The Outreach Team’s bake sale this past Saturday raised $658.05 for mission and outreach. Thanks!
Voice of the Day: Nelson Mandela
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” — Nelson Mandela
We are not called to be satisfied with having salvation for ourselves. Having been set free by Jesus Christ, we are called to proclaim the good news of liberation to others.
Tomorrow's Sermon
I’ll be preaching on Matthew 3.1-12 tomorrow with a sermon titled “Repent, Turn Around, Realign, and Hope.” We have a great service lined up and hope to see you there.
Domestic Violence Ministry
Recently volunteers from Abilene First UMC have started an important new mission project. They will be working with the Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK) by providing information about that organization’s services and transportation to said services to victims of domestic violence.
We’ll be blessing and consecrating this ministry during the 10:30 Worship Service on December 8, 2013. Because of the importance of confidentiality in DVACK’s work, we will bless and consecrate this ministry without naming the volunteers.
The nature of domestic violence means that this is a mission and outreach project fraught with difficulties and disappointment, so your continued prayer support is essential and appreciated.
Music Notes: "Who Shall Appear?"
Received from Clark Williamson:
The Chancel Choir’s musical offering today is the Advent anthem “Who Shall Appear?” Words and music are by John Purifoy but part of the lyrics have been adapted from prophesies of Micah and Isaiah. Midway through the piece you’ll hear our sopranos and altos in a paraphrase of Micah 5:2 proclaiming “You, O Bethlehem, who are so small, from you shall come One who is great for all.” Then later on the whole choir builds a crescendo emphasizing Isaiah 40:3-5. “In the wilderness, prepare the way. Every valley shall be lifted up, and the glory of the Lord will be revealed.” The haunting tone and mood to the music is also enhanced by the solo recorder; a wooden flute held like a clarinet and played by Mary Jo Miles.
Volunteers Sought for Prayer and Caregiving Ministries
Do you have an interest in being involved in a prayer or caregiving ministry? There are many different ways to be in ministry through the church. If one (or more) of the following is of interest to you, please contact Pastor Jenny.
- Prayer Vigil—Praying for people on our prayer lists for an hour/week in the chapel on Thursdays.
- Prayer Partner—Being assigned a person to pray for each week with a card to send to them.
- Care Connections—Visiting one or more homebound persons each month.
- Communion—Helping take communion to homebound persons.
- Food—Taking food to people after surgery, illness or death in the family.
Reminder: A Call for Baked Goods
A friendly reminder that the Outreach Ministry Team’s annual bake sale is Saturday, December 7, 2013, at Sterl Hall from 9 am to 3 pm. Donations of baked goods (cinnamon rolls, pies, cakes, breads, cookies, candy, etc.) would be very much appreciated. The proceeds of this sale go in support of missions. Please bring your items to the church no later than noon on Friday, December 6, 2013 or to Sterl Hall early Saturday morning. Please label your donated goods with a description and a suggested price. Your contributions to the ministry and mission of First UMC are very much appreciated.
Thank You for Welcoming My Family
Thank you for the warm welcome you gave my family when they attended the second service this past Sunday. Your hospitality is impressive.