On November 20, 2011, Rev. Paul Goodrich will preach a sermon entitled “Genuine Pearls” based on the following text. Contemplate it’s meaning for you and our church over the coming days in preparation for worship.

Matthew 7:6

Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you.  (NRSV)

Write below about insights you’ve gleaned from this passage. . .

On November 27, 2011, Rev. John Dillard will preach a sermon entitled “He Came, He Comes, He Will Come” based on the following text. Contemplate it’s meaning for you and our church over the coming days in preparation for worship.

Mark 13:24-37

24 “But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. 27 Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. 35 Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, 36 or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.” (NRSV)

Write below about insights you’ve gleaned from this passage. . .

On September 25, 2011, Rev. Paul Goodrich will preach a sermon entitled “Where the Church Is At Its Best” based on the following text. Contemplate it’s meaning for you and our church over the coming days in preparation for worship.

Ephesians 2:17-22

17 So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; 18 for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.  21 In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 22 in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.

Write below about insights you’ve gleaned from this passage. . .

Sunday, October 2, 2011 is World Communion Sunday where we acknowledge and celebrate our solidarity with Christians around the world.  We have a couple of special events happening that day to commemorate it:

• Holy Communion
  at both 8:30am & 10:30am Worship Services.
  An offering will be received at the altar rail that will benefit the United Methodist initiative, Imagine No Malaria, an effort to eradicate malaria on the continent of Africa by the year 2015.

• Around the World Pot Luck Lunch
  All are invited to bring all types of food from around the world (i.e. German, Swedish, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, American, etc.) for a culinary celebration as we acknowledge our solidarity with Christians all around the world on this special day!

We hope to see you there!

On September 18, 2011, Rev. Paul Goodrich will preach a sermon entitled “Problems, Problems, Problems” based on the following text. Contemplate it’s meaning for you and our church over the coming days in preparation for worship.

II Corinthians 4:7-10

7 But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies.

Write below about insights you’ve gleaned from this passage. . .

Join us for this special service of remembrance of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.  We’ll begin with a special time of worship and prayer in Fellowship Hall at 6:00pm.  Following the 30-minute service, we’ll transition to the Prothro Family Atrium for a meal of “Unity Soup.”  We promise that you’ll be home in time to see the Cowboys kick-off at 7:20pm.

For the soup, please, bring a canned good the morning of September 11 and place it in marked containers.  For those with dietary concerns, we’ll have 3 types of soup:

• Beef;
• Chicken; and
• Veggie.