| Middletown United Methodist Church | September 2008 |
| Middletown United Methodist Church 7108 Fern Circle Middletown, MD 21769 301-371-5550 FAX: 301.473.8090 TTY: 301.473.9892 Email: MtownUMC@aol.com Website: www.mumcmd.org Pastor Rev. Dr. Susan Halse ext. 13 Associate Pastor Rev. Chris Bishop ext. 30 Family Ministry Deacon Rev. Bill Bennett ext. 12 Office Manager Nancy Beam ext. 11 Church Secretary Mary Payne ext. 10 Parish Nurse Diane Lowe ext. 26 Music Director/Organist Pam Mathews ext. 25 Contemporary Worship Leader Louie Priolo Director of Performing Arts Jim Dent Preschool/Kindergarten Jane Durant 301.371.8681 mumcpreschool@aol.com Parent’s Time Out/Kid’s Club Heather Kline 301.371.8680 mumckidsclub@aol.com Youth Beth Tice UMWomen Becky Davis UMMen Ron Forrester Seniors Kitty Kefauver |
Spiritual Life
Tony Snow, President Bush’s former press secretary, shared his thoughts about our heavenly and our earthly connections in the last testimony he wrote just before he died in July. “Blessings arrive in unexpected packages. Those of us with potentially fatal diseases find ourselves in the odd position of coping with our mortality while trying to fathom God’s will. We don’t know how the narrative of our lives will end but we get to choose how to use the interval between now and the moment we meet our Creator face-to-face… “We can let love change everything. We get repeated chances to learn that life is not about us, that we acquired purpose and satisfaction by sharing in God’s love for others… “God bids us to choose: Do we believe, or do we not? Will we be bold enough to love, daring enough to serve, humble enough to submit, and strong enough to acknowledge our limitations? Can we surrender our concern in things that don’t matter so that we might devote our remaining days to things that do? |
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“When our faith flags, God throws reminders in our way. Think of the prayer warriors in our midst. They change things, and those of us who have been on the receiving end of their petitions and intercessions know it… “There are times when suddenly the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and you feel a surge of the Spirit. Somehow you just know: Others have chosen, when talking to the Author of all creation, to lift us up, - to speak to Him of us! This is love of a very special order.” If you’ve had one of these hair-raising moments Tony Snow wrote about, it’s because…??? It’s because we have a cadre of warriors praying for the needs and concerns and joys of our congregation. We have people on prayer chains that stop what they’re doing to pray for a request whenever they receive notice of one. There is a dedicated small group that meets once a month to be in prayer for the well being of our church, its programs, and its leaders. Every evening at 9 pm members of our congregation take a minute to say a prayer for the safety of our community and our world. We do not need to know who is praying for us; we only need to feel its effect to understand its power. Each one of us can be a prayer warrior when we take a request from the Prayer Baskets the first weekend of each month and pray for that person during the week. Imagine prayers being wrapped around us, imagine them lifting us up into the presence of God, and imagine Him holding us in the palm of His hand…all because there is someone praying for us. |
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MIDDLETOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ORNAMENT HAS ARRIVED One of the 2008 goals for the Adult Ministries Group is to use $0 dollars from the church budget. With that in mind, the Adult Ministries Group developed a 3-dimensional, 24K gold-flashed brass custom MUMC Ornament. This beautiful gold ornament comes in a red gift box with a clear see-through lid and is scheduled to go be available for $12 during the following times. All proceeds from the sale go to help the Adult Ministries Group meet their 2008 goal. |
| Saturday / Sunday | August 30 – 31 | Ornament on display with sign-up sheet in church lobby |
| Saturday / Sunday | September 7 – 8 | Ornament on display with sign-up sheet in church lobby |
| Saturday / Sunday | September 14 – 15 | Ornament on display with sign-up sheet in church lobby |
| Saturday / Sunday | September 21 – 22 | Ornament on sale and pre-ordered ornament pick-up dates |
| Saturday / Sunday | September 27 – 28 | Ornament on sale and pre-ordered ornament pick-up dates |
At the bottom line of our existence as Christians, other persons matter. Continuing bad feelings toward them bind our spirits so that we can’t appreciate the love of Jesus. Our emotional make-up wants to control these situations but the purpose of prayer is to get us into more meaningful contact with God so that we can appreciate that there are truly some spiritually profitable ways for us to respond in difficult situations. The myth that everything ought to “go right” sets us up for emotional let-downs but God can help us realize where the truth is. He works things out in the midst of struggle and helps us find a new view of our role as servants. Jay Kline |
