United Methodist Men’s Gathering (1/11/14)
The United Methodist Men held our monthly “gathering” on Saturday January 11 in the Potter’s Hand room Our gatherings start at 7:30 AM, but starting the day with friends and the Word is always a great way to “wake up” (coffee doesn’t hurt either…”) Our speaker was the Rev. Michael Smith, pastor of the Tabernacle United Methodist Church in Erma NJ. Pastor Mike had to travel a bit of a distance in the early morning to meet with us, so we all appreciated his dedication to the Lord’s...
read moreUrban Promise Visits PUMC (1/5/14)
Dr. Bruce Main, president of Urban Promise delivered the message this morning during both services. Dr. Main spoke on Colossians 3:15-7 using the Soren Kierkagaard quote, “What’s important is not the road you travel, but the way you travel the road you’re on” (or something like that…). Our surroundings may not look very good. We may want to be on another “road”. We may be tempted to keep saying, “One day I’ll ___”. But our Creator is a God who turns the ordinary into...
read moreUrban Promise (1/5/13)
In concert with missions such as the Neighborhood Center and Kid’s Alley, part of our mission at PUMC is to help the people of Camden NJ transform their city into one that is free of poverty and full of promise. Dr. Bruce Main, president of Urban Promise, will be our guest speaker on Sunday January 5 (at both services). Members of the organization’s StreetLeaders program will provide music during the services. Urban Promise is located in Camden, NJ. Their mission is to equip the children, youth, and young adults in Camden with...
read moreSeason’s First Snow! (12/15/13)
Praise the Lord! Make that phrase more than just a cliche… We are constantly blessed by the beautiful Stained Glass Windows that line the upper walls of our sanctuary. At ground level, near the staircase, we also have clear windows that let in natural lighting. During the 11:00 service on Sunday Dec. 8, these plain clear windows reminded us of God’s majesty in a way that the Stained Glass windows never could. About half way through the service, we were treated to a view of the season’s first snowfall. Large flurries were...
read moreNew Year’s Eve Reflection (12/31/13)
Milestones such as New Year’s Eve can be helpful reminders of re-assessing your relationship with God. How have you grown? How has your faith been tested? When did you fail to heed God’s call to discipleship? How can you be a better disciple in the future? Not only do we need to hold each other accountable, but we also need to hold ourselves accountable. Small groups and “Emmaus Reunion Groups” are important accountability tools. But, we still need to come to the Father on our own and spend some time for personal...
read moreBlue Christmas Service (12/17/13)
Many of us lost loved ones during this year. 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 Tuesday Dec. 17 at 7:30 PM we will pause to reflect on loved ones who have passed to eternity. Even as we celebrate the birth of Christ, we still mourn the loss of loved ones. This service will be held in the Chapel.
read moreMagnificant Bulletin Cover (12/8/13)
During the Advent Season, our bulletins have been featuring artwork created by members of our congregation. The December 8 cover depicts the passage in the Bible known as the Magnificat. Mary’s story begins as one of faith and obedience as we read Luke 1:35-38. But the reality of her situation would be disgrace, abandonment and hopelessness. (see outside border art). Early Christian art used symbolism to convey meaning to an illustration. (See center art) As Mary arrives at Elizabeth’s door, she is carrying a bowl of chestnuts....
read moreLive Nativity (12/22/13)
Join our spiritual journey on Sunday, December 22 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (after the cantata!). Drive or walk through the parking lot to see the biblical story of Christmas being told. Step back in time to see the soldiers, shepherds, wisemen, and the manger with Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. See (or pet) the live animals. Share in this experience that will bring the wonder of the first Christmas to life before your eyes. See the story… and join the story! Our parking lot is clear now, but on Sunday December 8 we were blanketed...
read moreChristmas Eve- Two Services! (12/24/13)
We’re having TWO Christmas Eve services this year! 4:00PM Service… This first service will be for children who might find the later hour “challenging.” We will delight in the wonder of a child’s view of Christ’s birth! 7:30 PM Service… The second service will be our traditional one. We will light our darkened Sanctuary with candles and carols. Music will be led by our choirs, and the service will end with the traditional Silent Night.
read moreAdded Blessing at Our Father’s House
Our Father’s House (our church’s pre-school), warmly gives many kinds of blessings to the families in the school and to our church. One of these blessings is Yogi, our “crossing guard”. Yogi is at the church every morning to greet the children with a warm welcome and to make sure they’re safe as they move from the parking lot into the building. On the last day of school before the Thanksgiving break, Yogi greeted the kids wearing his (now) famous turkey drumstick hat! Just another way that we can see the...
read more