tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7185343182618626102024-02-20T02:05:14.899-05:00Fish Out of WaterChristian musings on doing Church differentlyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678236392996574026noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718534318261862610.post-14208145464672079032012-11-25T22:09:00.002-05:002012-11-25T22:12:31.147-05:00Thanksgiving to God<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Listening to Christian Radio the last week, I've heard people say that they were thankful for friends, family, and friends and family. When it comes to Thanksgiving, who are we thanking? Our friends and family or God? I hope that we as Christians first and foremost thank God for giving us Jesus - His only son, who taught us how to live, went to the cross so that our sins may be forgiven, and prepares a place for us in Heaven. Secondly, we have many blessings to thank God for. What I am especially thankful for this year is how God has made each of us very special. How God has given each of us our own unique talents and gifts. I thank God that I am with some very special people at home and at work. Recognizing the talents and gifts in those around me and encouraging them to use their God given talents and gifts benefits the Kingdom and allows us to truly be the Body of Christ.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678236392996574026noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718534318261862610.post-40694038176903169922012-11-06T07:42:00.000-05:002012-11-06T07:42:20.335-05:0016,000 UMCOR Cleaning Buckets and Counting ... <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More than 16,000 Cleaning Buckets have been distributed to help in the clean up of Sandy. See previous posts on how you can assemble Cleaning Buckets and take them to First United Methodist Church in Palmyra or directly to Mission Central.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Mission Central: Mechanicsburg, PA</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mission Central is the mission warehouse of the Susquehanna Annual Conference. It stores and distributes relief supplies and hosts volunteers. The volunteers help assemble and verify relief kits, and also participate in local outreach projects. For more information, please visit </span><a href="http://www.missioncentral.org/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.missioncentral.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rev. Rob Visscher, Executive Director<br />Mission Central<br />5 Pleasant View Drive<br />Mechanicsburg, PA 17050</span><a href="mailto:rvisscher@susumc.org"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">rvisscher@susumc.org</span></a><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">717-766-1533</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678236392996574026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718534318261862610.post-85620110253044390682012-11-04T20:17:00.000-05:002012-11-04T20:17:44.098-05:00Trust not Clarity<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How many times have we prayed for clarity in our lives? Clarity to know what God wants us to do. Clarity on important life decisions. We have probably even prayed that others have clarity in their lives - that they may know what God has in store for them. In Allie's message today (see previous post to listen), she retells the story of a person meeting Mother Teresa and asking her to pray for clarity in his life. Mother Teresa says, "I'm not going to do that. God doesn't work that way." The person, a little taken aback, replies, "Why not? You seem to have clarity in your life." Mother Teresa responds, "I've never had clarity. What I have is trust. I will pray for you that you trust God."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wow. That hit me like a ton of bricks. Who are we to know what God has planned? Isn't this what got us in trouble in the first place? (See Adam and Eve). But trust . . . trusting in God that his plan is best for us; that no matter what, God is holding us in his hands; that it is ok to step out of the boat; to give everything away and follow Jesus; to take up our cross daily; to live, love, and serve fully as Jesus commands us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Clarity? Lord I pray that I trust you in every step of my life. Amen.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678236392996574026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718534318261862610.post-49902943641684334752012-11-04T19:45:00.000-05:002012-11-04T19:45:16.842-05:00Message of Faith and Hope<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Listen to the amazing story of a young lady and her battle with cancer.</span><br />
<a href="http://www.pfumc.us/worship-message/podcast.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.pfumc.us/worship-message/podcast.html</span></a><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678236392996574026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718534318261862610.post-80511798218042992302012-11-03T18:01:00.000-04:002012-11-03T18:01:11.912-04:00Faith Makes Things Possible, Not Easy<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The title of this post came from the Upper Room Devotional the other day. </span><a href="http://devotional.upperroom.org/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://devotional.upperroom.org/</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How does this statement apply to our lives when things are not going the way we hoped?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do you do to keep the Faith when things are difficult?</span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678236392996574026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718534318261862610.post-51333771942554221442012-11-02T19:06:00.000-04:002012-11-03T17:36:13.444-04:00Every wonder who helps those in need around the World?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>UMCOR Does!!!!!!!</strong></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.umcor.org/UMCOR/Relief-Supplies">http://www.umcor.org/UMCOR/Relief-Supplies</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678236392996574026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718534318261862610.post-65650178720527659872012-11-02T19:02:00.000-04:002012-11-03T09:45:22.870-04:00Flood Buckets<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;"><div align="left">
Here is a very important way we can all help those affected by Sandy. Flood Buckets and or supplies for Flood Buckets can be dropped off at Palmyra First United Methodist <a href="http://www.pfumc.us/">www.pfumc.us</a> or taken directly to Mission Central in Mechanicsburg.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="left">
Cleaning Bucket</div>
</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
Value: $ 55.00</div>
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
5 gallon bucket with resalable lid</div>
</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
Buckets from fast food restaurants or bakeries can be used if washed and cleaned.</div>
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Do not use buckets that have stored chemicals such as paint or pool cleaner.</div>
<div align="left">
