Dare to be Great!
That's our challenge! In all aspects of life we need to DARE to be GREAT! In order to be great we have to take risks. Risk is not reckless but it is scary and usually requires a certain leap of faith and faith is something that we should know as well or better than most. In fact daring to be great in our faith is what Jesus asks of each of us. “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.Revelation 3:15-16 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.Matt 5:13 But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 1Peter 3:15
Why is it that we find it so easy to be satisfied with mediocrity when it comes to our faith and discipleship? Why is it that the things of this world seem to be so easy to separate from the reality of the world God planned for us? In the next few weeks we will be talking about how to at least dare to be great and how a relationship with Jesus Christ is the best way to achieve greatness. Last Sunday we talked about what it means to follow and this week we will dare to care, both of which lead us to spiritual greatness. Break loose from the ideas that the world has told us about what greatness is and experience true greatness by daring to challenge ourselves to follow, care, sacrifice,serve, grow, and then GO. Do you have a friend who is not sure about what it all means to be a christian or even why anyone should attend church then invite them to Dare to be Great with us.
This week was the start of our small group studies for the new year and we had great attendance. Make part of your New Years Resolution a commitment to attend at least one six week study before summer recess that would greatly help on that quest for greatness. Tuesday nights: dinner at 6:15, group at 6:45.
This Sunday is our mission Sunday to Our Daily Bread in Baltimore. This is another opportunity to grow into spiritual greatness and I challenge you to pick one of the mission dates and dare to serve. The mission team meets at 8 am in the parking lot at Wesley Chapel and returns around 1:30 pm.
If you are not serving at the mission join your neighbors at the community breakfast and reconnect with some old and new friends. See you at the community hall between 8 and 12.
In the last few weeks we have had the joy of worshiping with several new people and we are really glad to have them join us. Please continue to welcome them and make them feel our radical hospitality.
In Christ's service,
Rick
It's not Epiphany yet!
Wow! I can't believe the Christmas Eason is coming to an end. In fact I was still enjoying my Christmas tree when I realized that Wed. Night had come and gone and I had forgotten to take the recycling down and send my weekly e news. I hope you and your family had a great Christmas season and are still celebrating the birth of our Lord knowing that tomorrow is Epiphany or three kings day. You will see our Christmas lights on until Epiphany has passed.
In the last week we have also celebrated the beginning of a new year and last Sunday we celebrated the covenant God has made with us by renewing ourselves in Christ with John Wesley's Covenant Prayer and Holy Communion. I hope that you join us for the new sermon series that begins this Sunday. The series grows out of our message Christmas Eve when we discussed that Jesus is doing anything but sleeping quietly on the hay. The series is called Dare to Grow and this week we will start with Dare to Follow. Just what does it mean to follow? Do you know the actual definition of follow? Join us to grow your faith on Sunday and then join a Tuesday night small group to really Grow Your Faith.
Our second series of the year will begin Feb. 12 and will celebrate what has become known as love month with Valentine's Day in Feb. The series is entitled Sex in the City and no we will not be watching the tv show or movie but we will be honest about what God had planned for our love lives. The first message is "The Secret of Sex" followed by the secrets of dating, marriage and self image.
On a more solemn note we ask prayers for Sharon Harmon and family as Richard was memorialized Tuesday night at the Donaldson's funeral chapel in Laurel. Please remember Marvin Bladen and Joyce Spence as well.
CALENDAR
Life Bread begins Jan 10 at 6:15
Jan. 15 Our Daily Bread Mission meets at Wesley at 8 am
Jan. 15 Community Breakfast at the Community Hall 8 am to 12
In Christ's service,
Rick
Merry Christmas!
The season is closing in on the day of celebration. The day of Worship! Jesus is the reason for the season! Christ is the root of Christmas!
We often like to complain that Christmas is too commercial or we offended because no one wishes us Merry Christmas but what are we doing in our lives and the lives of our family to make Christmas a worship of the living God? Have we celebrated Advent in our homes? Have we been reading scripture together as a family? Have we been complaining about other people and family? Have we made party hearty more important than a giving heart?
