Our William Draper Placed Second in His Division in Today's Derby!

Our very own William Draper participated in today's Pinewood Derby here in Sidney. His car finished second in his division!

Hey, William, your church family celebrates your success with you!

Lenten Devotional - #4

Psalm 10 (The Message)
1-2 God, are you avoiding me? Where are you when I need you? Full of hot air, the wicked are hot on the trail of the poor. Trip them up, tangle them up in their fine-tuned plots.

3-4 The wicked are windbags, the swindlers have foul breath. The wicked snub God, their noses stuck high in the air. Their graffiti are scrawled on the walls: "Catch us if you can!" "God is dead."

5-6 They care nothing for what you think; if you get in their way, they blow you off. They live (they think) a charmed life: "We can't go wrong. This is our lucky year!"

7-8 They carry a mouthful of hexes, their tongues spit venom like adders. They hide behind ordinary people, then pounce on their victims.

9 They mark the luckless, then wait like a hunter in a blind; When the poor wretch wanders too close, they stab him in the back.

10-11 The hapless fool is kicked to the ground, the unlucky victim is brutally axed. He thinks God has dumped him, he's sure that God is indifferent to his plight.

12-13 Time to get up, God—get moving. The luckless think they're Godforsaken. They wonder why the wicked scorn God and get away with it, Why the wicked are so cocksure
they'll never come up for audit.

14 But you know all about it— the contempt, the abuse. I dare to believe that the luckless will get lucky someday in you. You won't let them down: orphans won't be orphans forever.

15-16 Break the wicked right arms, break all the evil left arms. Search and destroy
every sign of crime. God's grace and order wins; godlessness loses.

17-18 The victim's faint pulse picks up; the hearts of the hopeless pump red blood
as you put your ear to their lips. Orphans get parents, the homeless get homes. The reign of terror is over, the rule of the gang lords is ended.

Prayer for Saturday

Loving creator, I am not asking to overcome my weakness, but to use it in some way to glorify you. Let me be aware of the many ways you reach out to help me today and let me stand in awe of the power that you use in such loving ways.

(Creighton Univ. online Ministry)

Viewing of "Chocolat" Tonight at the Parsonage

Eleven of us gathered at the parsonage tonight for a meal of pizza, salad and CHOCOLATE (what else, right?!). And then we viewed the movie "Chocolat." The food was good, and the company was wonderful! Thanks to Pam and Dennis for the yummy garlic bread they brought! And the chocolate desserts were... well, they were sublime! Thanks to Courtney for surprising us with some of her awesome home-baked brownies, and the buckeye candy she brought was great too!

This Sunday night, we will meet at the church at 6:00 p.m. to begin our Lenten study based on the storyline in this movie. We will meet every Sunday night in March. Pastor Charles promises a different chocolate to sample each Sunday night... so come one... come all! It should be prove to be a very interesting and delicious study!

Chocolat: The Movie (a brief synopsis for those who couldn't come tonight)...

Chocolat is set in 1959 in a quiet village in the French countryside, where people believe, we are told in the film’s opening lines, in tranquilité. However, the town’s tranquility is shattered when the unmarried Vianne (Juliet Binoche) blows into town on a strange north wind with her young daughter and opens a chocolaterie during Lent. Although the villagers are both attracted to and wary of Vianne and her chocolate shop, the town’s pious mayor (Alfred Molina) sees her as a serious threat. The town’s passions are further aroused as Vianne meddles in the affairs of the locals including a battered wife and a village elder (Judi Dench) who is estranged from her daughter. Tensions reach a peak when Vianne stands up for some river drifters led by Roux (Johnny Depp).


Christ and the Chocolaterie: A Lenten Study

Sunday night, we will begin a Lenten study that was developed by Anglican author Hilary Brand. The course is part Bible study and part film discussion group inspired by the popular film Chocolat. Using clips from the film and passages from Scripture, the study explores issues of the power of giving, especially the gifts of encouragement, acceptance, and hospitality; welcoming the stranger; accepting difference; and how we learn from our experiences to enable change and growth.

Lenten Devotional - #3

Psalm 7 (The Message):
1-2 God! God! I am running to you for dear life; the chase is wild. If they catch me, I'm finished: ripped to shreds by foes fierce as lions, dragged into the forest and left unlooked for, unremembered.

3-5 God, if I've done what they say— betrayed my friends, ripped off my enemies—
If my hands are really that dirty, let them get me, walk all over me, leave me flat on my face in the dirt.

