May 6, 2020
Daily Podcasts

Each weekday I am providing two podcasts: a devotional podcast and an interview podcast.  Today's devotional podcast runs about 20 minutes.


Today's interview podcast features Rene Beltran.






Note that you can listen to any of our worship videos or the "Through the Bible" audio presentations on our church's website:   mattoonumc.com.  


Daily Update

The online hymn-sing will be available tomorrow (I'll send you the link in the update.)  Hymns included tomorrow night, with sing-along-words, will be 
  • For the Beauty of the Earth
  • Fairest Lord Jesus
  • I Will Trust in the Lord
  • My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
  • Pentecostal Power
  • Are Ye Able
  • Precious Lord Take My Hand
  • We Have an Anchor
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I have a brief introduction for each hymn about the author and composer.  There will also be a prelude played by Jiafeng Yan (Amen) and a postlude (I Surrender All).

Helen Black, widow of Gene Black (former minister of visitation at FUMC) will turn 95 on May 21.  I asked her son Paul for some information on how she is doing and an address for those who wish to send her a card.  Here is his response:

My mother will turn 95 on May 21. I have not been able to visit her in six weeks and the Shelter in Place remains in effect at the nursing home where she resides. The decision has been a wise one as there hasn't been a single case of Covid 19. But I know she misses hearing from everyone, although the nursing home has been very open to visits over the phone, through the window, or on Zoom or FaceTime. If you wish to send a card to her, you may mail it to: Helen Black, Auburn Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, 304 W. Maple, Room 2, Auburn, IL 62615.

Thanks!
Paul

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Remember that tomorrow is a safe and legal get together in the yards of the parsonage (no more than 9 people in a circle, each eight feet apart) at 3 Western Avenue Heights.  The get together will be between 4 and 6 p.m. It is a chance to see friends, safely.  Bring your lawn chair, and if we need more space for parking or meeting, we can use the grounds of Riddle School across the street. Lona Baldwin has also said people can park at her place if needed.  

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A change in the preaching schedule for June/July:

June 7:  Mike Smith
June 14:  Jordan Thomas
June 21:  Luke Young
June 28:  Jordan Thomas
July 5:  Todd Krost
LIFE GOES ON

It seems as though we have just one big day after another during this shelter in place.  Get a good night's sleep tonight so you can get ready for tomorrow:

Thursday, May 7 will be Password Day.  I thought maybe that referred to the old TV show, but that just shows how far back I go...not how much I know.  Password Day is the reminder to check and change all your passwords that you use on your computer and phones and door locks. The trouble for me, is that in order to CHANGE your password, you have to remember the current one.  Which I don't.  My computer remembers most of my passwords automatically, and when I have to type it in myself, I'm totally lost.  Plus, all my passwords are exactly the words they say NOT to use for your password...like the names of your pets, kids, grandkids, and wife.  Oh well...

I'm glad it is also "Cosmopolitan Day."  With all this shelter in place going on, who's to know whether we are keeping to a strict Methodist beverage regimen. Frustrated by password confusion, some (but of course, not your pastor) would suggest calming your nerves with a cosmopolitan.  Just don't drink too many, though, or you won't even remember where you put your computer, much less its passwords.  I have never had a cosmopolitan, but the internet tells me that you make it with citrus liqueurs, vodka, and cranberry juice. Anyway, it looks pretty on the pictures.

It is also "Roast Leg of Lamb" day, which apparently will take you a little longer to make than a cosmopolitan, but not as long as getting all your passwords changed over. The day is in honor of the role that sheep have played in human life since 11,000 B.C.  I'm thinking a sheep would feel more honored and respected, however, if we left her/his leg alone.  

Have a great rest of the day...and an interesting tomorrow.
Birthday Celebrations

 Anniversaries
5/12                Bobby & Madonna Lockett
5/21                Kenneth & Deanne Corrie
5/28                Don & Jane Perry
5/29                Walter & Angelica Beltran
 
 
Birthdays
5/8                  Cheryl Armstrong
5/9                  Nadine Boyer
5/9                  Connie Lotts
5/10                Betty Colclasure
5/11                Guy Loucks
5/12                Annette Bryant
5/15                Shirley Burton
5/16                Kaylee Beals
5/22                Matthew Ashby
5/25                Susan McDevitt
5/29                Richard Butler
5/31                Don Perry

The Governor said you can visit your friends if you just stay in your car