Our SPRC Team is interviewing a candidate for the postion of Director of Youth Ministries on Wednesday evening.
A Challenge Monday, Apr 20 2009
Uncategorized 11:09 am
I want to personally challenge all of you! All of you are aware that
we are living in challenging economic days. What you may not realize
is that individuals are not the only ones feeling the crunch. In
fact, our church has spent about $12,000.00 more in the first quarter
of this year than we have received in offerings. Our leaders are
committed to being responsible with our money while still offering our
ministry programs which many of you enjoy.
That is the difficult news. The good news is that there is a fairly
easy answer. We have been working with the Rev. Dr. Richard
Hendrickson, our Conference Stewardship Coordinator. We have already
taken steps to address our finance needs in 2010. In discussing this
year with him, he pointed out that if each giving unit that uses
envelopes (individual or family), were to give $3.00 more per week, we
would have no short-fall.
Think about your spending habits, a cup of Starbuck’s coffee, a donut
and coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts, all of us spend at least $3.00 on
something like that through the week. As much as we enjoy those
things, think about the lives that are touched each week in the life
of the church. It’s not too hard to see which $3.00 goes further. I
realize that some of you may not be able to give $3.00 more per week
and others may be able to give more. The point is that we need to
take some time to prayerfully consider what each of us can do.
Why should we consider this? Paul gives us an idea why. In II corinthians 9:7-8 he
writes, “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under
compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every
blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share
abundantly in every good work.” There are many sources of blessing that we receive
daily. We are challenged not to look at the size of the shortfall, but in faith to trust
God and ask God to provide for our church needs, just as we do for our personal needs.
God challenges us through Paul’s words to faithfully determine what role we should play
in sharing in the good works and ministry accomplished by our church.
Each month through the year, you will be hearing how different
ministries of our church have touched the lives of persons with whom
they have been in ministry. I hope you’ll accept the challenge!!
Farewell to the Wolf family Monday, Apr 20 2009
Uncategorized 10:59 am
We said, “We’ll see you later” not “good-bye” to the Wolf family in worship yesterday. They are moving to North Carolina. We will miss them, as they played many important roles in the ministry of the church. Our prayers go with them as they make the move this Friday.
Holy Humor Sunday Monday, Apr 20 2009
Uncategorized 10:56 am
Jeruslem Idol was a hit!! Thank you to all who helped us find out what it takes and what is doesn’t take to be a disciple of Jesus. A special work of thanks to Nick Colamarino who worked so hard behind the scenes editing our “commercial mesages”. It was fun working with all of the participants and judges. What a blessing it is to be the pastor of such a fun church!!
Good Friday Service Monday, Apr 20 2009
Religion 10:52 am
What a great Good Friday Service we had yesterday. It was presented from the vantage points of different people involved with the story. I got to be Herod. In preparing for it, I found that Herod was alot like his father. His father was afraid of losing his throne (remeber the story in Matthew where the babies were killed after Jesus’ birth) and Herod was afraid of the people being upset with him. They were angry that he killed John the Baptist and he was afraid doing something to silence Jesus would get him in trouble. How often do we miss out on something or don’t do what’s right becasue we are afraid of what people might think. Alot of wrongs go unrighted because we’re afraid to speak up…
Youth Sunday Tuesday, Mar 31 2009
Uncategorized 11:23 am
I was proud of the youth who took part in the service on Sunday!! It is not an easy job to lead worship and they did well. Many churches don’t have youth. We at Mantua UMC are blessedwith a great group! Keep up the good work guys.