6-8 Stand up, God; pit your holy fury against my furious enemies. Wake up, God. My accusers have packed the courtroom; it's judgment time. Take your place on the bench, reach for your gavel, throw out the false charges against me. I'm ready, confident in your verdict: "Innocent."

9-11 Close the book on Evil, God, but publish your mandate for us. You get us ready for life: you probe for our soft spots, you knock off our rough edges. And I'm feeling so fit, so safe: made right, kept right. God in solemn honor does things right, but his nerves are sandpapered raw.

11-13 Nobody gets by with anything. God is already in action— Sword honed on his whetstone, bow strung, arrow on the string, lethal weapons in hand, each arrow a flaming missile.

14 Look at that guy! He had sex with sin, he's pregnant with evil. Oh, look! He's having the baby—a Lie-Baby!

15-16 See that man shoveling day after day, digging, then concealing, his man-trap
down that lonely stretch of road? Go back and look again—you'll see him in it headfirst, legs waving in the breeze. That's what happens: mischief backfires;
violence boomerangs.

17 I'm thanking God, who makes things right. I'm singing the fame of heaven-high God.

Prayer for the first Friday in Lent:
Lord, I know how much you love me. It’s hard for me to feel it sometimes, but I know your love is always with me. Help me to use your love as a way to persevere in my Lenten intentions. I am weak, but I know with your help, I can use these small sacrifices in my life to draw closer to you. Amen.
(Creighton Univ. Online Ministries)

Lenten Devotional - #2

Lent is underway and with it a time of reflection and purpose. What will this season mean to you come Easter morning?






Our Psalm for today is Psalm 4: (The Message)
1 When I call, give me answers. God, take my side! Once, in a tight place, you gave me room; Now I'm in trouble again: grace me! hear me!

2 You rabble—how long do I put up with your scorn? How long will you lust after lies? How long will you live crazed by illusion?

3 Look at this: look who got picked by God! He listens the split second I call to him.

4-5 Complain if you must, but don't lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.

6-7 Why is everyone hungry for more? "More, more," they say. "More, more." I have God's more-than-enough, more joy in one ordinary day

7-8 Than they get in all their shopping sprees. At day's end I'm ready for sound sleep, for you, God, have put my life back together.

Prayer for the Thursday after Ash Wednesday (from Creighton Univ. Online Ministry)

Lord, let everything I do this day and in this season of Lent come from you, be inspired by you. I long to be closer to you.

Help me to remember that nothing is important in my life unless it glorifies you in some way. It's so easy to get caught up in the day to day of my life and keep saying, "Tomorrow, I will spend more time in prayer," but now my longing meets your love and I want to do it now. Help me to rely on you for help. The prayer asks you that I reach perfection. Please, Lord, remind me that "perfection" isn't the crazy, "successful" way I try to live my life, but a reflection of my most authentic, real self. My "perfection" might be holding my many flaws in my open hands, asking you to help me accept them. Heal me, Lord, and help me to find you in the darkness of my life. Let me reach out in this darkness and feel your hand and love there to guide me. Amen.

Ash Wednesday Service

Our season of Lent began in earnest tonight with a time of worship. It was a time to offer our confession to God, to share in the imposition of ashes and to celebrate the grace offered to us in Holy Communion.

William Draper assisted Pastor Charles with the bringing of ashes and oil into the service. Seth McMillen assisted in the serving of communion. It speaks very well of these two young men (and the church that nurtures them) when they seek ways to be involved in their church at such a young age.

The Lenten journey has begun. Let us journey to Easter together!

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of the Lenten journey that will take us to the cross and beyond. May your journey be fruitful, and may your Easter be blessed as a result.

Each day during Lent, I will be offering a Psalm and a prayer to read which I hope will serve as a link between you, the reader, and the rest of the faith community.

Psalm 1 (The Message)
1How well God must like you— you don't hang out at Sin Saloon, you don't slink along Dead-End Road, you don't go to Smart-Mouth College.
2-3 Instead you thrill to God's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, never dropping a leaf, always in blossom.
4-5 You're not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust — Without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people.
6 God charts the road you take. The road they take is Skid Row.

Prayer of Saint Augustine of Hippo (AD 354 -430)
O Lord,
The house of my soul is narrow;
enlarge it that you may enter in.
It is ruinous, O repair it!
It displeases Your sight.
I confess it, I know.
But who shall cleanse it,
to whom shall I cry but to you?
Cleanse me from my secret faults, O Lord,
and spare Your servant from strange sins.

