Scripture for Reflection – 1 Corinthians 1:1-2
Paul called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, to the church of God that is in Corinth…
Reflection – A Message Worth Struggling For
This week I have imagined myself feeling somewhat like Paul, whose letters encouraged the congregations he served as their apostle. Many of you know my mother fell, and I spent three days last weekend in the hospital. Meantime, the quarantine hit full swing, and I have been working to reshape how we do church when we cannot gather. This week has marked a week of many e-mails, phone calls, and writing to you, the congregation, through the Faith Connection. I must admit I am weary. No particular task was tiring, it was just a matter of reacting and rethinking and building new emotional and mental muscles to suit what is before us.
Paul provides inspiration to me. He traveled endlessly, was beaten, imprisoned and undermined by false prophets that said God didn’t love you unless you had been circumcised. The congregations he established fell back into their old bad habits. But he never gave up hope, so certain was he in the message he carried. I too am certain in the message we carry. God created us. Christ gave his life for us. The Holy Spirit is with us. As the church, we are still here, undeterred by whatever comes our way. We seek the kingdom of heaven in difficulty and share the kingdom of heaven in abundance.
Today, I would just like to remind you that the work of the church continues. As such, our financial needs continue. If possible please continue to support the church financially as you have done in the past. You can do this in one of 3 ways:
1. Mail your regular offering (110 W. Center St. Farmersville, Ohio 45325)
2. Set up autopay through your bank (Your bank may not charge a fee)
3. Use the UMCgo App
If you are unable to give due to employment changes or otherwise, please understand this message is not directed at you. Furthermore, you may want to contact me (Pastor Brian) for support through your time of difficulty.
Thank you for your financial support in the past, and your continued prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.
Virtual Worship Service—Sunday, March 22 at 9:30 a.m.
Join us for a 10-15 minute virtual worship service on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. This will be a Facebook Live event. To access the service, please like our Farmersville United Methodist Church Facebook Page and watch the live event. If you have a Joy or Concern or Prayer Request, you can submit those in advance through email or on the comment section of the page. You can view the event at https://www.facebook.com/
Prayer
God of love and God of hope, we give you thanks for the blessings that you pour into our lives. Like Paul, let us endure difficulty, fully embracing our role as the church; to carry the message of hope that he carried. Help me be generous as I am able, especially in this time where generosity is much needed. Amen.
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Pastor Brian