Meditation for June 22nd

(from a church window in Fringford, Oxfordshire, UK)

2 Samuel 22:1-7 (8-51) (NIV)

David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent men you save me. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.

The waves of death swirled about me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the LORD; I called out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears."

"Most of my songs are about Jesus. Most of my songs are about the idea that there is salvation, and that there is a Savior. But I won't mention his name in a song just to get a cheap play."

Peter Townsend

"No man is excluded from calling upon God, the gate of salvation is set open unto all men: neither is there any other thing which keepeth us back from entering in, save only our own unbelief."

John Calvin

Sunday, June 21st

It was an emotional morning at the First UMC - Sidney as we gathered to worship God as a community of faith and to bid farewell to Pastor Charles and Belinda Alkula.

Our worship began with lots of energy as joy appeared to be the order of the day. Carolyn Hays contributed the ministry of music while Tom Millman served as our lector and William Draper offered his services as acolyte.

Rilla Draper, with the assistance of grandson William and granddaughter, Grace, brought a "Conference Moment," highlighting some of the news from last week's Annual Conference session. Rilla also introduce some of the cast of animal puppets that we'll be seeing in the coming months!

The worship service included a litany of farewell as Pastor Charles and the congregation moved into a new relationship with the pastor's departure from Sidney this week.

Following the service, we gathered in the fellowship hall and shared cake and treats. Pastor Charles was presented with a cross inscribed with the Lord's Prayer and Belinda accepted a "traveling grace" token for their up-coming car trips.

The morning ended with Deloris Barnhart and members of the church gathering in the prayer room and Deloris being baptized into the Christian faith. She was also presented with a cross and with a prayer shawl (made by Arlene Christensen).

Please see all the pictures from today at this link.

Meditation for June 21st - Father's Day/First Day of Summer

(The early morning light, Stonehenge on the Summer Solstice)

1 Samuel 3:1-10 (The Message)
"The boy Samuel was serving God under Eli's direction. This was at a time when the revelation of God was rarely heard or seen. One night Eli was sound asleep (his eyesight was very bad—he could hardly see). It was well before dawn; the sanctuary lamp was still burning. Samuel was still in bed in the Temple of God, where the Chest of God rested.

Then God called out, "Samuel, Samuel!" Samuel answered, "Yes? I'm here." Then he ran to Eli saying, "I heard you call. Here I am." Eli said, "I didn't call you. Go back to bed." And so he did.

God called again, "Samuel, Samuel!" Samuel got up and went to Eli, "I heard you call. Here I am." Again Eli said, "Son, I didn't call you. Go back to bed." (This all happened before Samuel knew God for himself. It was before the revelation of God had been given to him personally.)

God called again, "Samuel!"—the third time! Yet again Samuel got up and went to Eli, "Yes? I heard you call me. Here I am." That's when it dawned on Eli that God was calling the boy. So Eli directed Samuel, "Go back and lie down. If the voice calls again, say, 'Speak, God. I'm your servant, ready to listen.'" Samuel returned to his bed.

Then God came and stood before him exactly as before, calling out, "Samuel! Samuel!" Samuel answered, "Speak. I'm your servant, ready to listen."
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Father's Day was first held in Spokane, Washington in 1910.

A Prayer for Men for Father's Day (Written for Father's Day 2008. Originally posted on Facebook)

"O Lord Our Heavenly Father: You, who adopt orphan children and care for the widows; You stand at the door staring at the horizon, desiring that your prodigal children come home. Bless fathers and men everywhere this day that the orphans may have role models, that the widows may be provided what they need, that the future men may see Christ reflected in the love of piggy-back rides and hard-learned lessons. Through Christ and the Spirit to the Father, Amen."

Byerly's Renewal of Wedding Vows

Thirty years ago this month (on June 30th), Dennis and Pam Byerly were wed and began a journey that brought them to the First UMC's chapel this afternoon for a renewal of their wedding vows. Pastor Charles officiated at the service which included the exchange of red rose buds.

Witnessing the event were children Michelle and Matt and his bride of seven months and Belinda Alkula. Following the service, everyone adjourned to the fellowship hall for cake and a time for sharing stories.

More pictures are available on the church photo album.

Meditation for June 20th

("Ruth and Naomi," by He Qi, 2001)

Ruth 4:13-22 (NIV)

"So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. Then he went to her, and the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi: "Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth." Then Naomi took the child, laid him in her lap and cared for him. The women living there said, "Naomi has a son." And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

This, then, is the family line of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, Boaz the father of Obed, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David."

