Your church news & updates
|
|
A Series on "Fishing Tips"
|
As many of you know, our “Our Way Forward” strategic planning guide, the Rev. Dr. John Pentland, wrote a best-selling book about how the congregation he was/is pastoring - Hillhurst United Church of Canada in Calgary - grew and transformed into a thriving, vibrant, exemplary body of Christ and leading theological voice for progressive Christianity. Pentland’s book, “Fishing Tips,” offers nine suggestions that his congregation tried and we might try...nine ways folks can “cast your net to the other side of the boat” like Jesus tells his disciples in John 21:6 in order to discover and reap a surprisingly plentiful catch of fish.
Several small groups of UMCPS’ers studied this book last spring and found it to be a provocative, valuable resource. Our “Our Way Forward” leadership team suggested the congregation get more opportunity to learn about, discuss and contemplate these tips as we progress to the November 16 workshop for choosing Provocative Proposals for our future.
This September and October I’m preaching on these Fishing Tips. Exploring the teaching as well as the scripture and Good News that supports and flows through each one.
Here is the sermon schedule with tips to be preached on and discussed:
- September 1 - “Let Leaders Lead.” This is of paramount importance if a “good” church is to become “great.”
- September 8 - “Expand Your Circles.” The congregation consists of a “committed” “comfortable” and “curious” circle. Seek to expand all three, especially the “curious” one.
- September 15 - “Discern Your Values.” Find your congregation’s 3-4 bottom-line, true-blue, embraced-and-aspirational values and use them to shape everything you do.
- September 22 - “Don’t Fight the Resurrection.” “Let go and let God” is true not only in individual but also corporate faith life. Do not be afraid!
- September 29 - “Pay For What You Want, Not What You Have.” - Budget to fund the dreams God is calling into your midst.
- October 6 - “Pay It Forward.” Create a congregational culture that in every way generously supports the church because it’s changing lives.
- October 13 - “Connect To Culture.” Find ways the world around us communicates to a skeptical and preoccupied public that following Jesus is what it deeply seeks.
- October 20 - “Say Who You Are.” Find memorable, fresh, ways of describing your church’s mission and go for broke!
- October 27 - “Worship Matters.” Create worship that offers a healing experience of God that’s not to be missed.
I look forward to learning, and re-learning, these tips with you! It seems there’s always something new and remarkable to discover!
Pastor Jane
|
|
Get Your Tickets Now for Opening Night @ Cinema Diverse
|
The Cinema Diverse LGBTQ Film Festival opens this Thursday and you are invited! The church is sponsoring the first film of the festival entitled "For They Know Not What They Do,"
a critically-acclaimed documentary which tells the experience of four LGBTQ young people and their religiously conservative families. Pastor Jane will be introducing the film as well as leading a discussion afterwards. This is a great opportunity to witness the still-present struggle of our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters in the religious world. Tickets are $13.50 and can be purchased online or at the Camelot Theater box office.
Click here to buy your tickets today!
|
|
All-Church Retreat Next Month @ Camp Sky Meadows
|
"Are you tired? Worn out Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life...Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
You are invited to a spiritually nurturing weekend of wellness and community October 4th to the 6th! You can come for one day, two days, or the entire weekend. Here is a sneak peek at the weekend plans:
- Friday- The Welcome
- arrive in the late afternoon/early evening, check-in, eat dinner, celebrate with evening worship, enjoy some prayer and devotion time
- Saturday- The Program
- morning and evening prayers, periodic free time to commune with nature and one another, participate in 3 main presentations on what it means to be well PHYSICALLY, be well EMOTIONALLY, and be well SPIRITUALLY
- Sunday- The Farewell
- enjoy morning prayers, breakfast together, and a closing worship service before returning to the desert
Cost: $40 per adult (kids and youth are free)
Location: Camp Sky Meadows
This is a relaxing weekend opportunity for the young and not so young alike. The camp is accessible for all types of mobility. Take a break from the stresses of this world and find peace!
|
|
Get Your Walking Shoes Ready for the Desert AIDS Walk!
|
On Saturday, October 19 over 2,000 walkers and 100 volunteers will come together from cities across our valley to participate in the 32nd annual Desert AIDS Walk -- one of the most visible and talked about experiences in the Coachella Valley. Notable for not only its size, the Walk attracts a diverse group of participants dedicated to making a lasting impact in their community.
You have an opportunity to represent our church in the community while also making a difference! The church is working towards raising $1,500 for the walk, and we need your help!
Click here to donate today
to support the Desert AIDS Project and their work to provide healthcare as well as bring an end to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
The church will have a booth at the walk as well as walkers. Click here to email Doug Oostdyk if you are interested in participating.
|
|
Sunday Night Live Returns October 6th!
|
Sunday Night Live will meet in the Walker-Smith building Sunday, October 6th to November 24th from 5:30 to 7 pm. Questions?
Contact Poul Bahnson
.
|
|
United Methodist Women Annual Celebration on September 21
|
The United Methodist Women of UMCPS will be hosting the annual celebration meeting of the East District United Methodist Women on Saturday, September 21st. Our very own Pastor Jane will be the guest speaker and will serve communion. All are welcome to attend!
The event will last from 9:30 to 2 pm. Registration will take place from 9:30 to 10:25 with a continental breakfast. A lunch will also be served followed by the business meeting and election. The cost of registration is $15 through September 15th and $20 after September 15th. Please contact Vera Glur if you plan to attend.
Click here to email Vera Glur.
As part of their mission work, the United Methodist Women will be collecting UMCOR hygiene kits that will be given to the coordinator for Asylum programs in Calexico.
Click here to see the list of needed items.
Donations are most appreciated and can be brought to the church office Monday through Thursday.
|
|
 |
September 13- Angelica Gutierrez
September 13- Mark Strickland
September 14- Larry Pickering
September 16- Jody Diaz
September 22- Pastor Jane Voigts
September 27- Alex Lallman
September 28- Anthony Childs
September 30- Jack Davis
|
|
|
|
All Staff Appreciation Sunday- October 13, 2019
Please plan on attending a fun-filled afternoon of food, mirthful laughter, games, and joy after worship on Sunday, October 13th in the Fellowship Hall. This event will be hosted by the Staff Parish Relations Committee.
|
|
|
|
Sunday Attendance and Coffee Hour
|
|
Attendance for the last two weeks of worship:
- September 1- 100
- September 8- 102
|
|
Coffee/Fellowship Hour Responsibilities for September:
- September 22- UMW
- September 29- Endowment & Social Justice
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
