Sidney (Nebraska) First United Methodist Church

Meditation July 29th

2009-07-29T07:19:00.000-06:00

Spiritual Dryness - Henri Nouwen

Sometimes we experience a terrible dryness in our spiritual life. We feel no desire to pray, don't experience God's presence, get bored with worship services, and even think that everything we ever believed about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is little more than a childhood fairy tale.

Then it is important to realize that most of these feelings and thoughts are just feelings and thoughts, and that the Spirit of God dwells beyond our feelings and thoughts. It is a great grace to be able to experience God's presence in our feelings and thoughts, but when we don't, it does not mean that God is absent. It often means that God is calling us to a greater faithfulness. It is precisely in times of spiritual dryness that we must hold on to our spiritual discipline so that we can grow into new intimacy with God.

Meditation for July 24th

2009-07-24T06:57:00.002-06:00

Overcoming Our Mood Swings - Henri Nouwen

Are we condemned to be passive victims of our moods? Must we simply say: "I feel great today" or "I feel awful today," and require others to live with our moods?

Although it is very hard to control our moods, we can gradually overcome them by living a well-disciplined spiritual life. This can prevent us from acting out of our moods. We might not "feel" like getting up in the morning because we "feel" that life is not worth living, that nobody loves us, and that our work is boring. But if we get up anyhow, to spend some time reading the Gospels, praying the Psalms, and thanking God for a new day, our moods may lose their power over us.

Meditation for July 22nd

2009-07-22T07:27:00.004-06:00

What Worship Does - Max Lucado

“You who fear the LORD, praise Him!” Psalm 22:23 NKJV

Worship humbles the smug and lifts the deflated.

Worship adjusts us, lowering the chin of the haughty, straightening the back of the burdened.

Worship properly positions the worshiper. And oh how we need it! We walk through life so bent out of shape. Five-talent folks swaggering: “I bet God’s glad to have me.” Two-talent folks struggling: “I bet God’s sick of putting up with me.” So sold on ourselves that we think someone died and made us ruler. Or so down on ourselves that we think everyone died and just left us.

Treat both conditions with worship.

1 of 365 devotionals in Grace for the Moment, Volume II
Originally printed in Cure for the Common Life

*****

How do you worship? How do you praise God? Is it just on Sundays? Is it just at your church?

Psalm 100:1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

Worship is something between you and God. You don't have to worship him in a building, or just on Sunday mornings. Worship seems like such an old term... PRAISE is more like it.

Praise God for the day he has awoken you to.

Praise God for your family and friends that surround you.

Praise God for the music to dance to, the joys to laugh, the tears to cry.

Praise God for life, and death.

Praise God for hope, and fear.

Praise God for EVERYTHING! EVERYDAY!

So many people worship in different ways. I feel that I worship and praise God the most when I'm in my car singing to myself, or dancing around with my iPod. Some people meditate. Some people take quite walks. Others join friends at a coffee shop to talk about life.

If you worship or praise just one way, try something different. Break out of your shell and the box you have always been in. If you read quitely in the morning to give your thanks to God and have your God time. Invite a friend for Coffee/Tea/Cold Soda and just talk about life.

We need to refresh our faith, and praise and worship God for each day he gives us to live. Each day he gives us family and friends to be with. Each day for our life.

But, we must also praise him in our storms. When we worship with others, we make a connection that will not falter in our storms. They will be our stronghold with God to help us through the rough waves, that feel like we are going to capsize. We need those friends to be able to help bail out the water of our boat so we make it through, though we may be holding on for dear life. And we need to praise God in our storms, because when the storm finally retreats, and the storm is finally over....the Praise will be so much bigger. We may not understand the hard times or rough sails we stumble upon, but God will never falter.

So may a joyful noise, any noise to God! He didn't make us all perfect singers, but we find ways to worship. Explore new ways to voice your joy, praise, worship, adoration and love to God each day, outside the walls of the church, with friends and family, anyway you can!

~Courtney S-B~

Meditation for July 21st

2009-07-21T07:38:00.004-06:00

Crossing the Road for One Another - Henri Nouwen

Mark 12:28-31
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: '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 mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

We become neighbors when we are willing to cross the road for one another. There is so much separation and segregation: between black people and white people, between gay people and straight people, between young people and old people, between sick people and healthy people, between prisoners and free people, between Jews and Gentiles, Muslims and Christians, Protestants and Catholics, Greek Catholics and Latin Catholics.

There is a lot of road crossing to do. We are all very busy in our own circles. We have our own people to go to and our own affairs to take care of. But if we could cross the street once in a while and pay attention to what is happening on the other side, we might become neighbors.

*****

I recieved this in an email via Henri Nouwen's site. I've read a handful of his books, and I have gotten a lot out of them. I suggest everyone to read "Life of the Beloved" especially if you are currently serving the church or another ministry, so therefore, everyone should read it.

As I read the above, all I could think of was Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech, specifically the last part of it:

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith with which I return to the South. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous peaks of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and every molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

You can find his full speech here.

Have we come so far, to not be judging of other? MLK Jr made this speech in 1963, wanting equality for all. Though the barriers of segregation has come down, do you find your self segregating from others? The front porch sitting communities that have become a thing of the past, turning into back porch grilling, with privacy fencing. Though we may not be segregating people because of skin color, we still segregate the world from ourselves. How can we change our perceptive in life to find a way to commuicate with our neighbors and have a 'front porch sitting' relationship with them? "Love your neighbor as yourself."

I don't have the answer, not has God graced me with reason today. More of food for thought. I know I fall short as well in this manner. I've lived at my house since November, and just a few months back, I started talking to my neighbor, and I couldn't tell you what prohibited me. But I love saying hello to both he and his wife, and seeing them smile when I get a chance to chat. I don't know if its made a difference to them, but it does to me, to see them smile just chatting about life and family.

~Courtney S-B~

Upcoming Week

2009-07-17T08:25:00.002-06:00

Hey All!

Don't forget:

Children's Summer Sunday School resumes this Sunday (July 19th).
Kids will be dismissed from the service after Children's time with Pastor Tom

Lectionary Readings for July 19th (Sunday):
2 Samuel 7:1-14a; Psalm 89:20-37; Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

Meditation for July 17th

2009-07-17T07:52:00.006-06:00

In The Palm of God's Hand

Ephesians 6:10-12
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Psalm 37:23-24
If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

God does not like human weakness. God does not gloat when He sees human weakness. God does not feel joy when you are cast down in life. Beneath you, you have a mighty hand upholding you. When you are weak and things begin to crumble, look to God and see His mighty hand beneath you holding you up. God holds you up even though you do not know it. God holds you up in your moments of defeat. God holds you up when you grieve. God holds you up when you are hurt or slighted by others. God holds you up when you suffer a loss due to estrangement. When you think there is no way you can go on, God's hand so full of hope will give you strength. When you think there is no way to deal with the way things are, God's hand of power will hold you up, give you hope, and give you strength.

*****

Reflection:

God will never let us fall, he will carry us when we need it. I'm sure most people have heard of the “Footprints” poem. If not you can find it here. I always think of this poem when I feel like I'm in a huge valley that I can't get out of. Knowing that when I feel like I can't move from the place I'm in, and I'm alone, those are times that God carries me onward and upward out of the valley.

I'm sure most people have faced Cancer in some way. Weither its you, yourself, or someone you know; everyone has it touch their life in some way. Some people take cancer as being a death sentence, while others find faith, or strengthen their faith. I would have to say I've always thought of people who have found themselves in a great illness where we still have found no exact cure for it, that they would loose their foot hold in life, until one of my friends, Nicole was diagnoised with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor, or DSRCT. DSRCT is a very aggerssive cancer that usually occurs in multiple masses in the adomen areas. She was diagnoised at age 21, in October of 2005, she started Chemotherapy that following December.

Through all of this, she not only maintained, but grew in her faith, she changed mine. She had a blog online through it all, and the strength she showed during all of her treatment was just amazing, and changed me. She also had a journal on caringbridge.org as well, where she stated: “Through this struggle, God has been really faithful to me and has given me peace about my situation since day one. All of the prayers and support from family and friends have been instrumental in my recovery and hopefully God will choose to heal me of this awful disease. I am trusting in and leaning on Jesus everyday, and as my wristband says, "Either Way, I Win!"”

No matter what she never faultered in her faith, and always knew, even though being sick from chemo, she was always in God's hands. Always looking for helping others, saying “If there is anything I can pray for, for you let me know, you all are praying for me.” Faith that never failed. God never let her down, and never let her fall. She raised money through her wristbands for the clinic she went to, to help others that didn't have that much. Always loving others, and caring for others.

