No worship service tomorrow

Due to the blizzard warnings covering southern Minnesota tonight and tomorrow, the decision has been made to cancel the worship service for tomorrow morning. 

Please visit this blog tomorrow morning to see the bulletin with links to the hymns and scripture readings.

Bishops name US Regional Conference organizers

Planning is officially underway for the U.S. Regional Conference — a new decision-making body never seen before in The United Methodist Church.

The Council of Bishops on March 13 announced the 25 United Methodists from across the United States who now have the task of organizing the regional conference’s first meeting . 

The committee also will include three advisers from the Africa, Europe and the Philippines — selected by their respective regional bodies — who will ensure a global perspective in the planning. 

Read more at this link.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

John Wesley at The New Room in Bristol

"A poor wretch cries to me for alms: I look and see him covered with dirt and rags. But through these I see one that has an immortal spirit, made to know, and love, and dwell with God to eternity. I honour him for his Creator’s sake. I see through all these rags, that he is purpled over with the blood of Christ. I love him for the sake of his Redeemer. The courtesy, therefore, which I feel and show toward him is a mixture of the honour and love which I bear to the offspring of God; the purchase of his Son’s blood, and the candidate for immortality."

John Wesley (“On Pleasing All Men”, Works, VII: 145).

Scripture lessons for March 15

Church of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna

We continue to make our way through the days of Holy Week next Sunday with a focus on the events of Holy Wednesday. 

Our lessons will come from Matthew 26:20-25 and John 12:1-8.

Joint Ecumenical Statement on the Widening Conflict in the Middle East

The World Council of Churches, Middle East Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World Communion of Reformed Churches, World Methodist Council, Mennonite World Conference, Christian Conference of Asia, and ACT Alliance join in expressing their deep concern regarding the humanitarian and social impacts of the widening conflict in the Middle East, and the threat it poses to the peace and security of the region and the world. Having endured many years of complex political, economic and social challenges, the people of Iran—numbering more than 92 million—now face the immediate threats of the current conflict, and a very uncertain future.

Read more at this link.

A nice morning in Glenville

Welcome to Glenville UMC!

Renea offers beautiful music each week

40 years ago, they were married at this church!

Joys:

+Mike and Cheryl R. praise God for a wonderful family celebration last night to observe their 40^th wedding anniversary.

+Sandy D. is thankful for a church family who has been visiting her mother at the care center where she is getting physical therapy.

+Praise God for the beautiful warmer weather today.

+Belinda A. thanks God for a successful tooth extraction last Friday and for her husband’s care of her during recovery.

+Pastor Charles thanks God for the opportunity to officiate at a graveside funeral service last Wednesday in Geneva for a Navy veteran who had been living at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community.

+Celebrating the church family’s generous donations in the noisy bucket last month (collected $72.30 for mission work).

+Shelley G. thanks God for the gift of lessons learned last Friday night when the wind caused her recycling bin to blow over, and the next morning, it was frozen to the ground because of sleeting that had occurred. Lesson Learned: If it is going to be windy, put a rock on the bin or remove it from being stored outside.

+Grateful for the faithful service of our beloved pianist, Renae H. and for Kraig S. who served as today's Scripture reader and usher.

Concerns:

+Praying that God will grant Craig R. with the comfort and strength he needs during this time of health challenges and that God grants Pat R. the strength she needs to provide the support that Craig needs.

+Praying for Sid T.’s travelling mercies

+Praying for Judy C., Donna D., and Karnella S. who are dealing with medical challenges.

+Praying for family and friends of Irene Nesset who died last Wednesday. Her memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. this Thursday, March 12, at First Lutheran Church in Glenville, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.

+Prayers continue for Korla S.’ cousin’s daughter Jessica who recently had a new heart and lung transplanted. She A prayer shawl the church family blessed is on its way to her. Korla delighted to learn she was out of ICU and enjoying her birthday party.

+Nancy B. invites the church family to pray for the world in chaos.

+Prayers for all who are impacted directly and indirectly due to conflict around the world.

When Silence Becomes Sin: Solidarity in the Age of Epstein

1 in 5 women in the US experience attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. We cannot remain silent, especially now. We continue to stand with survivors, victims, and all who are re-traumatized in the continued unfolding of the Epstein files.

"May the truth that emerges do its work in the world without demanding your re-wounding. And when the noise grows loud, may you hear instead the quieter voice of God speaking your name, not as a case, not as a victim, but as beloved."

Read the full statement at this link.