Tuesday Bible Study Returns- Praying through the Psalms (1/24/23)
Pastor Jim holds an online Bible Study (most) every Tuesday at 1:30. Beginning in January 2023 we’re studying the book of Psalms and gaining insight into prayer.
Read MorePrayer Conditioning Warms Hearts!
A home Air Conditioner cools a room, but a person’s “Prayer Conditioner” warms their heart. When our first reaction is to turn to God and to trust Him, our hearts will be warmed by a more loving relationship with God, others, and ourselves.
Read MorePastor’s Ponderings: The Call Always Goes Thru!
Things may seem to be tumbling out of control. One piece of bad news on top of another. But God is waiting for us to call on His help; to call upon Him to release His power in our lives and in our churches. Are we ready to call Him? Are we praying?
Read MorePastors Ponderings: The Rudder of the Day
“The first hour of the morning is the rudder of the day.” Olympian Eric Liddell began each day by grounding himself in the Bible and in prayer. In this “Ponderings” article, Pastor Jim encourages us to do the same thing.
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 MoreWorld Day of Prayer to Take Up Mat and Walk (3/6/20)
The annual World Day of Prayer service will be held on Friday March 1 at the St. James Lutheran Church in Pitman. The theme of this year’s service stems from Jesus’s miraculous healing of the paralytic where he told the lame man to “Rise! Take up Your Mat and Walk.” This service will draw us into the healing process of peace and reconciliation.
Read MorePUMC to Host World Day of Prayer (3/1/19)
PUMC will host this year’s World Day of Prayer service on Friday March 1 (1:00 PM). All are welcome.
Read MoreHow’s Your Prayer Conditioning?
At this time of year, when we switch from Heater to Air Conditioning, the first cycle of running the air conditioner can create some anxious moments; will it work? You never know when a hot moment in life will cause you to rely on your Prayer Conditioning. In tense moments, does your prayer life keep you cool, or do you get hot under the collar?
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...
Read MoreFive Finger Praying
How do you pray??? Do you use words? Do you just think of images knowing that God knows the rest? What do you say? Do you ask for stuff? Do you just confess and ask for forgiveness? Do you vent your frustrations??? Ever since the beginning of human existence- even after Jesus introduced His model prayer- people struggle with figuring out how to pray. Maybe you use the “A. C. T. S. ” Model: A- Adoration C- Confession T- Thanksgiving S- Supplication The Five Fingered...
Read MoreSay a Nehemiah 2:4 Prayer!
Things are going along pretty well, then all of a sudden life throws you a curve and the steam of anger or fear starts to build. Or, all of a sudden you’re in a dire situation where you need to make a quick decision. What do you do?
Follow the example of Nehemiah and say a quick “Nehemiah 2:4 Prayer”!
What Should We Pray For???
We hear a lot about prayer. Prayer is a big part of developing a relationship with God… it’s a huge part of being a Christian. But what do we pray for? Can we “bother” God with trivial requests like asking for a good parking spot? What about praying for someone’s health; maybe it’s God’s will that this person not get well. Should we pray anyway? Can we pray for ourselves? What can we pray for??? Some of these are difficult questions, and we...
Read MoreNew Years Eve Silent Communion (12/31/16)
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...
Read MoreBecoming Agents of Holiness-Pt 3 (10/2/16)
Why didn’t God answer my prayer?!? This is a struggle Christians always run into. Maybe God just hasn’t answered it YET. Maybe He did answer it and it wasn’t the answer you were looking for so you didn’t recognize the answer. Or, sometimes it’s because the connection between you and God has been blocked. Blocked by a Prayer Whammy! Read on to find out more…
Read MoreBecoming Agents of Holiness- Pt 2 (9/25/16)
“The Power of Intercessory Prayer” Pastor Jim is preaching a sermon series on Prayer, entitled “Becoming Objects of Holiness.” Last week, he introduced the series by challenging us with the importance of prayer, and highlighting the importance of praying together (“Corporate Prayer”). In this week’s sermon, he reminded us of the power that comes when we pray for others (“Intercessory Prayer”). Peter was in jail, about to be executed, and his friends...
Read MoreBecoming Agents of Holiness- Pt 1 (9/18/16)
Pastor Jim is beginning a sermon series on Prayer, entitled “Becoming Objects of Holiness.” In this first week, he reminded us that prayer changes us; it doesn’t change God. In order to grow into holiness and to be an “agent” that God can use to His glory, we must develop an active and growing prayer life. And it’s important that we pray together as a family of believers in “Corporate Prayer.” Yeah- I can go into my “prayer closet”...
