I have been a confirmation mentor for several years here at MUMC and it has been a very rewarding experience. I hope that the youth who have taken part in confirmation have learned as much from me as I have from them.
In keeping with our Lenten Series on Seeking: honest questions for deeper faith, by Rev. Sarah A. Speed, our question for today is “Where did you see God today?” The question I have to ask myself is, “Was I intentional about seeing God today?” I have to answer, “No, I honestly wasn’t looking for God today.”
Give me all the funny cat videos you have! Except don’t because there is such a thing as too much. But while we are at it, do you happen to have a handy-trans-ma’am that can validate my feelings and teach me home repair skills at the same time?
The subject for this week, the first week in Lent, is “whose voices matter in our lives?” For today our focus is specifically “what voices are harmful to you?” My immediate response is “words that are judgmental” or as the CEB translates this verse “foul words.” I am totally offended by comments that are judgmental, especially those words that attack another’s
I don’t think I was built for the age of social media. Though I stand up in the pulpit every week, the truth is that even after 20 years, I still don’t always feel super comfortable in front of people.
I’ll be the first to admit that I can get trapped in my own head a little bit. When my schedule is full and my to-do list overflows, I can become so distracted that I forget silly things: where I put my keys (once they were in the fridge); when I last saw my phone (sometimes I start looking for it while I am talking on it); the message that was communicated to me just a few moments earlier (I’m the queen of “I’m sorry – can you repeat that please?”).
I will admit, I have always wanted to be an inspiration to someone. I thought that was a lofty goal – to live my life in a way that it may inspire others. However, when my daughter was writing her college application essay.
What do you think, if there are quintessential words in the Bible spoken by Jesus, might they be
“Not my will but Thy Will be done?”
It’s wonderful to know that while I’m pursuing or seeking God, I am already in His hand, and that makes me happy.
On Ash Wednesday, Christians are called to reflect on our own humanity, sins, and mortality. “The use of ashes as a sign of mortality and repentance has a long history in Jewish and Christian worship and the Imposition of Ashes can be a powerful nonverbal and experiential way of participating in the call to repentance and reconciliation.”
The disciples had just heard Jesus explain “things that cause people to trip and fall into sin.” Jesus says we are to “Watch ourselves!” And we are to warn our fellow followers of Jesus to stop sinning and to forgive them and to forgive when they change their hearts and lives, even up to seven times a day! No wonder the disciples thought this was an impossible task for them,
This was the first real birthday party my daughter was going to experience. The event planner in my brain wanted to do so much more than my tired mom-body could really accomplish. My intentions were good, but a naughty little cat taught me just how little the fluff and stuff really matters.
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
