"I am perpetually with you, taking care Of you.  That is the most important fact of your existence.  I am not limited by time or space; My Presence with you is a forever-promise. You need not fear the future for I am already there.  When you make that quantum leap into eternity, you will find Me awaiting you in heaven.  Your future is in My hands; I release it to you day by day, moment by moment.  Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow.

I want you to live this day abundantly, seeing all there is to see, doing all there is to do.  Don't be distracted by future concerns.  Leave them to Me!  Each day of life is a glorious gift, but so few people know how to live within the confines of today.  Much of their energy for abundant living spills over the time line into tomorrow's worries or past regrets.  Their remaining energy is sufficient only for limping through the day, not for living it to the full.  I am training you to keep your focus on My Presence in the present.  This is how to receive abundant Life, which flows freely from My throne of grace." 

The Vision Statement is being presented in small group settings, you and your friends, fellow members.

Any member of the church can facilitate a group of sharing on the Vision Statement.  Your group might be a card group, bible study, UMW circle, etc.  

Please contact Pastor Gwen at the church office if you are interested in facilitating a group.  Pastor Gwen has prepared a monologue for the group facilitators.  Discussion groups last from 20-40 minutes. 

The small group sessions will come to a close by October 13.  

The Vision Statement will be presented

to the entire congregation

on October 14.

Thank you, Pastor Gwen

Please remember your Covenant (Pledge) cards are due October 7, 2012.  We're all aware that the church is in need of money and these are tough times for everyone.  Please search your hearts and pray about your gift to the church before bringing your pledge cards back with you.     Stewardship Committee

There is a Call Meeting of the Administrative Council scheduled for Monday, October 8 at 7:00 p.m.  This meeting is in regards to the Charge Conference to be held on October 21.

The Annual Charge Conference will be held on Sunday, October 21, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. central time at Hanna United Methodist Church,

101 W. Hopper St., Hanna, IN  46340.

I'd like to call special attention to the following homebound persons:

Thelma Wilson, who recently celebrated her 99th birthday, is in critical condition at The Arbors.  She had a recent fall and pneumonia and is not responsive.  She is not allowed any visitors.  There is no need for cards.

Marcella Ratcliffe is at home after her hospital stay and undergoing therapy and home health care.  She is improving a little each day.

Becky Lute, at the time of this writing, is in St. Anthony's with an infection following a surgical procedure in South Bend.

Please be sure to remember these long-time church members in your prayers.  There is an updated list of our homebound members on the Welcome Center in the Narthex.            Marlene Woodfield

We join with Protestants around the world who are reading, studying, and meditating on passages in accordance with the Standard Sunday School Lessons for 2012-2013.  

Mon  10/8     Equipped to Speak Boldly               Ephesians 6:13-20

Tue   10/9     The Promised Fulfillment Draws Near   Acts 7:17-22

Wed  10/10   I Have Come to Rescue Them             Acts 7:30-34

Thu   10/11   The Rejection of Moses                      Acts 7:35-39a

Fri     10/12   The Rejection of God                         Acts 7:39b-43    

Sat    10/13   The Inadequacy of the Temple            Acts 7:44-50  

Sun   10/14   You Are the Ones                             Acts 7:51-8:1a

The last LaPorte County Habitat house of 2012 is underway in Kingsford Heights.  Ground breaking was held Sunday, September 23.  Various volunteer groups will be building this home for a family that will be moving in during the Christmas Season.  What a time to receive a new home!

Our church cluster, New LaPorte Prairie Cluster (First UMC is in this cluster), has been assigned the week of 10/15 to help with the construction of this home.  You are encouraged to help, whatever your skill levels.  You need no tools but you can bring your tool box. You can work any day of the week (Monday through Saturday) or work every day.  Work the hours that fit your schedule.  The hours are usually 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.  

Call Tim Welty at (219) 324-2859 if you have questions.

New LaPorte Prairie Cluster is made up of the following churches:

Door Village UMC, Lambs Chapel UMC, LaPorte 1st UMC, 

Michigan City 1st UMC, New Carlisle Maple Grove, 

New Carlisle UMC, Rolling Prairie UMC, and Salem Chapel UMC.

If you leave items in the church office on Sunday mornings, 

please leave a note on them so office staff will know whose they are.