Read MorePrayer: Steering Wheel or Spare Tire???
The next time you get into your car, notice what you do. It’s all habit so you probably haven’t even thought about it. But chances are, you sit down, buckle up, and then you start the engine. But before you go, what’s the first part of the car you touch? Or put it this way… do you start out by touching the Steering Wheel or do you instantly go to the Spare Tire?
Read MoreIf My People (7/3/16)
It’s July 3rd and tomorrow we’ll turn to our traditions of hot dogs, parades, and fireworks to celebrate the birth of our country. So how do we prepare for this?
God has given us a roadmap in 2 Chronicles that shows us how to be true “patriots” who seek the healing of our land. God is calling “His People” to constantly turn to God in humble prayer, to seek His face, and to change. IF we grow in our relationship by doing these things, God will “heal our land.”
Read MorePray Daily for Our Missionaries
Pray for Our Missionaries! How often have you greeted a missionary who spoke at our church on a Sunday and promised to “keep them in our prayers” when they return to the mission field? For those of us who have never been a “Missionary” in the traditional sense, it’s difficult to imagine their needs. It’s hard to know what to pray for. Our missions offerings are sent directly to the missionaries that PUMC helps to support. And a portion of UMC Shared...
Read MoreDaily Thanksgiving Prayer Meditation
What am I thankful for? Most of us could probably name friends, family, home, or other material blessings. But how do you develop a Thankful Attitude? How do you get into the mode where you can see God’s hand in everything, and then become truly thankful? The following video was produced by the United Methodist Church, and helps to lead you into a time of Thankful meditation. Close the door, turn off the phone, lock out the distractions, and allow yourself to see God… ...
Read Morei-Phone? i-Pad?!? Turn them off and say “I Pray”!!!
On September 4, 2015 the following message was posted on our signboard: I-PHONE? I-PAD? I PRAY!!! Do we get so caught up in our gadgets that we forget to pray? Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are great ways to keep in touch with friends across the miles. But we’ve all heard stories (and have seen it first hand) when members of a family in a restaurant sit around the table staring at their smartphones instead of talking to each other. We waste chances to share with each other and...
Read MorePanic! Now What? (7/26/15)
On July 26, Pastor Jim was taking a much deserved vacation, so our sermon was given by Lay Servant Jim Kier. What do you do when your whole world is about to crash around you? What do you do when that moment hits you and you feel that you’re in serious danger? Jim’s scripture was John 6:1-21. Click the below “Play” button to start the recording of the message, then scroll down to read the scripture and to follow along with the sermon… John 6:1-21...
Read MoreDependence Upon God (7/5/15)
On July 4, we celebrated the independence of our country from England. But on July 5, Pastor Jim led us into a celebration of our DEPENDENCE on God. Our nation’s roots are founded on God, and we need to keep praying for all of our leaders. Click the below “play” button to start the recording, then scroll down to follow along… Our scripture was from 1 Timothy 2:1-7. Pastor Jim read from The Living Bible translation (paraphrase)… 1 Timothy 2:1-7 1 I...
Read MoreGood Thing God Doesn’t Take Vacations!
In May of 2015 the signboard said: GOOD THING GOD DOESN’T TAKE VACATIONS! We’re at the time of the season when school is about to close, the weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer… and people are thinking about getting away. When you’re on vacation, you’re away from the normal routine. You can put some distance between yourself and the concerns of life. You can even put some space between yourself and those who love and depend on you. When...
Read MoreHooks ‘n Needles Serves up Hugs ‘n Prayers During Sunday Worship (5/10/15)
On Sunday May 10, the Hooks and Needles for God group filled the altar rail with a colorful and soft array of blankets. Hooks and Needles makes these blankets to be given to people in times of special need; illness, births, or just when someone needs to know that the church is surrounding them in prayer. During the service, members gathered around the altar rail to pray over these blankets. The people receiving these blankets is not yet known (by us anyway…), but the prayers were made...
Read MoreBishop Calls for Prayer for Nepal and Baltimore (4/29/15)
In response to the earthquake in Nepal and recent events in Baltimore, Bishop Schol (bishop of our Greater NJ Annual Conference), sent the following message reminding us of the need for prayer and calling us to a weekend of prayer for these two specific needs. The message was sent on April 29, 2015… Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, I and United Methodists around the world grieve deeply about the impact of the earthquake in Nepal and the unrest in Baltimore. I call all of our...