Rudy Horman, a retired teacher of our community, will be giving his farewell vocal concert here at MUMC on September 28th at 3:00 p.m. The farewell concert will benefit the community choir – One God - One Voice. It will consist of sacred and popular music. Lisa Duva, Carol DeSantis and Terry Sparks will also join Rudy in special numbers. The public is invited and a free offering will be accepted. |
Moments * Missions * Ministry
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The MUMC Health Ministry will present a special 6-week health series at 2:00 p.m. on Sundays in the Social Hall (September 21st through October 26th). Expert speaker presentations will touch on topics such as: • Long-term care for myself and/or loved ones • Financial aspects of long-term care |
| • Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases; catastrophic accidents; severe and/or chronic illness | |
| • Care options | |
| • Spiritual, ethical, and emotional decisions |
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Fellowship Ministry
 | Camping at Greenbriar State Park - Let’s go camping! Join us for the weekend of September 5 through 7 in the great outdoors at Greenbriar State Park located west of Myersville, MD on Route 40. Arrive and set up your campsite anytime on Friday afternoon or evening. We will host a S’more party at our campsite on Friday evening from 7:00 p.m. till whenever. Saturday’s events will include a 9:00 a.m. hike, a 1:00 p.m. group outing at the beach, and a 5:00 p.m. campfire potluck dinner. We also hope to sneak in a mountain bike ride or two sometime during the weekend. If you are interested in that bring your bike along. This is a weekend for fellowship and relaxation so attend the events that interest you and enjoy your own time during the others times. |
| Information about camping at Greenbrier can be found at www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/greenbrier.html. If you have questions please call Jeff or Amy Byard. It is important that you call Jeff or Amy Byard to sign up because there are many “behind the scenes” elements to coordinate for a truly relaxing weekend. |
Music Ministry
There is a place for EVERYONE in one of the music ministries at MUMC! All are welcome! (No previous experience required.) Come join us in rehearsals this fall and experience the fellowship of making music as we praise God through song! The rehearsals of each musical group will prepare them to sing, ring, or play in the different MUMC worship services. We will experience a variety of musical styles and rehearse new music as well as older favorites which will enhance the Sunday morning worship services as well as other special services throughout the church year. If you have any questions about any of MUMC’s vocal or handbell choirs, please contact Pam Mathews (301) 371-5550 ext.25. Do you like to sing? Do you like to praise God? Do you wish you could sing in a choir here at MUMC but have no extra time for rehearsals? Here's your chance! Living Waters, the newest choir at MUMC, will be starting up again on September 7th. We rehearse in the music room at 11:00 a.m. on Sundays and sing in church about every 6 weeks. This choir is open to ANYONE in grades 7 through adult! We need you and your voice to help make this choir even more awesome so that we can praise God with a huge choir!! Contact Heather Smith or Jim Dent for more information or just join us on Sunday, September 7th at 11 a.m. in the music room (preschool level, to the left of the stairs!). |
| Rehearsal Day & Time | Rehearsal Place | Starting Date | |
| CHARLES WESLEY CHOIR (age 4 to 1st grade) | Monday evenings 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | Music Room | Monday September 8th |
| JOHN WESLEY CHOIR (grades 2 through 5) | Monday evenings 6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Music Room | Monday September 8th |
| YOUTH CHOIR (grades 6 through high school) | Monday evenings 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Music Room | Monday September 8th |
| ADULT CHOIR (open to upper high school students through adults) | Thursday evenings 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. |
Music Room | Thursday September 11th |
| HANDBELL CHOIR (grade 7 through adult) (music reading is a requirement) • Contact Pam Mathews | Wednesday evenings 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Back of the church sanctuary or social hall | Wednesday September 10th |
| LIVING STONES (high school students and adults 9:45 service) • Contact Louie Priolo | Thursday evenings 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. | Social Hall | Rehearsals are on-going |
| LIVING WATERS (early teen to adult, 9:45 service) • Contact - Jim Dent | Sundays 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon |
Lower level education building | Sunday September 7th |
| ORCHESTRA (early teen to adult, 9:45 and 11:00 services) (musical interview required) • Contact - Jim Dent |
Sundays 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon | All Purpose Room | Sunday September 14th |
| Holy Ghost Party - Save the date now for the Holy Ghost Party, a fall festival for the whole family. It will be held at the Salisbury's on Sunday, October 26th. Watch the bulletins for more details... |