Have you reached out to someone with whom you need to reconcile especially your family? Have you looked at your life and thought about whether or not you are doing church or living as the body of Christ?
All of these things and many more will help you see how Jesus will use you with all your faults and all your successes this Christmas and everyday. Jesus says bring me what you have and I will bless it and use it. This Christmas allow Christ to change your life it will be the greatest moment in your life.
WORSHIP THIS CHRISTMAS EVE AT 9 PM CANDLELIGHT SERVICE AT DORSEY
WORSHIP THIS CHRISTMAS EVE AT 11 PM CANDLELIGHT AT WESLEY
COMBINED WORSHIP CHRISTMAS DAY 11 AM AT DORSEY
COMBINED WORSHIP NEW YEARS DAY 11 AM AT WESLEY
The message for Christmas Eve is "Sleep Baby Jesus Sleep...NOT!"
Beginning Jan 8 will be a series entitled DARE TO BE GREAT: A STUDY OF THE "GREAT" STATEMENTS FROM SCRIPTURE - Dare to Follow, Dare to Care, Dare to Serve/Sacrifice, Dare to Grow, and Dare to Go
Beginning Feb. 12 is our recognition of Love Month so the series is entitled Sex in the City covering the following topics: Sex Secrets, Dating Secrets, Marriage Secrets, and Self-Image Secrets.
Prayer List:
Carol Brooks at BWMC, Naomi James recovering at home, Richard Harmon at home, Nick White recovering from surgery at Johns Hopkins, Dejana Tackett at home, the missions of the parish.
Our food mission served 7 families, our Christmas gifts in partnership with Solomon's Masonic Lodge served 10 families, our baby mission continues to serve many families, our partnership with Starbucks feeds 100's at Elizabeth's House and Sarah's House. Our student Bryan at AOET Uganda continues to complete his high school studies and is making plans to attend university thanks to the families at Wesley Chapel. God continues to heal relationships and addictions in our community.
Bring family and friends to join in worship Christmas Eve, remember no one care what we know until they know how much we care because of what Jesus has done in our lives.
In Christ's service,
Rick
Hope..... To Get You Through!
That's the message this Sunday! The series is A Life Giving Christmas is continuing to give us a variety of ways to make this Christmas Life Giving and not Life taking. Don't allow the season to sap your desire for happiness and most of all do not let the shortage of happiness affect the amount of Joy you can have in your heart through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Last Sunday you missed Peace...with strength to hold on and a great performance at Dorsey by Cheri Hawkins. This week come see who the next performer will be to bring a real life story to the Gospel.
Mission News!
Dorsey needs gift cards, food, or donations to buy gift cards and food.
Wesley still has several angels and ornaments on the tree that need adopting.
Solomon's Masonic Lodge in Savage has been very generous with a donation to buy food and gifts but we need to prayerfully consider what Christ is calling each of us to do this Christmas. If you cannot donate could you shop for us, help us pack food boxes, visit someone, invite a friend to church each Sunday. The church is only as alive as the people in the church are alive in the community.
Sick and Hospital
Richard Harmon has returned to Howard County General please keep Richard and Sharon in your prayers.
Joni's sister Barbara was in GBWMC but is home now.
Carol Brooks also was in GBWMC and is now home.
In addition be sure keep in contact with and pray for Marvin and Joyce as they face a Christmas without their spouses.
Finally, as I was preparing the services for the rest of the year I realized that last year Christmas Eve Worship at Wesley was at 11pm. This is necessary so I am not late to worship from Dorsey. Please accept my apologies for the change but worship at Wesley will be at 11pm. I will change the sign and Lisa will adjust the website. Please invite your family and friends to both services so we can all experience a Life Giving Christmas!
Calendar
Dec. 15 - Potential church membership meeting 7 pm @ Wesley
Dec. 18 - New church members
Christmas Eve - 9 pm @ Dorsey 11 pm @ Wesley
Christmas Day - 11 am Combined Worship @ Dorsey - have your kids bring their new favorite toy for blessing of the toys.
