Therefore go and make disciples of all nations
...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
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The Ministry of Paying Attention
In the book of John we read about John and Andrew, ordinary men who, by the power of the Spirit, recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God. Compelled by His presence, eager and curious, their first questions were stunningly basic. Who was He, really? How did He live?
Jesus’ response?
Come and see. — John 1:39
No surprise, the Son of Man (Luke 7:34) led with an invitation to open their eyes and join Him in the work of the kingdom.
The life of Jesus tracks a sensory-rich narrative. We read in Luke of burning incense, chanting crowds, angel voices booming. Dusty roads, mangy shepherds, and a young girl, “obviously pregnant.” Heaven came down as a Baby with dimpled hands and a dark swirl of hair and soon, men were tracking the night sky, wide awake with wanting.
Jesus grew, drawn to the wildest ones, those most likely to be written off as unfit, unworthy, in need of a lesson on the ways of blending in with the religious culture surrounding them.
By no mistake, it was John the Baptist who plunged Jesus’ head into the water, upsetting authority and the cultural code. Where the world saw an untamed man, crazed, insane, disgusting, and disrespectful, Jesus saw a worthy protest, choosing him as his line in the Galilean dust.
Jesus came to us as us, a person with eyes, ears, a mouth, a nose, fingerprints and hair follicles. He cried. He feasted. He walked until His feet ached. He reached back after a long day and squeezed the tension from His own sun-weathered neck. He got goose bumps. He took naps. He felt alone sometimes, because He felt alive.
He engaged the world by paying attention to His corner of it and really being with the people near Him. He chose well by choosing the humble and overlooked.
He’s asking the same of us.
A life hidden in Christ means we will continuously crave more of God. The good news is, He’s right here, wherever we are, alive and at work. He’s in the faces we see and the stories playing out in the most ordinary places.
Though He doesn’t need us, He wants us near. And so, the invitation stands.
Come. See.
* * *
Your Turn
Think about it: Jesus came to be near us… the wild ones, the written off ones, the unworthy ones. He put on bones, wriggled into a suit of flesh, and slipped into frailty and weakness. For us. To know us and be known. Come and see! Share your thoughts on the Son of Man with us on our blog. We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily
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October 14 @ 10:30 AM
If you cannot make it, you can watch the
service LIVE online at 10:30 am.
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Welcome Manatee Sheriff Rick Wells.
Sheriff Rick Wells was sworn in as Sheriff of Manatee County January 3, 2017. Sheriff Wells was Palmetto Police Department’s Police Chief from 2010 to 2015; and also spent 21 years at Florida Highway Patrol where he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Accumulatively Sheriff Wells has spent over 31 years in law enforcement.
Sheriff Wells was named the Manatee County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 1991. Received the Manatee County Whitey Knutsen Award in 1991; Unidos Now Visionary Award in 2012;
the NAACP Humanitarian Award in 2014 and the Edgar H. Price, Jr. Humanitarian Award in 2016.
Sheriff Wells has taught law enforcement to governmental, educational and community organizations throughout Florida. He is currently the Executive Director of Manatee County Police League,
Chairperson of the Manatee County Law Enforcement Council, Law Enforcement Advisory Board Council for the Manatee Technical College, Board member of the North Manatee Kiwanis, Replay Advisory Council and Strength in Action. Sheriff Wells has served with the Boy Scouts of America, Keep Manatee Beautiful,
Manatee Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition and North Manatee Storm Football.
Thank you for speaking with us today, Sheriff!
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Memorial Service for Virginia Lambert will be held on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at 11:00 am here at First Church. Reception to follow in Fellowship Hall.
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Activities for October 12 - 20:
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Please join us on Sunday, after worship, for Lunch Bunch, a time of food and fellowship, at
Little Saigon Café
, 3211 Manatee Ave West.
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Hailed by many as one of the best modern books on Christian spirituality, Richard Foster’s
Celebration of Discipline
, turns 40 in 2018.
Since its publication in 1978,
Celebration of Discipline
has helped millions of seekers discover a richer spiritual life infused with joy, peace, and a deeper understanding of God.
Described by Christianity Today as one of the best ten books of the 20
th
century, Celebration of Discipline explores the classic “Disciplines”, or central spiritual practices, of the Christian faith. Along the way, Richard Foster shows that is only by and through these practices that we can find a true path to spiritual growth.
Dividing the disciplines into three movements of the Spirit, Fosters demonstrates how each movement contributes to a balanced spiritual life. The inward Disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting and study offer avenues for personal examination and change. The outward Disciplines of simplicity, solitude, submission and service prepare us to help make the world a better place. The corporate Disciplines of confession, worship, guidance and celebration bring us nearer to one another and to God.
In the book, Foster provides a wealth of examples demonstrating how the Disciplines can become part of our daily activities – and how they can help us shed our superficial habits and “bring the abundance of God into our lives.”
