When life gives you lemons…

     I’m enjoying an unexpected gift of time this morning (Monday).  After Joe reported that Hwy. 36 was too snow packed and slick for me to navigate in my car, I cancelled out of a meeting this morning (which was eventually rescheduled), and have been working at my computer to catch up and maybe even get a head start on the week ahead.  I thought life was supposed to calm down some following the first of the year!

     The weekend included several disappointments.  L We encouraged our Ethan to cancel his plans to come home on Friday.  Even though we missed seeing him, he stayed safe, got a head start on his work for this week, and enjoyed 60 degree temps on Saturday!  L   I was disappointed more didn’t venture out for the Survivor event here on Saturday, but I certainly understood.  We are all tired of winter, aren’t we?  L The Basic Lay Speaking class in St. Joseph had to be rescheduled as did a 90^th birthday party for Joe’s dad, which means we didn’t get to see our grandsons this weekend, either. L

     However, the weekend included several good things, too. J Blessings of the Survivor workshop. J a Saturday afternoon nap J the Financial Peace class on Saturday evening  J Senior Night activities at SHHS and a great victory for the girls team over Hamilton J good worship on Sunday morning J lunch with friends J phone conversations with all my boys, my mother, and my sister.

     The point of all this is that disappointments give way to blessings if we open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts to receive them.  One thing I have learned this winter is that flexibility and determination are more important than ever.  Things won’t always go the way I have planned.  There will be hurdles and distractions and detractors, but that shouldn’t keep me from planning and trying my best to accomplish the tasks God has placed before me.

     I’m remembering a poster once tacked up on my college dorm room wall:  “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”  For us right now that can translate:  When the weatherman sends more snow, make a snowman or vegetable soup or write a note to a friend or make some phone calls or read a good book or balance your checkbook or a dozen other things you haven’t had time to do in a while.

     Look for the blessings, and be blessed!

     See you in worship this week…

                                                                                       Pastor Cindy J

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“Making Disciples” Begins

     Five students have taken on the role of “confirmand,” a name given to those who are participating in confirmation classes.  During the first session, students and parents heard about the program and talked about mentors – adult friends who will walk the confirmation journey with the students.  Please keep the following students in prayer as they learn what it means to become a disciple of Jesus Christ:  Mandi Faulkner, Emma Fordyce, Ethan Fordyce, Conner Hammond, and Nick Woodring.

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Prayer List

Please add to your prayer list this week…

Kenny Hamilton (Linda Vandivert's father)

Mona & Lee King (Lowell Littrell's mother and step dad) 

Galen Gillespie (friend of Sean Hammond)

Paul Sims (now at Crestview)                Eugena Hendren                                  

Logan Kelim                                         Rex Lyon

Arlene Thomas                                     Jeff Wagner

Kasey Baxter, in St. Louis                     Morgan Dawn Warner

Jeanne Spelhaug                                    Beulah Clark

Nancy Cook                                         Mike Flora           

Nancy Belluchi                                       Kathy Canfield

Matthew Generous                                  Mike Wellborn

Michelle Anderson                                   Tammy Widner

Mikaila Blackburn                                    Mike Killingsworth                                  

Muriel Phillips                                           Scott Bloomfield                                      

Carl and Jeanne VanMeter                       Corky McDaniel

Anna Wyant

Chase Stooksbury of Albany, at Children's Mercy Hospital

The Collier Family, now overseas

Victims of the Haiti earthquake

All missionaries, volunteers, and rescue workers

Soldiers and their families

Those who are unemployed and looking for jobs

                                       Pray for Peace.

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Making Christian Education a Priority

     Carol St. Myers, the Pony Express education specialist, writes the following about Christian education in our district: 

     We used to call it Sunday School/Sunday Church School/United Methodist Youth Fellowship/Christian education.  It happened on Sunday mornings/Sunday evenings. 

     In this new age, Christian learning/Christian formation can happen on Sunday morning/afternoon/evening, Wednesday evening, Saturday afternoon, after school or whenever it works for your church/community. 

     Regardless of when we hold it or where or what we call it, WE STILL NEED IT!  It isn't just directed by the pastor, Sunday school teacher or youth leader; parents need to be a vital part of it, too.

     In reviewing the latest statistics, we need to put it back as a high priority of our churches.  We need to help our pastors, teachers and parents know how to partner in leading our children and youth to God.

     To address the state of Christian Education within our churches, a special workshop, “Focus on Christian Learning,” will be offered from 9 AM to 1:30 PM on Saturday, March 6 at the Cameron United Methodist Church.  A variety of topics will be covered throughout the morning, all aimed at helping parents, teachers, and pastors learn how to better meet the changing needs of our children, youth, and their families.

      Anyone feeling called to be a part of this special event should let Pastor Cindy know by Sunday, Feb. 28.  The cost of registration is $8 when three or more attend from the same church.  The registration fee includes a participatory banquet, “Delicious Bible Stories.”

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Worship Task Force to Begin Work

     In response to concerns around worship at Bethany UMC, a task force is being formed to discern God’s will and to make recommendations regarding worship.  Work will begin during a first meeting on Monday, March 1.

Building Update – Grant Celebration

March 8

     Everyone is invited to join the Building Team at 7 PM on Monday, March 8 in the Fellowship Hall for a celebration of grant funding and an update on the relocation project.  We will hear the presentation given in Columbia and enjoy dessert together. 

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Happy 102^nd

Birthday TO

Edra Stoskopf

on Thursday,

 Feb. 25!!!

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Lenten Devotion and Lunch

     Over 50 people were present for the first Lenten Devotion and Lunch of 2010!  Rev. David Lucas led worship while members of the New Hampton, Mitchelville, and Martinsville UMCs provided music and soup.

     Pastor Cindy will lead the devotion on Wednesday, March 3.  Disciple Bible Study graduates will provide soup.  Everyone is welcome to participate.  The devotion begins shortly after noon, followed by lunch, wrapping up by 1 PM.  There is no charge.

The schedule of remaining devotions includes:

Mar.  3   —  Here at United Methodist Church, led by Pastor Cindy Buhman

Mar. 10  —  Hope Lutheran Church

Mar. 17  —  Here at United Methodist Church, led by Pastor Cristy Clark

Mar. 24  —  At Bethany Community of Christ Church

Mar. 31  —  At Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

Also, the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church is holding its weekly Friday Fish Fry suppers.  They serve from 5 to 7 PM.  Cost is $6 for adults,  children 10 and under are $3, and age 3 and under are free.  Carry-out is available by calling 425-8160.

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Easter Camp

Our 2^nd annual Easter Camp will be held on March 24 from 3:15-6:30 p.m.  All children in grades K-6 are invited to attend, with transportation from school being provided.  We will be learning about Holy Week through storytelling, music, games, and crafts.  An Easter egg hunt will begin at 5:30 with a meal to follow at 5:45.  The entire family is invited for the meal and Easter egg hunt.  If you are interested in volunteering and sharing the message of Christ with the children of our community, please contact Rachael Rongey at 425-8288.

Walk Through Holy Week

Preparations are being made for a “Walk Through Holy Week” to be held Thursday, April 1, beginning at 6:30 p.m.  We hope to create a powerful experience that will impact our community as guests experience the memorable events of Jesus’ last week, great sacrifice, and resurrection. Set up and practice for the event will be Wednesday, March 31 at 6:30 p.m.  If you would like to participate or help in any way with this event, please contact Rachael Rongey at 425-8288.

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