December 28 - Dorsey Church Council for all committee members from 2011 and 2012 7 pm
New Years Day - 11 am Combined Worship @ Wesley
Jan. 15 - Our Daily Bread Mission meet at Wesley 8 am
Sermon series for 2012 - Mark your calendars and invite a friend.
Jan 8 - Feb 5 " Dare to Be Great: A study of the great statements - Dare to Follow, Dare to Care, Dare to Serve/Sacrifice, Dare to Grow, Dare to Go
Feb 12 - March 4 ( The Love Month ) "Sex in the City" - Sex Secrets, Dating Secrets, Marriage Secrets, Self-Image Secrets
See you Sunday!
In Christ's service,
Rick
Advent Vs The Economy
Advent - The preparation time for celebrating the birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Show me an economic consequence related to Advent. Yes it is as simple as Jesus is the Reason for the Season. It is not about Black Friday or Cyber Monday. It is not about the perfect gift unless you accept that the perfect gift is Jesus Christ and if so there is no need for a credit card just your acceptance of the gift.
This Advent we are having a series of discussions on Sunday mornings about Life Giving Christmas. Each week we will discuss how Christmas can give us life versus taking our life away by being consumed by consumerism. Do you notice that everything in our life seems to be because we do not spend enough money. We don't pay enough taxes, we don't spend enough at Christmas, we don't spend enough money on our kids education, etc. Did you ever think it might be because we have lost the life in Christmas? We have lost the life we want for ourselves and our family because we have tried to spend our way to happiness instead of giving our lives to get our life. God calls us to give our lives to Him through Jesus Christ and ALL who believe in Him will have everlasting life. This Christmas start lighting candles each week at home with your family and read the scripture listed in the bulletin on Sunday and ask each other what those words mean to each other and then join us on Sunday as we each question God's Word and God's calling in our lives. As we question how this Christmas can be a Life Giving Christmas for each and every one of us and all the people we meet. Now that is Advent!
Prayer List
Today Carey Spence passed from this world to the next. Joyce was surrounded by her sister, niece, neighbor and dedicated hospice nurse. Carey knows a Life Giving Christmas as he is freed from the pain and suffering of this world and accepted into the loving arms of God. As the Body of Christ may we not only lift the family in prayer but in a card, phone call or a visit.
Please pray for all of those struggling with addictions. Yes alcohol is a great concern as is drugs but don't forget about food, credit cards, fame, fortune, etc. Unfortunately many of these folks have to reach rock bottom before they seek help if they live long enough to get help. Addiction is everywhere and if we ignore it in our churches no wonder our communities wonder where God is.
Pray for all of those who have battled and right now are winning their addictions, those changing their diet to get healthy by gaining or losing weight, those who are living day to day away from drugs, alcohol, sex, credit cards, etc.
Pray that Jesus Christ will use you to give a Life Giving Christmas to someone this year maybe even yourself.
See you in worship and bring a friend!
In Christ's service,
Rick
Thanksgiving Blessings
Everyone is busy this time of year so I thought I would get an early start on my newsletter. The first reason is to remind you that we are joining together for worship Wednesday night at 7 pm at Wesley. The choir has prepared a great anthem and we will celebrate the greatest thanksgiving dinner of all The Lord's Supper. Please join us to be thankful together to the God who loves us all.
This Sunday is the first day of Advent and the first Sunday in the series entitled "A Life Giving Christmas." Join us each week to find out what hope , peace, joy, and love should really look like at Christmas and all year. There will be a variety of videos, monologues, etc. to emphasize each topic. I am attaching a copy of an invitation card that you can print out and give to neighbors and friends, and family.
FREE THANKSGIVING DAY DINNER at Jessup Baptist Church Noon to 4pm. Come and invite others! Wesley and Dorsey are cosponsoring this event.
For your Thanksgiving prayer list: Nick White comes home tomorrow and hopefully will not need surgery real soon but it is a possibility. Carey Spence has taken a turn for the worse. Please keep him and Joyce in your prayers. Joyce really needs our support.
Mildred Willis, Charlene Phillips, Clifton, Chris, Ted, Mamie Williams, Sarah's House, Elizabeth's House, Brian, AOET.