Nicole passed away about 2 weeks before her 23rd birthday, after 14 some rounds of Chemotherpy, and multiple surgeries. 16 months after being diagnoised with DSRCT she passed away in February of 2007. I've known her since we were in 2nd grade. Our moms went to school togethr, and her dad worked at the grocery store my grandfather managed; and we were in Girl Scout together from 2nd grade on. I know that she was not in pain any longer, but she had given me my faith back, through her strength in her own faith, to fight and to not give up, because Either way, she was going to win. Beating the cancer, or being with God our Father. She never gave up on him, and I have learned that no matter the valley I may be in, large or small but God will never let us go. I have a bracelet of Nicole's that says “Either Way, I Win!” and her name on the other side, that I have worn every day since she gave it to me back in 2006, as a reminder that I can make it through the tough times, and that I am always held in God's hands.

I know it was a bit of a different turn in a devotion today, but its been on my heart for the last few days, and I didn't know how to write it down at the time. Just remember no matter what, He is always holding on to you, even when you feel like your faith is so small.

~Courtney S-B~

Have a great Friday! Again if you have a story/devotion/meditation to share, shoot me an email at cshabrambeach@gmail.com and I'll get it posted for the meditation of the day here on the blog. Or pictures from around the church or events, and I'll get those up too.

Meditation for July 16th

2009-07-16T12:53:00.003-06:00

No Limit to His Love (from Max Lucado)

"This is how we know what real love is: Jesus gave his life for us." I John 3:16

It’s nice to be included. You aren’t always. Universities exclude you if you aren’t smart enough. Businesses exclude you if you aren’t qualified enough, and sadly, some churches exclude you if you aren’t good enough.

But though they may exclude you, Christ includes you. When asked to describe the width of his love, he stretched one hand to the right and the other to the left and had them nailed in that position so you would know he died loving you.

But isn’t there a limit? Surely there has to be an end to this love. You’d think so, wouldn’t you? But David the adulterer never found it. Paul the murderer never found it. Peter the liar never found it. When it came to life, they hit bottom. But when it came to God’s love, they never did.

1 of 365 devotionals in Grace for the Moment, Volume II
Originally printed in He Choose the Nails

*****

Reflection:

Have you ever felt like no one in the world understands you? No one sees who you are? Or that you're alone in the world?

If you've ever experienced moving to a new city, a new job or a new school where you know absolutely no body, then I'm sure you've been there. Everyone has their own 'groups', they know the ins and outs of daily life, where ever you are going into (job, city, school, etc.). It's hard to get to know people sometimes because you don't want to share too much, you don't want to share too little, and you definitely don't want to say the 'wrong' things and possibly upset someone.

Acceptance. It's that what we are looking for? Trying to make sure we fit in, and making sure that people like us. No matter what, we are accepted in God's love. We are not expected to be perfect. And we all know, no matter how perfect you may try to be, we all have our faults.

No matter how many times we meet new people, we move to new places or change jobs every time we are trying to 'fit in' and just be accepted. Sometimes its welcoming and other times you feel as though people might 'judge' you because of your life. You might be divorced, never married, single with kids, widowed, too young, too old, too bold, too quite, too social, and so on.

God does not label us, so why should be label others. God has said, it is not our place to judge others. We should be welcoming to others at work, at school, any place you meet people, especially in the church. We as a church need to love others, as God loves us. As God accepts us, and not exclude others because of differences, no matter how large or small. We are ONE church, we are all loved by ONE God, the same God.

Reach out to someone today, in this coming week and days or weeks ahead. Get to know someone you may not know, or you may not know that well. We should unite as a church to love all of God's children, so others who feel like they are 'alone in this world' don't feel alone, because all they want to be is accepted, and know that they are NEVER alone.

~Courtney S-B~

Meditation for July 15th

2009-07-15T07:16:00.005-06:00

From "The Upper Room" Devotional

Scripture: Psalm 117:7-20

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

-2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NRSV)

ONE of my favorite summer activities is picking wild raspberries. I love to stand in one spot and pick as many raspberries as I can find before moving on to the next patch. Often when I think I have exhausted the supply of berries before me, I prepare to move on, only to spy the ripest, biggest, most luscious berry yet. How did I miss this one? I wonder. The answer is simple: Changing my stance and my line of sight lets me see what had been there all along, waiting for me to claim it.

In a way, the same is true with God's word. At times I become complacent, even bored, with a passage of scripture, thinking I have exhausted its meaning and relevance to my life. When time and experience have changed my outlook on life, however, I find myself re-reading the passage and thinking, Wow, how did I miss that? Surprised I didn't see some message sooner, but grateful to have the newfound insight, I am enriched. The wisdom is fresh and new every morning. (See Lam. 3:23). Thanks be to God!

Kristine Liknes (Ohio, USA)

*****

Reflection

Imagine if you will, standing at your high school or college graduation ceremony, waiting and anticipating. You've finally done it, you made it through and you're getting your degree. You've gained all this knowledge and are ready for the world. You're family and friends are there with you. You're family behind you supporting you waiting for that moment you graduated, and you're friends beside you waiting for the same thing. Then the moment hits you, and you finally see the light.... "What am I going to do now????"...then you walk across the stage with all of this banging around in your head, and finally graduate.

Sometimes all we see is the 'what's happened' and the 'what's next', not the 'now' what we need to see because this is not our time to worry about, but God's time. We don't need to keep looking to the past, or to the future, but be in the now. That's what the devotion above says to me, especially where it has mentioned "I find myself re-reading the passage and thinking, Wow, how did I miss that?". I think it has to do all with God's timing. It's those moments of clarity we get when talking with someone when we don't know what to do, read a passage from the Bible or a book and it finally makes sense, or sitting alone somewhere peaceful and the world finally makes sense. I'd like to point out, for me this is the 'clue-by-four' (much like a 2-by-4 piece of lumber) which God has finally gotten tired of giving me a million ways to see it, and much like a light turning on moment or being smacked in the head, I finally get it.

We all lead such busy lives, we seem to walk around with blinders, that we only see where our head is turned, and never what's going on around us. We can miss out on the places we can find the answers that God is giving us in little clues, that we need a big "Ah HA!" moment to see what we are indented to see/figure out. All in God's time, for he knows our plans, because he has made plans for each of us, and he will never give us more than we can handle.

So as we each lead our individual lives today, don't forget to look around, and smell the roses; see the sun rise or set, and be surrounded by the beauty that is around us, you don't want to miss the big moment when it seems everything finally make sense.

~Courtney S-B~

Meditation for July 14th

2009-07-14T07:40:00.003-06:00

From Max Lucado's "Grace for the Moment" Vol. 2

People Who Make A Difference

"Good people have good things in their hearts." - Matthew 12:35
Name the ten wealthiest men in the world. Name eight people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize. How did you do? I didn’t do well either. With the exception of you trivia hounds, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday too well. Surprising how quickly we forget, isn’t it? And what I’ve mentioned above are no second-rate achievements. These are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one. Name ten people who have taught you something worthwhile. Name five friends who have helped you in a difficult time. Easier? It was for me, too. The lesson? The people who make a difference are not the ones with the credentials, but the ones with the concern. (from And the Angels Were Silent by Max Lucado)

******

Reflection

“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.”

For many years, I moved around place to place, school to school; because of my parent's jobs, or because I went off to college, and then eventually moved here to Sidney, NE. 1,172 miles from home...not a trip I get to make back often. I came across this story above, and the quote many years ago, and learned that that's just how my life felt. People were always coming into my life, and then when a new place came, they would leave it, but I never did forget those people who truly touched my life.

I think as we move forward in the church, with the start of our new Pastor Tom Hyde, we do need to remember where we have come from, and how many people have shaped the church. No matter what has happened in the past, both the ups and downs, it make the church what it is, not because of money or because of all the things that happen within the walls, but because of the people who are not only providing service within the church, but taking it out of the church as well. It takes the many people, the members, and followers of Christ's teachings to make the church what it is and to make it grow in service, fellowship, worship, and so many other ways.

As we need to know where we've been, we need to spread our wings, and soar to new places, reach out to more people, and love one another. We need to make a mark on our community, so that someday, years down the road, when we have a new person happen upon Sidney First UMC come and share their story of how when they were young or years back, they were touched by someone through Christian love from our church when they needed it, and it helped them a long the way in their life. We want to be known as the church who always loved, reached out, and shared God's love in our community. Rather than being known as that church on the hill, who has their services on Sunday at (insert time).

How can you/church, reach out today and be that person who leaves footprints on someone's heart that will never fade?

~Courtney S-B~

What's shakin' in Sidney at FUMC...

2009-07-13T17:40:00.022-06:00

I know it's been a while since there has been an update on the blog, but there has been a lot of things happening at the church.

3 prayer shawls were given to people.

Clyde and Arlene Christensen:

and Judy Pursley (a friend of Rila Draper):

We welcomed our new pastor, Pastor Tom Hyde on July 5th to Sidney First UMC.

We lifted up the Christensen Family, in the passing of Clyde Christensen, in prayers and love; and with flowers at the service.