A Message to the People of The United Methodist Church

A Message to the People of The United Methodist Church from the President of the Council of Bishops, Chair of the Table of General Secretaries, and the Chair of the Connectional Table

The global financial crisis is bringing hardship and suffering to people in every part of the world. For those in wealthy nations, it causes anxiety and uncertainty about declining pension accounts and the threat of lost jobs. Others are coping with unemployment and foreclosed mortgages. And for still others who live in places with scarce resources or exist in conditions of poverty, it means empty stomachs, lack of care for urgent health needs, and no prospects to earn a day's bread.

The International Labor Organization projects a loss of 50 million jobs globally by the end of 2009. The World Bank warns that an additional 53 million people will fall into poverty (living on less than $2 per day) and that 200,000 to 400,000 more children will die by 2015 if the crisis persists.

Local congregations, annual conferences, and the general agencies likewise face economic constraints, requiring them to reassess how they carry out ministry and to seek greater effectiveness and economies while keeping focused on loving God and neighbor.

In addition, the crisis is generating increasing global unrest and violence, creating even more misery and an insecure world. It is a prophetic reminder that our destiny as a worldwide community and a global church is interwoven with complex bonds of prosperity, security, dignity, and justice. We are no more secure than the most vulnerable among us; no more prosperous than the poorest; and no more assured of justice and dignity than those who live in the shadows of power, void of fairness and equity. We reclaim anew Jesus' teaching, “as you [cared for] the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Matt 25:40), as an urgent appeal for how we can live today.

At all times, but especially in fearful and dangerous days, we followers of Jesus are called to live in hope and in the assurance that God is present with us. Facing hard times, the Apostle Paul asked: “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:35 and 37, 39).

To the Israelites, having lost everything and living in exile, God offered assurance: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you” (Is. 41:10). The psalmists are similarly convinced: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear” (Ps. 46:1, 2).

With this firm assurance that the whole of creation lives within the embrace of a loving God, we are confident that the Four Areas of Focus for the mission and ministry of the people of The United Methodist Church affirmed by General Conference 2008 are among the most important ways we faithfully bear witness to the Gospel. We urgently need principled Christian leaders for the church and the world. People searching for meaning are seeking new places of welcome and hospitality for worship, prayer, and spiritual growth. It is abundantly evident that United Methodists must engage in ministry with the poor and tackle the diseases of poverty that rob people of the fullness of life, health, and wholeness.

As we enter into the season of Lent we are called to reflection, repentance, and sacrificial living. Lent is a time of preparation when we look beyond human frailty and the brokenness of the world to resurrection, hope, and new life. We are reminded that our faith does not rise and fall with the financial markets but resides in the enduring love of God who is present with us as we struggle and strive to love God and our neighbors. This Lent can be a time when we recommit to practice every day the Wesleyan values to do no harm, do good and stay in love with God.

A churchwide conversation is asking that we envision ways to reinvigorate our outreach to a hurting world and offer hospitality to those seeking deeper spiritual understanding. Local congregations are engaging in self-examination to “Rethink Church” and strengthen their outreach beyond the doors of the church buildings. Annual Conferences are working to ensure the human rights of the poor, to address the diseases of poverty, and to offer direct intervention to relieve human needs arising from poverty, including those of women and children in local communities and of persons who lack opportunity for artistic expression.

The general agencies of the church are finding ways together to achieve economies and assure greater effectiveness in support of annual conferences and local churches. Information on the Four Areas of Focus can be found by contacting the general agencies of the church directly and at www.umc.org/focusareas.

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18) calls for individual and corporate responsibility. John Wesley wrote, “The gospel of Christ knows of no religion, but social. No holiness but social holiness. Faith working by love is the length and breadth and depth and height of Christian perfection” (Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1739, ¶ 5).

As we pray and reflect this Lenten season, may we embrace life with hope, expectancy, and the assurance that God through Christ Jesus is calling us to prepare our hearts, minds, and hands to work for the New Creation. And may we nurture and care for one another and for those to whom we are inextricably connected by God’s grace around the world.