Saturday Nov. 27 Hanging of the Greens at Wesley Chapel 10am
Sunday Dec. 4 A Living Christmas - Peace
Sunday Dec. 11 A living Christmas - Joy
Sunday Dec. 18 A Living Christmas - Love
Sunday Dec. 18 Pastor's Open House 1pm Please allow us to celebrate with you!
Saturday Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Worship 9pm at Dorsey and 10:30 pm at Wesley
Sunday Dec. 25 Christmas Day Worship 11am at Dorsey
Sunday Jan. 1 New Years Day Worship 11am at Wesley
In Christ's service,
Rick
Have You Doubled Your Talents Yet This Week?
Sunday we talked about Matthew 25:14-30 and our challenge was to multiply our talents, our coinage as we read in one translation. So what have you done so far? Have you buried your gifts, talents, money, etc or have you invested them in others and multiplied your gifts? As we question God as to what our talents are and what it is that He wants us to do we need to remember that each servant that invested the master's money was rewarded with more responsibility. So be courageous in your faith and invest the gifts the master has given you even if in a small way and trust that He will reward you with greater responsibility and talents.
This Sunday invite someone to join us for the last day of the church year. The next week we will begin our new series for Advent and Christmas entitled A Life Giving Christmas. A Life-giving Christmas invites you to widen the lens, focus on the real…the authentic…the things that really matter and the true gift of the season – life. And not just any life – rich, meaningful life from a very real part of God – God’s own Son. Hope, peace, joy and love are not just candles to be lit around an advent wreath – they are facets of a living Christ to be ignited in our lives and our communities. Christmas can be that time of refueling for the new year ahead, if we carefully invest ourselves and engage life-giving principles. If you haven't planned on inviting friends and strangers to join us for worship what better time to change your mind and encourage them to join us for Sunday worship or Tuesday night small groups. Or maybe you could get them to join us in sponsoring a family for food and gifts for Christmas. We need gift cards, size 4&5 diapers, wipes, and community care and love.
Wesley Chapel is looking for a rental management company so if you have any suggestions please contact me.
Please keep Cheryl Smith, The Bladen Family, Nick White, Dejana Tackett, Charlene Phillips, Cheri Hawkins, Clifton Phillips, all of our missions and remember Christ is calling ALL of us to mission outside the church!
In Christ's service,
Rick
SOLD OUT FOR CHRIST
This past Sunday we celebrated Laity Sunday. In non-church words that means non clergy people, the disciples of Christ. It is a celebration and reminder of the fact that All are called and there are many ministers and one pastor in every church. We discussed, with the help of some M&M's the need to be sold out to Christ in order to be able to tell His story about what He is doing in our lives. After some less then great responses from the likes of Lexus, DJ, Rachael, Craig, Sarah, and Tony we saw what being sold out to M&M's looks like thanks to Nick and Jim and for those who missed Jim all I can say is he is REALLY Sold Out to M&M's. The lesson was are we really Sold Out to Christ and if not why not? It's not about doing church but about Living Christ that tells His story. I hope you saw the m&m fun on Sunday if not I hope you join us this Sunday.
Last night we held our Annual Charge Conference meeting. For those new to the church that is the meeting where once a year we report on all of the things going on in the parish and hear the pastor's vision and goals for the coming year. I thank those who attended and supported me and the church since this is the time the District Superintendent gets to join us and receive all of the reports it is a very important day for the pastor and the church.
This week has also been a busy week at the hospital. The Bladen family needs your prayers in this difficult time in their life. Mary is still at Howard County General but it is day by day. Carey Spence is also at Howard County and goes to surgery tomorrow morning. He and Joyce need our prayers and support. Carey is not doing well but we hope the surgery tomorrow will help. Good news from Howard County General was the birth of Caiden Phillips and it was a joy to have the family allow me to hold him and share with them. Although not in the hospital Dejana Tackett is facing some difficult days ahead battling the last days of pancreatic cancer. It was a pleasure to see her smile and hear her sense of humor last night. In fact Sunday we will baptize one of her granddaughters at the 11 am worship.
