Welcome to 

First United Methodist Church 

Greetings!

God, the only wise, gracious and loving God of the universe, loves us so much which reminds us to always, in all times and in all places, love the LORD our God.  As recorded in Matthew 22:37, "And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind."  Similar wording, conveying the same meaning, is recorded in Mark 12:30 and Luke 10:27.

We understand in reference to this passage as one of the commandments stated by Jesus as recorded in the New Testament.  The primary means by which to love the Lord with our mind is to always seek opportunities to strengthen the mind.  Assisted living centers are aware of the need to always provide opportunities to their residents for strengthening the mind.  One center has retained a professional drummer who is teaching seniors to learn the art and history of the drums.  I was amazed to see and hear a drum circle of persons with grey and silver hair.  Each section learned their part, played on time, tapped the drum on the surface according to the required sound.

The mind must be challenged to stretch beyond its comfort zone.  Comfort is frequently associated with the consistency of a regular routine.  Most reports on human nature address the power of behavior patterns and the difficulty in changing ones behavior.

"As creatures, we have needs. We need to eat and so we eat. As rather intelligent and social creatures, we like to chat with one another and so we do.  We take turns and finish our conversations gracefully.

And there are dozens and dozens more behaviors that are just as complicated, if not more so.  How on Earth do we get all of this done?

That's where habits come in.  Habits help us through our day. When we are doing something that is habitual, we are not engaged in the task in the same way as when we are doing something that is not habitual."   This excerpt is from Psychology Today.

The work of the church is always to be holistic in our focus.  We must be creative in designing opportunities for continued growth.  Of course study groups and sermon content can be instrumental in providing new information with enlightening insights for life.  However, responsibility of the church does not end with content but rather must look at the various avenues available in processes.

In review of the worship service order this Sunday, we will engage an opportunity for the mind to be challenged rather than following the regular order without thought.  Jesus' life always taught the value of strengthening the concept of loving God with the mind, heart, and soul.

"Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile 19since it enters, not the heart but the stomach, and goes out into the sewer?' (Thus he declared all foods clean.)  20And he said, 'It is what comes out of a person that defiles. 21For it is from within, from the human heart, ..."   

Mark 7:18(b)-21(a).

The worship experience should never defer to a mindless repetition of order which leaves the holistic care of the community of faith to chance.

Get-To-Know-You Gatherings held at the church in small group settings provides an opportunity for you to know Pastor Gwen and for her to know you.

... Dates & times are posted on sign-up sheets in the narthex.  

... Please register today for the date you would like to attend.

Gatherings are sponsored by Staff/Parish Relations Committee.