Thoughts and Musings from My Faith Journey
A reprise of my sermon of June 7, 2015 for UMW (United Methodist Women) Sunday. This sermon was mostly addressed to non-UMW members. I spoke of the need for the church to be a force of God to be reckoned with. My textual reference was Matthew 25.31-46, which speaks of Jesus judging the nations on the basis of what they did for the least of these.
If you have an Apple product you can subscribe to the podcast through iTunes.
Link: http://bit.ly/1KlmH9x
If you drove down Cedar Street recently, you may have noticed the excitement with patrol cars, a fire truck, and an ambulance. There was a man in mental distress, and they were administering assistance. The church is fine and so is everyone here.
I don’t have any profound theological insights to share about transgender folk in general or Caitlyn Jenner in particular. I haven’t given the issue very much thought (and when I do I tend to think of it as a subset of church’s larger struggle with the issue of homosexuality). However, I did encounter this article from someone who knew her through their church and wanted to share it with you. It helped me see (from a distance) Caitlyn as a person and a child of God. Furthermore, I fully agree with the article’s conclusion:
“Please know that in any church or community I am involved with, Caitlyn- or any person who is struggling or marginalized…you are welcome and accepted. God loves you, so do I, and so do countless others. Let’s show the world who Jesus is. Let’s be brave.”
Let us be brave.
Link: http://bit.ly/1QeuQ4E
I’m looking for information on Janie Marie Palmer and/or Willie Palmer. I believe they were once members of this church. Please let me know if you knew one or both of them.
The Great Plains Annual Conference meeting begins next Wednesday, June 10, 2015 and continues through Saturday, June 13. Jenny and I will be attending with Pam Jackson, one of our church’s delegates. The following three Sundays Jenny and I will be on vacation. For the most part, we will be “staycationing” here in Abilene and will thus be available for emergencies. Tim Johnson will be preaching on June 14 and 28, Erik Graefe will be preaching on June 21.
Everyone who has volunteered for the Summer Lunch Program at Garfield School has had a good time. But we’re still looking for volunteers for the remaining seven weeks. We’re trying to provide two to three volunteers Monday through Friday to: help students with condiments; help small children carry their tray; assist with the recycling of milk cartons and the return of trays. A free meal is available for volunteers at 10:45 (everyone under the age of 19 always eats free). Otherwise, volunteers should plan to arrive at 11 am (the kids will be let in at 11:15) and stay until 12:15 pm. You’ll want to go in through the kitchen entrance on the north side of the building.
There will be a sign-up sheet in the narthex on Sunday mornings, or you can call the church office at 785-263-2623 or drop me a line at john@revcollins.com.
This coming Sunday, June 7, 2015, we’ll be recognizing the following Abilene First United Methodist Church scholarship recipients for 2015-2016:
In addition we’ll be recognizing the following recipients of Clara Shirk Scholarships (awarded by the United Methodist Women).
Below is a link to a reprise of Jenny’s sermon from this past Sunday, titled “Speaking Up for Peace with Justice” Her text was Isaiah 6.1-8.
If you have an Apple product you can subscribe to the podcast through iTunes.
Link: http://bit.ly/1dKokBD
On Graduation Sunday we honored nine graduates with a breakfast for them and their parents and recognition during the 10:30 worship service. Pictured: Jordan Luty, Jacoby Robinson, Keegun Gose, Justin Carroll, Mallory Schardein, Marissa Schardein, Hannah Hagedorn, Jessica Hagedorn, and Malorie Unruh. Gabe Johnson was unable to attend, but was honored the following Sunday.