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ejoy! weekly newsletter                                                   May 28/29, 2011
In This Issue
In Worship
Missions Potluck
Stewardship Campaign Update
Office Closed Memorial Day
 Thought for the Day:

 

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

 

-Gandhi
 

During these spring weekends we will take a look at a variety of issues related to family.  We will look to scripture and the traditions of the church to help us grow in our own situations and circumstances to understand more fully how to support and encourage others who are in situations differing from ourselves. For a listing of the entire series click here 
 

Pets: All Dogs Go To Heaven    Genesis 2:4-20 

 

Humanity has been created to be the care takers of all of creation. Animals have been created to be companions and helpers of humanity. It is a reciprocal relationship. If we do not care for other creatures as we care for ourselves, are we not breaking the "Golden Rule" to treat others as we would want to be treated? With respect and dignity as a God created living being.

We talk a lot about vocation in our society, and rightly so.  But have you ever considered the vocation of the nonhuman? According to Terence Frethiem, in his book God and World in the Old Testament, there is "a mutuality of human vocation and nonhuman vocation. Human vocation in isolation is too limiting, insufficiently fundamental and does not take adequate account of the character of the relationship of the nonhuman, the human, and God."

The animals in our lives play a critical role in creation and our personal lives. They are companions, friends, helpers, and at times our sustenance. Join us this week as we seek to understand our pets' relationship to our family life as well as other creatures'.

5:00 Saturday Worship: We will have worship on the lawn by Danbury street for a blessing of the animals service. All pets and their friends are welcome! In case of inclement weather, the service will be held in the fellowship hall.

 

Sunday School at both 9 & 10:30 a.m. on May 29 for children infant to 5th grade will include a special project for our service men and women, bible story and treat!  Children join their families in worship until after the children's message, at which time they will be invited to Sunday school upstairs in rooms 212 and 216.

 

See you in worship, and remember to bring a friend!

Pastor Wiley Gladney
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 Missions Potluck- TONIGHT!

Thursday May 26

6:30 in Fellowship Hall

 

Everyone who is involved in missions of the church is invited to this potluck meeting.  The church's missions committee are reconvening and we are meeting to plan missions events for the fall. All are welcome to attend. Bring a dish to share. 

 

RSVP to pastorgladney@umcwfb.org.

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Stewardship  Campaign Update

 

29 gifts

The Stewardship Campaign Follow Up Team has been making phone calls to those who have not turned in their commitment to giving and serving cards.  It has been a wonderful experience to connect with members of this congregation.  The team began their second round of calls Sunday, May 22.  If you have not turned in your commitment card, please do it as soon as you can.  You can also complete your card online,  by clicking here. 

 

As of May 23, we have received  290 cards for a total of $757,530.  The average financial commitment is $2,612.  This average amount is higher than any average for at least the last five years.  It is truly a blessing that so many of you have been able to increase your commitments.

 

However, we are running behind in the number of commitments that we have received.  The most significant reason for not being able to pledge has been  unemployment. 23 known persons/families in our congregation have been unemployed for over a year. One of the ways in which we live out our life together is with our financial support.  There are seasons and times in our lives when each of us can give a little more and times when we can't give as much.  When we give to God's glory and to accomplish God's purposes by offering our best we certainly do wonderful things.

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 memorial dayChurch office closed Memorial Day

  

Our church office will be closed on Memorial Day, May 30, as we recognize the sacrifices of family and friends and honor our fallen heros.

 
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