First UMC will have two Ash Wednesday services on Wednesday, March 5, 2014. The services will be identical and will feature the traditional imposition of ashes. The first service will be at 12:15 pm and the second at 6:30 pm. The services should run about 30 minutes.
Dawsyn Ward's Baptism
This past Sunday, February 23, 2014, we celebrated the baptism of Dawsyn Ward at the 10:30 service. Dawsyn is the son of Miranda and Cory Ward. Please take the time to welcome him to our church family.
Praise Band This Sunday
The praise band will be back this Sunday, March 2, 2014, singing “Spirit Song” and “Change My Heart.” I’m really excited about the possibility of ukulele accompaniment.
I'm Feeling Much Better, Thank You
I’m feeling much better, and I’m no longer contagious. Thanks for all your prayers. I’ll see you tomorrow.
Post Number 3000
This is post number 3000 since we started on March 1, 2006. Thanks for your support!
I Have the Flu
Today I ran a fever of 104.5 and ended up in the emergency room. I was diagnosed with influenza, given some Tamiflu, and told I am contagious. I’ll be staying home the next couple of days.
No Table Talk Tonight — I'm Sick
My post yesterday, written when I was already sick, turns out to have been hopelessly optimistic. I’m still sick. I’m hoping to be back in the office tomorrow.
Always Something New
I never cease to be amazed by the Bible. There is always something new to be found. I’ve long known the biblical story of Abraham and his intended sacrifice of Isaac. But today, while preparing for Table Talk on Wednesday, I received a fresh insight, something I had never considered before. The Bible is like that. It’s a deep book, a book into which one can always delve deeper. Consider this your invitation to come and join us Wednesday (February 19, 2014) for a light supper at 5:00 pm and an in-depth discussion of the story of Abraham at 5:45. If you find the story disturbing in places, don’t worry, so do I. Bring your questions and your thoughts and let us reason together.
Bishop Jones on HB 2453
We’re in full agreement with a recent letter our bishop, Scott Jones, wrote to Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle concerning house bill 2453 and we urge you to take the time to read it. Regardless of where one stands on the issue of homosexuality, HB 2453 would open up a can of worms that is best left closed. We think the bishop’s argument regarding the religious diversity now present in the state is well grounded, and we believe that, should this bill become law, there will be unintended consequences that may dismay even the bill’s sponsors and supporters.
Link: http://goo.gl/Xp3gJk
Lift Every Voice and Sing
Tomorrow we’ll be singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” during both worship services. The song is sometimes referred to as “The Black National Anthem.” According to Wikipedia, the lyrics were written James Weldon Johnson and were first publically performed in 1900 as a poem by 500 school children at the segregated Stanton School to introduce Booker T. Washington who was there as part of a celebration of Lincoln’s birthday. In 1905, John Johnson (James’ brother) set the words to music.
I selected it for tomorrow, in part because February is Black History Month. But more importantly, I selected it because the Old Testament reading for tomorrow is an excerpt from Moses farewell sermon as the people were on the cusp of their entry the promised land and African Americans have (rightly) long seen their story as an echo of Israel’s experience in Egypt.
You can read more at Wikipedia.
Link: http://goo.gl/QNSeR2
Wonderful Wednesday Meal
The menu for the Wonderful Wednesday evening meal on February 19, 2014 will be pulled pork sandwiches with french fries & jell-o salad. — Mary Reimler
Thank You From Arnold Richards
The following thank you was received from Arnold Richards (and transcribed by Mary Reimler):
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the very caring congregation at Abilene First UMC for their many cards, calls and visits during my recent back surgery and subsequent recovery period. I especially want to thank Melvin Leckron and Pastor Jenny Collins for their visits and numerous calls to inquire about my progress. I look forward to returning to church services soon. May God bless each of you.” —Arnold Richards