"Rendering thanks to my Creator for my existence and station among His works, for my birth in a country enlightened by the Gospel and enjoying freedom, and for all His other kindnesses, to Him I resign myself, humbly confiding in His goodness and in His mercy through Jesus Christ for the events of eternity."
-John Dickinson, Signer of the Constitution, from his will

The Scouts are Here!

First UMC in Sidney served as host to Boy Scout Troop 158 from Kearney this evening. The Scouts, who are sponsored by Faith UMC in Kearney, are on their way to a camping/rafting event and stopped by in Sidney on their way west.

On Saturday morning, they'll be visiting Cabela's for a tour and then will be on their way for a two-week trip.

We are blessed by their presence and to be able to extend the hospitality of the First UMC family to these wonderful young men and their leaders.

Meditation for June 19th

(The Head and Helmet of the Statue of Freedom,
US Capitol Building)

Juneteenth or June 19, 1865, is considered the date when the last slaves in America were freed. Although the rumors of freedom were widespread prior to this, actual emancipation did not come until General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and issued General Order No. 3, on June 19, almost two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Prayer for Juneteenth: Father, I stretch my hand to thee--for no other help I know. Oh my rose of Sharon, my shelter in the time of storm. My prince of peace, my hope in this harsh land. We bow before you this morning to thank you for watching over us and taking care of us.

This morning you touched us and brought us out of the land of slumber, gave us another day--thank you Jesus. We realize that many that talked as we now talked, this morning when their names were called, they failed to answer. Their voices were hushed up in death. Their souls had taken a flight and gone back to the God that gave it, but not so with us.

We are thankful the sheet we covered with, was not our winding sheet, and the bed we slept on was not our cooling board. You spared us and gave us one more chance to pray. And Father, before we go further, we want to pause and thank you for forgiving our sins. Forgive all our wrong doings. We don't deserve it, but you lengthened out the brickly threads of our lives and gave us another chance to pray, and Lord for this we thank you...

Now Lord, when I've come to the end of my journey, when praying days are done and time for me shall be no more; when these knees have bowed for the last time, when I too, like all others must come in off the battlefield of life, when I'm through being 'buked and scorned, I pray for a home in glory. When I come down to the river of Jordan, hold the river still and let your servant cross over during a calm down.

Father, I'll be looking for that land where Job said the wicked would cease from troubling us and our weary souls would be at rest; over there where a thousand years is but a day in eternity, where I'll meet with loved ones and where I can sing praises to thee; and we can say with the saints of old, Free at Last, Free at Last, thank God almighty, I am free at last. Your servants prayer for Christ sake.

Amen!


-- traditional with additions from Reverend Wallace Evans (taken from Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom)

Vacation Bible School - The Final Day

The curtain came down on the final day of the 2009 Vacation Bible School and with the sound of God's children ringing into the night, we can pause and offer a hearty, AMEN!

The final day of VBS was conducted in the sanctuary with each of the classes offering up praises to God with the musical selections of Crocodile Dock. What a wonderful scene - children of all ages, dancing and singing their of their joy in the Lord.

We ended the evening with a fantastic potluck, with everyone sampling the fare and sharing the enthusiasm of VBS, it was the perfect way to bring VBS to an end for this year.

Please be sure to visit each day's photos on Flickr:

Sunday - Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday

Meditation for June 18th

(Deborah Under The Palm Tree, by Adriene Cruz)

Judges 5:1-9 (New International Version) (the first part of The Song of Deborah)

"On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song:"When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves— praise the LORD!

"Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I will sing to the LORD, I will sing; I will make music to the LORD, the God of Israel. O LORD, when you went out from Seir, when you marched from the land of Edom, the earth shook, the heavens poured, the clouds poured down water. The mountains quaked before the LORD, the One of Sinai, before the LORD, the God of Israel.

In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the roads were abandoned; travelers took to winding paths. Village life in Israel ceased, ceased until I, Deborah, arose, arose a mother in Israel. When they chose new gods, war came to the city gates, and not a shield or spear was seen among forty thousand in Israel. My heart is with Israel's princes, with the willing volunteers among the people. Praise the LORD!"

