney, Ginny Hughes was the Church as she blessed the congregation with the song, “Find Us Faithful.” Even in death, Sidney was reminding the Church to be the Church. And I witness the Church (Men’s Ensemble) turn out to have a part in celebrating Sidney’s homegoing.
I witnessed the Church (a generous follower) put some money in the hand of a father. I’ve witness this servant being there for others going through the family, cutting grass or providing some needed resources.
Yes, “You are the Church, I am the Church, We are the Church together.” Where have you been the Church lately?
Our Church is headed to Kenya on Thursday, as David Salters joins a Volunteers in Missions Team that will be serving with Michael Agwenda. We are haveing a prayer time for David and the Team on Wednesday night, August 5th, 6:15 in the Chapel.
Your staff continues to study the Book of Acts, attempting to learn what it means to be the Church from the early Church. Monday we were in Acts 4, where those early believers prayed for greater boldness in being witnesses. They also prayed for signs and wonders to be evidence of the Holy Spirit.
This Saturday, the Church will come together to pray for signs and wonders to take place in the Church. If you have not signed up for a 30 minute time of prayer in the Chapel, you can still come and pray. The Book of Acts confirms that something powerful happens when the Church comes together to pray. The Prayer Vigil runs from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Sunday is Back to Church Day. I was in the hospital on Tuesday, visiting one who had surgery on Monday. As I was leaving she said she would be in worship Sunday. I said, “It’s Back to Church Day. I hope you willing be feeling like staying for lunch and afternoon activities.” She turned to her mother and said, “We want you to come with us Sunday.”
Who will you bring with you to Back to Church Day? It could be a family member, a neighbor, friends or some other association. Ask God to lead you to the person(s) God wants you to bring with you Sunday. The Good News we will be considering Sunday is “New Life is Possible.”
Every time you come onto the campus, you have the opportunity to be the Church in prayer. Become a Weekday Prayer Intercessor. Come 15 to 30 minutes early or stay a little later, and spend time in the Chapel praying for those who have made a commitment to invite someone during August and those they will be inviting. A prayer box is on the altar with instructions about praying for those who are planning to invite someone to worship during our Reach 2009 – August Camp Meeting Services.
Young Adults and Youth have the end of summer “Slip and Slide” to which you can invite your friends. It is this Saturday, August 8th. You need to register today for this afternoon of fun. Contact the Amy Sizemore to register - asizemore@gmvumc.org
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
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