Make Christ a Presence Among the Presents!
We’re currently in the Advent season of 2015. Much of the hustle and bustle of this season is driven by the need to give gifts. Many of us are consumed with two fundamental questions: “What does ___ want?” “What do I want?” To answer these questions and to prepare for Christmas morning, we run around searching the Internet, ads, and malls. We scratch our heads. We think, “what did I give so and so last year?” “Does she already have one of them?” “He gained some weight this...
read moreStar Tree to Brighten up Christmas for Needy Families (12/13/15)
Last week, during our annual “hanging of the greens,” many lights, garlands, nativities and trees were brought out to remind us of this special season. One of those trees is very special; we call it our “Star Tree,” and it was placed in our Narthex. This Christmas tree is adorned with Yellow stars, and each star bears the name of a child from our town who is in need of our help. To participate in this ministry… Remove a star with the child’s name on it and purchase a gift (suggested on the star). Bring...
read moreGet Ready for Jesus! 2015 Advent Events (12/2015)
The season of Advent is a gift from God. It’s a special time of the year when families, friends, and churches across dominations join together to celebrate the incarnation… the wonder that somehow God became human and walked this earth in the Person of Jesus. And yet, sometimes we get so bogged down in the parties, shopping and “things we have to do” that we miss the wonder. And so this year we offer an opportunity to Slow Down. Plug into the activities that will help you connect with God in this season of...
read moreFinding and Responding to God (11/22/15)
As we enter the holiday season, we get Busy. We celebrate the gifts and presence of God… but do we see Him? and when we see Him… what is our reaction? The sermon on Nov. 22, 2015 was given by Andy Johns, a PUMC Advanced Lay Servant. Click the below “Play” button to listen to the recording, then scroll down and follow along… The scripture was Psalm 19. Andy read from the New Living Testament (shown below). Click the drop Down box to read… Psalm 19 1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God....
read moreCommunity to Observe Thanksgiving (11/24/15)
The Pitman Council of Churches will host a Community Thanksgiving worship service on Tuesday, November 24 at 7:00 PM. The service this year will be held at the Mary, Mother of Mercy Church on Pitman Ave. Notice the schedule change: The service is held on TUESDAY instead of the usual Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Pastor Jim’s 7:00 PM Bible Study will NOT be held. The other Tuesday night activities will continue as usual. ...
read moreThe World’s First GPS (11/15/15)
A GPS is your reference; it keeps you focused on your destination, it keeps you from wandering into “detours”, it teaches you new paths, it points out the most effective route to take. It even tells you when it’s time to “recalculate your route.” Kind of sounds like a Bible, doesn’t it? The 3rd Sunday in November is traditionally observed as “Bible Sunday,” and so Pastor Jim took a look at the significance of the Bible in our daily walk with God. Click the below “Play” button to...
read moreGrowth Chart for Fifth Graders… And Adults!
GROWTH… When our kids are young we frequently buy or make a “growth chart” that we hang on the bedroom wall. At significant events we mark the height of our child and marvel at the wonder of growth. How quickly they grow and get taller and taller! A poster was recently spotted on an easel in our 5th grade Sunday School Room: It says “GROWTH.” How can we grow in Christ? What would you tell a 5th grader? What would you tell an adult? Here’s some useful direction for people of any age… G R O...
read moreThe Essentials of Worshiping God (11/8/15)
Psalm 96 marks a joyous occasion when the Israelites re-captured the Ark of the Covenant. It’s a time of worship… joyous worship! Worship shouldn’t be boring!!! Pastor Jim took a look at this during his sermon of November 8, 2015. Click the “Play” button to start the recording, then scroll down to follow along. The recording is from the 9:30 service… The scripture reading was Psalm 96 (Pastor Jim read from The Living Bible). The New Living Translation is shown below. Click the drop down box to...
read morePUMC to Celebrate Student Sunday (11/29/15)
United Methodists celebrate Student Day on the last Sunday in November. Why? What is Student Sunday and why should students be lifted up? “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.” — Psalm 25:4-5, NSRV Studying; either the truths of the Scripture or the world around us is a key part of our growth. We learn to interpret God’s will and we learn skills that enable us to do His will. Our attention to college...
read moreOur Father’s House is Ready for 2015 Book Fair! (11/10/15)
Our Father’s House (our Preschool) has set up our annual Fall Book Fair and we’re ready to go! The Book fair will be held in the Gathering Room (2nd floor of education wing). It will be open on the following days and hours… Tuesday 11/10 8:30-1:30 AND 5:30-8:00 PM Wednesday 11/11 8:30 – 2:30 Thursday 11/12 8:30-1:30 Notice that there are evening hours on Tuesday. So if you work during the day but you attend our Tuesday Night Bible Study (or the Smile Today meeting) you’ll have a...
read more