The daily devotional published Monday-Friday by Medford UMC. Click on the devotional title to read that day’s post.
Joseph was a good man, and who could ask for more? He is clearly not the biological father of Mary’s child but Joseph isn’t concerned with who is the father when he decides to quietly call off the engagement. According to my study bible, Joseph’s decision to call off their engagement
I was thinking that Shepherds’ Field or the town in the West Bank known as Beit Sahour was not at all far away from Bethlehem. Google Maps says it is about a mile, but it takes quite a while to walk between the two places, maybe 50 minutes. Now, I can’t remember if there is a checkpoint between the two places, but that very well may be. I do know that the terrain is rough – it is hilly and desert like.
We know, even when life gets us down, that our God loves us and promises to be with us. And this can fill us with joy, even in the midst of our sorrow.
God will work with us to see what we need to see if we are present in the world.
I spend way more time than I should looking at items on Facebook Marketplace. I don’t actually buy all that much – but I definitely enjoy the thrill of the chase. And when you find something great, it feels pretty special.
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.
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
