FROM THE PASTOR…

PASTOR KATHY’S REFLECTIONS

Life is a process of surprises, especially related to weather in the Midwest! We anticipated typical, winter weather in December and early January: we experienced some temperature close to 70 degrees. We start getting accustomed to the unseasonably warm weather: it turned frigid and snowed. Some folks have reported that they would prefer a more predictable, routine weather pattern rather than experiencing the extreme “weather surprises!” This group includes the many persons who experience asthma, bronchitis, or any of the other chronic breathing conditions, as “weather surprises” can and do affect physical well-being.

The surprises of life may also influence our spiritual well-being. Changes in our relationships, employment, housing, health, and other basic needs may affect our spiritual life. In the midst of our life journey, it is sometimes helpful and refreshing to re-fuel our spirits by returning to the basics of our faith tradition. John Wesley believed that following Christ in a way that renews both individuals and communities required disciplined practices. He developed the foundation for three simple rules as “a way of holy living that is constantly reforming and renewing for the individual and the community” (Bishop Rueben Job).

Guided by this need to renew our spiritual being, during the month of February I will be presenting a three week series on Three Simple Rules:

February 5: “Do No Harm”

February 12: “Do Good” (Scouting Ministries Sunday)

February 19: “Stay in Love with God”

For those persons who do not attend another Sunday School class, we will have a “Three Simple Rules Reflection Time” each of these three Sundays (Feb. 5, 12, and 19) from 9:00 – 9:45 AM in the HOLY GROUNDS room by the kitchen.

Please see the more detailed announcement in The Greeter regarding the numerous worship and study opportunities for our observance of the holy season of Lent 2012. Here is a quick summary of February dates:

February 22^nd Ash Wednesday Meditation and Prayer Service (come and go format).

The Lenten sermon series, "Windows Into The Light", begins on Sunday, February 26th.

The Lenten Soup Supper/Bible Study begins on Wednesday, February 29th.

Life is a process of surprises! How wonderful it is to be part of this church family as we learn and grow and serve, together, in His name. Amen!

Blessings,

Pastor Kathy

Words from your Lay Leader- Sharon Fairlie

February is the month advertisers tell us is the month of love. We hear or read about what will make “her” happy, perfume, diamonds, candy, flowers, and cards. The list goes on and on. And the men are not left out of the picture either. The pressure is on. It is almost as intense as the Christmas advertisements. Show your love by giving him or her “things”.

In church we have heard numerous sermons or messages about how we should love our neighbor, brotherly love and the love of Jesus for us. I wonder, is the message heard so often, we turn a deaf ear to it, much as we do with advertisements? How do we as Christians, hear the message with a new level of understanding?

Getting back to basics is one way; getting back to basics with our lives, as well as with our faith. The Hebrew rabbis continued to tell the story of the wilderness trek of Moses and the Israelites, reliving for those who were not even born then, keeping the traditions simple and pure so as to keep the people grounded.

With this grounding, things are kept in perspective. Perspectives such as taking care of one another through health issues, finding ways to cheer those who are sad, celebrating the joys of new beginnings and the longevity of life. The joy of knowing that God lives in our hearts and the joy of feeling the spirit of God move us to love our neighbor as ourselves.

So with this new month of “love” let’s keep God’s spirit alive by thinking of ways to serve Him. Faith, hope and love….that is what the ancients tell us is the most important.

2 Corinthians 13:13 “The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.” The Message

Thank you to all who joined our family in celebrating Jim Lyman's 60th birthday! Seeing so many church friends made this time even more special to all of us!

Beth, Katie and Thomas Lyman

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Our Thanks to all for the beautiful cards, well wishes and greetings we received for our 50th Anniversary.

God's Blessings, Bob and Winona Lee

USHERS FOR FEBRUARY

The ushers for the month of February are: Chet & Kerry Winans,

Roxie Curtis and Ron Hill

Help needed!! When you are sitting in church, just prior to the service starting, and you see someone you do not recognize, PLEASE go over and introduce yourself. Even if the people have been long time visitors, they appreciate someone taking the time to come over and welcome them to church. Please also considering sitting by the new person or family and REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR NAME TAGS!. We are getting many new faces as the new year starts. Please be the face of God to them when they are in our midst. Beth Lyman, Outreach Team.

SUPER BOWL SOUPS TO GO

The UMM is sponsoring a fundraiser for our mission trips this year. We will be offering soups to go after worship on February 5th, Super Bowl Sunday.

Choices of soup include potato, vegetable beef or chili and a mini loaf of bread. Containers will be provided.

Free will offering accepted.

Any questions? Talk to Lee or Chic.

SCOUTING MINISTRIES SUNDAY

February 12, 2012 is Scouting Ministries Sunday! This year in our worship service we will be celebrating youth participation, youth leadership, and adult leadership for Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. This is a special year for the Girl Scouts of America as they celebrate their 100^th anniversary this year. Please plan to join us on February 12^th as we welcome many guests to our worship service to celebrate scouting programs in our community.