Today is a Gift!
The signboard message posted on December 27, 2014 read: LIFE IS A GIFT. THAT’S WHY THEY CALL IT THE PRESENT. OK. Maybe a cheep pun. Maybe cliche. Whenever we think of someone who survived a serious disease or somehow dodged a life threatening accident, a string of sayings pops into mind to remind us that life is indeed fragile. Whenever some unusual event threatens our lives, we are able to see life as a gift from God. But what about during normal times? What if you’re...
Read MorePUMC Records “Prepare the Way” Video (12/18/14)
During our Choir Rehearsal last Thursday (12/18/14), The Voices in Praise stepped into the “recording studio” with Lee Whittaker and recorded a rendition of his hit “Prepare the Way.” This song is especially appropriate as we consider the “Colors of Christmas” and how we’ve been reminded that we must constantly prepare our lives and hearts for the arrival of Christ. Not only for His 2nd coming, but also for His ever-available touch on our day to day...
Read MoreA White Christmas (12/21/14)
Today was the Fourth Sunday of Advent, and Pastor Jim wrapped up his Advent sermon series looking at the “Colors of Christmas”- tools we use to Look Up and to keep our focus on Christ during this busy season. Click the “Play” button on the following player to listen to the sermon, then scroll down and follow along. The scripture reading was from Luke 2:8-15. Open the drop down box to follow along. Pastor Jim read from the New King James Version of the...
Read MoreStuck in the Middle of a Noisy Christmas?
Can’t wait for Christmas to come and get over with? Does it feel like you’re in the middle of a hectic rush of shopping, phony parties and crazy drivers? When January comes will you look back and be thankful for Christmas, or will you simply return to your normal routine and feel glad that you survived it? The true Christmas touches us when we can honestly celebrate Christ (that’s what Christ Mas literally means, afterall). Christ touches us in the quiet moments. In...
Read MorePastors Ponderings: My Christmas Wish
The following devotional was submitted by Pastor Jim on December 19, 2014… Greetings Friends: Below is a poem I actually came across many years ago. I recently found it again and feel led to share it with you. It really sums up what this season and our lives are all about. I pray that all of us will be blessed. PLEASE READ: Matthew 2:9-11 “After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the...
Read MoreOur Father’s House Kids Charm Congregation (12/14/14)
The Our Father’s House presented their annual Christmas Program on Thursday 12/18. But many of us were working and could not attend this weekday event. So, they made a return performance during the 11AM service on Sunday 12/14/14. Here are a few pictures of the kids in action… +++++++++++++++++++++++++ For more information about Our Father’s House, Click Here. ...
Read MorePastor’s Ponderings: By Being Born, He Let Love Into the World
The following devotional was submitted by Pastor Jim on December 18…Greetings Friends; PLEASE READ: John 1:1-5, 10-14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it…. He was in the world, and though the world...
Read MoreA Blue Christmas (12/14/14)
On Sunday the 14th, Pastor Jim continued his Advent sermon series on the “colors of Christmas”. This week, his theme was “a Blue Christmas.”Start the audio recording below, then scroll down and follow along. The scripture reading was from Matthew’s account of the birth. Matthew gives Joesph’s perspective, while Luke (last week’s passage) speaks from Mary’s perspective. Pastor Jim read from the New King James version. Matthew 1:18-25… ...
Read MoreMen’s Fellowship Looks at Challenges and Joys (12/13/14)
The Men’s Fellowship group met on Saturday 12/13. It was one of our early morning meetings that gave us the chance to start off a new day by looking into God’s Word. Our guest speaker was Gino Curcuruto, and we looked at Luke 10:1-2, 17-22. Because of our relationship with Christ, we should want to “hang out” with those who don’t know Him We should want to build relationships and allow the love and hope that we have as redeemed people of peace (see Luke 10:6)...
Read MoreA Red Christmas (12/7/14)
Pastor Jim continued his Advent sermon series on the “Colours of Christmas” by looking at things that are red. How can red objects remind us of Christ and help us prepare for Christmas? Click the following “Play” button, then scroll down and follow along… The scripture reading was from Luke 1:26-38. Pastor Jim read from the “Life Application Bible” (which uses the Living Bible translation/paraphrase). Open the drop down box to follow the...
