Give thanks! Get things set on your calendar and see how you can participate by reading the newsletter. Also remember November 9, 2016 at 6:00 PM, we will have our annual Charge Conference with Dr. Peter Moon. Come and let this be a great time of praise and prayer!
Month: October 2016
A Season of Thanksgiving (and Persecution) Is Coming
Fall reminds us things are changing and when it involves leaves we look forward with 
thanksgiving to the colorful displays those changes will bring. But, what if the changes we observe as other things fall stir up other emotions? The Psalmist asks, “If the foundations be torn down, what can the righteous do?”(Psalm 11: 3)
The Psalmist says our lives are going to be under scrutiny, our faith tested. This is not only directed at us from the world but more importantly from the Lord. Read Psalm 11. The Lord wants to prove your faith to reveal His glory and judgement in the earth.
1 Peter 4: 12-13 says, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
Jesus was emphatic to tell us us this in John 15: 21, “They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.” We who bear the name of Christ will be persecuted in the days ahead. Do not be surprised when the world’s ignorance, unbelief and hatred is directed towards you. Don’t react in such a way that you identify with the world more than with Christ.
What can the righteous do when the foundations are destroyed? First, we can determine what we won’t do. We won’t live anymore for sin or to do our own will. We won’t avoid or gloss over the hard and prophetic places in the Holy Scripture. We won’t give the devil a foothold in our lives by not forgiving or holding on to bitterness. We won’t be ashamed of the absolute claims Jesus makes about Himself. Finally, we will quit talking and acting as if God’s judgment is far off.
Instead, we determine to live our lives doing the will of God, attentive to the Word of God. We will forgive just as in Christ we have been forgiven. We will be led by the Holy Spirit and walk in His comfort. If we suffer as a Christian, we are not ashamed, but praise God that we bear that name.
“For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, ‘If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?’ So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” (1 Peter 4: 17-19)
Follow Up Mercies after Hurricane Matthew
I know many of you are praying and are concerned how we might be of help to the victims of Hurricane Matthew. This is the first Southeastern Jurisdiction United Methodist Volunteer in Mission update: SEJ UMVIM update for our disaster response.
Thank you to Lois Miller for alerting us Sunday to the good work UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) is already on the ground doing in Haiti and the Caribbean. Read about it in this article: UMCOR’s Quick Response.
Beginning in October
First Sunda
y in October is a very special day as we observe World Communion Sunday with our brothers and sisters all around the globe. One bread, one body, one Lord who is over us all. We rejoice in God’s mighty work among His people.
This Sunday also marks the first of five Sundays when we can bring in books, DVD’s, and stuffed animals for our ministry partnership with the Pediatric Emergency Room at the VCU Medical Center. Make the most of this opportunity to share and demonstrate the love of Jesus to these needy children.
Follow all we can do together through this month’s calendar and newsletter. Plus, see how we can be involved again in HEARTH, the Thanksgiving Food Box Program.