"Clyde A. Christensen, age 70 of Sidney, NE passed away at his home, early Wednesday morning, July 1, 2009. Clyde Arthur Christensen, the son of Anthony and Violet (Widstrand) Christensen, was born on May 8, 1939 at Sidney. His family moved to Sedgwick County, CO where he attended school. He began working for some local farmers before starting his painting career with Gene Zwickl. On June 29, 1958, Clyde was united in marriage to Arlene Marie Vogt at Chappell, NE. Four children were born to this union. They moved to Oregon in 1965 where Clyde owned and operated his own painting business until his retirement and returned to Sidney in 2003. Clyde enjoyed collecting railroad pocket watches, electric trains and loved to fish. He had been a member of the Elks. Survivors include: his wife Arlene of Sidney; (1) son: Richard and wife Kimberly of Seal Rock, OR; (3) daughters-in-law: Juanita Schwartz of Biloxi, MS, Lori Christensen of Grand Island, NE and Tina Dudden of Grant, NE; his mother-in-law: Marie Huston of Sidney; (2) sisters: Joyce Booth and husband Bill of Jefferson, OR and Jackie Palser of Chappell; (1) brother: Larry Christensen of Sedgwick, CO; (9) grandchildren: Shawn, Misty, Kyle, Daniel, Trey, Carl Lee, Jonathan, Dayna and Kathryn; (1) great-grandson: Kaleb and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. Clyde was preceded in death by his parents; (2) sons: Jeffery and Thomas; (1) daughter: Misty and his father-in-law: Ardean Vogt. Memorial services [were] held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, July 6, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church with Reverend Thomas Hyde officiating. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date. A memorial is being established in Clyde’s name in care of the family."

(In picture: Alrene Christensen, her son Richard, and mother Marie Huston.)

Sunday July 13th, if you walked into the church on Sunday, you could see our much used vacuum which is in need of replacing. So the vacuum came out for the day to give its love for wanting to "retire" from the church.

If you would like to support the vacuum's retirement, please contact the church office. He is hoping to retire soon, and bring in a 'new model' who will get all the dirty jobs done around the church.

We received Pastor Tom Hyde after the service in the fellowship hall with a cookie and punch reception. Giving Pastor Tom some time to go around a talk with a few people, while other members and visitors were able to fellowship together as well.

Items used during the service to recieve Pastor Tom, and his prayer shawl, also from the service, on the back of his office chair at the church.

Patty and Jordan Ball, Jane and Rod Reeder, Pastor Tom, and Valerie

Some of the Drapper, Armbruster, and Rowan Family.

Courtney Shabram-Beach, Benny and Marie Hockman, and Kristina Spriggs.

After church, the Youth then were getting ready for their car wash, to raise funds for their mission trip. More pictures to come later.

Savannah and Jade work on signs.

I hope everyone has a great week!

Meditation for June 22nd

2009-06-21T22:19:00.008-06:00

(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

2009-06-21T15:12:00.006-06:00

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

2009-06-21T00:06:00.001-06:00

(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."
*****************************************************************
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

2009-06-20T17:20:00.007-06:00

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

2009-06-20T00:01:00.004-06:00

("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!

2009-06-19T22:19:00.004-06:00

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

2009-06-19T00:24:00.001-06:00

(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

2009-06-18T21:48:00.004-06:00

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

2009-06-18T00:08:00.001-06:00

(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

2009-06-17T20:45:00.019-06:00

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

2009-06-17T14:49:00.007-06:00

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

2009-06-17T07:59:00.001-06:00

(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

2009-06-16T21:41:00.001-06:00

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

2009-06-16T07:20:00.001-06:00

(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

2009-06-15T21:02:00.005-06:00

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

2009-06-15T07:21:00.002-06:00

(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."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“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!

2009-06-14T20:55:00.008-06:00

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

2009-06-14T12:20:00.006-06:00

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.

Meditation for June 14th - UMW Sunday

2009-06-14T00:04:00.001-06:00

Prayer and Jesus(from the General Board of Global Missions)
"Jesus prayed and he instructed his disciples to pray (Matt. 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4). For Jesus, the priority of praying is being in the right relationship with God: seek first the kingdom and then righteousness. Jesus demonstrated this kind of relationship with God as a "life of living prayer."

We are not alone; we live in God's world. We believe in God: Who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, and who works in us and others by the Spirit.

We trust in God. We are called to be the church: We trust in God. To celebrate God's presence, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope.

In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. Amen.
- A Statement of Faith of the United Church of Canada (UM Hymnal, #883)

Please visit the UMW site, www.new.gbgm-umc.org/umw/

Annual Conference - Saturday

2009-06-13T17:22:00.007-06:00

The excitement of Friday evening's ordination service was still with the Conference Members massed in the Cornhusker ballroom on Saturday morning. The main purpose of Saturday's business session was to finalize the 2010 Spending Plan for the Conference. That being done, we ended with worship and the fixing of pastoral appointments.

One report that got a lot of positive response this morning was in regards to the UMCOR kit collection.
(Rilla Draper and Dr. Alkula bringing FUMC - Sidney's contributions on Thursday)

The final tally shows that 152 churches contributed 2,659 kits; 60 boxes of bulk supplies (for more kits); and $4,587 towards costs (including $2,173 towards shipping costs).

All the pictures taken by Pastor Charles are on this link.

Meditation for June 13th

2009-06-13T05:31:00.005-06:00

(St. Paul UMC, Lincoln, NE)

Leviticus 27:30-33 (NIV)
"'A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. If a man redeems any of his tithe, he must add a fifth of the value to it. The entire tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd's rod—will be holy to the LORD. He must not pick out the good from the bad or make any substitution. If he does make a substitution, both the animal and its substitute become holy and cannot be redeemed.'"

Annual Conference - Friday

2009-06-12T21:59:00.008-06:00

(Bishop Robert Schnase preaching ordination sermon)

(Ordination service)
(Rev. Alan Davis and Jim Heller)
(Bishop Schnase signs books)

The conference was abuzz this afternoon with the consideration of the thirty-two amendments to the Book of Discipline. After much discussion, the voting was conducted with the results to be announced next week.

The Conference honored five clergy members who entered the ranks of those retired: Rev. Ron Croom (wife, Laura), Rev. Sharee Johnson (husband, Rbert), Rev. David Rowe (wife, Linda), Rev. Sally Ruggie-Haden (husband, Rev. Richard Haden), and Rev. Marsha Stauss (husband, Dennis).

This evening, the attention turned toward the joy of the Ordination Service held again at St. Paul UMC. Bishop Robert Schnase brought the message and communion was shared to the assembled congregation. The Elder's Class of 2009 include: Rev. Mark Crist, Rev. Anne Gatobu, Rev. Tamara Holtz, Rev. Lorri Kentner, and Rev. Cyndi Stewart.

The rest of the Annual Conference pictures are available here.

Meditation for June 12th

2009-06-12T11:31:00.004-06:00

(Burning Bush - Euonymous alatus)

Exodus 3:1-6 (New International Version)
"Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up." When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am." "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob."

"When Israel was in Egypt's land: Let my people go,
Oppress'd so hard they could not stand, Let my People go.
Go down, Moses,
Way down in Egypt land,
Tell old Pharaoh,
Let my people go."
-"Go Down, Moses"

Meditation for June 11th

2009-06-11T22:20:00.004-06:00

("Creation" - Chester Cathedral, UK)

Genesis 1:1-5 (New International Version)
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day."

“Our duty, as men and women, is to proceed as if limits to our ability did not exist. We are collaborators in creation.” Teilhard de Chardin quotes (1881-1955)

“What can you ever really know of other people's souls - of their temptations, their opportunities, their struggles? One soul in the whole creation you do know: and it is the only one whose fate is placed in your hands” (C.S. Lewis)

Annual Conference - Thursday

2009-06-11T22:15:00.004-06:00

The second day of Annual Conference was chock-full of activity. There were wellness screenings available for clergy and their spouses, more time in fellowship and worship led by the children.

All the pictures are available at this link.

Annual Conference - Wednesday

2009-06-10T22:14:00.004-06:00

The annual conference kicked off this morning in Lincoln with meetings in the morning, worship in the afternoon and more meetings into the early evening! The theme of this year's gathering is "Radical Hospitality," taken from the six signs of discipleship. Rilla Draper (the church's lay member to the annual conference), Pastor Charles and Belinda Alkula are attending this year's event which continues through Saturday.

Among those greeted today were former FUMC pastors Alan Davis and Karl Lent and incoming pastor, Tom Hyde. Abbi Rosenbaum, representing FUMC at the youth annual conference, was also spotted this morning, and we hope to get a picture of her on the blog before week's end.

It is a wonderful experience, annual conference, and it is something that every church member should take in at least once!

More pictures from this week are available here.

Meditation for June 10th

2009-06-09T23:20:00.000-06:00

Revelation 1:1-3 (New International Version) (St. Johnon the Isle of Patmos - Cathedral Church of St. Anne, Belfast)

"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."