Please keep all of these folks and others in your prayers this week.
A final thanks to those who have stepped up by returning to ministry in January and a special thanks to folks like Rachel McProuty, Eileen Grove, Linda Coffee, Bev Hardesty, Aimee Prehn, Sharon Murphy, Leon Phillips, Ken and Jill Joubert who all accepted new ministry positions beginning in January.
In Christ's service,
Rick
Change The World Missions in Action
This past weekend was very busy and very exciting! Dorsey made sure people got health assessments, flu shots, and free clothing and housewares. Wesley served spaghetti to fund future mission projects and at the same time handed out 20-30 grocery bags to be filled for the Elkridge Food Mission. Both churches had a huge percentage of involvement and each was involved in the others mission. The community knew we were alive! Now invite them to join us on a Tuesday night, Our Daily Bread, or worship.
Max Lucado entitled Chapter 13 of his book Out Live Your Life "Don't Count Anyone Out." He opens the chapter discussing Acts 9. I challenge you to read this chapter before the weeks end and try to apply the story of Paul's conversion to someone you know that you either have given up on or are considering giving up on. This chapter of Lucado's book reminds me that it is our job as the Body of Christ to tell our friends and family that you don't "get things together" and then come to church you come to church to "get things together." Since that is the case then the church is full of people, or should be full of people that many others have given up on. This past weekend was hopefully a beginning step in telling the community that the Body of Christ is open to all.
Calendar
This Sunday is Laity Sunday and we will celebrate with a short skit as part of the message so join us YOU are the Laity!
Oct 18 Annual Charge Conference for both churches @ Wesley 8 pm
Nov. 6 - All Saints Day - We will remember all of those who died in the faith. If you have photos you would like included please get them to me soon.
Nov. 20 - Our Daily Bread Mission and JIA Community Breakfast
Nov. 23 Thanksgiving Eve Worship @ Wesley 7pm
Nov. 27 First Sunday in Advent
December 24 Worship 9 pm @ Dorsey, 11pm @ Wesley
December 25 Worship 11am @ Dorsey
See you Sunday!
In Christ's service,
Rick
Change the World Mission
This Saturday we will help change the world through mission!
Beginning at 9 am there will be a Health and Safety Fair at Dorsey highlighted by CVS providing flu shots for a nominal fee and the fire department providing safety instruction. In addition there will be flea market items available at no charge. If you have some gently used items that you want to give away bring them to church and see Charlene Phillips. The Baby Mission will have some strollers and other items available as well as the usual formula, food, and diapers.
After the fair and flea market ends at 2 pm head to the community hall at 4 pm for Spaghetti.This dinner will help fund mission projects throughout the year. In addition you can pick up a grocery bag to be filled with non-perishable food items for the Elkridge Food Mission. The food can be returned to any church member or dropped at the church by Oct 16. We can also provide pick up if you prefer.
After all of that there is still time to catch a showing of Courageous on Sat. night or Sunday and join us for the sermon series Courageous Parenting.
Sandy Leonhart is recovering well at St. Agnes pending a transfer to a rehab center. Mary Bladen is showing improvement at Howard County General also pending a transfer to a rehab center. Both of these folks would appreciate cards, visits, and certainly your prayers. Our prayers should also include all of our mission projects especially Brian in Uganda. Also Richard and Sharon, Gloria Mollman, Mildred Willis, Bev Hardesty, all of our Courageous Parents.
Please be a part of this momentous weekend of mission. Be Courageous in your faith and show the community that Christ's church is outside the walls of the building.
In Christ's service,
Rick
The Body of Christ at Work
Tonight my message will be relatively short. I spent time today with the Bladens at Howard County and Mary had a feeding tube placed today and seemed about the same but today I understand she opened her eyes although or a very brief period it does seem to be a positive sign. I also visited with Sandy Leonhart, Carol, Troy, and Juliet at St. Agnes. Sandy was much more upbeat after her colonoscopy but is understandably scared about surgery tomorrow so please keep her and the doctors in your prayers.