Advertisements on the outside are acceptable.</div>
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
liquid laundry detergent</div>
</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
two 25 oz. or one 50 oz. bottles only</div>
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
liquid household cleaner</div>
</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
12</div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">‐</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">16 oz. liquid cleaner that can be mixed with water</span></span>
<br />
<div align="left">
no spray cleaners</div>
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
dish soap</div>
</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
16</div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">‐</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">28 oz bottle any brand</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">
<div align="left">
1 can air freshener</div>
</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
aerosol or pump</div>
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
1 insect repellant spray</div>
</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
6</div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">‐</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">14 oz. aerosol or spray pump with protective cover</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">
<div align="left">
1 scrub brush</div>
</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
no toilet-bowl brushes</div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
plastic or wooden handle</div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
no kitchen or dish brushes</div>
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
18 cleaning wipes</div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
handi wipes or reusable wipes</div>
<div align="left">
no terry cleaning towels</div>
<div align="left">
remove from packaging</div>
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
7 sponges</div>
</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
remove from wrapper</div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
no cellulose sponges due to mold issue</div>
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
</div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">5 scouring pads</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">
<div align="left">
remove from wrapper</div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
no Brillo, SOS pads or any kind that will rust</div>
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
</div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">50 clothespin</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">s</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">
<div align="left">
remove from packaging</div>
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
</div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">clothes lin</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">e</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">
<div align="left">
two 50 ft. or one 100 ft.</div>
<div align="left">
cotton or plastic.</div>
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
24 roll he</div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">a</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">vy dut</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">y </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">tr</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">a</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">sh bags</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">
<div align="left">
r</div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">emove from the box</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">
<div align="left">
30-45 gallon size</div>
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
5 dust masks</div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
</div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">2 pair disposable waterproof gloves</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">
<div align="left">
rubber or latex</div>
<div align="left">
remove from packaging</div>
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
</div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">1 pair work gloves</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">
<div align="left">
cotton or leather</div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
leather palms necessary</div>
</span></span><br />
<h3 align="left">
Assembling Directions</h3>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
Place all liquid items in the bucket first. Place remaining items in the bucket fitting them around and between the liquid items. Sponges, scouring pads, clothespins and trash bags can be separated in order to fit all of the items in the bucket.</div>
<div align="left">
Ensure the lid is closed securely.</div>
<div align="left">
Important Notes</div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><div align="left">
‐ </div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">All items must be new except for the actual bucket and lid.</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">
<div align="left">
‐ </div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">All cleaning agents must be liquid and in plastic containers. No powders please.</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">
<div align="left">
‐ </div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">If you cannot find the requested size of a liquid item, use a smaller size. Including larger sizes of any item will prevent the lid from sealing.</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">
<div align="left">
‐ </div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">If all of the items on the list are not included, please put a label on the bucket indicating what has been omitted.</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">
<div align="left">
‐ </div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Cleaning buckets are only used within the United States. They are not opened to verify the contents unless there is indication some items have been omitted.</span></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678236392996574026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718534318261862610.post-66005490515315081482012-11-02T18:51:00.000-04:002012-11-03T17:43:20.471-04:00Mission Central: Sandy<h1 class="post-title entry-title">
Mission Central relief agency responding to New York needs in aftermath of Sandy, waiting for other requests </h1>
<div class="post-meta clearfix">
<div class="post-author author vcard">
by <span class="fn nickname"><a class="url" href="http://www.umcconnections.org/author/bdunlap-berg/"><span style="color: #091dff;">Barbara Dunlap-Berg</span></a></span> </div>
</div>
<div class="entry-content clearfix">
<div class="wp-caption alignright" id="attachment_8515" style="width: 310px;">
<img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-8515" height="198" src="http://www.umcconnections.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Wanchese-Relief-Cleaning-Buckets--300x198.jpg" title="Wanchese-Relief-Cleaning-Buckets-" width="300" /></div>
</div>
<div class="wp-caption-text">