Fear imprisons, faith liberates;
fear paralyzes, faith empowers;
fear disheartens, faith encourages;
fear sickens, faith heals;
fear makes useless, faith makes serviceable.
~Rev. Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick~

Faith doesn't wait until it understands; in that case it wouldn't be faith. ~Enrich Fromm~

Faith is like radar that sees through the fog - the reality of things at a distance that the human eye cannot see. ~Corrie Ten Boom~

Meditation for June 9th

2009-06-08T21:10:00.004-06:00

3 John, verses 5-8 (NIV)
"Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth."

Nothing worth doing is completed in our lifetime,
Therefore, we are saved by hope.
Nothing true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history;
Therefore, we are saved by faith.
Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone.
Therefore, we are saved by love.
No virtuous act is quite a virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as from our own;
Therefore, we are saved by the final form of love which is forgiveness.
Reinhold Niebuhr

Beautiful Baby Booties and Hats for Special Twins

2009-06-08T14:12:00.008-06:00

Some of us at the church have been praying for a family in Lincoln who recently had premature twin boys. Every day, they grow a little bit stronger. Praise be to God!

One of the people praying for them has been Sandy Long. Sandy told her sister Sheila about the babies, and Sheila was good enough to crochet these lovely baby booties and hats for them. In fact, they are prayer-filled baby booties and hats. This is something that Sheila's church does for babies.

This past Sunday, Sheila joined us at the 9:00 a.m. worship service. It was great to meet her and thank her for her loving gift. Above is a picture of Sheila and Sandy.

Praise God for faithful folk... near and far... who care enough to lift others up in prayer!

Meditation for June 8th

2009-06-08T08:12:00.001-06:00

2 John 1:3-6 (New International Version)
"Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love. It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love."

“Unless your heart, your soul, and your whole being are behind every decision you make, the words from your mouth will be empty, and each action will be meaningless. Truth and confidence are the roots of happiness.” -Anon.

Youth Group Cook-out

2009-06-07T20:17:00.004-06:00

Following the soggy end to the golf outing, the group made its way to the Kelsey home on Alvarado Court for a cookout. The slight disappointment from the golfing outing being rained out was soon forgotten because the food was fantastic, and the fellowship superb!

Thanks to everyone who brought food and to the Kelsey family for grilling the burgers! A special thanks goes to Jordon Sukup for making/decorating a huge cake in honor of Pastor Charles. It was really good!

All the pictures from the youth outing/cook-out may be found at the this link.

UMYF Golf Outing

2009-06-07T16:27:00.007-06:00

Twelve golfers teed off this afternoon to celebrate the time Pastor Charles has shared with our youth. Little did we realize when the first group set off down the hill from the 1st Tee, that we'ld have more challenges than just getting the ball in the hole!

Using a scramble format, three teams of four golfers set off on the front nine of the Hillside Golf Course.

The teams were: Amber Arellano/Zane Balfour/Scott Kelsey/Jaide Wachtel - Cortney Shabram-Beach/Eric Beach/Ali Miller/Michael Sukup - Pastor Charles/Tyler Miller/Lucas Rosenbaum/Jordan Sukup.

As the third group reached the fourth hole, the fine mist that had greeted us on the second hole turned into a torrent of rain causing an abrupt halt to the round.

Hole prizes were: Longest men's drive (Scott Kelsey); Longest woman's drive (Jordon Sukup); Closest to the pin (Jordon Sukup) and longest putt split prize between Michael Sukup and Tyler Miller. Pastor Charles provided the prizes as well as a Hillside G.C. ball marker for each of the participants as a way of thanking them for their fellowship over the previous two years. Betsey Kelsey was also presented with a Hillside G.C. divot tool in appreciation of her organization of the event.

All the pictures from this event are available here.

Trinity Sunday 2009

2009-06-07T16:11:00.009-06:00

The faithful ventured out in the surprising chill of a June morning to worship on Trinity Sunday. We were thankful for faithful witnesses such as Nan Mull, who shared her musical gift, Don Sabin and Loren Hoekema who were our ushers, Doug & Cody Armbruster who helped out in the nursery, William Draper who offered to be our acolyte and Judy Rosenbaum who was the lector.

Pastor Charles asked members of the congregation to read a section of the Athanasian Creed, shared this morning in recognition of Trinity Sunday. Arlene Christensen, Valeta Rosenbaum, Don Sabin, Judy Rosenbaum, Marilee Rowan, Kerri Sheldon, Edie Baumbach, Tom Millman, Carol Mason, and Pastor Charles rose to the task, sharing the faith in "God in three persons, blessed Trinity!"

It was wonderful to finally meet Sandy Long's sister Sheila who joined us in today's worship service!

All in all, the fellowship was sweet, and the gathering for the final study session of "The Shack" drew a receptive gathering.

Praise be to God!!!

Meditation for Trinity Sunday (June 7th)

2009-06-07T08:06:00.000-06:00

Isaiah 6:1-6 (The Message)
"In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Master sitting on a throne—high, exalted!—and the train of his robes filled the Temple. Angel-seraphs hovered above him, each with six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two their feet, and with two they flew. And they called back and forth one to the other,

"Holy, Holy, Holy is God-of-the-Angel-Armies. His bright glory fills the whole earth." The foundations trembled at the sound of the angel voices, and then the whole house filled with smoke.

St. Patrick's Breastplate
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through the belief in the threeness,
Through the confession of the oneness
Of the Creator of Creation.

I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth with his baptism,
Through the strength of his crucifixion with his burial,
Through the strength of his resurrection with his ascension,
Through the strength of his descent for the Judgment Day.

I arise today
Through the strength of the love of Cherubim,
In obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In prayers of patriarchs,
In predictions of prophets,
In preaching of apostles,
In faith of confessors,
In innocence of holy virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth,
Firmness of rock.

I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me
From snares of demons,
From temptations of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
Afar and anear,
Alone and in multitude.

I summon today all these powers between me and those evils,
Against every cruel merciless power that may oppose my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul.

Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me abundance of reward.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the threeness,
Through confession of the oneness,
Of the Creator of Creation.

Allington-Whalan wedding

2009-06-06T20:52:00.005-06:00

The sanctuary of the First UMC in Sidney was packed with family and friends come to witness the wedding of Bruce Allington and Kortney Whalan. Following a honeymoon in Florida, the couple will make their home on a ranch here in Cheyenne County.

Thanks to Nan Mull for providing the musical accompianment and Loren Hokema who manned the sound booth.

More pictures from yesterday's rehearsal and today's weeding may be found at this link.

Meditation for June 6th

2009-06-06T03:27:00.002-06:00

1 John 1:1-4 (New International Version)
("Preaching," from First UMC of Germantown - Philadelphia, PA)

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete."

"The greatest hindrances to the evangelization of the world are those within the church." John R. Mott

"The Holy Spirit can't save saints or seats. If we don't know any non-Christians, how can we introduce them to the Savior?"
Paul Little

There's a wedding at FUMC tomorrow

2009-06-05T21:15:00.003-06:00

Kortney Whalan and Bruce Allington will be married in our church tomorrow and the rehearsal was this evening. What a beautiful day and the energy present carried one and all into the breezy Friday evening, ready for the coming nuptials.

Cinnamon Rolls @ FUMC, Part 2

2009-06-05T15:40:00.007-06:00

The kitchen at the First UMC was the place to be this afternoon if the taste of cinnamon rolls was your thing.

Delores Barnhardt led Belinda Alkula, Karen Larsen and Marilee Rowan through the paces of making cinnamon rolls. There was even a bit of time for making peach and cherry pies, for those so inclined! A note of thanks to Arlene Christensen who happened to stop by in time to take some extra photos of the procedings.

What a blessing it is when people of good cheer can come together to share in fellowship and learning! More pictures may be found here.

VBS Prep

2009-06-05T14:37:00.004-06:00

On the stage in the fellowship hall, William Draper was helping his mother, Elizabeth Draper, in building the set for the upcoming VBS program (June 14-18). This is going to be a terrific program with something for the entire family!!!

While mom and big brother were working on the set, Grace Draper could be seen serving as crocdile wrangler, with a little assistance from big-brother, William.

Meditation for June 5th

2009-06-05T00:06:00.003-06:00

2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV)
"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

This is what I believe:
That I am I.
That my soul is a dark forest.
That my known self will never be more than a little clearing in the forest.
That gods, strange gods, come forth from the forest into the clearing of my known self, and then go back.
That I must have the courage to let them come and go.
That I will never let mankind put anything over me, but that I will try always to recognize and submit to the gods in me and the gods in other men and women.
There is my creed.- D. H. Lawrence:

Cinnamon Rolls @ FUMC!

2009-06-04T11:31:00.002-06:00

Hey, this is totally last minute, but here goes! For the fun of it, Dolores Barnhardt will be giving a cinnamon roll baking class in the church kitchen tomorrow (Friday, June 5th), beginning at 1:00 p.m.

