The snow was coming down fast, and all the trees and houses, the entire landscape looked so magical. What had been the ordinary day, was now transformed into a thing of frozen beauty. My heart has been feeling so heavy for all that is happening in the world, yet here, gazing out my window
As I write this I’m sitting in the emergency room with my mom. It seems the whole human drama is playing out around us. So many are sick and in pain, some are confused, some are unconscious, some are calling out for help. And then there’s the waiting. Waiting to be seen,
Can you see it in your mind’s eye? Can you imagine those lowly shepherds, watching over their flock in darkness one minute, the next minute, suddenly blinded by the light of God’s Kin-dom crashing in through time and space. Awe struck by God’s glory the shepherds fall to the ground
Life is really challenging right now. I find myself thinking, or saying things I usually wouldn’t think or say-at least out loud. Each day following Jesus seems to get tougher. At the end of the day I look over what I need to work on and I pray for forgiveness
Can you name something that lasts forever? I can’t think of anything. Everything we know of has an ending. Even our planet has finite water and oxygen and the Sun, the star we depend on for light, has a five billion year expiration date. So when we read today’s Psalm to the very last twenty-sixth verse,
What could be worse than sitting down at the table and eating with the enemy? Jesus is accused of eating with tax collectors and sinners. Tax collectors were despised collaborators of the Romans who enforced the collection of the very taxes that Rome used to oppress the people of Judea.
Several years ago, six mature maple trees in front of our neighbor’s home were being destroyed by a fungal disease that was killing the crown of the tree. In order to save them, the arborist cut all of the branches off the tops of the trees, leaving just some bare, main branches. It was painful to look at,
What a great image the writer of this wisdom saying paints for us! The life of a person without self control lies in ruins. Imagine living during the time when Jerusalem was under attack by enemy armies. The people sought safety and protection behind the strong, fortified walls
built by King Solomon.
What would a parent not do to have their child healed from a devastating illness? In today’s story from Matthew, Jesus and his disciples have travelled into the Gentile occupied area between Tyre and Sidon. A “Canaanite woman” takes to the streets shouting after Jesus, “Show me mercy, Son of David.
Lately, I feel like I’m standing in the middle of a seesaw as it goes up and down. I’m trying to maintain my balance and not be pulled to either side. I’m trying to keep my eyes focused on God’s Kin-dom and following Jesus. This is easier said than done
This job assignment is for elder or leader of a newly planted church. Imagine you are heading into a job interview with Titus, the recipient of this letter from the apostle Paul. What would your resume say about your qualifications for the job? Paul has given Titus the seemingly impossible task of finding leaders (elders) to head up the new churches
Acts 7 tells the story of Stephen’s powerful witness to the high priest and the Sanhedrin about Jesus Christ. Stephen’s testimony results in his subsequent sentencing to be stoned to death, and becoming the first Christian martyr. Stephen pointed out that they had made an idol out of the temple in Jerusalem
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