Volunteers assemble cleaning buckets in this file photo on the website of the North Carolina Conference. A file photo by Bill Norton.By Barbara Dunlap-Berg*</div>
By Barbara Dunlap-Berg*<br />
“Just because you see a little girl crying on the news because she lost her dolly in the hurricane, don’t start a toy drive.”<br />
So advised Patti Glasser, director of operations for Mission Central, the mission warehouse of the Susquehanna Annual (regional) Conference. In Mechanicsburg, Pa., about three hours from the Big Apple, Glasser and her staff of five already are responding to Hurricane Sandy-related needs from New York. They are waiting to hear from other affected states.<br />
When a disaster occurs, Glasser explained, “we have to allow nature to take its course. First, the floodwaters come, then they recede, then disaster coordinators go into the area and assess the damage and see what is needed.” The next step is to coordinate resources – both people and supplies.<br />
Mission Central staff shipped 1,000 <a href="http://www.umcor.org/UMCOR/Relief-Supplies" modo="false" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">cleaning buckets</span></a> to hurricane survivors in New York, Glasser said. Eventually, she anticipates thousands more of the buckets will be requested from New Jersey and Delaware.<br />
<strong>Urgent needs</strong><br />
Current urgent needs are personal insect repellant spray (6-14 ounces), liquid household cleaner (25- or 50-ounce bottles) and liquid laundry detergent (12-16 ounces). “Ultimately,” Glasser added, “we will need the entire contents of the cleaning buckets.”<br />
What doesn’t Mission Central need?<br />
“Clothing and toys,” Glasser replied. “Quite honestly, people are so kindhearted and giving,” and they want to do something. But unsolicited donations overwhelm staff and volunteers.<br />
“When people don’t even have food and clean water, their needs are very basic. People have to be patient and respond to specific requests.”<br />
Founded a decade ago, Mission Central, along with satellite “HUBS,” supplies humanitarian goods and logistical services to hundreds of ministry and social service agencies. The agency hosts 9,000 to 10,000 volunteers annually.<br />
<strong>“God is at work”</strong><br />
Mission Central processes United Methodist Committee on Relief “Relief Kits” for use around the world, provides needed supplies for local and national ministries and assists projects that share God’s love around the world.<br />
“Mission Central,” said former board member and active United Methodist Stephen Drachler, “does a tremendous job responding to natural disasters around the world. God is at work through these dedicated disciples of Christ.”<br />
To learn more about Mission Central, go to <a href="http://www.missioncentral.org/" modo="false"><span style="color: #091dff;">http://www.missioncentral.org/</span></a>. Ship or deliver donations to Mission Central, 5 Pleasant View Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. Make monetary donations on<a href="http://www.missioncentral.org/"><span style="color: #091dff;"> the organization’s website</span></a> or mail checks to the address above.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678236392996574026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718534318261862610.post-17785390522447591672012-10-31T20:15:00.000-04:002012-10-31T20:15:37.014-04:00If You Do Anything This Sunday Morning . . .<h1 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i><span style="color: #648386; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 36pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">You’re invited...</span></i></h1>
<span style="color: #648386; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 36pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #648386; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">…to hear the inspirational story of a cancer survivor</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #648386; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p><span style="color: #1c2c2c; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012</strong></span><span style="color: #1c2c2c; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /> 9:00 and 10:30 services <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="org"><span style="color: #1c2c2c; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Palmyra First United Methodist Church </span></span><span style="color: #1c2c2c; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">520 East Birch Street</span></span></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #648386; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p><span style="color: #1c2c2c; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1c2c2c; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span class="locality"><span style="color: #1c2c2c; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Palmyra</span></span><span style="color: #1c2c2c; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">, <span class="region">Pennsylvania</span> <span class="postal-code">17078</span></span></span></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #648386; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p><span style="color: #1c2c2c; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #1c2c2c; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="postal-code"></span><o:p></o:p></span> <a href="http://www.pfumc.us/">www.pfumc.us</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Like Us on Facebook!</span></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #648386; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p><span style="color: #1c2c2c; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #1c2c2c; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Allison Speck is a senior at Messiah College. Allie, as well as her family, have endured an emotional roller-coaster as Allie battled two different types of cancer. What makes Allie’s story inspirational is the faith she and her family have had in the three and a half years since her initial diagnosis. Allie, and her family, have leaned on the Word of God, as well as prayer, to help them deal with the pain, agony, and suffering over this period of time. You will be inspired once you hear Allie present her experiences of looking to the Lord for strength and perseverance as she lived through numerous surgeries, treatments, and setbacks.</span></span></o:p></span></h1>
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<span style="color: #648386; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p><span style="color: #1c2c2c; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #1c2c2c; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span></o:p></span> <span style="color: #1c2c2c; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><img align="none" height="212" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://gallery.mailchimp.com/f876d2a8dcc59b632e5e02e91/images/FootprintsInTheSand1.jpg" width="349" /></span></h2>