Read MorePUMC Hosts Gloucester County Community Chorus’ Presentation of The Messiah (12/9/14)
The Rowan College at Gloucester County and Community Chorus presented their “Holiday Cheer Concert” in our church on Tuesday night (12/9/14). It was a busy night…. The choir members joined us in our weekly Tuesday dinner, and then we filled the sanctuary to enjoy the concert. During the concert, several of our weekly small groups and studies met as usual, and Narcotics Anonymous held their weekly meeting in the Fellowship Hall. Our sanctuary was full… and so was our...
Read MoreA Green Christmas (11/30/14)
Today was the first Sunday of Advent, and Pastor Jim began a new sermon series looking at the “Colors of Christmas”- tools we use to Look Up and to keep our focus on Christ during this busy season. Click the “Play” button on the following player to listen to the sermon, then scroll down and follow along. The scripture reading was from portions of Luke 21. Open the drop down box to follow along. Pastor Jim read from the Living Bible (or “Life...
Read MorePUMC Kicks Off and Steps Off in Pitman Christmas Parade (11/29/14)
One of Pitman’s finest traditions comes on the Saturday before the first week in Advent. People from all over take part in the annual Christmas Parade, and then everyone heads over to the Hagerty’s to see the opening of their annual Christmas lights display. The parade starts in our parking lot and then continues down Broadway, through the downtown area, and then ends smewhere around Ballard Park. This year, in addition to hosting the parade’s starting point, we entered our...
Read MoreOur Father’s House to Show that “A Savior Has Been Born” (12/1/14)
In each month of this school year, Our Father’s House (our pre-school) features a verse from the Bible and then puts that verse in action through mission. Here’s what’s happening in Our Father’s House during December…This month’s verse is Luke 2:11… “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” NIV This Month’s Mission Project… This month we will help a needy family...
Read MorePastor’s Ponderings: Keeping Your Spiritual Blades Sharp
The following devotion was submitted by Pastor Jim on November 28, 2014… Greetings Friends: PLEASE READ: Ecclesiastes 10:10 “If the ax is not sharp and he does not make it sharp, then he must use more strength. Wisdom helps one to do well” (NLV). The past couple of days I’ve been feeling a bit nostalgic and for some reason I recalled cutting the grass when I was a boy. Back then we did not have a motorized lawn mower. Dad used to have one of those manual...
Read MoreBlue Christmas Service (12/22/14)
Many of us lost loved ones during this year. Some of us lost loved ones years ago, but still feel the emptiness. For any of us, the family traditions of the holidays bring back memories of Christmases past. During this holiday season we are especially aware of those who have walked with us and who are an integral part of those memories; but now they’re gone. On Monday December 22 at 7:00 PM we will pause to reflect on loved ones who have passed to eternity. Even as we celebrate the...
Read MoreWhat Are You Giving to Jesus?
A new message was posted on our signboard on Thanksgiving Day (11/27/14): WHAT ARE YOU GIVING TO JESUS? This question looks towards “Black Friday” and the crazy pre-Christmas shopping season. We all have a list of people we want to please on Christmas morning, and we’re all busy trying to write possible gifts next to these names and then to brave the malls and Internet to purchase the gifts. But Christmas (“Celebration of Christ”) is a birthday. Jesus Birthday!...
Read MorePUMC Preparing the Way with Advent Events (12/2014)
Christmas is a busy time for all of us. For PUMC, Christmas not only means traditional celebrations with friends and families, but it also means a celebration of Advent; of the first coming of our Lord and Savior. And so we worship, serve, pray, teach, and yes- party during this Christmas season.There’s a lot going on, so this post will give an overview of what’s happening in our Advent schedule. There are Four Weeks in the Advent Season, and then the first Sunday after...
Read MoreOur Father’s House to Present Christmas Program (12/11/14)
The Our Father’s House Preschool will present our annual Christmas program on December 11 in our sanctuary. The program starts at 10:15 AM. The children will present a “play” entitled “The True Story of Christmas.” It will feature a lot of music, some narration, and a lot of joyful moments. All are welcome! If you’re available, come out to support the school, parents, and kids. The children will visit us for worship on December 14 and present...
Read MorePUMC to Distribute Christmas Lawn Signs (11/30/14)
During Advent, we will have the opportunity to give a gentle reminder to our neighbors and passers-by that Christmas is all about Jesus. Santa is Secondary (if at all)!!! Without Christ, there is No Christmas! To us, this may seem totally obvious. But many are too caught up in the world of shopping and holiday celebrations to keep that in focus. Christmas is a time of family and celebration, but it is also a time of humble acknowledgement of what God did to bridge the gap between His...
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