News and Updates from Polk City United Methodist Church |
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In Matthew chapter 8 we read a story about Jesus and the disciples out in a boat on the sea of Galilee when a violent storm comes seemingly out of nowhere! The disciples are shaken as the windstorm causes huge waves to slosh over the boat; they are afraid for their lives, while Jesus manages to sleep right through it. When they cry out for Jesus to rescue them, he first chides them for their weak faith. But then, he speaks words of calm, and the storm subsides.
On Monday, we were caught off-guard with a strong, violent storm called a derecho – a term I’ve never even heard for an inland storm as strong as a hurricane! Strong winds caused such devastation across our region and state – flattening millions of acres of crops, breaking apart and uprooting 80-100 year old oak trees, ripping down not only power lines but entire power grids and cellular towers. As of today, Wednesday, hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses in the Midwest are still without power. And all of this in the midst of a global pandemic! It seems that the year 2020 has brought one disaster after another.
And so, we are crying out, “Lord, rescue us! We’re going to drown!”
I am sure that God is not sleeping and ignoring us, even as much as it may seem like it at times. I will admit that it is tempting to give in to despair in the midst of so much chaos. It is tempting to think that there is no hope, that we’ve been left to fend for ourselves and to survive on our own. But when the disciples begin to imagine the worst happening in the midst of their storm, Jesus rebukes them for their fear and weak faith. Jesus is right there with them in the midst of it all. And Jesus has the power to calm the storms in our lives with his mere presence, as well.
Times like these require much courage and faith to persist and not despair. If you find that all of this is just too much for you, you are not alone! In this sense, we are all in the same boat! But guess who else is in the boat with us? The One whom even the winds and the sea obey.
[Jesus] got up and gave orders to the wind, and he said to the lake, “Silence! Be still!” The wind settled down and there was a great calm. Jesus asked them, “Why are you frightened? Don’t you have faith yet?” Overcome with awe, they said to each other, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!” (Matthew 8:39-41)
Blessings,
Pastor Melody
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Such large crowds gathered around Jesus that he climbed into a boat and sat down. The crowd stood on the shore waiting for His teaching. And so Jesus began to teach in parables. – Matthew 13:1-3 |
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SUMMER STORIES
from the gospel of Matthew
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A good story has a way of touching our hearts. From childhood on, we love to hear them! Jesus had a way of telling stories that were able to touch hearts, teach minds and transform lives. And the gospel writings of Matthew tell us stories about Jesus and his message of the coming Kingdom of God.
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Join us for this summer worship series | July 19 - August 30 |
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YOUTH GATHERING | TONIGHT
All youth who will be entering 6th – 12th grades this fall are encouraged to join us for an outdoor socially-distanced, mask-wearing snow-cone gathering tonight (Wednesday, August 12) from 7:00-9:00 PM in the north lot! We’ll be getting acquainted, playing a bag toss tournament, and saying goodbye to our Youth Intern, Anne Marie, as she leaves to start her new position as Director of Children & Youth Programming at First United Methodist Church in Fort Dodge, IA!
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CHURCH STORM CLEANUP | THURSDAY, AUG. 13 (4-7 PM)
Calling all volunteers for help with storm cleanup outdoors at the church this Thursday, August 13 from 4:00-7:00 PM.
If you’ve driven by the church, you may have seen that the storm on Monday cause two very large oak trees to fall onto our property near the new outdoor sanctuary, as well as causing smaller trees and limbs – and tons of leaves – to fall. Please bring your own garden gloves, and rakes if you have them, to help rake up and pick up all of the smaller sticks, branches and leaves. We’ll leave the big stuff to the professionals!
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DMARC UPDATE | GREAT APPRECIATION
Thanks to our generous congregation, I would like to report that $965 was donated to the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Warehouse for the month of July. How great for remembering, in our time of uncertainty, the most needed donation that DMARC appreciates! DMARC food pantries are a staple in many lives, presently, and now, especially, with the uncertainty of government assistance in question. Our year to date money total is $5,695. Thank you again for this great number!
If you wish to continue donating to those who are hunger challenged, please visit our website for giving options: polkcityumc.org/give. Checks may be written to Polk City United Methodist Church with "DMARC Food Pantry" in the memo. If you have any questions, please contact Linda Pennington (DMARC Delegate) penningtonl@q.com Thank you, everyone, for helping our hungry neighbors.
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AUGUST COMMITTEE & LEADERSHIP MEETINGS
Mark Your Calendars!
Wednesday, Aug 12 – Youth Gathering | 7-9pm
Thursday, Aug 13 | Church Storm Cleanup | 4-7pm
Monday, Aug. 17 – SPRC | 6pm
Monday, Aug. 17 – Leader’s Council | 7pm
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Christine Perry
Administrative Assistant
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Lauren Wilken
Director of Children/Youth Ministry
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