With expectancy and hope,

Bishop Gregory Palmer - President, Council of Bishops
Neil M. Alexander - Chair, The Table of General Secretaries
Bishop John Hopkins - Chair, The Connectional Table


OPEN HEARTS. OPEN Minds. OPEN DOORS.
The people of the United Methodist Church

Shrove Tuesday is here

A wonderful Tuesday is in full-swing here in Cheyenne County, and the fellowship of the First UMC is taking advantage of this gift from God!

Two study groups and a prayer team met this morning and offered participants an opportunity for growth and fellowship.

Belinda Alkula, Jim Joyce and Tom Millman were here cleaning the church. Marilyn Wiles and Cindy Phillips were hard at work updating membership rolls. Rilla Draper was organizing closets. Thanks to all of these faithful souls!!! Pastor Charles took the contributions made by the congregation to the local community food pantry. They were really appreciative of the thirty bags contributed!

Arlene Christensen brought in a shawl to be blessed this coming week. A prayer shawl was selected for Bonnie Thompson's mother, Thurma Gibbins, who turns 95 this week.

Looking forward to the start of Lent tomorrow. Our Ash Wednesday service will begin at 6:30 p.m.

A night of O.P.T.I.M.I.S.M.

The night was filled with the sounds of O.P.T.I.M.I.S.M. (Ogallala Puppet Team In Ministry Including Signing and Mime) and what a night it was!

We began with a potluck in the fellowship hall with tables groaning with a wonderful assortment of the best home cooking anywhere! Wow, does this church know how to cook or what?!!!

The team from Ogallala offered an energetic program which really had something for everyone. Over 130 attended the program and children of all ages came away with a real appreciation for the talent and passion the team brought into our midst!!!

For all the pictures from the event, please see this link.

Transfiguration Sunday, February 22, 2009

What a glorious day we have been given in which to praise our God!!! The people of God assembled this morning for study, fellowship and worship. The sounds of activity were heard all over the church building.

The community of faith answered the appeal for food for the community food pantry (at the Salvation Army in Sidney) with a shopping cart which overflowed when the morning was done.

Following worship this morning, Pam Arrington (chair of the worship team) gathered some volunteers to set up the crosses that will stand as witnesses during the Lenten season on the 11th Avenue side of the church. Our thanks go to these stalwart volunteers for their help: Pam Arrington, Chase Frerichs, Jarma Frerichs, Belinda Alkula, Bob & Sandy Long and Shirley Oliverius!

The day isn't over yet. The OPTIMISM puppet ministry is setting up in our sanctuary even as this post is being typed. The potluck starts downstairs at 5:30 p.m. And the OPTIMISM presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. See you tonight!

Prayer Shawl for Clare Surber

This afternoon our church was able to share the love of Christ with Clare Surber in the form of a prayer shawl (crafted by Sheila Hammitt). The look of peace on Clare's face was priceless and reflects the joy of those who have the peace of Christ in their heart.

Please continue to lift Clare and Marge Surber up in your prayers.

Daisy Day at FUMC - Sidney

The church was bursting with energy this morning and into the early afternoon as dozens of Daisies, Girl Scouts and their leaders took part in "Daisy Day."

It was such a wonderful scene, the creativity and excitement generated by the leaders being matched by the limitless energy of the young ladies!

Local artist, J. L. McElroy was on hand to help the Daisies in the creating of artwork that will be auctioned off in order to raise funds for future Scouting projects. Their thank-you note to the church is the first picture posted above; they signed their names over beautiful flowers!

Upstairs, over a dozen Girl Scouts were taking part in a CPR class being offered by a staff member of the Memorial Health Center. It was special to see young women taking the time from the weekend to learn about this important skill.

We are so blessed to have the space to share with the future leaders of our community!

It's Time for Announcements!

The community food bank (at the Salvation Army) is in need of our help. The food bank is an essential lifeline to those in our community who are feeling the effects of these uncertain economy. Please bring non-perishable items to church on Sunday and help our brothers and sisters by sharing with them some of the essentials of life.

The OPTIMISM (Ogallala Puppet Team in Ministry Including Signing and Mime) group will be presenting their energetic program Sunday in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. We'll share a congregational potluck at 5:30 p.m. Please use this opportunity to invite a family member, friend or random strangers you meet this weekend to the meal and the OPTIMISM program!

Lent starts next Wednesday . Please join the community of faith for the Ash Wednesday service beginning at 6:30 p.m. Let's come together for the start of the Lenten journey that will guide us to Easter morning.

