Jenny and I just returned home after tonight’s “Meet the Pastors” event. We really enjoyed all four events, and we want to thank everyone who came. We look forward to getting to know you better still in the years to come.
Voice of the Day: Elie Wiesel
Sometimes I need a reminder that, as a Christian, I have an obligation not to take the easy way out and remain silent.
Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.
—Elie Wiesel
Hat Tip: Sojourners
Music Notes
Received from Clark Williamson:
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“Choir Sign-Up Days” are set for Sunday, August 18 and 25, 2013. Registration will take place for all choirs for all age levels in all musical styles. Come by the table in between services to discuss your participation in a choir with our music director or ask for more information.
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Our two adult choirs are switching their rehearsal nights during the new choir season. The Chancel Choir (for singers) will now practice on Wednesdays starting at 6:30 on August 28, 2013. The John Wesley Bell Choir (for hand bell ringers) will rehearse on Thursdays starting at 6:30 on September 5, 2013. Both of these music groups have openings and room for more musicians.
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“Music Ministries Sunday” is now scheduled for Sunday, October 20, 2013 at both worship services. The morning message will be given through many forms of sacred music: choral, traditional, contemporary, instrumental, solo-duet, and keyboards. It’s our annual attempt to recognize the various ways our Lord enables us to praise him and also show our appreciation for the musicians who he has blessed with those musical gifts.
VBS Pool Party Cancelled
The Vacation Bible School pool party has been cancelled due to the rain. Sorry.
Sermon — July 14, 2013
A sermon/testimony/witness in which Jenny introduced herself to Abilene First United Methodist Church. Preached on July 14, 2013. The scriptural texts for the day were Psalm 139, Genesis 12.1-9, and Matthew 13.1-9, 18-23.
A Gentle Reminder
Annie Richter, Jenny and I really want to visit anyone from First UMC who is in the hospital (assuming they want to be visited). However, we don’t have any way of knowing that someone is in the hospital unless we’re told. We don’t have access to a list of all the patients in the hospital, or even all the United Methodist patients in the hospital. We rely upon the patient, or the patient’s family and friends to let us know who is in the hospital and needs a visit. We want to thank everyone who have been keeping us posted.
Tomorrow's Sermon
My sermon tomorrow will be on Luke 11.1-13 and is titled “Lord, Teach Us to Pray.” Hope to see you there.
Thank You for a Wonderful Parsonage
I’ve been receiving a lot of compliments about the appearance of the parsonage. You can drive by 1601 North Campbell Street and see for yourself. But, I need to be clear that I don’t deserve much of the credit. I’ve put new gravel on the beds, mowed, pulled a few weeds, watered and picked up sticks, but that is all. The rest of the work, both inside and out has been done by paid help and volunteers (too many to name, I’m afraid I would leave someone out, but God knows). Jenny and I want to extend a big thank you to everyone who helped, you’ve made your parsonage a wonderful place to live.
Children and Youth Events
There will be sand volleyball at the park from 6:30 to 8 pm Sunday, July 28, 2013. Last week’s Vacation Bible School pool party was cancelled due to rain and has been rescheduled for Monday, July 29, 2013 from 8:30 to 10 pm.
A Great Day at Worlds of Fun
Jenny, Liz, and I had a great time on the youth trip to Worlds of Fun yesterday. Liz rode with the Unruhs and Jenny and rode with Karlene Taylor, Talon Combes, and Maya Robinson. The day at the park was great, but Jenny and I would have been willing to ride to Kansas City and back just for the entertainment value of being in a car with those three. (We had a total of 10 youth and 7 adults.)
Voice of the Day: Pope Francis
Today’s voice of the day comes via Sojourners:
“It hurts me when I see a priest or a nun with the latest model car; you can’t do this. A car is necessary to do a lot of work, but please, choose a more humble one. If you like the fancy one, just think about how many children are dying of hunger in the world.”
— Pope Francis, speaking to a group of young priests and nuns.
According to Reuters, the new pope drives a Ford Focus. I’m sure the pope and I will have our differences, but I really appreciate the general direction he’s heading in.
Worlds of Fun Tomorrow
I’ll be out of the office tomorrow. Jenny, Liz and I are joining the youth on a trip to Worlds of Fun in Kansas City. I’ll be back in the office on Thursday and Friday.