| Sunday School Teachers - A few more teachers are needed at the 9:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services for ages 3 through grade 5. Please contact Heather Smith for more information. |
| Fourth Grade Bible Sunday - September 28th is Bible Sunday. If you have a fourth grader (or 5th - 7th grader who has not received a Bible from MUMC), please contact the church office or Heather Smith to make sure that your child is on our list. |
Freetimers
| Freetimers - meetings are the third Thursday of every month. The next Freetimers meeting will be Thursday, September 18th in the Gathering Room at church. Please bring finger food to share. |
Community Volunteer Help Wanted
| Frederick Women’s Civic Club is looking for young ladies of good character to be princesses at the 48th Mardi Gras Ball to be held February 21, 2009 at the Holiday Inn, Francis Scott Key mall in Frederick, MD. You must be a high school senior or college freshman. If interested, please call Barbara Lowery. |
| Heritage Festival - Folks are needed to help with crowd control at the Middletown Heritage Festival parade on Saturday, September 27th for about 1-1/2 hours from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. If interested, please call Jim Hamilton. |
| Middletown Valley People Helping People - A local family is in need for an adult to sit with an older family member several hours a week while his wife runs errands or does light housework. If you can sit for an hour, it would be greatly appreciated. Please call the Middletown Valley People Helping People at 301-371-3119 and leave your name and phone number on the answering machine. We will forward your information to the family in need - they will contact you with specific information. Thanking you in advance for helping our community help one of us in need. May God continue to bless you. Sincerely, Donna Jean Brandenburg. |
MUMC Missions
| Habitat for Humanity - This nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry is seeking to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. This is not a giveaway program. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build still more Habitat houses. In addition to a down payment and the monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor — sweat equity — into building their Habitat house and the houses of others. Habitat has been operating in Frederick County for about 15 years, and has recently initiated projects in our own neighborhood. Two projects are in the works for Middletown – renovation of an existing house at 213 Jefferson Street; and, when the renovation is completed, new construction in the adjacent lot. Renovation was started in June and we hope to be finished by November. These projects are sponsored and managed by churches in Middletown Valley, including MUMC. Sponsorship includes volunteer management, labor, and financial support. This month’s Love Offering will go directly to the Middletown projects. For more information, contact Debbie Hall. |
| Many thanks to all the adult education leaders who have offered to lead classes and small groups at MUMC in the fall. Sign-ups will continue this weekend in the lobby - If you have a book for the class, please put it on display by your sheet. Registration for classes began on Sunday, August 17th. You can register for the class of your choice by signing up at the Adult Education table in the church lobby or by calling the church office at 301-371-5550. |
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| 1. | Adult Bible Study – Meets on Sundays at 9:45 a.m. in Room 206S – Leader – Ron Forrester - This continuing class studies the Bible and how to apply the biblical message to daily life. Class participants will move from a focus on the Word to reflection on personal, family, church, and community concerns. The class uses the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary for 2008-2009, a 52-week series of scripture-based lessons from the Old and New Testament. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2. | Seeing Grey in a Black and White World – starts Sunday, September 7th, at 9:45 a.m. in the Gathering Room - Leader – Bruce Birch - In this 9-week class, we will read and discuss Rev. Adam Hamilton’s new book entitled Seeing Grey in a Black and White World in which Rev Hamilton presents his clear and enlightening thoughts on religion, morality and politics. Come join us as we learn about and discuss a range of topics of contemporary interest - culminating in a final discussion on faith in presidential elections. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3. | In His Steps – meets on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the Gathering Room - Leaders: Susan Halse, Chris Bishop and Bill Bennett - This four-part series of 1-hour classes will be offered throughout the Fall and into the Winter to provide a means for those considering joining MUMC, new members, and anyone else with an interest to learn about MUMC and to explore the core purposes in our respective faith journeys. The schedule for upcoming Step classes is as follows:
