For Christians, celebrating Labor Day has multiple meanings. It’s the unofficial end of summer. We honor the workers of America, but the holiday is also a chance to remember the importance of work.
Why do we work? As you celebrate with your friends and family, take time to reflect on these six reasons:
1. Work fulfills three purposes.
Our work should glorify God, serve the common good, and further the kingdom of God. Our work is what God uses to change the world for God’s glory.
2. Work gives us insight into the nature of God.
The opening lines of Scripture say, “In the beginning, God created.” God is a worker. From the very beginning of the Bible, we are faced with the inescapable fact that work is a part of God’s nature and character.
3. We were made to work – it is ordained by God.
In Genesis 2:15 we read, “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” God gave us the task of ruling over and taking care of his creation. This mandate, given in Genesis 1:28, is our original job description. Like God, we have the ability to work, make plans and implement them, and be creative. These gifts help point us to our purpose – humanity was created by God to cultivate and keep God’s creation, which includes developing and protecting it.
4. Work is honorable – it is a gift, not a curse.
All professions and all kinds of work, assuming that they are legal and biblically ethical, are honorable before the Lord. There is no dichotomy between sacred and secular work. All work brings glory to God and a potential source of fulfillment, if it is done to God’s glory. God did not create work to be drudgery. He gave man work before the Fall, as a means of fulfillment. Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 reminds us that a human being can…do nothing better than…find satisfaction in his work. This too…is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?
5. Work provides an opportunity for witness.
You manifest a powerful message, both verbally and non-verbally, of a supernatural approach to work. The world needs this powerful witness to the reality of Christ and the difference he makes in his followers.
6. Work gives us a lifetime mission.
Genesis 3:19 reminds us that “by the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground.” God intends that humans are to work as long as they live, whether paid or volunteer. Retirement shouldn’t mean the end of meaningful, purposeful work. Our vocations are for a lifetime.
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- Following the CDC, DOH, State, and insurance recommendations, the nursery will remain closed and children 8 and under are asked to remain home and safe, and children/youth 9-17 are asked to remain with their parent or guardian at all times during the worship service and anywhere in the church facility, this includes the parking lot.
- Due to social distancing and sanitary requirements, and under the advice of the Department of Health, Center for Disease Control, and insurance guidelines, we will not be hosting small groups, Bible Studies, ministries, outreach, or programming on the property of CUMC for the time being. When these guidelines change, we will be in contact with all Sunday School, ministry, outreach, and program leaders regarding a reopening plan.
8:30am Drive-In Worship, East Parking Lot
Join us for a Drive-In Worship Service in the East Parking Lot of CUMC.
You will be guided off of the University Entrance into a parking space. Please turn your radio to FM 88.1 and open your smart phone to our website or FaceBook page where you will find the Order of Service. Relax and enjoy this informal style of worship! Once the service concludes, you will be asked to exit out of the parking lot onto Copper. Please Note: No building/restroom access will be available and you will be asked to remain in your vehicle at all times.
10:00am Streaming Worship,
Join us for our On-Line Worship Service as we continue to explore the Scripture Lessons found in Genesis.
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Children and Youth Ministries |
- Church 4 Kids Weekly Devotional is available to view on Sunday’s at 10:00am on on our website and FaceBook page, with a link to a YouTube Channel.
- Youth are invited to join Pastor Kelly for a youth zoom meet-up every Sunday at 7:00pm. Please contact Pastor Kelly to be included in the zoom youth meet up at kellyb@centraltolife.org.
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Every Wednesday, Pastor Greg’s Bible Study takes place. The study will be on the Book of Acts.
Read Acts 6
Discussion Questions
- What is the dispute among believes in Acts 6:1-2
- How do the apostles deal with the dispute (vv.2-6)
- Why are the spiritual qualities more important than the practical ones in this case?
- What are the dividing lines of tension and jealousy among the members of Central?
- Using Acts 6:1-6 as an example, what are some possible ways to bridge the divisions?
- How does the young church in Acts benefit from the solution God gave the apostles?
- What work does Stephen do? What is he accused of?
- Why are they frustrated and what do they do about it?
- How does Stephen’s qualifications as a deacon equip him to face persecution?
- What will equip you to face distorted persecutions?
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- Brewery Ministry weekly e-devotional is available every Monday. Contact Pastor Kelly to be included in this weekly devotional: kellyb@centraltolife.org
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October 2021 Educational Opportunities
Footsteps of Paul Cruise
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The Circuit Writers Ministry needs your help:
If your mailing address has changed in the past few months, please
contact Michelle at (505) 243-7834. If no one answers, please leave a
message with your correct mailing address. We are experiencing returned
mail with the note written on it “Not at this address”. We want to keep in
contact with you and continue to send cards.
This ministry helps keep members in contact with each other by writing notes to
someone in the congregation. If you would like to receive a note from a member of the Circuit Writers or be part of this ministry, please contact Cindy at pwcin1963@gmail.com. |
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September 6, 2020
8:30am Drive-In Service
Welcoming Music
Welcome
Call to Worship
Opening Hymn This Little Light of Mine
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine (3x)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Shine it all around the world...
Opening Prayer
Scripture Reading Matthew 18:15-20
Solo “Draw the Circle Wide” Mark Miller Karen Marrolli, solo
Sermon
Central to Life
Catalytic Generosity Minute
Communion
Closing Hymn Sent Forth By God’s Blessing
Sent forth by God’s blessing,
our true faith confessing,
the people of God from this dwelling take leave.
The service is ended,
O now be extended
The fruits of our worship in all who believe.
The seed of the teaching,
receptive souls reaching,
shall blossom in action for God and for all.
God’s grace did invite us,
and love shall unite us
to work for God’s kingdom and answer the call.
Blessing
Benediction
Postlude
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September 6, 2020
10:00am Order of Service
PRELUDE “How Firm a Foundation” Sondra K. Tucker
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
OPENING PRAYER
SONG/HYMN Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (vs 1,4) 384 UMH
PASSING OF THE PEACE
GOSPEL LESSON: Matthew 18:15-20
THE WITNESS OF MUSIC “I Then Shall Live”
SERMON “Love Through Due Process”
CENTRAL TO LIFE AND CATALYTIC GENEROSITY
DOXOLOGY “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow” 94 UMH
COMMUNION WITH LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN TO ENGAGE THE WORLD O Church of God, United (vs 1,4) 547 UMH
BLESSING
DISMISSAL
POSTLUDE
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Mobil – Text #505.384.7589
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Online – centraltolife.org
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Mail a Check – 201 University Blvd, NE Albuquerque NM 87106
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Bank Draft – Contact your bank directly
- Recurring E-Giving Through Employee or United Way
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For more information about the ministries of Central United Methodist Church,
email info@centraltolife.org, call the church office at 243-7834
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201 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 • (505) 243-7834 • www.centraltolife.org |
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