Today's Sunday Morning Update
Our morning began at 8:30 with the latest gathering of our weekly adult Sunday School class via Zoom.
Our 9:45 Worship Service celebrated "Commitment Sunday"! We affirmed our ability to “Share the Light of Christ” by confirming our 2021 pledges that support the vital work and ministry of First United Presbyterian Church. The sermon was called “The Currency of Faith” focusing on Matthew 22:15-22. We also officially ordained and installed our newest Ruling Elders and Deacons. Welcome to service Elders Laurie Clayton, Les Gulyas, Scott McPherson, and Lynnee Schmidt, plus Deacons Rich & Diane Batson, Sydney Goddard, Terri Gulyas, Beth Paulson, and Chris McPherson.
At 11am, CORE & JAM Youth Groups gathered around the warm fire pit to continue their study series called “The Comeback” reminding everyone that we are not alone! Youth Groups meet on the 1st & 3rd Sundays. Sunday School classes for all ages (weeks 2 & 4) will return next Sunday at 11am. Hope you'll join us then!
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If you'd like to worship with us in person next Sunday, remember that many safety measures are being taken to protect you each week. We're also continuing live streaming of our service on Facebook Sunday mornings. Recordings of our services are also available on our website and on our Facebook page. We hope you'll join us whenever it's convenient for you. It's so wonderful that we can worship together in so many ways!
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Guided Meditation Gathering TONIGHT!
Our Worship & Music Ministry invites you to join us for a very special gathering this evening (Oct. 18) from 7-7:30pm near the fire pit. This evening meditation will begin with a devotional and the gentle sound of a "singing bowl." Participants will be asked to focus on their breath, the feeling of the brisk fall air, and the candlelit focal point. Our minds will turn inward to find God’s presence in the center of ourselves. We will ask that presence to help us - especially during this time of pandemic and stress - to find a sense of calm and compassion. It's planned for outside near our fire pit if the weather permits (if not, in the Family Life Center). Please dress warm, bring a lawn chair, and join us for this special time together.
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Scripture - 2 Corinthians 9:6,7
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should give what they have decided in their heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Devotional
It is worth remembering that we see our own reflection in other people. There is a common saying that we have to take people as we find them, and no doubt that is true. But it is also true that we make people what we find them. If we find people bleak and unfriendly, all the likelihood is that we are seeing our own reflection in them. If we find people depressing, all the likelihood is that we make them that way. There is a kind of equal justice in life. Jesus said, “With what measure you meet, it shall be measured unto you” (Matthew 7:2). It would do us a great deal of good to remember that our criticisms of others are usually nothing other than criticisms of ourselves. If we only had eyes to see it. So, we have to bring to the world a merry heart and a happy face. But if we have to bring it to others, we must first get it for ourselves. And we can only get it from Jesus Christ. One of the most difficult miracle stories in the New Testament is the story of the turning water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana of Galilee (John 2:1-11). Whatever else that story means, and however we are to take it, one thing is quite certain. It means that whenever and wherever Jesus comes into life, there comes into life with him a new exhilaration that is like turning water into wine.
-Day By Day With William Barclay: Selected Readings for Daily Reflection
Prayer
We pray for peace in our country and our homes. We pray that the fruits of work well done may give joy to every worker. Give your blessing to our congregation and church. May we truly praise you and serve all your people. We pray for our homeland, for the leaders of our nation, and for all who have power and bear responsibility. We pray for our loved ones, and for those who have lived and died in the faith. May we follow their example, and with them have a share in your kingdom of peace and light. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
-Reformed Church of Hungary
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Each week our “Taking Faith Home” information provides daily readings, prayers, devotions, and service opportunities following the Lectionary readings. It's a great resource for exploring your faith all through the week. Click here for this week's edition.
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> Guided Meditation Gathering - Tonight (10/18) 7pm (garden area)
> Session Meeting (Zoom) - Monday (10/19) 6:30pm
> Pastors in the Parking Lot - Tuesday (10/20) 10am
> *Deadline for "Paddle for a Purpose" book orders through office - Wed. (10/21)
> Zoom Check In - Wednesday (10/21) 7pm
> Pastors in the Parking Lot - Thursday (10/22) 10am
> Papercrafting Group (F.L.C.) - Friday & Saturday (10/23 & 24) 9am-9pm
> Adult Sunday School (Zoom) - next Sunday (10/25) 8:30am
> Sunday Worship - next Sunday (10/25) 9:45am (Sanctuary open to everyone with masks & safe seating - everyone else please join live stream on Facebook)
> Sunday School Classes (all ages) - next Sunday (10/25) 11am (2nd & 4th Sundays)
> 4th Tuesday Book Club (F.L.C.) - Tuesday (10/27) 1pm
> Family Halloween Party (Zoom) - Wednesday (10/28) 6pm
> Woe-Be-Gone Gathering (Parking Lot) - Thursday (10/29) 10am
*Contact Pastor Meggan if you have questions about any of these gatherings
or if you want information about scheduling another meeting.
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