Voices of Grace
Pastor's Message for February
by Therese Finney on 01/28/12
February is that month which is wrapped in coldness with wind, snow, and frigid mornings. Yet in the midst of this month we celebrate Valentine's Day. Here is a day we are given to celebrate the warmth of love.
Usually, we associate Valentine's Day with romantic love. It's a day to give candy to your sweetheart and celebrate the romance in your life. For Christians, though, we should be celebrating the gift of love year round and not simply on Valentine's Day. And for those who follow Christ, love is much richer and deeper than candy or stuffed teddy bears.
I invite you this month, especially on Valentine's Day, to consider God's great love for you. Whether or not you have a "sweetheart" in your life, no matter what family or friends you have around you, God's great love is with you as one of God's beloved children. Never forget that. Take time this month to join us in worship to hear more about God's love. Pick up your Bible and read the unfolding story of God's love for God's people. Spend time in prayer and meditation, simply being still in the presence of God.
I came across this poem that reminds us, in the midst of the trappings of Valentine's Day, to remember God's great love for us through Jesus Christ. Remember, God so loved YOU that he sent his only son that you may have LIFE!
Valentine's Day With Jesus
Jesus does not send perfume
To linger in the air
Instead He sends salvation, sweet
To show how much He cares.
He doesn't bring me candy hearts
In boxes of delight
Instead He always lets me know
I'm precious in His sight.
He doesn't pass out pretty cards
Trimmed in shades of red
Instead He gave His life for me
His precious blood was shed.
He doesn't hand out fancy gifts
Like we would send to mother
Instead He sends a message clear
To always love each other.
He doesn't give me teddy bears
That whimper, "Please be mine"
Instead He gave His heart to me
I wear it all the time.
He doesn't give me roses, pink
For all the world to see
Instead He gave eternal life
That's good enough for me.
Author/Written By: Marilyn Ferguson ©2003
Blessings,
Pastor Mark
Online Bible Study - "The Law: Genesis Through Deuteronomy
by Therese Finney on 09/18/11
Welcome to the online bible study "The Law: Genesis Through Deuteronomy". This study will span over a three month period (Sept 19 thru Nov 15). The reading schedule, on average, will have three to four chapters per day. We will be utilizing the Common English Bible Version of the Holy Bible, but we welcome all versions to our discussion format. We encourage an open environment of discussions and comments, and remind each participant to keep comments in a Christian spirit, and be respectful of all participants.
Genesis (Greek for beginnings) has two parts: The Primeval History in Genesis 1-11 and the narrative of Israel's ancestors in Genesis 12-50 (taken from the Wesley Study Bible).
As you proceed this week with Genesis 1 through Genesis 26, please post your comments to this thread.
Hope For Humanity - Rest
by Therese Finney on 08/04/11
This evening we begin our 6 week bible study "Hope For Humanity". Tonight's topic is REST. Why do we find it so difficult to be still, to rest? God rested..."By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work." Genesis 2:2
It is important for each of us to rest. We rejuvenate our bodies, our minds, our souls by taking time each day and each week to sit and rest. "He says, Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10
Do you find it difficult to take one day of rest? Try starting with an hour, and gradually build your rest up to a full day. You'll be amazed at the results!
Some find rest in a walk in the park, others may find it reading the Bible, while others may just sit in silence. Whether you find rest sharing the day with your family or off by yourself in thought, make the time to find rest.
How do you find rest?
SpiritGifts, One Spirit, Many Gifts
by Therese Finney on 07/18/11
"The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full statute of Christ."~~Ephesians 4:11-13
The four week study "SpiritGifts, One Spirit, Many Gifts" began yesterday. The group discussed an overview of God's gifts. Gifts of God can be found in various scripture passages: Romans 12:3-8, 1Corinthians 12:4-11, 1Corinthinas 12:27-31, Ephesians 4:7-16. "The Holy Spirit works to bring about God's purposes on Earth. The Holy Spirit empowers and equipts us for the work of ministry within the Chrisitan community." (Patricia Brown)
Join us Sundays from 9:30am-10:30am in Classroom 5 at Grace UMC for this insightful study into the 18 gifts of the Spirit. This study runs from July 17th - August 7th.
Creation Festival 2011
by Therese Finney on 07/10/11
This week's sermon centered around love. The love we have for each other, and the love God has for us.
I had the great priviledge of attending Creation 2011 last week in Mt. Union, PA. The week was filled with love...love of our Father and of His Son. The message was clear, and the 100,000+ crowds that gathered throughout the week openly expressed their love and thanksgiving through daily worship, seminars and music. It was amazing to see the joy in so many people in one place. Truly, the Holy Spirit was present throughout the week.
If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, your faith will be renewed by this experience. If you have not yet accepted Jesus into your life, or are unsure how to begin your journey, contact Grace at 766-3282 & join us in our travels. The dates for next year's festival have been published, and Grace UMC will once again organize a trip to the fesitval (details will be published in August on our website). The posters are correct - "The Highlight of Your Summer, Maybe Your Life" are found at Creation.