4. | UMMen Monthly Small Group Study – First Sunday of Every Month from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Room 206S – Leader – Ron Forrester - New participants are welcome to this continuing small group that focuses on selected biblical and spiritual topics of relevance to men of faith. It is designed to promote fellowship, servant leaders, and individual spiritual growth. Watch for an announcement of the next topic to be studied at the sign-up table in the lobby. | 5. | Yoga Centered on Christ – beginning Monday, September 8th at 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary – Leader – Terese Morgan - This new 10-week class will create a warm, friendly environment to open our hearts and celebrate our “Temples of the Holy Spirit”. With a deep internal focus, we reduce stress and joint discomfort, while creating harmony among the body, mind and spirit. | 6. | Monday Evening Quilt Group – Beginning Monday, January TBD at 7:00 p.m. in the Social Hall – Leader – Bernice Huff - This continuing quilting group is one in which each member works on a project of their choosing. New members are always welcome and a project will be selected to meet the individual’s skill level. | 7. | Discovering My “Gifts Differing”– starts September 16 at 7:00 p.m. in Room TBD – Leader: Milt Tipperman - This 6-week class will increase your understanding of your uniqueness and you will assist others in the class to do the same. God created each of us uniquely and our mission is to use our gifts to meet needs in the world. You will identify your gifts, including values, skills, preferences, and interests. You will leave this class with information about yourself that you can apply to: | • increase your effectiveness and satisfaction in your family or current job • target your job hunting campaign and deciding on a career change • decide how you can best contribute to your church or community 8. | Art for the Spirit – meets on Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. in Room 206S - Leader - Dawn Walker - This continuing workshop explores art and how the Holy Spirit works through us to produce beautiful art pieces. New participants are welcome to join at any time. No prior experience is needed - just show up to join the class. Art supplies are required. | 9. | Invitation to the New Testament - starts Tuesday, September 16th at 7:00 p.m. in Room TBD - Leader – Rev. Susan Halse - This 8-week class provides an introduction to the New Testament for people who are hungry for God’s Word, for fellowship in prayer and study, and for biblically-informed guidance in ministry. | 10. | Beginner Pilates – Beginning Wednesday, September 3rd at 9:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary – Leader – Terese Morgan - This 8-week class will help participants to tone the abdominals, back, hips and thighs. Cost: $80 - full session only. | 11. | Christian Yoga – meets Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary – Leader – Scott Trexler - This fitness class will help you to find strength, balance and flexibility through classic yoga postures, conscious movement and focus on breath. Participants report feeling both relaxed and energized! No prior experience is needed. The cost is $8 per session. New class participants may join at any time. | 12. | Christian Believer – Knowing God With Heart and Mind – beginning Wednesday, September 19th at 7:30 p.m. in Room TBD - Leaders– Elaine Canonico and Dee Forrester - This 30-week class will help participants to understand what it is that Christians believe and what it is that distinguishes the substance of our faith from others. The goal of Believers is to make available to people the substance of the Christian faith that the church has confessed as a way of connecting to God and living faithfully. | 13. | Life Changes Series– starts TBD September TBD at 7:00 p.m. in Room TBD - Leader – Carol Hayes - This 6-weekdiscussion group will explore the concept that "The Only Constant Is Change". It is empowering to realize that we are all living in a constant state of flux and that it is a normal part of life and part of God’s design. Group discussion will be based on Cheryl Richardson's "Take Time for Your Life" and "Life Makeovers" books. Whether your life changes are big or small right now, come join this fall series where we will explore together the possibilities around creating the life of your dreams. | 14. | Disciple 3 – Remember Who You Are -- starts Thursday, September 11th at 6:30 p.m. in Room TBD - Leader – Bill Bennett - This 32-week class will introduce the participants to the Prophets of the Hebrew Bible and to the letters of Paul in the New Testament. We will study the Prophets and Paul’s letters in the historical sequence in which they were written rather than in the sequence in which they are presented in the Bible. | 15. | Friday Morning Study – starts Friday, September 12th at 9:00 a.m. in Room TBD - Leader – Rev. Susan Halse - This 10-week class will provide a safe place for participants to study and share how we apply our Christian faith to our daily lives. New members are welcome at any time. | 16. | "A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place" - Starts