Read MoreMen Retreat, and then Grow in Prayer (3/13-15 2015)
Our United Methodist Men’s Fellowship held our annual retreat during the weekend of March 13-15. For the past 14 years we have consistently held an annual retreat, and like the previous 13 retreats, we held this year’s retreat at the Black Rock Retreat Center in Quarryille PA (Lancaster County). About 20 of us traveled to Black Rock and spent the weekend in a time of serious reflection, prayer, worship, and- well- fun. Our speaker was Chris Johnson. Chris spoke to us during our...
Read MorePastor’s Ponderings: Lent is Calling
The following devotional was sent by Pastor Jim on 2/26/15… Greetings Friends: PLEASE READ: Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God” (NKJV). PLEASE READ: Isaiah 40:31 “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint” (NKJV). Can we agree that regular Bible reading, regular times of prayer, being faithful in worship, to name a few...
Read More2015 Lenten Devotional Books are Ready!
During the past few months, members of PUMC have written and collected a series of devotional readings to help us prepare for Easter during the season of Lent. The devotionals have been assembled into a booklet, and the booklets are now available. The Lenten Devotionals are now available in the Narthex. The book contains daily readings starting on Ash Wednesday (February 18) and continuing through Easter Sunday (April 5). Articles are written by members of PUMC as well as by members of Zion...
Read MorePastor’s Ponderings: What Makes One Weak?
The following thoughts were submitted by Pastor Jim on 1/15/15… Greetings Friends: PLEASE READ: Luke 18:1 “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up” (NIV). PLEASE READ: Ephesians 6:18 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (NIV). PLEASE READ: Acts 1:14 “They all joined together...
Read MoreTuesday Night Group Studying the Lord’s Prayer (11/18/14)
Tuesday Bible Study with Pastor Jim… Since the middle of October, Pastor Jim has been leading an in depth study of the Lord’s Prayer during the studies on Tuesdays. The classes are held in the morning at 9:30 and then again in the evening after dinner (starting at 7:00 PM). Both groups meet in the Potter’s Hand room (on the sanctuary balcony level). We’ve been taking it phrase by phrase… Our Father- Abba, Daddy. Prayer is real- not a vain repetition Heaven-...
Read MorePastor’s Ponderings: Help is Only a Prayer Away
The following devotional was submitted by Pastor Jim… Greetings Friends: PLEASE READ: Luke 11:1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray….,” Some of you may have seen the Walt Disney movie “Snow Dogs.” It tells the story of a dentist whose name is Ted Brooks, who inherits a cabin and a dogsled team in Alaska. His efforts to master dog sledding are recorded in the film as...
Read MorePay Phones are Gone, but Prayer Still Works!
With the universal use of cell phones, the pay phones which once dotted our downtown have all but vanished. Outside of the Jake’s on Broadway restaurant in Pitman, a former pay phone has taken on a new and creative purpose… Communication… The ways we communicate with each other have changed dramatically over the years. And, they will continue to change as technology advances. But the ways in which we communicate with God are time tested and dependable. We can communicate...
Read MoreWorld Day of Prayer (3/7/14)
Our church hosted the annual World Day of Prayer observance on Friday March 7. This is an ecumenical event that is supported by many of the churches in Pitman; about 50 people attended this afternoon service. The program theme was entitled “Streams in the Desert,” and it revolved around the encounter of Jesus and the Samaritan women at the well (as related in John 4:1-42). The World Day of Prayer website gives more information about this year’s theme (Click Here)....
Read MoreSignboard: Prayer is a Real Tweet (3/1/14)
Twitter… People tweet all kinds of short messages. Some of it is really important stuff like, “I stepped outside and saw a leaf blow across my front lawn.” If you follow this person, you’ll get the privilege of reading insights like these all of the time. But what if somebody really, really important followed you? What if that important person actually read and cared about all of your tweets? Well, guess what? The Bible says that God “follows...
Read MoreWorld Day of Prayer (3/7/14)
Community World Day of Prayer… Our church will host the annual World Day of Prayer program on Friday March 7 at 1:00PM. This ecumenical event is sponsored by several Pitman churches and is open to any one in the community. Please join us as the women of Egypt engage us in conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. John 4:1-42
Read More