I also owe the men an apology for standing them up Tuesday night. I appreciate Verna delivering the message that I had contractors working at the house and they did not finish until 9:30 and I had no one to watch the house as Janet is in Maine and having a great time. I got to see some beautiful pictures from Acadia National Park today and maybe one day I will get to see it in person. Although you know me if I go to Maine it should involve a bear, a moose or both.
Now the point to the message of my title. The Bladens were looking for folks to take time at the hospital so Marvin could go home and rest and keep up with the house and the response has been amazing. A special thanks to Jean, Jane, Sue, Wendy, Lisa and anyone I may have missed. If you would like to help I included Suzanne's phone # in the last email. Your ministry allows the family to have the peace of mind that if Mary wakes up she will not be alone which is very important to them.
In addition to these ministers I received a text while standing in the recovery room with Mary and Marvin that said Sandy needed me at St. Agnes. Realizing that I did not have a clone I sent a text to Verna to tell her where I was and she provided to positive reinforcement and spiritual care that Sandy needed. This is the mission work that we are all called to do. If we are not moving, if we are not healing, if we are not loving then how can the Body of Christ be active in our world. You are the Many Ministers and I am the one pastor. In addition to the families we have mentioned please remember the Harmons, Mildred Willis, Roy and Betty, Gloria Mollman, Jillian family, The O'Sullivans, Margaret McBride, and all of those waiting for that first invitaion to church, small group, or that new money.
Courageous opens Friday I really hope you are going to go see this movie. I do have tickets and I hope you will give them to neighbors and friends. Call. me or send me an email and I will get the tickets to you. In support of the movie the message this Sunday will be the third of four on Courageous Parenting. This week "Warriors VS Wimps!" and Tuesday night the men WILL meet and follow up their Bible Study related to the movie.
Calendar
Sept. 30 Courageous
Oct 2 SUNDAY Dorsey Council Meeting after worship to set Call to Action Goals!!!!
Oct. 8 Change the World Health Fair and Free Flea Market 9am to 2pm Dorsey, Spaghetti for Mission 4pm to 7pm Jessup Community Hall
Oct 18 Annual Charge Conference
In Christ's service,
Rick
What is your gift?
All may have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God but ALL have also been gifted by the Holy Spirit and are called to use those gifts.
In the last four weeks we have talked each Sunday about what it takes for a "Fresh Start!" We talked about taking God with us in our back packs using a back pack Bible as a reminder in the first week. The second week focused on the peer pressure concerns when kids return to school reminding us that with every Fresh Start in Christ comes the peer pressure to not answer God's call, the pressure to return to our old ways. Week 3 we discussed the many disappointments in life that add to who we are as a person and we included the disappointment the church has been at times to those in the membership and particularly those on the outside. Finally last week we concluded with learning how to begin again. We gave each other some tools to help us begin our Fresh Start. Our first step is just make the jump or as Nike says "Just Do It!" In other words accept the Grace that has been given you through Jesus Christ and then let Him lead you in the Fresh Start.
With all of that in mind how will you respond to the call of a Fresh Start? Many of our members have begun visiting folks that have not been able to attend worship and I am hearing that those folks are really pleased with their visits and calls. This Sunday we are going to Our Daily Bread and many of you keep saying you are going to try this mission so who will make their Fresh Start by calling Janet and saying I'm in! All Fresh Starts need a support system and next Tuesday evening we begin our Fall small group studies. Men, women, youth, and kids plan on attending and getting a lot of support for your Fresh start.
Fifty-two women will be getting some new Whispering Hope from Dr. Mamie Williams this Saturday and I believe their ministry will change forever. Please join me in praying for this group and for the changes it will make in their lives and the community.
Calendar - Check the websites for updates
Sept. 17 - Whispering Hope Retreat at West River Camp
Sept 18 - Our Daily Bread Mission meet @ Wesley 8 am
Sept 18 - JIA Community Breakfast - Jesus went to where the people were he did not wait for them to come to Him.
Prayer List
Carol Brooks, Sandy Leonhart, Ted Higby, Mary Burke and family, Tracy Duncan and Richard (Harwood/Melville), Richard and Sharon Harmon, Mildred Willis, Carey and Joyce Spence, Jane Rose's family, all of our missions, your answer to the call for a Fresh Start.