You are invited to join us! AND.. if there is anyone else you would like to invite and/or bring along... the more the merrier! Can you smell that delicious cinnamon roll smell now? Bring a baking pan, and you can fill it with delicious, yummy cinnamon rolls!

Young folks out of school are also VERY welcome!

Meditation for June 4th

2009-06-04T07:55:00.001-06:00

I Peter 1:13-16 (NIV)
"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

"Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.”
-Benjamin Franklin

Memorial Health Center Chapel Service

2009-06-03T14:22:00.004-06:00

The weather was chilly (for June) and overcast, but that didn't stop the faithful from gathering in the Memorial Health Center Chapel this morning for a service of Holy Communion.

Marilee Rowan, Karen Larsen (on piano) and Pastor Charles were joined by fourteen residents in the sharing of communion and singing of hymns. This is the last visit (for communion) that Pastor Charles will be making to MHC and the sharing of the Lord's Supper made the time together even more special.

Meditation for June 3rd

2009-06-03T07:28:00.003-06:00

James 1:19-27 (NIV)
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the WORD but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

"A little faith will bring your soul to heaven, but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul."

Rev. Dr. Dwight Lyman Moody
--------------------------------------------------------------------
"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
"If I were dying, my last words would be, 'Have faith and pursue the unknown end.'"

Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

Meditation for June 2nd

2009-06-02T05:34:00.004-06:00

Detail from Benedictine window by Moira Forsyth, 1964 - Norwich Cathedral,UK

Hebrews 10:35-39 (The Message)
"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved."

"And thus, in my folly, afore this time often I wondered why, by the great foreseeing wisdom of God, the beginning of sin was not letted (stopped); for then, methought, all should have been well.... But Jesus, who in this Vision informed me of all that is needful to me, answered by this word and said, Sin is behovable (unavoidable), but all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well." Saint (Lady) Julian of Norwich

"Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves." ~Dale Carnegie

Meditation for June 1st

2009-05-31T21:23:00.003-06:00

Abraham and Sarah entertain the three angels. Detail from a mosaic above the arches on the north wall of Church of St. Vitale, Ravenna, Italy (526-548 AD).

Hebrews 13:1-3 (New International Version)
"Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."

“There are nine requisites for contented living: HEALTH enough to make work a pleasure; WEALTH enough to support your needs; STRENGTH enough to battle with difficulties and forsake them; GRACE enough to confess your sins and overcome them; PATIENCE enough to toil until some good is accomplished; CHARITY enough to see some good in your neighbor; LOVE enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others; FAITH enough to make real the things of God; HOPE enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (German Playwright, Poet, Novelist and Dramatist. 1749-1832)

Pentecost Sunday 2009

2009-05-31T14:16:00.004-06:00

Wow!!! What an amazing morning we enjoyed at the First UMC in Sidney! Early arrivals joined in fellowship with the adult classes and then everyone came together for a combined worship service.

This morning was special for a couple of reasons, first of course was this morning was Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of the church universal, and red was the color of the day with balloons, streamers, and more on display.

This morning also marked the move to a combined worship service for the congregation. We'll be worshipping at 9:00 a.m. through the end of August.

The worship service this morning also marked a special occasion for six young adults as they joined the congregation of the First UMC. Scott Bagnell, Courtney Highland, Scott Kelsey, Lucas Rosenbaum, Michael Sukup, and Jaide Wachtel came before the congregation to make their vows and were welcomed into full-membership in the local congregation and in the United Methodist Church.

Following the worship, a boisterous group gathered in the fellowship hall for our monthly potluck (help on the last Sunday of the month). The table was groaning, laden with an amazing assortment of delicious food. The real blessing was the warmth of fellowship with which the food was shared. What a wonderful morning this has been! Praise God!!!

Praise and thanksgiving was also lifted up along with prayers as Kelsey Arrington and her mother, Pam, who will be leaving next weekend for a trip to Europe with a school musical endeavor. Also, Lucy and Russ Stickley celebrated their 50th anniversary this weekend, well done!

More pictures from today may be found at this link.

Meditation for the Day of Pentecost (May 31st)

2009-05-31T08:34:00.001-06:00

(Pentecost, celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter, commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles in Jerusalem. The image of the tongues of fire that symbolizes the Holy Spirit inspired the United Methodist cross and flame emblem."

Acts 2:1-11 (The Message)
When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them. There were many Jews staying in Jerusalem just then, devout pilgrims from all over the world. When they heard the sound, they came on the run. Then when they heard, one after another, their own mother tongues being spoken, they were thunderstruck. They couldn't for the life of them figure out what was going on, and kept saying, "Aren't these all Galileans? How come we're hearing them talk in our various mother tongues?

Parthians, Medes, and Elamites;
Visitors from Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia,
Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene;
Immigrants from Rome, both Jews and proselytes;
Even Cretans and Arabs!

"They're speaking our languages, describing God's mighty works! Their heads were spinning; they couldn't make head or tail of any of it. They talked back and forth, confused: 'What's going on here?'"

Prayer for the Day of Pentecost:
O Spirit of the living God, Thou light and fire divine, descend upon Thy church once more, and make it truly Thine. Fill it with love and joy and power, with righteousness and peace; Till Christ shall dwell in human hearts, and sin and sorrow cease. Blow, wind of God! With wisdom blow until our minds are free from mists of errors, clouds of doubt, which blind our eyes to Thee. Burn, winged fire! Inspire our lips with flaming love and zeal, to preach to all Thy great good news, God’s glorious common weal. -- Henry H. Tweedy

My Five Most Important Books by Garrison Keillor - 1. "The Acts of the Apostles." The flames lit on their little heads and bravely and dangerously went they onward."

"Hello Kittie & Who Let the Dawg's Out 2"

2009-05-30T18:19:00.003-06:00

The Legion Park in Sidney was the place to be today with the second "Hello Kittie & Who Let the Dawg's Out 2" taking place.

Pastor Charles was there to offer a blessing to any four-footed friend who came by and over 50 dogs, cats and their human companions came by. Each pet was given a certificate marking the occasion.

Belinda was also there to help with the picture-taking chores and to support the effort of the Animal Tales Animal Rescue organization's efforts to bring comfort to our animal pals.

All the pictures from this second annual event may be found at this link.

Meditation for May 30th

2009-05-30T08:33:00.003-06:00

Philemon 1:1-7 (The Message)
"I, Paul, am a prisoner for the sake of Christ, here with my brother Timothy. I write this letter to you, Philemon, my good friend and companion in this work—also to our sister Apphia, to Archippus, a real trooper, and to the church that meets in your house. God's best to you! Christ's blessings on you! Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, "Oh, thank you, God!" I keep hearing of the love and faith you have for the Master Jesus, which brims over to other believers. And I keep praying that this faith we hold in common keeps showing up in the good things we do, and that people recognize Christ in all of it. Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel, doubly so when I see your hospitality to fellow believers."

"There are hermit souls that live withdrawn in the place of their self-content; There are souls like stars that dwell apart, in a fellowless firmament; There are pioneer souls that blaze their paths where highways never ran,-- But let me live by the side of the road, and be a friend to man." - Sam Walter Foss, author of 'House by the Side of the Road'

"It is a sin against hospitality, to open your doors and darken your countenance” -Anonymous
*****************************************************************
In case you hadn't noticed, we've had more than 500 posts to the FUMC blog since it's launch in late July, 2007. The visitor counter, which was only installed this year, shows just how popular this ministry is!

Meditation for May 29th

2009-05-29T00:12:00.001-06:00

Titus 3:1-8a (The Message)
"Remind the people to respect the government and be law-abiding, always ready to lend a helping hand. No insults, no fights. God's people should be bighearted and courteous. It wasn't so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God's gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there's more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this."

"And now let me address all of you, high and low, rich and poor, one with another, to accept of mercy and grace while it is offered to you; Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation; and will you not accept it, now it is offered unto you?"
The Rev. George Whitfield (1714-1770)

Reminders for this coming weekend

2009-05-28T11:17:00.005-06:00

Here are some reminders for upcoming events at the First UMC in Sidney:

May 30th - The Second "Hello Kittie & Who Let the Dawg's Out" event at the Legion Park Shelter House. The event runs from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. with displays, demonstrations, food, and much, much more! Pastor Charles will be there and at 2:00 p.m. will be offering a blessing of the pets (photos, toys, and non-cat/dog pets will be blessed). A certificate will be given to every pet who participates.

May 31st - Pentecost Sunday

Food Pantry donations are being accepted and will be taken to the community food pantry (at the Salvation Army Store) on Monday, June 1st.

Combined Worship Service at 9:00 a.m. Please wear something red on Sunday in celebration of Pentecost! We'll be worshipping as a unified congregation and welcoming into our fellowship six new disciples (this year's confirmation class).