"If we do not know ourselves to be full of pride, ambition, lust, weakness, misery, and injustice, we are indeed blind. And if, knowing this, we do not desire deliverance, what can we say of a man...?” -Blaise Pascal

“Out of suffering comes the serious mind; out of salvation, the grateful heart; out of endurance, fortitude; out of deliverance, faith.” -John Ruskin

Vacation Bible School - Day #4

A picture-perfect day in Cheyenne County served as host to an energetic gathering of children for the fourth day of VBS! Learning more about our amazing God was in store, following another wonderful supper!

Tomorrow evening will be the end of VBS 2009 and our time at Crocodile Dock. The children will be wearing their VBS shirts, and the singing will really rock the house of the LORD! Everyone is invited to join us at the First UMC in Sidney for a potluck meal together, and then we will experience the VBS 2009 grand finale! Praise be to God!!!

Pictures from today may be found on this link.

News and notes for this coming Weekend

There are some exciting things happening in our church this weekend:

Dennis & Pam Byerly will be renewing their wedding vows in a quiet ceremony Saturday afternoon. Please lift up the Byerly's as they mark this family milestone.

Annual Conference display: Rilla Draper and Pastor Charles have brought a large assortment of brochure, pamphlets, etc. from Annual Conference which offer a glimpse of the ministries we can be involved in. Please stop by the tables and if you see something that interests you, pick it up and get going!

Farewell Reception: We will be saying farewell to Pastor Charles and Belinda following the worship service on June 21st. Please come and share cake and refreshments.

Meditation for June 17th

(The River Jordan)

Joshua 1:1-9 (The Message)
"After the death of Moses the servant of God, God spoke to Joshua, Moses' assistant: "Moses my servant is dead. Get going. Cross this Jordan River, you and all the people. Cross to the country I'm giving to the People of Israel. I'm giving you every square inch of the land you set your foot on—just as I promised Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon east to the Great River, the Euphrates River—all the Hittite country—and then west to the Great Sea. It's all yours. All your life, no one will be able to hold out against you. In the same way I was with Moses, I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take."

"Even the upper end of the river believes in the ocean." - William Stafford

Vacation Bible School - Day #3

Well, the rain held off until after the third night of Vacation Bible School (VBS) and the enthusiasm of the children echoed from every corner of the church! After the gathering music, it was down to the fellowship hall for another fantastic meal provided by Dennis Byerly and his able assistants!

Tonight's pictures may be found at this link.

Meditation for June 16th

(The Shema Mandala)

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NIV)
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."

"Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear."
-President Thomas Jefferson

Vacation Bible School - Day #2

The second day of Vacation Bible School (VBS) went off without a hitch this afternoon, even with the rain that broke as the program was about to begin.

The energy brought by the children was matched by the wonderful volunteers that are helping. After the fantastic homemade mac-n-cheese by Dennis Byerly, the children went to their opening groups for fast-paced lessons, crafts, music, and more!

Today's pictures may be found here.

Meditation for June 15th

(The peak of Jebel Haroun from the distance, near Petra, Jordan)

Numbers 6:22-27 (NIV)
"The LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."

"So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them."
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“May God give you...For every storm a rainbow, for every tear a smile, for every care a promise and a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sigh a sweet song and an answer for each prayer.” -Irish Blessing

“My imperfections and failures are as much a blessing from God as my successes and my talents and I lay them both at his feet.” -Mahatma Ghandi

Vacation Bible School Is Underway!

More than 150 children and volunteers made their way to the First UMC in Sidney this afternoon for the start of the 2009 Vacation Bible School (VBS). This year, we are hosting a combined VBS with Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (Sidney). Many thanks to Elizabeth Draper for spearheading the effort. The result of all of the planning was an energetic, "Amen!"

The pictures from today are available here.

UMW Sunday at First UMC - Sidney

The ladies of the United Methodist Women were in charge of the worship service this morning and what a joy it was to be a part of it all!

Schatzie Gillming, from Bushnell, NE, was the guest speaker and brought the message entitled, "How does your garden grow." Her message was based on Mark 4:26-34 and gave everyone plenty to consider over the dinner table!

Bonnie Thompson was the lector, Janet Rosenbaum gave the children's message, and Rosalie Wilson and Arlene Christensen served as ushers. William Draper stepped forward to fill the roll of acolyte, thanks, William!

The church was filled with reminders that Vacation Bible School (VBS) begins tonight! The crocodiles, fireflies, turtles and more residents of Crocodile Dock could be seen all over the church! What a great week of sharing the word of God this is going to be! VBS pictures may be seen here.

More picture from this morning are available here.