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Covenant Prayer in the Wesleyan Tradition |
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I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee, exalted for thee or brought low for thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, thou art mine, and I am thine.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen. |
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Human Relations Sunday
January 17, 2010
"Resolve to Evolve"
~ Worship Celebrations 8:30 and 10:45a.m.
~ Church School for all ages 9:30a.m.
~ Financial Peace Class 8:45a.m. (Chapel)
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Greetings!
Rethink Church.
Haiti.
Rethink Church.
New Year's resolutions.
Rethink Church.
How am I going to make it through the coming week?
Rethink Church.
How can I make a difference in the world?
Rethink Church.
How am I living as a Christian?
In a world that we are more cognizant and aware of what is going on thousands of miles away in just a few seconds, we are challenged as a church to respond in prayers, in worship and in our giving to those issues. That is very true this week as we see and hear the news of the devastation in Haiti. Next week we'll take a special offering to assist in the efforts in Haiti. If you are interested in more immediate information please click HERE.
We are aware of the world we live in and we are interested in making a difference for Christ in this world. Pleasant Valley is making a difference in the people's lives who are part of our community as well as the surrounding community and the greater world. It is time, as we continue to grow the ministry of this community of faith to "Rethink Church." This rethinking process began last fall with 150 adults and youth participating in "5 Practices of Fruitful Congregations" small groups.
It will continue on Tuesday, January 26 at 7p.m. with five separate groups meeting at the same time to study each of the 5 practices in order to grow deeper in faith. If you have a passion for worship and want to learn more about it, then join the passionate worship group. If you want to learn more about risk-taking mission, then join the risk-taking mission group. You get the picture. Everyone and anyone, including youth, can be part of these studies.
If you did not participate in a "5 Practices" group last fall, you are welcome to be part of "Rethink Church."
If you are already part of the leadership of the church and on a committee or a ministry team, I would strongly encourage you to be part of "Rethink Church."
If you have not joined PVUMC you are welcome to be part of the "Rethink Church" process.
If you want to make a difference in the world, you ought to participate in "Rethink Church."
If you want to grow in your faith and vision for your own life, you are encouraged to be part of "Rethink Church."
If you want Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church to be a church that your grandchildren would love to be part of then you should be part of "Rethink Church."
"Rethink Church" groups are for everyone. Bring your friends and neighbors to be part of "Rethink Church." We might learn a few things.
Here is the schedule:
"5 Separate Classes with one goal in mind; Rethink PVUMC"
Class 1 - Radical Hospitality
Class 2 - Passionate Worship
Class 3 - Intentional Faith Development
Class 4 - Risk-Taking Mission
Class 5 - Extravagant Generosity
January 26, February 2, February 9
Classes begin at 7p.m. each night
Childcare will be available
Sign-up sheets will be in the room outside of the sanctuary Sunday morning for you to sign-up.
I want to personally invite each of you to be part of this process whether you are a long-time member or an occasional visitor to the Pleasant Valley UMC. We can use your energy, thoughts and passion in each of these areas.
Follow Christ, this week.
Grace and Peace to you all,
Nathan D. Stanton
Senior Pastor,
Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church |
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BAPTISM CLASS ~ JANUARY 21, 2010
If you are an adult who has never been baptized, or, if you are an adult with children who have not been baptized then this class is an opportunity to prepare for the sacrament of baptism at Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church. The class begins at 6p.m. and will conclude by 7p.m. For more information or questions contact the church office or Pastor Nathan Stanton at nathans@pvumc.com. |
HUMAN RELATIONS DAY OFFERING ~ JANUARY 17TH
Community Developers Program
For many, the pantry doors at the Community Enabler Center lead to relief from hunger-a month's supply of food staples so those who cannot make ends meet will not go hungry. Distributing everything from beans to baby formula, Maudine Holloway makes sure her struggling neighbors have a meal, a change of clothes, assistance paying a utility bill, medicine and a safe place for children to come after school. During these tough economic times, she has had to scramble for extra funds to keep the lights on and her small staff paid.
Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program
"Redemption Church: Freedom from Bondage for Young Nonviolent Offenders" in Oklahoma is an example of how Human Relations Day supports Youth Offender Rehabilitation Programs. Penn Avenue Redemption Church, Oklahoma City, and St. Luke Redemption Church, Tulsa, cooperate in criminal justice and mercy ministries to deepen advocacy, victim/offender reconciliation and reunification of families. Active member Debbie said, "This is an opportunity for me, as well as other inmates, to interact with society again."
Because of your offering, caring ministries continue - providing childcare, after-school tutoring, gang intervention, work with at-risk teens, outreach with current and former prison inmates, homeless services, emergency aid, jobs training and more.
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By all accounts, the "Advent Conspiracy" was a great success this past Advent. We want to acknowledget and thank those who were part of the Advent task force that made the plans and opportunities available. Thanks to chairperson, Susan Metz task force members, Bonnie Collins, Anita Isbell, Cynthia Lindenmeyer, Charlie Cope, Dean Bradley, Brenda S., Julie Manske, Fran narramore, Ron Teel, Brian Petrotta.
We'd like to hear your stories about the "Advent Conspiracy". Please take time to let us know how the Advent season impacted you and your family's life. Feel free to share the impact AC made on you and your family in the way you worshipped, exchanged gifts or lived the Advent season this year. Share your name if you would like. Please e-mail this to Pastor Nathan Stanton at nathans@pvumc.com. | |
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