See you Sunday!
In Christ's service,
Rick
9/11 Anniversary Sunday
This Sunday is the 10th anniversary of the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Pennsylvania tragedy. It also coincides with the fourth message in the series "A Fresh Start" and that message is about Starting Over. Do you think God called us to be together on this day? How to start over is something that many of our neighbors and friends are finding it hard to do. A new spouse, no spouse, a new job, saying yes to Christ and many other challenges. The anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy goes very well with our message about Starting Over. God has a word for us everyday and I pray that we realize he has a special word for us this Sunday.
In honor of the day Wesley Chapel and Dorsey Emmanuel are extending a special invitation to ALL police, fire fighters, first responders of any kind, and military as we would like to recognize you for your service. Please feel free to wear your service uniforms. We also want to extend a VERY SPECIAL Invitation to anyone related to a survivor or victim of 9/11 to join us and be recognized. Our churches are always open to everyone but I want our congregations to spend the rest of the week getting the word out to anyone serving in the community to join us for worship and receive a special blessing and recognition. Attached is a flyer that can be posted at your work, the local store, dry cleaner etc.
Calendar:
September 11 - Baptism at Wesley
September 17 - Whispering Hope Women's Retreat at West River
September 18 - Our Daily Bread Mission 8am at Wesley Parking Lot
September 18 - Jessup Community Breakfast
September 20 Life Bread (Small Groups) BEGIN! 6:15 Dinner, Group 7:45 - 8pm
September 24 - Jessup Day Parade and Festival - Help us at Laser Tag or our information table - See the Pastor
Oct. 8 - Wesley Chapel Spaghetti for Mission Dinner 4-7pm $8
Oct. 8 - Change the World Mission Day
Dorsey - Health Fair and Flea Market - ALL ITEMS AT THE FLEA MARKET ARE FREE. -You can receive a tax deduction letter from the church.
Wesley - Non-Perishable Food Collection Day
October 18 - Annual Charge Conference for the Parish at 8pm
Please keep all of our prayer list folks in your prayers. Also we need to be the Body of Christ to reach out to those in need from the floods and to pray for them.
Stay safe and see you Sunday!
In Christ's service,
Rick
What do you say when your friends say "Where was God?"
In the last week we had an earthquake and a hurricane and these events sometimes prompt people to ask where was God? Or I guess God is punishing the people for not going to church or maybe the world is coming to an end.
Well the answers are probably a lot more certain than many might think. First and maybe foremost God is not punishing anyone. God's judgment is reserved for the second coming and one earthquake and a hurricane does not make an apocalypse. God loves us and wants us to think of the Apocalypse and about our relationship with His Son. The Son that has paid the price for our sins with His life. Oh yea and as to where was God? He was where he always is right beside us loving us. The real question is where is the Body of Christ during all of the tragedy we see on the news? Are we there for your family, neighbor and friends? I hope so because we are the Body of Christ.
Worship numbers were small this week but it was really exciting to see those that could get out and join in praising and worshiping the Lord. The third message in the series this Sunday is about disappointment which I am guessing is something we all have in common. We blessed a few more back packs last Sunday for our own students and if you would still like to have your child's back pack or your work bag blessed for the Back to School Fresh Start just bring it with you Sunday.
Hopefully you will enjoy your Labor Day Holiday this weekend but remember we miss you when you are not worshiping with us and we look forward to your return, in fact bring a friend next Sunday. The Fall season is already getting very busy and we hope you and your friends are part of the fun. Over 50 women going to the Whispering Hope Retreat on Sept. 17, Life Bread (small groups) beginning Sept 13, Jessup Day Sept. 24, Sept. 30th Courageous, Oct. 8 Change the World Mission Day, Oct. 8 Spaghetti for Mission.
Pray for so many who lost so much in the last week. Know that the United Methodist Church was one of the first responders in the areas of destruction and that we support that effort through our giving to the Annual Conference Apportionment.
In Christ's service,
Rick
Is Summer Really Coming to an End?