Friday evening, September 12th every other week, 7:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. at Perkins, near FSK Mall - Leader - Linda Pütz - This 12-session study by Beth Moore examines a beautiful blend of the Old Testament and the building of the Tabernacle with God's intention to dwell in our hearts in the New Testament. Beth brings scripture alive with workbook exercises that help you meet Jesus at your own kitchen table. Come ready to grow in prayer, in friendship, and in application of the Bible to your life today. Some women from other churches will join us. For more information contact Linda Pütz. | Boundaries with Kids– starts TBD at TBD p.m. in Room TBD - Leader – Barry Salisbury - Are you a parent? Is it going well? Do you have any questions? Do you want any ideas on how to raise great kids? We’ve got the class for you. Short and to the point, this 6-session class will motivate, equip and energize you to be the best parent you can. There’s no better time to start! Please join us. | Boundaries with Adults – starts TBD at TBD p.m. in Room TBD - Leader – Mike Durant and Barry Salisbury - Are you a living, breathing human being? Is life rolling along with joys, sorrows, challenges and opportunities? Are you dealing well with the difficult people in your life? Are you properly supporting and encouraging the good people in your life? If the answer to any of these questions (except the 1st one) is no, join our upcoming 6-session boundaries class. It should equip and inspire you to deal better with life. | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MUMC Holiday Fair 2008
 MUMC Holiday Fair 2008 Friday November 21st 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Live Auction Friday 8:00 p.m. Saturday November 22nd 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Silent Auction and Quilt Drawing Saturday, 1:00 p.m. Kitchen Serving Delicious Food Both Days! The Holiday Fair began over 25 years ago when a few talented church members sold handmade crafts to benefit our church. Over the years it has grown to include vendors, auctions, a quilt fund- raiser, specialty foods and candy as well as serving delightful meals. Have you ever wanted to be a part of the Holiday Fair or wondered what happens to the funds that are raised? Well here is your opportunity to be a part of the very special event that has become a MUMC tradition. The funds raised by the Holiday Fair have always been used to provide something extra for the church that was not covered by the operating budget. In the past, we have funded the restocking of the kitchen after the remodeling, purchased additional tables for the Social Hall, purchased a television and DVD player for the Gathering Room, lights for the parking lot, carpet in the sanctuary, risers for the choir, and new furniture for the lobby. The Holiday Fair Committee encourages everyone to become involved in this important ministry of our church; big or small, every contribution helps! |
Volunteers are always needed to work two hour shifts during the Holiday Fair in various areas! Please contact:
Cashiers - Margo Trexler
Kitchen Help - Judy Moran
Set-Up/Take-Down - Hoyt Matthai
Greeters - Gene Roberts
Children’s Room (Saturday) - Kitty Morrison
| Opportunities to be a part of the Holiday Fair: ** “MUMC SPECIALTIES” - We are looking for handmade giftable craft or one-of-a-kind items (Christmas ornaments, decorative items) to be sold in this section. Contact Carol Metz, Romelle Warring or Peggy Bishop ** GRANDMA’S ATTIC - Accepting gently used household and gift items, also toys but No Clothing Please. Drop off on Thursday November 20th. Contact Dana Coulby. ** DONATIONS FOR THE AUCTIONS - The Silent Auction will be open for bids on Friday and Saturday and conclude on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. The Live Auction will be held Friday evening at 8:00 p.m. If you specialize in an art or craft (weaving, sewing, woodworking, painting, stitchery, etc.) or have a special service or a vacation rental home you would be willing to donate, please let us know. Contact Trish Goodie, Beth Tice or Shirley Roberts. ** SURPRISE TREE - Gladly accepts donations of small gifts worth a dollar or more for every Christmas Ball chosen. Items for children or adults are greatly appreciated (such as note cards, new potholders, books, stuffed animals, etc.). Contact Tammy Pilarcik. Donations can be left in the coat closet in the lobby. ** QUILT - The quilt “Trip Around the World” was created and machine pieced by Bernice Huff and quilted by Susan Eitnier. It will be on display in the fall and tickets will be sold. Contact Cathy Hopson.  ** BAKE TABLE: WANTED -- THE HELP OF ALL WHO KNOW HOW TO BAKE! - Bake pies, cakes, brownie, cookies or bread. Some people make wonderful fudge or homemade candy. Bake whatever your specialty is or your time permits. We would like everything to be homemade. The only items we cannot accept are those that need to be refrigerated. LOOK FOR PACKAGING INSTRUCTIONS IN THE CHURCH LOBBY. Contact Bernice Huff or Sharon Price. |
Mark Your Calendars! Meet in the Social Hall
Workshops have been scheduled for the following days.