Congregational Potluck: Following the worship service, we'll be gathering in the fellowship hall to break bread together and to share in the

"The Shack" study - At 6:00 p.m., we'll be meeting to discuss chapters 10-13. Please come even if you have not read the book and share in this contemporary allegory of faith.

Meditation for May 28th

2009-05-28T00:13:00.001-06:00

(Lighthouse - one mile off the coast @ Land's End, Cornwall)

I Timothy 6:3-10 (NIV)
"If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

Prayer to action in my life:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for this knowledge that You care so deeply and know me so intimately. I will trust in Your knowledge of me and in Your hand to guide me. Give me Your wisdom today. Hold on to me in my spinning world. Thank You for understanding me. You know me better than I know myself. Thank You for this comfort. Thank You that You are my trustworthy Father! I choose to trust You in my circumstances today! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Copyright © 2009 Gail Rodgers.

Meditation for May 27th

2009-05-27T00:01:00.001-06:00

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 (New International Version)
"Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance."

"The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't." ~Henry Ward Beecher

Prayer for Today
Lord, I don't ask for a faith
that would move yonder mountain.
I can take enough dynamite and move
it if it needs movin'. I pray, Lord,
for enough faith to move me.

Norman Allen

Tuesday at FUMC

2009-05-26T13:37:00.003-06:00

The cooler weather this week has brought overcast skies and with it, more rain to Cheyenne County. The two study groups continued met at the church this morning, bringing the light of Christ into the hearts of the participants.

We were able to get a repair man from Sterling, CO to come and make some adjustments to the copier. The repairs will allow us to get the print copy of the June newsletter out in tomorrow's mail.

Meditation for May 26th

2009-05-26T07:46:00.005-06:00

(sunset, Thessaloniki, Greece)

I Thessalonians 5:16-24 (NIV)
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it."

Prayer for the Indwelling of the Spirit
Holy Spirit, powerful Consoler, sacred Bond of the Father and the Son, Hope of the afflicted, descend into my heart and establish in it your loving dominion. Enkindle in my tepid soul the fire of your Love so that I may be wholly subject to you. We believe that when you dwell in us, yolu also prepare a dwelling for the Father and the Son. Deign, therefore, to come to me, Consoler of abandoned souls, and Protector of the needy. Help the afflicted, strengthen the weak, and support the wavering. Come and purify me. Let no evil desire take possession of me. You love the humble and resist the proud. Come to me, glory of the living, and hope of the dying. Lead me by your grace that I may always be pleasing to you. Amen.
(from www.catholic.org/prayers)

Meditation for Memorial Day

2009-05-25T00:10:00.007-06:00

(flags of the US Armed Forces @ Bob & Carrie Balfour's home, Sidney, NE)

A Litany from The Book of Worship for United States Forces (1974)

Leader: Let us give thanks to God for the land of our birth with all its chartered liberties. For all the wonder of our country's story:
PEOPLE: WE GIVE YOU THANKS, O GOD.

Leader: For leaders in nation and state, and for those who in days past and in these present times have labored for the commonwealth:
PEOPLE: WE GIVE YOU THANKS, O GOD.

Leader: For those who in all times and places have been true and brave, and in the world's common ways have lived upright lives and ministered to their fellows:
PEOPLE: WE GIVE YOU THANKS, O GOD.

Leader: For those who served their country in its hour of need, and especially for those who gave even their lives in that service:
PEOPLE: WE GIVE YOU THANKS, O GOD.

Leader: O almighty God and most merciful Father, as we remember these your servants, remembering with gratitude their courage and strength, we hold before you those who mourn them. Look upon your bereaved servants with your mercy. As this day brings them memories of those they have lost awhile, may it also bring your consolation and the assurance that their loved ones are alive now and forever in your living presence. Amen.

June edition of E-newsletter

2009-05-24T16:25:00.002-06:00

The June e-newsletter is now available at this link.

Ascension/Aldersgate Sunday

2009-05-24T13:26:00.002-06:00

What a beautiful day here in Cheyenne County! The rain of the night has given way to a breezy, pleasant day and those who gathered for worship this morning were able to share the joy of the day in the house of God.

Today is Ascension Sunday (Ascension Day is 40 days after Easter) and we remembered the ascension of Jesus and his final instructions to the Disciples prior to the sending of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost.

Today is also Aldersgate Day. This is the day we remember John Wesley's experience at the Society meeting on Aldersgate Street, London, on May 24, 1738.

We enjoyed our worship experiences and our study time and our fellowship time as well. May is coming to a close but our discipleship continues to grow and flourish in the presence of the Living God!

Meditation for Aldersgate Day (May 24)

2009-05-24T06:07:00.000-06:00

(The Rev. John Wesley at Oxford)
(The Aldersgate Flame memorial, London)

I felt my heart strangely warmed…” The immortal words of John Wesley describing his moment of awareness of having his sins forgiven are quoted frequently in United Methodist circles. Often, however, they are used jokingly to refer to some silliness. I know I’ve done it - haven’t you?

But Wesley’s experience on May 24th of 1738 was anything but silly. It was the culmination of years of study and effort, doubt and faith. He was trying to describe in his journal something that goes beyond words. He was trying to describe what he felt like when he finally “got it” that all this religious business was about him.

In a shift of perspective, listening with differently attuned ears, Wesley understood that God’s love made known in Jesus Christ wasn’t withheld from him. He understood that love was not something to be understood only in the mind, but felt in the heart or soul. And for some reason, led by the Spirit beyond Wesley’s control, that soul-knowing arose in his consciousness.

I think sometimes we joke about things because they are so serious, even frightening. In our own spiritual journeys, those times of close encounter with God bring a whole variety of possible emotions: Comfort, relief, awe, fear, peace, tears, laughter, quiet, an urge to tell. We know what Wesley meant by a heart strangely warmed. It was his attempt to describe the ineffable knowing of God’s touch on his life.

I like to think that it wasn’t the only time he felt his heart so warmed. I like to think that his life continued to be drawn into that space of mystery, and out of those ongoing experiences came his mature theology of grace.

“My heart strangely warmed” may be a quaint description, but it is a useful one. Just as hearts can grow cold or be made of stone, so can they warm up and be pliable and open. It is the open heart that is the God-filled heart. It is the giving heart that is the spirit-led heart.

This Aldersgate Day is a good time to take our own heart’s temperature in memory of Wesley’s experience. So much in the world today contributes to a cynical heart, an unbelieving heart, a hurting heart. But the same grace that opened Wesley’s mind and heart to God’s personal and saving love is still in our world today. Where and when we next encounter that grace is a matter of the spirit, but certainly we can be attentive and expectant. God’s love, after all, is meant for you and me as well.

Kristin L. Sachen is Assistant General Secretary, UMCOR, of the General Board of Global Ministries.

Newlyweds at First UMC

2009-05-23T19:35:00.005-06:00

2LT Ryan Hurt and Ja Vay Erb were married in the sanctuary of the First UMC this afternoon with hundreds of family and friends in attendance. Ryan is an officer in the Marine Corps and the couple will make their home in a community near Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

More pictures from today are available here.

Meditation for May 23rd

2009-05-23T09:42:00.002-06:00

(window seen at Canterbury Cathedral, UK)

Collosians 3:9-14 (The Message)
"Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ. So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it."

"There is no lovelier place in the world than Canterbury - that I say with my hand on my heart as I sit in Florence - and I have seen Venice too."
Writer Virginia Woolf

There's a wedding tomorrow!

2009-05-22T19:28:00.003-06:00

The wedding of Ja Vay Erb and 2LT Ryan Hurt is tomorrow afternoon which meant that this afternoon was the rehearsal. There was time to give the musicians, the candle lighter, and the rest of the wedding party a chance to go through their paces before tomorrow's big event.

This coming Sunday at "The Shack"

2009-05-22T16:40:00.002-06:00

This is going to be a great weekend for those attending "The Shack" study on Sunday evening (6:00 p.m.). Our three chapters are packed with amazing insights and you won't want to miss any of it!

Chapter seven: Centers on Galatians 3:1-14

Chapter eight: The story of the bird that Mack and Papa discuss, a metaphor for living in a manner consistent with...

Chapter nine: FRACTALS! Sarayu describes the garden at the beginning of the story as a fractal. We'll look at what fractals are and what this means to us.

See you on Sunday!!!

Meditation for May 22nd

2009-05-22T07:13:00.002-06:00

(Prayers placed in the Western Wall, Jerusalem)

Philippians 1:3-11 (New International Version)
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."

"Our strength lies in spiritual concepts. It lies in public sensitiveness to evil. Our greatest danger is not from invasion by foreign armies. Our dangers are that we may commit suicide from within by complaisance with evil, or by public tolerance of scandalous behavior." -Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States

Meditation for May 21st (Ascension Day)

2009-05-21T00:01:00.005-06:00

Luke 24:50-52 (NIV)
"When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God."

