PUMC Stepping into Generosity (11/12/17)
We’re “Blessed to be a Blessing.” That’s the title of a song the choir often sings. How are we blessed? Or, maybe more importantly, what or whom do we bless??? In order for us to grow as Christians, to whom do we need to give? Finance Committee? The Budget? The Church? God? Finance Committee Nah! The Budget Nah! The Methodist Church, inc Nah! God! Yes! But what does that mean? We give to “be partakers in the building of the Kingdom.” But what does THAT mean? We serve a generous God (just think about...
read morePastor’s Ponderings: The Grace of Giving
Bishop Robert Schnase in his book, The Grace of Giving shares about the importance of God’s people to be generous. Generosity presents itself in multiple ways as we express our faith through the church and in our daily lives. Below is a small part from that important book. I would invite all of us to prayerfully consider these words and reflect upon them and what God might be saying to us. There are many scripture references in the following text! Notice that all of them are hyperlinks which will take you to the Bible Gateway rendition of...
read morePUMC to Celebrate Anniversary! (10/29/17, 10:15 AM)
Back in November of 1885, the PITMAN GROVE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH was organized. From that small beginning of 43 members, we have grown into what is now the “Pitman United Methodist Church.” It’s our birthday and we are now 132 years old! This Sunday happens to be the 5th Sunday of the month; we’ve been holding single services on these Sundays (one service at 10:15 instead of services at 9:30 and 11:00). So on October 29 we’ll celebrate our anniversary by holding a single service at 10:15. And- since we’re...
read moreOctober’s Movie & Pizza Night Ready to Roll! (10/21/17)
October 21, is our monthly “Free Movie & Pizza Night”! On the third Saturday of each month we’re inviting the community to come out and to help us eat some pizza! Drop on by, grab some free pizza, enjoy a film with your neighbors. This month we’re showing the movie Toy Story (The original one!). Pizza will be served at 6:30 PM. The movie will be held inside… in the Fellowship Hall. Here are some of the movies that are tentatively scheduled: November 17: “The Jungle Book”...
read morePracticing Extravagant Generosity (10/15 thru 11/11 2017)
Unity. Pulling together to be of one heart and one purpose. In our church, that purpose is to glorify our Creator-God and to help Him build His Kingdom. Our goal is to become more like Christ in every facet of our lives. One of the attributes of God is that He is generous… REALLY generous. Imagine the Son of God somehow squeezing Himself into a human body, living on this earth, and then dying on a Roman cross? Think about the God who has provided all of your needs throughout your lifetime. Even if you wanted more (wealth, health,...
read moreYouth Building Buckets for Flood Relief (10/29/17)
Imagine that your home has been flooded. The smell of mildew is everywhere. Dirt coats the floors and counters. One of your biggest needs is something we take for granted: cleaning supplies. Buckets, soaps, laundry detergent, sponges, trash bags… the list goes on and on. As part of the United Methodist Committed on Relief’s (UMCOR) efforts, our youth have started a project to collect items to assemble “Flood Buckets.” These buckets will be filled with specific cleaning items. The buckets will be shipped to the...
read morePraise Team to Add Harmony in the Park! (9/30/17)
The Washington Baptist Church (located in Washington Twp.) is organizing an event called “Harmony in the Park”, which will be held at the Washington Lake Park on Saturday September 30. It pretty much runs all day (10 AM – 6 PM), with free food, games, and Christian music. On one level, it’s an end of summer community party. On a deeper level, it’s a chance to witness to the saving power of the Gospel of Christ. The music begins at the main amphitheater at noon, and culminates with a concert by This Hope, at...
read moreRev. Dave Bailey to Visit PUMC (9/17/17)
Think back to 1964… 53 years ago… Teenagers were in rebellion against their parents and against authority in general. They were we experimenting with drugs. They were getting in trouble with the law. They were slipping away from the moral foundation that their parents provided. 1964. How things have changed… Or have they??? In 1964, something else happened. Our Associate Pastor, Rev. Dave Baliey, left PUMC and started a ministry in Alloway, NJ (about 20 minutes southwest of Pitman). That ministry was called Ranch...
read moreGod’s Miracle of Peace
Is life a puzzle? Problems, questions, fears? We all struggle with issues in our lives; they come and go in a constant barrage. Sometimes you look at the pieces of your life, and they don’t seem to fit together. Somewhere, there must be peace. Where is that “Piece” of the puzzle? And so, the Signboard Message said: IS LIFE A PUZZLE? WE HAVE THE MISSING PEACE! The good news is that God offers us True Peace. Eternal Peace. The Peace that we need, not necessarily the happiness that we think we want. ...
read morePastor’s Ponderings: Prayer Brings Peace in the Storm!
As Pastor Jim wrote this article (on 8/25/17), Hurricane Harvey was barrelling down on Southeast Texas. In addition to the other tragedies facing the world, each of us faces our own times of stress and change. In the midst of impending storms, and in the middle of storms, be reminded that prayer offers a tremendous pathway for peace… Greetings Friends: Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of...
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