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 Flint and I preached on The Communion of Saints on February 7, 2010. Since then, a few of you have asked, "Do Methodists believe in saints like the Catholic Church?"
United Methodists do not believe in Saints in quite the same way that the Catholic Church does.
As a rule, United Methodists do not exhibit devotion to persons called saints. This is probably due to our strong focus on the triune God and our belief in the "one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human who gave himself a ransom for all" (1 Timothy 2:5-6a).
Another reason we move this way is that Methodism was born in the beginnings of the modern period, whereas Roman Catholic faith was born in the pre-modern period with a stronger sense of communion with those who have died.
United Methodists, along with most Protestants, do not canonize persons by particular criteria, as does the Roman Catholic Church. We would call some people "saints" because they are exemplars, people who have done much good for the world. Our approach to saints is, if you will, casual and ad hoc. The Protestant Reformation led us to understand that our prayers ought to be directed only to God, and even though we still recognize some people as more saintly than most, the study of scripture has led us to a broader interpretation of what it is to be a saint. By reading the lives of these "holy ones" from over the centuries we are encouraged in our discipleship and more fully understand that we are "surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1).
According to Revelation 14:12, the saints are: the people of God: those who habitually keep God's commandments and who keep their faith in Jesus. That means we are all saints.
Go Saints!
Rev. Warren Clifton
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Noel's Youth Band
.....I will sing and make music to the Lord - Psalms 27:6.
If you know me, you know that music is near and dear to my heart! That being said, I have been wanting to start a Youth Band since I came to Noel in October of 2006 and now, with the help of Erin Marshall Fort, I can say that it has FINALLY come to pass! Erin scheduled a workshop this last Sunday night and it was a pure joy to be there and to see what started as a joyful "noise" become "a new song played 'skillfully' " - Psalm 33:3. Thanks to all you who came, brought your musical gifts, and helped the Youth hone theirs. Be sure and check out the Youth Band's first performance Sunday, February 21, in the Contemporary Worship Service.
Get your praise on!
Jonathan |
 
Noel's United Methodist Women's General Meeting
Twenty-four ladies attended the first UMW General Meeting of the year on Saturday, February 8, 2010. Following a time of food and fellowship and a business meeting, the 2010 UMW Officers of Noel United Methodist Church were installed by Rachel Scott. Each of the ladies was given a presentation bouquet designed by Vickie Young. Following the installation, the program on UMW Prayer and Self-Denial was presented by June Dowis.
 The 2010 UMW Officers are Daisy Snelling-President; Sandy Bounds-Vice President; Judy Jones-Secretary, with Clarice Moore as assistant secretary; and Patricia Looney-Treasurer. The Mission Coordinators are as follows: Spiritual Growth-Martha Holeman; Social Action-Beth Foster; Education and Interpretation-Jean Goins; Members, Nurture, Outreach-Marjorie Davis; and Program Resources-Dixie Keeley.
Noel's UMW Chapter has three circles that meet monthly and general meetings every other month. All ladies are invited to attend.
Circle One meets the third Tuesday of every month at 10:00 a.m. in the Rasmussen Classroom.
Circle Two meets the second Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at alternating members' homes.
Circle Three meets the second Saturday of every month at 10:45 a.m. at alternating members' homes.
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Recommended Books for Children in Times of Uncertainty
Three books that can provide comfort for children in times of uncertainty:
 Old Turtle by Douglas Wood
When all of creation argues over who God is, a wise old turtle steps in to silence the crowds and proclaim that "above all... and within all things...God IS." This nondenominational modern-day classic offers a ready platform for discussing beliefs and the need for peace and acceptance among the peoples of the world -- a message that could not be more timely.
 God's Paintbrush by Sandy Sasso
Sasso helps children explore God and their relationship to God through moments in their own lives.
 The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown
A little bunny keeps running away from his mother in an imaginative and imaginary game of verbal hide-and-seek; children will be profoundly comforted by this lovingly steadfast mother who finds her child every time.
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 Noel Neighborhood Ministries' News
Food Pantry Hours are Monday-Thursday and Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
One of our clients recently told us, "Neighborhood Ministries is to be commended for their dedication and help to those in need. I've been out of work for over a year now and have used up all my financial resources. The pantry is a life saver. Many thanks to all that contribute to and work with this wonderful asset to the community." We were able to help her because of your generous contributions and by your support of our bi-annual flower sales.
Our 2010 Spring Flower Sale is in full swing. Order forms have been mailed out and are also located in various locations around the church. Be sure to order your flowers and help feed a family. For more information, contact the Food Pantry at 424-0434.
The deadline to order is Friday, February 19, and the flower pick up date is Saturday, April 17. |
OUR LIFE IN CHRIST
Remember in your prayers our known ill: John Carpenter, Sugar Clary, Julie Ezernack, David Fite, Mollie Griffith, Billie Haacker, Bill Hightower, Bootsie Huddleston, Carol Massey, Jesse and Norma Morgan, Art Reasor, Glenn Richardson, Harry Risor, Libby Roby, Bob Rushing, Alton Sartor, Claud Spence, Jackie Thurmon, Renee Webb, Betty Whittington, and Herman Williamson.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Highland Mardi Gras Parade
This Sunday, February 14, 2:00 p.m. Join us for this great family event. Bring your lawn chairs and get a good spot to watch. Free lemonade and popcorn!
Church Council Meeting, Tuesday, February 16, 7:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall. All members are encouraged to attend.
Ash Wednesday Service, Wednesday, February 17, 12:10-12:50 p.m., Lane Chapel. Plan to join us as we begin the Lenten season.
Friendly Circle, Thursday, February 18, 10:30 a.m., Parlor. Our program will be the Broadmoor Super Senior Singers directed by Mary Caldwell. There will be lunch afterwards in Fellowship Hall for $3.00 per person. The menu is Pork Chops, Rice and Gravy, Turnip Greens, Cornbread, and Dessert.
Sacred Pathways, Thursday, February 18, 6:00 p.m., Chapel. An evening of contemplative practices including a labyrinth walk, centering prayer, and Lectio Divina. Gather in Lane Chapel for a brief time of worship, then choose one of the three practices to experience in a quiet, meditative setting.
Noel Neighborhood Ministries Spring Flower Sale. Order forms have been mailed out and are located around the church. Complete your forms and place in the offering plate, church office, or mail. The deadline to order will be February 19.
The Inner Room, a Contemplative Dialogue Small Group led by Rachel Scott and Alan Prater, Mondays, February 22-April 12, 6:30 p.m., Couples Classroom. The group will be studying the book "The Wisdom Way of Knowing" by Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault. Please call the church at 221-5207 if interested.
Blood Drive, Sunday, February 28, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Gym. Give the gift of life!
Noel NOW Newsletter is going digital and we are sending the Noel NOW out on a weekly basis by e-mail. "Go Green" cards are located in the pews and around the church. To receive the Noel NOW by e-mail, indicate that choice on the back of the "Go Green" card and include your e-mail address, call the Church Office, or e-mail us at bbrown@noelumc.org.
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