A great little article (actually a daily devotion).
We're Going to Be Famous
This morning Bob Whitson told me that he had given permission to some Coffeyville Community College students to take pictures of the church building and that they were outside on the east side. I thought they were shooting artistic pictures of the building and was going to tell them that they should come in and take some pictures of the organ. That wasn’t quite what they were doing. It turns out the CCC students were actually the dance team and they were taking a team photo. I have a feeling our church may be in posters plastered around town this fall.
Voice of the Day: Waite Phillips
“The only things we keep permanently are those we give away.”
— Waite Phillips
A great expression of the Christian perspective on stewardship from an unexpected source.
Sabbath Today, Part 2
I intended to take the day off and ended up working five hours. Wow … I’m really bad at sabbathing.
Sabbath Today
Yesterday was a great, but long day and I’ve have been flouting the 4th Commandment for too long. I’m taking a Sabbath. That includes blogging. Feel free to call in case of pastoral emergencies.
Above: “The Church in the Wilderness before an Icelandic Summer Storm” by Trey Ratcliff, flicker username: Stuck in Customs. (CC) Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.0 Generic License.
Pew Cushion Options
I’m aware that for some people the new pew cushions mean that their feet no longer reach the floor; or perhaps you don’t really need a cushion for your seat as much as you need one for your back; or maybe you have children and life during worship was easier before the cushions arrived. If any of the above apply to you feel free to flip the cushion up for your back or, if you have a short pew without supports. remove it entirely and place it under your pew for the duration of the worship service.
Music Opportunities at First UMC
This fall we are starting an exciting new ministry in the life of First UMC. Nikki Kirk, choir director, VBS music director, and music teacher at Community Elementary School, will be working with children in our congregation to provide occasional Children’s Special Music during the 10:50 am worship service. If you know of a child who would be interested in this music ministry, please let Nikki Kirk or Pastor Jenny know, if you haven’t already.
On Dec. 4, we are planning on having one combined worship service at 10:50 am for our Christmas program. The choir, along with our children and youth, will be providing special music for the day. If you regularly attend the 8:10 am service but would like to be a part of the choir for this special Christmas program, we’d love to have you join us. Please see Nikki Kirk, choir director, or Pastor Jenny for more information.
Sanctuary Pews Near Completion
All the pew cushions from Alderman Acres have been delivered. With the exception of a few envelope holders and under the seat book racks that have yet to be delivered the project is complete.
You'd Be Surprised
Jamie, the self-described “Very Worst Missionary,” has a touching post. It’s a good reminder to always temper our speech (and our thoughts) with grace. As a people who know what it is to be forgiven, Christians are called to let those around us know that they are not alone in their brokenness. I have encountered almost every kind of brokenness during my seventeen years as a pastor. You’d be surprised who’s sitting in the pew next to you on Sunday morning.
Voice of the Day: Thomas Moore
“Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.”
— Thomas Moore
Hat Tip: Sojourners.
Sermon — August 21, 2011
My sermon from this morning is now online at: coffeyvillefirstumc.org/podcasts. There are also links to two photographs shown on screen during the sermon.
Sermon — August 14, 2011
It’s a week late, but Jenny’s sermon on Genesis 45.1-15 is now online at: coffeyvillefirstumc.org/podcasts. Hopefully, my sermon from this morning will be up later today or tomorrow.