</o:p></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678236392996574026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718534318261862610.post-55909068836197065512012-10-29T21:56:00.000-04:002012-10-29T22:12:25.861-04:00I went to church last Sunday and the Church broke out.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This reminds me of the old joke where the person goes to the fights and a hockey game breaks out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I’m talking about is that I went to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>c</u></b>hurch – the place most Christians go one hour per week and the place that seems to be more important than those around us; and the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>C</u></b>hurch – the holy, universal Church of Jesus – appeared in all its glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, when I got to church last Sunday, the most terrible thing had happened . . . there was no coffee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But there was much weeping, gnashing of teeth, and wearing of sackcloth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, maybe not the sackcloth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But something else happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone got a pot of coffee brewing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another got out the cups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sugar and creamer appeared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And some people got the cookies out of the freezer and carefully thawed them in the microwave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People of our church were being the Church!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now it seems that people at church fell into one of three groups last Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were those that were concerned about who was on the list – the list where people sign up to make coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or they were concerned about whose job it was to make sure that there was someone signed up on the list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or they felt that we should just do without coffee as that would teach those who never sign up to make coffee to sign up in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Obviously, this person had already had their coffee at home.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The second group wasn’t going to make coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t their job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, they had made coffee a long time ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was time for someone else to make coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if someone did make coffee, they were sure to have a cup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reminds you of the story of the Little Red Hen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one wanted to help make the bread but everyone sure wanted to eat it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And there was the third group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These folks were more concerned about others than themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wanted to make sure that the visitor they hadn’t even met received the welcoming hospitality they deserve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So they set aside their egos, serving without complaining, helping each other in the kitchen, and washing the dishes afterwards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Which group do you think Jesus would have been in?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll give you a hint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the group where people were serving like Jesus did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matthew 20:28 says, “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We are the Church!</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Romans 1:6 says that we are called by Jesus to be the Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We can be the Church!</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s a choice that each one of us needs to make.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Someone mentioned that maybe we are too concerned about things like the “list”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They asked the question, “What would happen if we weren’t organized”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would the coffee get made?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would we have worship?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would we help those in need?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would we do justice, love mercifully, and walk humbly with God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Micah 6:8)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would we give the hungry something to eat, the thirsty something to drink, welcome the stranger, cloth the naked, take care of the sick, and visit the imprisoned?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Matthew 25)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and love others as we love ourselves? (Mark 12:30-31)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If we are the Church, we will!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The choice is up to each of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will we be the Church or will we be more concerned about the church?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678236392996574026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-718534318261862610.post-50179555699643194122012-10-28T19:49:00.000-04:002012-11-03T17:46:13.163-04:00Welcome!<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You may be wondering why this blog is titled Fish Out of Water (at least I hope you are). The first thing that I can tell you is that as soon as I started to think about what to call it, Fish Out of Water popped into my head. Funny how the Holy Spirit works isn't it? So then I had to think, what in the heck is God trying to tell me! Well, the fish symbol was used by early Christians. And you may find this blog to be NOT like the Church as we have known it. Thus, Fish Out of Water is all about doing Church Differently. Secondly, I was reminded about Peter walking on the water (or at least trying to - see Matthew 14:22-36). Peter was truly a "Fish" (Christian) "Out of Water" (Living the Faith to the Fullest). And there you have it. This blog - Fish Out of Water - is all about living our lives to the maximum Glory of God. But getting back to Peter ... he seems to get a bum wrap for taking in all that was happening around him and for that split second, lost sight of Jesus and began to sink. Sounds a lot like us doesn't it! We let all the world get in the way of our relationship with Jesus and what happens? We start to sink. However, unlike Peter - who had the <strong>boldness</strong> and <strong>courage</strong> to step out of the boat, we are holding tight to the mast, never to let go, like our life depends on it. And that my friends may be a topic for another post sometime. But let me leave you with this thought - "</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me." Jesus to the Disciples, Matthew 10:38-39 The Message</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15678236392996574026noreply@blogger.com5