Amanda Cormack will be delivering the message during our livestream tomorrow (Sunday, October 18, 2020). I’ll be back in the pulpit the following week as we return to in-person worship. Links to watch the livestream can be found here.
Drive-Thru Trick Or Treat
The Youth Group will be host a drive-thru Trick or Treat for the community on Saturday, October 31, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Vehicles should enter the parking lot from Seventh Street and will exit onto Spruce Street. Trick or Treaters will not get out of their cars. No walk-through traffic please. Youth and adult volunteers will wear masks.
Worship Video — October 11, 2020
We had some difficulties with our livestream yesterday. Above is the best video we have available. You can view this video and previous worship services on our Vimeo page at vimeo.com/abilenefirstumc.
We’re Working On Today’s Worship Video
We plan post one video of the entire worship service later today or tomorrow. We tried something new this morning for streaming worship and it went about as well as could be expected (meaning we hit a few snags and had to restart the livestream). In the long run, we’re convinced that what we’re doing will lead to a better stream experience, please be patient with us, we share your frustration.
The Ten Commandments, Part 2
For my sermon tomorrow (Sunday, October 11, 2020), I’ll be preaching Exodus 20:1-17 with a focus on commandments 5 through 10. We’re still virtual only, but you can stream the service online. You can download a bulletin and—if you want—make a donation.
Links:
https://abilenefirstumc.org/live/
https://abilenefirstumc.org/bulletin/
https://abilenefirstumc.org/giving/
Voices: When We Are In Pain and Fear
In a discussion this morning, one of my friends shared this quote from Brene Brown: “When we are in pain and fear, anger and hate are our go-to emotions.” [1] It’s a great insight and it’s convinced me to buy the book.
[1] Brown Brené, Braving the Wilderness: the Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone (New York: Random House, 2019), chapter 4, Kindle.
Why We’re Not Singing
Dr. Brian Holmes asked me to share this article with you. It explains why he’s asking us not to sing when we get back to in-person worship (October 25, 2020, at the earliest).
Link: https://bit.ly/2GOO4jS
Two Cameras for Sunday
This Sunday, we’re going to try something new with the livestream and I’m both excited and nervous. Braden Adams came down yesterday with his computer and worked it out so that we can use two cameras. Two cameras means a close up of the pulpit and a long shot of the chancel (the platform at the front of the sanctuary) will both be available. If all goes well we might add another. It seems a small thing to pray for, but prayers that it will all work as planned are appreciated.
Pam Simpson Is Working From Home
For health and safety reasons, Pam Simpson, the Administrative Assistant, is working from home from now until Tuesday, October 13, 2020. Please call the church number at 785-263-2623 and leave a message if you need to contact her.
Power and Light and Youth Group Postponed
From Wendy Robinson: Due to the High School still holding classes virtually we will wait one more week for Youth Group and Power and Light to begin to meet in person. We are now planning on meeting Wednesday, October 14, 2020, in person at the church. Power and Light at 3:30 p.m. and Youth Group at 6:00 p.m. Please use the South doors (6th street entrance) and bring your mask. I pray to see you on the 14th!
Worship Video — October 4, 2020
You can also view this video and previous worship services on our Vimeo page at vimeo.com/abilenefirstumc.
Pray for the President
Following the injunction of 1 Timothy 2:1-4, we list those in authority on our prayer list in the bulletin every week. This week it seems appropriate to pray for Donald Trump not only as one who is in authority but also as someone who has fallen ill. I encourage you to pray regardless of your political persuasion—there is nothing that says that praying for someone indicates affection or approval. Pray for the President; pray for all those sick with COVID-19; pray for all those who have lost loved ones to this pandemic. Pray that God’s mercy and justice might roll down like waters over our afflicted country.