Come and help Assemble and Package Speciality Foods Items.
Daytime 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 23rd - Wednesday, October 29th - Friday, November 7th - Wednesday, November 19th
- Thursday, November 20th
Evening 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday, October 24th - Wednesday, October 29th - Friday, November 7th - Wednesday, November 19th
- Thursday, November 20th
Come for all or part of the time – GREAT FELLOWSHIP TIME!!!
Please check the weekly bulletin for additional Friday and Saturday workshops that will be added!
| For more information on how YOU can get involved with the Holiday Fair contact Becky Davis or Beth Tice |
 | Ladies Getaway’s - Mark Your Calendars *Wednesday, September 3rd at 7:30 p.m. - Fall Kick-off for Ladies Gatherings. Learn the newest craze “Needle Felting”. |
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| In the Book of James, Chapter 2, Verses 8-13, James stresses the importance of the law found in the scriptures, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This biblical law that encourages us to love our neighbor is found in Leviticus 19:18 but, based on Jesus’ teachings and lifestyle, was elevated to a position above all other laws except one in the New Testament gospels. That one supreme commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Jesus instructed his disciples that “the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” These two commandments on love provide instructions to all believers on how they should relate to God and how they should relate to one another. Regarding our relationship with other people, the second commandment instructs us not to discriminate against others based on superficial characteristics and traits. The Bible stands firmly against discrimination and the prejudicial mistreatment of other people for any reason. God’s impartiality is foundational to New Testament instructions. James tells us that if we keep the law to “Love your neighbor as yourself” that we are doing right by God’s commandments. Certainly, not showing favoritism to others or discriminating against others based on their social standing, socio-economic status, wealth or fame, is clearly what Jesus teaches his disciples in the Bible and the behavior He will judge them and us on at the final judgment day. In verse 9, James writes “But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” It is clear that James is looking at the issue of discriminating against others under the microscope of the love-for-your-neighbor principle. He stresses that treating others positively or negatively based upon superficial characteristics or factors demonstrates a failure to love them as your neighbors, which within the ethical principles established by Jesus for those in his kingdom who follow his teachings, is a blatant sin. Therefore, discrimination against others breaks the law to love others taught by Jesus and is a sin. The “Golden Rule,” as some refer to this law, instructs us to treat all people as we would want them to treat us. Pretty straightforward in theory but very difficult to execute in our day-to-day lives! After all, it is hard for us to treat all people equal regardless of their station in life, the color of their skin, their ethnicity, their profession, the way they dress, etc. since we live in a judgmental and mean-spirited time. In our society, self-centered interests and getting one-upmanship on others seems the main motivation for our treatment and regard for others. Such unloving behavior to others simple to achieve fame and fortune without regard to the effects of our achieving our ambitions has on others. James in discussing the commandments, God’s laws, reminds us that we cannot pick and choose what laws of God’s we want to follow and which ones we want to break since breaking any portion of the law makes us a sinner – period! Therefore, we must measure our conduct and behavior to others against the standards established by God in the commandments. In conclusion, as Christians, we are saved by God’s free gift of grace through our faith – not by our words and deeds – though they are important in demonstrating our faith to others. God’s grace and forgiveness clearly do not cancel out our duty to obey Him. For us, the law is not an external set of rules, but is a “law that gives freedom” so that we joyfully and willingly carry out the God’s law to love one another and not show favoritism because we love God and because we have the power of His Holy Spirit to enable us to follow “the law of loving one another as we love ourselves.” Therefore, in our daily lives, we will try not to discriminate against others based on superficial things but will serve as impartial Disciples of Christ loving others unconditionally. As James implies in his scripture, by exercising mercy and love to others, by implementing Christ’s law of love, we can enter judgment with supreme confidence that we have pleased Christ and that he will say to us on that day, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” For more information, contact Ron Forrester, UMMen President. |