The Collect for Ascension Day
"GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that like as we do believe thy only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the heavens; so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with him continually dwell, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen." The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

"Soar we now where Christ hath led,
Following our exalted Head:
Made like Him, like Him we rise;
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies."
Rev. Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

Music Director Applications being Taken

2009-05-20T23:35:00.005-06:00

First UMC is taking applications for the position of Music Director. Interested applicants should send their resume to the church office (2622 11th Ave., Sidney, NE 69162) or via e-mail by June 5th.

To read the job description and to obtain an application, please visit the church website. A look at the music ministry is available here.

This week at the First UMC

2009-05-20T18:46:00.002-06:00

Thanks to everyone who helps day in, day out at First UMC in Sidney. This week, John Eastman could be seen adjusting the sprinkler system at the parsonage. John was also replacing a window in the fellowship hall, thanks, John!

Marilee and Karen spent some time Wednesday afternoon making repairs to the candle lighters. It is great when someone sees something that needs to be done and makes it happen.

Meditation for May 20th

2009-05-20T00:03:00.001-06:00

Galatians 6:7-10 (New International Version)
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

"Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees, and looks to God alone; Laughs at impossibilities, and cries it shall be done.” - Rev. Charles Wesley

“Love means to commit oneself without guarantee, to give oneself completely in the hope that our love will produce love in the loved person. Love is an act of faith, and whoever is of little faith is also of little love.”
- Erich Fromm

Meditation for May 19th

2009-05-19T08:53:00.000-06:00

(Jars of clay window, First UCC - Burlington, NC)

2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (New International Version)
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you."

A Prayer for today
O God, I thank You for this day of life
for eyes to see the sky
for ears to hear the birds
for feet to walk amidst the trees
for hands to pick the flowers from the earth
for a sense of smell to breathe in the sweet
perfumes of nature
for a mind to think about and appreciate
the magic of everyday miracles
for a spirit to swell in joy at Your mighty presence
everywhere.

Marian Wright Edelman
(Founder of the Children's Defense Fund)

Meditation for May 18th

2009-05-18T00:35:00.002-06:00

(The "Rose Window" at York Minster, York, UK)

1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (New International Version)
"Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge— because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful."

That is why He warned people to “count the cost” before becoming Christians. “Make no mistake,” He says, “if you let me, I will make you perfect. The moment you put yourself in my hands, that is what you are in for. Nothing less, or other than that. –C.S. Lewis

Sunday - Evening (May 17)

2009-05-17T22:04:00.003-06:00

The second meeting of the study on "The Shack" met tonight and what a great discussion we enjoyed. We have been blessed with great insights, lively exchanges and more questions to be explored.

We are looking forward to the remaining three weeks, next week: Fractals!

Sunday - Morning (May 17)

2009-05-17T15:03:00.007-06:00

Glorious sunshine greeted the faithful this morning, the first time this month that Sunday has been without rain. The warmth outside was continued throughout the church as classes, fellowship and worship invited one and all to celebrate the day together.

During the second service, Molli Rosenbaum was recognized as the sole graduate (from Sidney H.S.) from our church this year. Molli was presented with a 'blue jean' quilt and a study Bible by Pastor Charles and Lisa Bickford on behalf of the church family. Molli was also awarded a scholarship, which she will use to study psychology at the University of Wyoming.

Worshippers were also greeted this morning with reminders that Vacation Bible School (VBS) is coming in just a few weeks with the smiling face of "Jacques le Croc," the mascot of the Crocodile Dock VBS program. VBS will be June 14-18, with a supper at 5:15 p.m. and then program for both adults and children to follow.

More picture are available at this link.

Meditation for May 17th

2009-05-17T05:49:00.001-06:00

Acts 10:44-48 (New King James Version)
"While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days."

A GRADUATE’S PRAYER:
Dear Lord, as I look toward the future bright hope conducts this prayer, for I know the plans You have for me were wrought with divine care. Holy Spirit, lead me. Let me run at Your command, yet be still and know that You are God when trouble's close at hand. Your Word will be a lamp for me, a guide to light my way, a solid place to set my feet, a compass when I stray.

May I live my life to praise You, not for fortune, nor for fame, may everything I say and do bring glory to Your name. May my eyes stay fixed upon You as I seek the way that's pure, tasting Your love and goodness sleeping and rising secure. Planted by Your living streams I'll delight in all Your ways, hidden by Your sheltering wings with new mercies for each day. Even in a dangerous land when storms threaten to destroy, at the cross I'll stand upon the Rock my Strength, my Hope, my Joy.

Dear Lord, show me Your favor, at all times keep me blessed, may Your face ever shine upon me, with peace and perfect rest. Amen.

-- Mary Fairchild

Meditation for May 16th

2009-05-16T00:12:00.000-06:00

Romans 1:1-6 (New International Version)
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

Prayer of faith:
God is my help in every need; God does my every hunger feed; God walks beside me, guides my way through every moment of this day.

I now am wise, I now am true, Patient and kind, and loving, too; All things I am, can do, and be, through Christ the Truth, that is in me.

God is my health, I can't be sick; God is my strength, unfailing, quick; God is my all, I know no fear, since God and Love and Truth are here.

by Hannah More Kohaus

Meditation for May 15th

2009-05-14T22:58:00.005-06:00

Malachi 3:1-4 (New International Version)
"See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty. But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the LORD, as in days gone by, as in former years."

A PRAYER FOR RESTORATION FROM FATIGUE
Gracious God, at times my life seems to be too much. Too full. Too demanding. Too consuming. Everything feels necessary, even important, but weariness creeps across my body and soul like storm clouds gathering in an open sky. As my body is depleted of energy, my mind loses interest in what normally enthuses me. My tired soul sags as if it were a balloon losing its air. Sometimes I feel so spent that even restorative sleep seems to elude me. Help me sort the truly important from what only seems important. Give me courage to say no to what drains rather than feeds me. Help me find brief moments to sit in perfect stillness while you massage my soul. And, when I go to my nightly sleeping place, wrap your darkness around me like the softest cloak, so that I may sleep peacefully in your embrace. I ask this for the sake of your love. Amen.

(www.explorefaith.org)

Pie Making at FUMC

2009-05-14T19:11:00.006-06:00

The church kitchen was the place to be this afternoon as Delores Barnhardt along with Belinda Alkula and Marilee Rowan took part in a frenzy of pie baking! Karen Larsen also took part for a bit and others stopped by to share in the bounty of fresh baked goodies!

What a treat to fill the Lord's house with the aroma of fresh baked pies and laughter on a Thursday afternoon!!!

Meditation for May 14th

2009-05-14T08:03:00.002-06:00

Zechariah 1:1-6 (New International Version)
"In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah, the son of Iddo: "The LORD was very angry with your forefathers. Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Return to me,' declares the LORD Almighty, 'and I will return to you,' says the LORD Almighty. Do not be like your forefathers, to whom the earlier prophets proclaimed: This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices.' But they would not listen or pay attention to me, declares the LORD. Where are your forefathers now? And the prophets, do they live forever? But did not my words and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, overtake your forefathers? "Then they repented and said, 'The LORD Almighty has done to us what our ways and practices deserve, just as he determined to do.'"

The Act of Contrition
O my God,
I am heartily sorry for
Having offended Thee,
And I detest all my sins,
Because I dread the loss of heaven,
And the pains of hell;
But most of all because
They offend Thee, my God,
Who are all good and
Deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve,
With the help of Thy grace
To confess my sins,
To do penance
And to amend my life.

Amen.

--The Reverend James Gibbons (1884)

Confirmation Class Interviews

2009-05-13T23:07:00.003-06:00

The confirmation class members came before the Ad Board tonight, and everyone present came away with a deeper appreciation of the commitment of the next generation of disciples!

Class members read previously prepared essays as to why they wanted to join the church and what they believe. Afterwards, the members of the Ad Board had the opportunity to ask questions.

The 2009 class members are Scott Bagnell, Courtnie Highland, Scott Kelsey, Lucas Rosenbaum, Michale Sukup and Jaide Wachtel.

The essays may be found at this link and the photos from tonight may be found at this link.

Blustery day in Cheyenne Conty

2009-05-13T14:56:00.003-06:00

Thanks to Warren Johnson, the church grounds on the west side of the building have been tended to using the church's riding mower. Warren could be seen zipping around the huge grassy area, paying no heed to the gusty winds. We are blessed to have such faithful stewards of what God has given into our care.

Meditation for May 13th

2009-05-13T08:28:00.002-06:00

Haggai 1:2-9 (New International Version)
2 This is what the LORD Almighty says: "These people say, 'The time has not yet come for the LORD's house to be built.' Then the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai: "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?"

Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."

This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored," says the LORD. "You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the LORD Almighty. "Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house."

"This is our Lord's will... that our prayer and our trust be, alike, large." Julian of Norwich

Tending to the Church's needs

2009-05-12T11:41:00.005-06:00

Rilla Draper and Belinda Alkula took advantage of the sunny weather to tend to the flower bed beneath the cross (on the 11th Ave. side of the building) this morning, and what a difference it makes!