Pastor Charles and Belinda are hosting the viewing of "Chocolat" next Friday (27th) at the parsonage at 6:00 p.m. (with pizza and chocolate included!). The Lenten study, "Chocolate for Lent" begins March 1st at 6:00 p.m. at the church. All are welcome!

The Ladies of the UMW Morning Circle

This morning, it was delightful to hear the sounds flowing from the "round table" room downstairs.

Sixteen ladies from both the evening and morning circles assembled for a time of sharing, reflection, and work! Marilee Rowan presented the devotional and the treats were so tasty, which was a good thing considering the work that was to be done by the members. Belinda Alkula brought a candle that was lit in honor of Lois Thayer, a long-time member of the UMW whose funeral was yesterday morning.

Following the business portion of the gathering, cookies, candies, and fruit were piled high on plates and delivered to 25 members of our congregation. What a joy it was to see these women working together and sharing the richness of fellowship with those who appreciate the gesture so very much!

Evening UMW Circle, Feb. 18th

A very full day here at the First UMC was capped off with a meeting of the UMW's Evening Circle.

Edie Baumbach and Norma Long provided the treats, Rosalie Wilson provided the program featuring a book report from the 2009 UMW Reading program. Bonnie Thompson gave the devotional and Judy Rosenbaum offered some insights from the Winter School of Christian Mission that she attended in Scottsbluff.

So much is happening - come and be a part of the UMW!

Vacation Bible School planning

It is hard to believe it in mid-February, but Vacation Bible School (VBS) is right around the corner! This year's theme is "Crocodile Dock," and it promises to be a real treat for everyone involved!

Tonight, teachers from Holy Trinty Lutheran Church (ELCA) and our First United Methodist Church of Sidney met to begin plans for a joint-VBS program scheduled for June 14-18. This effort will be held in the evenings, and it will include an adult VBS led by Pastor Charles.

Stay tuned for additional information in the weeks and months to come!

P.S. Any youth or adults who might be interested in volunteering their time during VBS 2009 are invited to talk to Elizabeth Draper, superintendent of Christian studies.

Lois Thayer Funeral Service

Several hundred assembled in the sanctuary this morning, braving the wintry weather, to pay tribute to the life and faith of Lois Thayer.

Special music was provided by Donna Pucket on piano and Dick Hall who sang two beautiful songs composed by Dr. James E. Thayer. The two songs, "Land of the Singing Sky" and "I Believe" added so much to the service and to the memory of this special woman.

We appreciate the efforts of the team of church members who worked together to provide the luncheon afterwards. Special thanks are extended to Margaret Sprenger for coordinating this ministry of hospitality to the Thayer family.

More photos from the service and preparations may be found at this link.

More Prayer Shawls Being Sent Out

Three more prayer shawls were sent out today. What a blessing this ministry is to all connected to it!

One shawl was sent to Marilyn Wilmoth, wife of the Rev. Dr. Rod Wilmoth. Dr. Wilmoth was pastor of this church from 1973-1977 and passed away in Tuscon, AZ on February 11th. Our prayers are with Marilyn and the Wilmoth family during this time of grieving.

Two shawls were sent to the Revs. Deborah and Ted Stowers. They are pastors in the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church. They will appreciate the thoughts and prayers of their brothers and sisters in Christ in Sidney, Nebraska.

Food Pantry Needs Our Help!

This morning, Kerri Sheldon, chair of the Outreach Ministries, took donations received at the church to the Salvation Army community food bank. She reported that this ministry, which is supported by many churches in the county, is in need of replenishing.

There are many in our county who have come to rely on the help provided in this manner. Please remember to come to church on Sunday, and bring non-perishable food which will help our brothers and sisters in need.

Have you signed up for "Chocolat" yet?

There are still places available for this year's Lenten study, "Chocolate for Lent."

In order to get ourselves ready, we'll be gathering at the parsonage for a screening of "Chocolat" on Friday, February 27th at 6 p.m. (The dinner menu is pizza and... naturally.... chocolate!)

Our study will begin on Sunday, March 1st at 6:00 p.m. at the church.

Faithful Servants at Work!

Tom Millman and Jim Joyce were "johnny's-on-the-spot" this morning, helping to clean the church in preparation for Lois Thayer's funeral service on Wednesday.

In the afternoon, Cody Armbruster and Whitney Armbruster stopped by the church (on a school day off!) to help with the church cleaning.

Praise God for faithful servants who are willing to pitch in and share the work of the church!