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| The September gathering will be held September 13th at 7:00 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church in Charles Town, WV. Please check the WV Emmaus website for directions. Anyone may attend a monthly Emmaus gathering. It is not necessary to have made the Walk to Emmaus to attend a gathering. Come on out and dip a toe in the “pool”. A men’s reunion group is meeting every Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. at the Main Cup in Middletown, MD. If you’ve made your Walk to Emmaus, or have attended a Credo or Kairos weekend, please feel welcome to join us! Thanks for your prayers and your continued support of the Walk to Emmaus! Check out the WV Emmaus website: www.wvemmaus.org | ||||||||||||
Thank You
| I’d like to say a big thank you to Meg Watts for her amazing talent coordinating hostesses, Belinda McKee and Peggy Bishop for working with Meg to secure the teams and make the photo sessions successful and Gib Bishop for his gift of designing the beautiful Directory that all of us will be enjoying very shortly! I can never repay you for jumping in and taking on these huge tasks with such enthusiasm, but I can give you my heartfelt thanks. With that said, on behalf of myself and I’m certain, the rest of our congregation, THANK YOU! Thank you to Safeway of Middletown and Subway of MIddletown for their donations to the Couples Ministry Amazing Race winners. We had a great time! I would like to offer thanks and praise to Pastor Susan, SPRC Chair Amy Byard, Fellowship Chair Barb Lindberg and the church family for the beautiful recognition moment in the August 3rd 11 am. Worship Service, the flowers, cake and card shower in appreciation of my ministry. Your thoughtfulness and generosity touched my heart. I plan to begin each day by opening one of your cards and keeping the sender in my prayers for the whole day through. Thank you for allowing me the honor and privilege to serve as your Family Ministry Director. Dear MUMC friends, Thanks so much for your cards, prayers, wonderfully prepared delicious meals, and visits following my recent surgery. All of your kindness and love make healing and recovery much sweeter. |
Transitions
| Name | Born | Parents | Town |
| Cooper Kefauver | August 11, 2008 | Joe and Amie Kefauver | Middletown, Maryland |
Senior News
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S’AGES One – Monday, September 8th, 12:00 noon - “Birthday Club” for Seniors and retirees. Our faithful church ladies will be back to fix our luncheon. All are welcome. |
| S’AGES Two – will not be held in the summer months. | |
| Faith Circle – Monday, September 22nd, 10:00 a.m. - Discuss next chapter in our book, “A Life of Worship”. New members welcome. | |
| Vangoers – Thursday, September 25th - Meet at church at 9:30 a.m. - Tour the new Frederick News Post building. Lunch afterward. Tour will be conducted by our own church member Myron Randall. All are welcome. | |
| Transportation – for doctor’s appointments or shopping, call Carol Ann Rowe. | |
| Handicap spaces are limited, save for those who may need them. | |
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Traditional Service 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Sunday Contemporary Service 9:45 a.m. Sunday Communion Services 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. first Sunday of each month |
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9:45 a.m. ages 3 years through 12th Grade and Adult 11:00 a.m. ages 3 years through 12 years old – and all ages |
| Emmaus Gathering 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. |
September 13th at Asbury United Methodist Church Charles Town, WV |
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September 2008 |