Pastors 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!
Read MorePastors Ponderings: Be Strong!
During the coronavirus pandemic (in April of 2020), Pastor Jim wrote these encouraging reminders from scripture. God is with us and continually watching over us; even when things seem like they’re falling over the edge of a cliff.
Read MorePastor’s Ponderings: Help on a Rough Road
Psalm 121 reminds us that “our help comes from the LORD, the Maker of Heaven and earth”, even while traveling on a road that might seem to be blocked by insurmountable obstacles. In this devotion, Pastor Jim offers encouragement with the powerful truths that are proclaimed in this short Psalm.
Read MorePastor’s Ponderings: Pray Anywhere, Anytime, Any place
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, we must maintain “social distancing,” and many in our church have begun to participate in a prayer group using email. Pastor Jim wrote the following devotional on 3/27/20 to encourage our prayer lives during this difficult time… Greetings Friends: I pray that all of you and your families are well. As we continue to journey through this unusual time in human history, I would invite all of us to be spending time in prayer. Prayer...
Read MoreBishop to Lead Virtual Prayer Service (3/29/20)
Bishop Schol will lead a “virtual prayer time” on Sunday March 29 at 4:00 PM. Here’s the announcement… Prayer Service- Bishop Schol’s Letter… If any among you are suffering, pray. James 5:13 Dear Friends in Christ, I am calling United Methodists of Greater New Jersey, their families and friends together for a time of prayer as we face challenges and concerns with the virus, Covid-19. A virtual prayer service will be held, this Sunday, March 29 at 4:00...
Read MorePastor’s Ponderings: God’s Faithfulness
The lightning might be crashing, the wind might be howling, and the rain may be pouring in torrents, but a rainbow will come (even if figuratively). Our Prince of Peace is faithful to His promise. Pastor Jim sent out these words of hope in the midst of the Coronavirus crisis…. “After every storm comes a rainbow.”
Read MorePastors Ponderings: A Word of Encouragement (3/17/20)
In the midst of the Coronavirus crisis in March 2020, Pastor Jim sent out some words of hope. All of our worries and fears are defeated by our hope in Jesus. Instead of “Don’t worry be happy,” we need to be thinking “Don’t worry, trust Jesus.”
Read MoreEaster Still Flowers Despite Coronavirus!
Despite the Coronavirus, Easter IS coming! Two of our Easter traditions are Daffodils and Lilies, and we are still going to be blessed by them this Easter. This post includes the order forms and instructions on how to order and receive your flowers.
Read MoreThe Sunday When Nobody Came to Church (3/15/20)
On 3/15/20, the Coroanvirus crisis forced us to cancel our public worship service. Instead, we “produced” a live stream service in our empty sanctuary. The UMW was planning to distribute soup in between services. Instead, we formed a “drive-thru” line.
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