St. John's Family,

 

   I want to begin by sharing my heartfelt thanks for the care, warmth and love that you have extended to the Leight family. The thoughtful cards and messages, wonderful meals and treats, beautiful flowers - I could go on and on... your generous welcome has been wonderful. Thank you for your warm hospitality and know it has been a great blessing to us!

  

   Few will argue that virtually every element of our lives has been impacted by COVID. That statement is true in our individual households, and for the St. John's congregation as a whole. So many aspects of our work and ministry have paused. As someone very eager to learn about and join in the great work being done here in Christ's name, not being able to jump in has been, well, frustrating at times. I'm sure you have experienced those frustrating moments as well. Yet you've faithfully pressed on. Thank you for your commitment to Christ's work here at St. John's throughout the craziness of COVID.

 

   Our current situation has gotten me thinking about what it means to follow Christ's calling. Hearing those words - following Christ's calling - likely takes our thoughts to the first disciples, mending their fishing nets by the Galilean sea. Christ walks by, says "follow me," and Peter, Andrew, James and John drop everything to follow in a life-changing moment. As people committed to our Lord, we certainly have those watershed moments when we experience Christ, perceive His calling, and commit our lives to Jesus. But is that merely a one-time event? I don't think so. I sense that choice to follow Jesus is made much more frequently than we often realize.

 

   See, I believe God is always with us, present in the person of the Holy Spirit. In the course of our daily lives we are constantly seeing, hearing and encountering new situations and opportunities. As that occurs, the Holy Spirit prompts us. Nudges us. Give this person a call. Respond to that message. Try that... even though you've never done anything like that before! As we respond to those nudges, I believe we are living out Christ's calling to faithfully follow Him. That call continues throughout our lives.

  

   In my very brief time at St. John's, I've already had multiple people share with me how they've recently stepped out in faith, serving God in a new way. Serving in a way that, though a bit intimidating, was clearly in response to a perceived nudge from God. Whether by participating or assisting in our restarted worship, serving in leadership, or joining a Bible study, you are taking steps of faith to follow your Lord. That, friends, is awesome, and powerfully captures what it means to follow Christ each and every day.

  

   So, thank you for your warm welcome, for your commitment to Christ, and for your willingness to respond to Christ's calling to follow Him. Seeing your faithfulness in action has been an encouragement to me in the frustrating COVID moments!

 

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Brad

St. John's Family,

As a reminder, our ability to continue in-person worship is contingent on compliance with mandates and best practices, including wearing masks or face shields, maintaining social distancing of at least 6 feet, use of hand sanitizer and frequent hand washing, and adjusting foot traffic to minimize close contact. The SignUpGenius reservation tool has enabled us to coordinate the reduced capacity and traffic flow patterns in the Sanctuary and will continue to be used. Most importantly, if you registered for worship but do not feel like your normal, healthy self, please remain at home and worship along with the recording of the service.

Know that we recognize how difficult the past months have been. Thank you for your patience and consistent compliance with all aspects of our approach. Your commitment to Christ and heartfelt caring for each other are greatly appreciated.

"The Women Who Knew" Bible Study

THURSDAYS

10 AM - On ZOOM

Leader: Pastor Brad 

 

(Began July 16 but it's not too late to join!)

Please email the church office at stjumc@aol.com,  

if interested.  

 

An exploration of the Seven Prophetesses  

in Hebrew History 

 

The Babylonian Talmud tells us there were 49 prophets and 7 prophetesses who were active in Israel in biblical times! Our study will feature one of the women each session with an exploration of the primary biblical accounts of their contribution to the Jewish redemption narrative. We will also review encounters/conversations Jesus has with women as recorded in the Gospels. They each knew something of God's will for the future and are celebrated in our Hebrew tradition as stalwart charters of intelligence, creativity, and faithfulness who God used to move salvation history forward.

  Huldah: Sin No More

Deborah:Greatness in the Kingdom

Judges 4:4 - 23

Abigail:Words Win the Day

I Samuel 25:18-35

 

Esther: For Such a Time As This    

Esther 4

 

Hannah: Extravagant Giving

I Samuel 1: 9b-23a

 

Sarah: Is Anything Too Wonderful for the Lord  

Genesis 21: 1-8

Children and youth ministries are available on ZOOM. 

Parents of younger children: please help your child by joining the classes on Zoom: Let David Bigam know by email (dbigam@gmail.com) that you'll be joining us and he'll send you an invitation to the Zoom meeting. 

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL ON FRIDAY  

Fridays at 10 AM 

grades K-5

 

YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sundays at 10:30 AM (Note: Change in time)

grades 6-12

 

YOUTH GROUP  

Wednesdays at 6:30 PM

grades 6-12

 

VBS

It is with great regret that we will not have Vacation Bible School this year....

But we will see you next year!

SAVE THE DATE!

UNITED METHODIST MEN'S GATHERING

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

8 AM

(more information to follow)
 

• A  moment  for  Ed  Campbell
• Welcome  of  Pastor  Brad
• Treasury  Report
• Red  Bird  Trailers - Robert Snarr
• Wednesday's Church  Maintenance  Gang - George Schok
• Future  of  BBQ - David Bigam
• New  UMM  President - Nominate / Vote  or  Appoint