It is difficult to grant mercy, even though we are given it everyday.
When we think of those who are merciful and pure in heart – we think of the kind of person
who gives others chances over and over again, the person who just knows that other people
are loved by God and should be loved by us too.
We don’t always think of meekness as a good trait, but God will use it to help us. Happy are the meek. Happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. The CEB says
humble, but I have always read this as meek. I have always felt that being meek is not the way
to be.
We turn to God to give us comfort and hope. Are we feeling hopeless and are we mourning right now? Another translation states “poor in
spirit.” Sometimes we feel that the state of things is rather hopeless and so the only thing to do is mourn what should be.
Jesus tells of the ways to be blessed. Beatitude means blessing, so we should strive to live in a state of blessing or as some
translations put it – happiness. One commentator stated that Jesus is the beatitude of God, and as always, Jesus sets the example for us.
I am not a morning person. I do not like to get up early, nor do I like to talk to people in the morning. However, when I am at the beach, I am up at dawn (or before if I go to see sunrise). I like to walk on the beach and go to my favorite bagel shop when I am up and about.
Our scripture talks about how we should all be servants – helping others in whatever we do. Sometimes we are in charge of what’s happening – we are hosting an event, we are leading a meeting, we are the CEO, and people look to us for direction. That doesn’t mean we can’t be helping others as we do this.
Today is Juneteenth, the day the last enslaved people in the US found out they were free. The date was June 19, 1865, 4 years after the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect and 2 months after the Civil War was officially over…
I am one of those weird people who knew exactly what I wanted to do at 12 and never had a plan B…
My 7-year-old granddaughter, who is adopted, stayed with us over the weekend. She lives about an hour away, so we had some time in the car to chat. (In the car is a great place to have serious discussions with children…
When I was listening to Joe’s sermon on Sunday, I was thinking “I love the crazy tube guy as well!” and of course I have seen 6 or 7 in the past couple of days. They just make me smile! Our Dad lost his right eye in a work accident when I was a child. There are lots of stories about that…
Galatians 3:23-29 (CEB) 23 Before faith came, we were guarded under the Law, locked up until faith that was coming would
James 5:1-6 (CEB) 1Pay attention, you wealthy people! Weep and moan over the miseries coming upon you. 2 Your riches have rotted.
Together we can turn the nation’s largest weekend of football into the largest weekend of giving. Youth group members will be collecting monetary donations at each service this Sunday and will then send the donation to the Turning Point United Methodist Food Pantry in Trenton. Your generosity will be very much appreciated. The link below will take you to our PushPay system. You can select “Give One Time” then use the Fund Selector to choose “Souper Bowl of Caring.”
PEDAL for PROMISE – SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2019: Medford United Methodist is fielding a team for the Urban Promise fundraiser “Pedal for Promise.” This year the ride begins and ends at Valenzano Winery in Shamong. You can register to ride, make a donation to the team or register as a spectator to enjoy the party and cheer on our team.
Go to urbanpromiseusa.org/pedal for more information about the event, to donate, or to register as an individual. OR you can go directly to the TEAM MEDFORD UMC page at www.crowdrise.com/team-medford-umc.
Questions or need help? Speak with Pastor Kathleen, Wayne Richards, or Heidi and Mike Polhemus