At the end of the evening, a special anniversary edition of the book will be available for purchase with a special offer. In this edition, Richard pens a new introduction and a unique essay entitled “The Great Conversation”, an annotated bibliography of 50 central spiritual formation books from throughout the centuries. Richard will sign books for anyone interested.
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Menu this week is Soup and Grilled Cheese
.
Cost is $7 pp or $18 for family of 3 or more.
Reservations requested by 4 PM on Mondays.
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NEW GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP TO BEGIN...
On Monday, Oct 22, at 10:30 AM, a New Grief Support Group will convene in the church parlor and meet weekly through November 19th.
Christians need one another especially after the death of a loved one. We offer this new grief support group
for you to share and receive support from one another.
Dr. Richard J. Vantrease, our professional counselor from Samaritan Counseling S
ervices, will be the discussion leader along with our new counseling intern, Grisille Feisthammer.
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The 2018/2019 Fine Arts Concert
Series
presents:
Something Old, Something New,
Something Borrowed, Something Blue
An Organ Concert by Jim Culver
October 28 @ 4 PM
As an organist/conductor, Jim has appeared in Europe, Canada and the United States, including performances at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and on ABC television’s Good Morning America. As a conductor, his academic choral ensembles have competed in
15 international choral festivals, garnering 42 first
place trophies.
As a composer, Jim’s works have sold over 211,000 copies through 5 publishing houses while his educational songs for younger children have sold over 5 million recordings. Jim creates choral, vocal, hand bell, piano, organ, and instrumental works as well as one act musicals for schools and churches.
NO tickets neeeded. Doors open at 3 PM.
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Tickets on Sale Now!
For the first time, THE AMERICAN SOLDIER is coming to Sarasota! Please join us for this moving performance by Douglas Taurel in honor of Veteran's Day 2018.
Based on real stories from the American Revolution through current day Afghanistan, this show helps us understand why it is so difficult for men and women in the armed services to re-enter civilian life. It honors and exposes their flaws, their scars, their families, and their spirits.
Tickets include limited seating at the show, heavy hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine, and an opportunity to support services for veterans at Harvest House while honoring all of those who have served our country.
For more information on THE AMERICAN SOLDIER,
Proceeds will benefit the VETS Freedom program at Harvest House
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Young At Heart's
next Potluck will be November 13th. We will have Dulcimer players here to entertain us. Everyone is invited.
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Hurricane's Michael and Florence…
Soon all UM Churches in our district will gather for our Super-Charge
Conferences. As our missional
focus, we are collecting gift cards to Home Depot or Lowes, or money to support UMCOR and relief efforts here in FL.
Please bring these donations to the church office or drop in the offering plate. We need them by Nov.2nd.
Thank you and please continue to pray for those whose lives have been impacted by these disasters. Please also pray for the Response Teams, disaster coordinators and the many volunteers who are working tirelessly to provide relief.
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Next Sunday, Oct 21st, is Mission Giving Sunday at First.
Each month, the Mission Committee will highlight a ministry that is church supported. Your monthly mission giving helps support many missions.
FONHARE (Foundation for Haiti Rehabilitation) is highlighted for October. Our own Sandy Barton visits the ministry each year and will bring us pertinent information on October 28th.
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Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child project.
We have 50 plastic shoeboxes available to fill, but you can also purchase your own and fill it. Labels are also available for a girl or boy, age 2-4, 5-9, 10-14.
Please, NO candy, liquids, toothpaste or breakable items allowed. Toys, crafts, books, clothing, and accessories are all good.
They ask for a donation of $9 for each box. If you can not afford that, we still want your box. If you are unable to pack a box, maybe you might donate the postage ($9.00).
The deadline for the boxes is
Nov. 1.
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The Gathering, Homeless Ministry
’Gathering at the Water Fountain’
This ministry is held every Sunday
morning at 7—8 AM. A full breakfast, listening to, and praying for the men and women that attend. They are given a lunch to go and can get a change of clothes and, or toiletries. Please consider volunteering or donating.
As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
1 Peter 4:10
The Gathering Homeless Ministry had 73 people attend last Sunday morning. Please pray for this ministry, the attendees and the volunteers.
This mission always needs volunteers. If you would like to help in other ways, you can donate items needed or money.
Needs: Backpacks, Razors, ALL Toiletries, and any Clothing (The Gathering Closet is bare).
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PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING
Would you like to receive professional counseling in a Christian context at affordable fees? Our church now
provides this ministry to its members (and non-members).
For details or appointment, contact Richard Vantrease at 941-926-2959 or 813-331-7395.
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Click on the balloons to watch
First Church's 125th Anniversary Video. Check out what's special about our past, present, and future...
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First United Methodist Church of Bradenton
603 11th St. West
Bradenton, FL 34205
941-747-4406
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