The daily devotional published Monday-Friday by Medford UMC. Click on the devotional title to read that day’s post.
As it often happens, I learned something new at worship this week. I never knew, or even gave much thought to why one of the four candles on the advent wreath is a different color than the other three. As Joe explained, the candle for the third Sunday of advent is pink, because it represents joy.
Every year, since I was a child, I would ask my father what he would like me to get him for Christmas. As a child, I had a somewhat limited budget saved in my piggy bank. The reply was always the same; “You can get me some new socks and world peace.”
It’s amazing how something that seems little can be profound enough to reveal a new relationship you didn’t know you needed.
Oof. Those are some tall orders. It’s hard to think of a single person (myself, included) whose got all these down pat. Frankly, some days I’m lucky if I succeed at one or two.
This passage from the prophet known as Isaiah imagines a future that will bring a peace that is almost incomprehensible. Verses 1-5 and 10 focus on the emergence of a leader who is distantly related to King David; one who will bring peace to humankind. Verses 6-9 paints a word picture
What names have you been called? The list could go on and on. I am Janet or Jan, Mom, Jammy (my Grandma name), wife, sister, daughter, aunt, friend, PT, and lots of other titles and names I am sure I have been called over the course of my lifetime- some good, some not so good, some deserved and some maybe not.
John was calling Israel back to God, which begins with repentance, sorrow over sin and an inner resolve to turn from it.
Most of them, including Simeon, received some angelic message or other special revelation to make the fulfillment of the old testament prophecies clear.
When I was a kid, my father and I planted two apple trees. It was hard work digging in the very rocky soil of west-central PA. But I was so excited about the prospect of enjoying fresh Golden Delicious apples from our very own trees. My neighbors down the street had an apple tree that produced tons of fruit, so I felt certain our trees would do great too.
Christmas as a child did feel differently to me than it does now. I remember as a child having a feeling of great anticipation and excitement throughout the Christmas Season. I also remember having a sense of joy, hope, and peace throughout the season and especially on Christmas Eve. It always did feel like something special was in the air on that Holy Night.
I love Advent! There’s something so moving when we light the first candle on the Advent
wreath, it reminds me of the unimaginable possibilities of living in God’s Kin-dom. It’s as if that flame on the candle focuses our attention on all the things we crave and wait for in our lives-hope, love, joy and peace
My friend was facing catastrophic failure. All things were bad, until suddenly, they were good! (Or at least better.) God winked and the message was received.
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