Rilla had the idea to transplant the Easter lilies and tulips that remained into the flower bed so that in future years our church will be graced with these reminders of resurrection and love.

2009 Confirmation Class Essays

2009-05-12T04:54:00.010-06:00

The 2009 Confirmation Class will be appearing before the Ad Board on Wednesday, May 13th at 7:00 p.m. to read their essays and to answer questions from the board members.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Scott Bagnell

Confirmation class has strengthened my relationship with God and I have a better understanding of Christianity. These are my beliefs…

God gave us the Bible so we can know that He is the one and only true God. God wants us to read the Bible and learn about people from the past, to show us we need a Savior and how we should live our lives. God loved us soooo much that He sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. John 3:16 (For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life). I Peter 2:24 (He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed). I try to follow the Golden Rule and treat others how I want to be treated in return. Honestly, this can be a very hard thing to do. Sometimes classmates treat each other poorly by teasing or hurting one another. In these situations, I try very hard to do the right thing and remember the Golden Rule.

God wants us to follow such rules as the Ten Commandments. This is my understanding of God’s laws…

Loving God: 1. Don’t have any Gods except me 2. You must not worship idols 3. Be careful how you use Goods name 4. Remember God’s day…rest and worship.

Loving others: 5. Honor and obey your parents 6. You must not kill anybody 7. Stay with your husband or wife 8. Do not steal things from other 9. Never, never tell a lie 10. Don’t be jealous of your neighbor.

We should try to follow these rules daily, but if we stumble, we should pray for forgiveness and start over again.

It is important for us to go to church and remember God’s rules. Church is a place where we can encourage each other. I Thessalonians 5:11 (Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing). Church is a place where I can go to worship and praise God. Psalm 100:2 (Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs). Church is also a place where I can pray for others, serve others and make Christian friends.

I would like to become a member of the United Methodist Church because I want to belong to a church family that praises God and helps the community. I would help my church family with my individual talents and any other way I could.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Courtnie Highland

I want to join the church because then I can be in the choir or anything else. When I get older I could get married in the church. I would also want to join the church so I could learn more about God.

Another reason I’d like to join the church is so I can be close to God. Hopefully God can help me through all the rest of my life.

I’d also like to join the church so if I have any rough patches I’m going through when I get older the church can support me. When I join the church I would do my
best to support other members of the church, too.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scott Kelsey

Hello, my name is Scott Kelsey and I am here to state my reasons why I think it is appropriate to get confirmed in the First United Methodist Church of Sidney. This past year with my confirmation class and leader has boosted my faith and has encouraged me to spread the word of God. The time and energy that Pastor Charles has devoted to our class through his sharing of the church has inspired me to share the same with others.

I have been an acolyte and greeter, have volunteered my time at Vacation Bible School, been a lector at church, and am active in the youth group. I am looking forward to continuing to do those things and also getting involved in a choir and helping with Sunday school.

I try my hardest to be a good Christian by asking myself “what would Jesus do” and making a good decision. This philosophy helps me live a healthy life and have good relationships.

I believe that taking an office in the church or even just participating in ativities would mean a lot to me so please allow me to join the church.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lucas Rosenbaum

I would like to join the First United Methodist Church for a couple of reasons.

First, to expand my faith in the Almighty God.

Second, I would like to join this church because I want to learn about our Creator and go to His kingdom: Heaven.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Michael Sukup

I want to join this church because I know that Jesus loves me. When I’m older, I want to tell my kids that I was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

I also want to learn more about Jesus. I want to join the church because I would feel that Jesus would be in me more than He is right now. I would also like to be able to help with choices in the church. I would like to join the church just to be a part of it. What I would really like to though just to be a part of this church and have fun with the pastor.

I want to join this church because it would mean a lot to me. I would care for this church and be thankful because Jesus died on the cross for me and I know that. But most of all I want to be closer to God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost but they are 3-1 but they all do different things for us in our life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jaide Wachtel

My name is Jaide Wachtel and I want to join the church family because I want to learn about Jesus Christ. Being a member of the church enables you to learn about God as a family, which is more efficient than just learning his word by yourself.

There is also a lot of support within the church family. The church is there for you whenever you need them. Throughout all the good and bad times, the church is there for you, and will help you to hand your burdens over to Jesus Christ. I think that even though God wants you to worship him everywhere, it pleases him more to come together as a group and learn his word together. It’s also more enjoyable and memorable to be part of a group.

To me personally, I feel safer being around the church family because we are all there for the same reason and we all want the same thing – to live with Jesus in heaven one day. My vision of a perfect church family is one that is there for everyone and never leaves anyone behind. I know that none of us is perfect, we all make mistakes, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t still be there for the church and everyone in it. It’s the church’s job to make sure that every member feels comfortable and safe with the church, includes responsibility, and also love and passion for Jesus. I have all of those qualities, and wish to become a member of the United Methodist Church at the end of my confirmation.

Meditation for May 12th

2009-05-12T04:50:00.000-06:00

Zephaniah 3:17-20 (New International Version)
"On that day they will say to Jerusalem, "Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. The sorrows for the appointed feasts I will remove from you; they are a burden and a reproach to you. At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you; I will rescue the lame and gather those who have been scattered. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they were put to shame. At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes," says the LORD."

"..Christ did not appoint professors, but followers. If Christianity ... is not reduplicated in the life of the person expounding it, then he does not expound Christianity, for Christianity is a message about living and can only be expounded by being realized in men's lives."--Soren Kierkegaard

Prayer for the Church
We pray You, O almighty and eternal God! Who through Jesus Christ hast revealed Your glory to all nations, to preserve the works of Your mercy, that Your Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of your name. Amen.

Meditation for May 11th

2009-05-11T08:52:00.000-06:00

(scene of the River Awe, western Scotland)

Habakkuk 3: 1-4, 16-18 (NIV)
"A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet. LORD, I have heard of Your fame; I stand in awe of Your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth. His splendor was like the sunrise; rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden....yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights."

"God does not stand afar off as I struggle to speak. He cares enough to listen with more than casual attention. He translates my scrubby words and hears what is truly inside. He hears my sighs and uncertain gropings as fine prose." --Timothy Jones

"The Shack" study begins tonight

2009-05-10T16:16:00.004-06:00

Our five-week study using "The Shack" begins tonight at 6:00 p.m. and continues for the next four weeks. Please join us as we explore "The journey from tragedy to eternity."

Sunday - Morning (May 10)

2009-05-10T16:05:00.003-06:00

What a blessing today has been! For the third Sunday morning in a row, we were greeted by the sound of a light rain falling upon Cheyenne County! The faithful gathered for study, worship, and fellowship with joy today, welcoming the opportunity to worship God and for many, to celebrate the gift of Mother's Day.

Dan Rowan, fresh from a business trip to Oklahoma, served as lector at the early service and Kelsey Arrington offered her services at the second service. Our second service was blessed with the gift of music with our children, led by Elizabeth Draper and Lisa Bickford, bringing energy and joyous music to the congregation.

Meditation for May 10th (Mother's Day)

2009-05-10T05:57:00.001-06:00

Psalm 139:12-14 (New International Version)
"...even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

Proverbs 23:21-23 (New International Version)
"...for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding."

A Prayer for Mother's Day
Gracious God, We thank You for adopting us into Your family through the miracle of Your grace, and for calling us to be brothers and sisters to each other.

Today, loving God, we pray for our mothers: who cared for us when we were helpless
who comforted us when we were hurt, whose love and care we often took for granted.

Today we pray for: those who are grieving the loss of their mother, those who never knew their biological mother, and now yearn for her, those who have experienced the wonder of an adopted mother's love, the families separated by war or conflict. Lord, give them special blessings. Keep us united with You and with each other, so that we can be and become all that we are meant to be. Amen.

(from www.godweb.org)

Meditation for May 9th

2009-05-09T08:45:00.004-06:00

(The ceiling of the Wieskirche (White Church), Bavaria.)

Nahum 1:2-7 (NIV)
"The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on his foes and maintains his wrath against his enemies. The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebukes the sea and dries it up; he makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither and the blossoms of Lebanon fade. The mountains quake before him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it. Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him. The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him."

"Some people pray just to pray and some people pray to know God." --Andrew Murray

"There is a mighty lot of difference between saying prayers and praying." --John G. Lake

Meditation for May 8th

2009-05-08T10:13:00.002-06:00

Micah 6:6-8 (The Message)
"How can I stand up before God and show proper respect to the high God? Should I bring an armload of offerings topped off with yearling calves? Would God be impressed with thousands of rams, with buckets and barrels of olive oil? Would He be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn child, my precious baby, to cancel my sin? But He's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don't take yourself too seriously — take God seriously."

"Mercy, detached from Justice, grows unmerciful."-- C.S. Lewis

"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality." Bishop Desmond Tutu