Compassion for Family brought to mind an experience that hit very close to home. An elderly relative, whom we shall call X. Smith, needed on-site supervision and, as luck would have it, there were two residences located on the property. One of the grandchildren whom we will call Z. Smith,
The Psalmist begins his cry for help with acknowledging his guilt. Psalm 51 is attributed to King David by some and alludes to the story of David and Bathsheba, in which David broke at least half of the Ten Commandments. The anonymous writer of Psalm 51 was well-acquainted with God’s compassion as he confessed his own guilt and shortcomings. Humanity is filled with people who have done things they are not proud of and yet we keep finding new ways to do harm to others and to God’s creation. I am proud to be a United Methodist who tries very hard to live by Three Simple Rules: Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God.
It’s summertime and this week we will be going (virtually) to compassion Camp VBS! The church I attend used Compassion Camp curriculum with a different focus on the act of compassion each day. Compassion is an emotion that calls for action on our part. The call to “Be compassionate as God is “compassionate” will be explored as Compassion for Myself,
Compassion for Family, Compassion for Neighbors, and Compassion with, in, and for the World.
When we are so fed and sustained by God, we want to share this “special food.”
Perhaps Jesus was just so different that many people just could not see a new mindset.
The love of Our Lord is so pleasing, as if it is to be the tastiest, dreamiest food possible.
We have a gracious God! As the scripture reveals through verses 7 and 8, not once, but twice; Elijah is awakened to be given sustenance.
In today’s climate, it is a difficult task to try to be a peace maker. What does being a peacemaker look like to you? Are we trying to be peacemakers? That’s a
tough one because no matter what “side” we are on we feel like we are being persecuted for
our beliefs at this point in history.
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.
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
