The bulletin for this Sunday (September 20, 2020) is now available at AbileneFirstUMC.org/bulletin/. I’ve prepared a sermon on Matthew 20:1-16 that I needed to hear and I think it will have something to say to you as well. We’ll be livestreaming at 10:30 a.m.
An Ordinary Life, Full of God
Sometimes the simplest truths are also the most profound ones.
[1] Renovare, Twitter post, September 16, 2020, 7:00 a.m., twitter.com/renovare.
Outside Worship on September 27, 2020
The Worship Design Committee met this past Monday and scheduled a worship service outside in the parking lot for September 27, 2020. We will continue to wear masks and practice six feet of social distancing, but we will also be singing hymns! It hasn’t yet been decided if we’ll do one or two services, but we’ll keep you posted.
Youth Group Starting Up
Youth Group will also begin Wednesday, September 23, (6-7:30 pm). We will meet at Eisenhower Park at 6 pm for hot dogs, drinks and fun. Youth will need to wear their mask and practice social distancing. Youth Group follows the school calendar. We will meet if school is in session.
We usually do not meet if school is out for Holiday breaks, teacher in services, etc., unless special plans have been made. If you have any questions please contact Wendy.
Power and Light
Power and Light will resume on Wednesday, September 23, (after school until 5 p.m). Wendy will meet the children at the bus stop at 5th and Cedar and walk the children to the church after school. Children will need to wear their mask and practice social distancing. Power and Light follows the school calendar. We will meet if school is in session. We look forward to seeing the children.
Worship Video — September 13, 2020
You can also view this video and previous worship services on our Vimeo page at vimeo.com/abilenefirstumc.
A Prayer for 9/11
In the midst of the wildfires, hurricanes, a worldwide pandemic, and other disasters large and small, we find ourselves commemorating the anniversary of 9/11. United Methodist Discipleship Ministries has an excellent prayer from Rev. Jeremy Pridgeon.
Link: http://bit.ly/2eYITAb
Sunday’s Sermon has Changed
Last week, I warned you all to listen carefully to the Exodus reading because it was going to be part of the sermon this Sunday (September 13, 2020). I was wrong. Things have moved in a different direction, I’m going to be preaching not on Exodus (both the book and the event) but on Matthew 18:21-35. I’m doing this because the passage is about a concern (the need to forgive in order to be forgiven) that has cropped up a lot in pastoral conversations. I will eventually be referencing the Exodus, but not until Easter Sunday 2021. I’ve learned and thought a lot about the Gospel reading, I’m looking forward to sharing some of that work with you.
Celebrating Labor Day
The church office is closed today (Monday, September 7, 2020) in celebration of Labor Day.
Bread for the World has a Prayer for Labor Day: https://bit.ly/3jNG14S
Worship Video — September 6, 2020
You can view this video and previous worship services on our Vimeo page at vimeo.com/abilenefirstumc.
The Reckless Love of God
“Reckless Love” a song made famous by Cory Asbury, fits the topic of the sermon I’m putting together for this Sunday so well that I’ve been humming/singing it to myself. I wanted to share it with you.