Christmas in July Quarantines the Grinches! (7/26/20)
Sunday 7/26/20 was a day of paradoxes: Christmas in July. A fireplace in an empty sanctuary. Joy and peace in the midst of a pandemic. During this special Sunday, we saw that the “grinches” of this life are too weak to overcome the blessings of our almighty God.
Read MorePastor’s Ponderings: What’s John 3:16 Really Mean?
We’ve heard John 3:16 over and over. We’ve memorized it. We even see people wearing “3:16” T-Shirts! But do we really appreciate its meaning? In an email on 7/9/20, Pastor Jim offered these thoughts on this amazing verse.
Read MorePastor’s Ponderings: The Call Always Goes Thru!
Things may seem to be tumbling out of control. One piece of bad news on top of another. But God is waiting for us to call on His help; to call upon Him to release His power in our lives and in our churches. Are we ready to call Him? Are we praying?
Read MoreCreative Connection Videos Bring Us Together! (7/7/20)
During the pandemic, we’re using our Facebook Group to share video devotions, prayers, or other greetings as a way to “continue to meeting together… and encouraging one another ” (Hebrews 10:25-25). For those who don’t “do Facebook” or who might have lost the videos in their timelines, the videos are posted here.
Read MorePastors Ponderings: The Rudder of the Day
“The first hour of the morning is the rudder of the day.” Olympian Eric Liddell began each day by grounding himself in the Bible and in prayer. In this “Ponderings” article, Pastor Jim encourages us to do the same thing.
Read MorePUMC Embarks on a Virtual VBS! (6/22/20)
Yes- we did have another fantastic Vacation Bible School this year! Because of the pandemic we couldn’t meet in person, so we met via Live Stream instead! We learned that Jesus’ power helps us do hard things, gives us hope, helps us be good friends, and lets us live forever!
Read MorePastor’s Ponderings: Our Shepherd’s Certain Presence
In this “humble offering”, Pastor Jim reminds us that God is like a like a shepherd and is always with us. Even if we run away, God’s mercy and love follow us in hot pursuit.
Read MorePastors Ponderings: His Love Endures Forever!
God was faithful to people like Noah, Moses, David, and Paul. David wrote that “His love endures forever.” But is God’s love and faithfulness deep and long enough to reach into our time?
Read MorePastors Ponderings: Jesus Overcame so We Can’t Be Overcome
Even in the seemingly insurmountable obstacles of this pandemic, God has already overcome. He loves us, delights in us, and He will bring us through this journey.
Read MoreBlue Box Bridges Social Distance (6/1/20)
During the pandemic, essential items such as toothpaste, soap, and hygiene products can be hard to obtain. The Women’s Group has set up a “Soap and Such” box on our porch. It is stocked with toiletry items which are available to anyone in need. Take what you need, share what you can.
Read MorePastors Ponderings: Jesus is Already Here!
Claiming God’s promises that He is with us now enables us to have the strength and hope for this moment. Be of good cheer! Don’t give up! Keep the faith! Jesus is here!
Read MoreBishop Outlines Requirements for Reopening (5/22/20)
Our church building remains closed, even as we prayerfully await for a decrease in the spread of this pandemic. With an eye towards that day, Bishop Schol issued directives on what must happen before churches can safely open for in-person worship services. Until then, PUMC continues to find innovative ways to do ministry without the use of our building.
Read MoreWhat’s Evangelism??? (5/15/20)
Evangelism! That word provokes a lot of feelings, most of them negative. In March 2020, an “Advanced Lay Servant” class was held in our church to study “Transforming Evangelism.” Here’s what we learned.
Read MoreMothers Day Videos Bring the Family Together (5/10/20)
During this pandemic, not even Mother’s Day is left unchanged. But during our Live Stream service, we were treated to two videos that brought us back together (even if “virtually”). This post shows these videos.
Read MoreMen’s Retreat Goes Online! (4/24/20)
Because of the pandemic, we had to cancel our 2020 Men’s Retreat. But our scheduled speaker, Pastor George DeVol, created a series of videos to lead us in a “virtual retreat.” Check out this post to join the “retreat.”
Read MoreDrive By Parade Celebrates Preschool Grads! (5/11/20)
Because of the pandemic, we were unable to hold a graduation ceremony for our preschool class of 2020. So, we formed a parade and drove to each child’s neighborhood! With sirens waling and horns honking, we congratulated our Pre-K grads by giving them a personalized lawn sign. Congratulations class of 2020!
Read MorePUMC Rises Above Social Distancing on Easter! (4/12/20)
Easter 2020. Because of the pandemic, we couldn’t be together. But, we created a “selfie slideshow” and joined together via live stream in this special worship service. Open this post to view a video of the Easter Slideshow.
Read MoreStart the Sabbath! (Spring 2020)
It’s Sunday Morning and we can’t go to church during this pandemic, but here are some ways we can still worship on this Sabbath Day.
Read MoreSunday School Goes Online! (4/26/20)
During the 2020 pandemic, Sunday School classes have gone “Virtual”! This post presents Facebook feeds of the the lessons. If it’s Sunday morning, check out our Sunday School. It it’s some other time, watch a recording. You don’t need a Facebook account to join in.
Read MoreYouth Group Has Virtual Meetings with Real Friends (4/26/20)
During the current pandemic, the Youth Group continues to meet- using Zoom. The meetings are virtual, but friends are real!
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