Concord United Methodist Church 5178 Hinkleville Road Paducah, Kentucky 270.443.2669
Each Believer is called by God to some specific role in Christian ministry. Roles change, callings evolve, but all of are called by God into an active ministry. My question is: How is God calling you? I cannot answer for you. God doesn't generally tell us pastors.
You may ask God in prayer about your calling. Better yet, try telling God you'll do whatever God wants you to, that God just needs to show you. Consider your passion. What really motivates you? What gives you energy?
Consider also: What breaks your heart? What situations drive you to action?
Christ calls you! I firmly believe the words of Ephesians 4:11-13, "And He (Jesus)Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry..."
Simply put, the Bible says my job is to equip. Christ calls you to minister.
The Nominations committee is meeting Monday, September 13th at 6:00 p.m. to begin its work. I am not looking to fill blanks in a form. The denomination allows us great latitude in staffing our ministries. We may move and adapt our formal structure to fit whatever God desires.
This past year, several ministry areas changed to fit various needs and callings. It won't be anything new or scary if you approach me with any of these thoughts about God's calling in your life.
We need YOU! Christ calls you! Take time now to pray about your response. Then respond. Write me a note, send an email, see me at church. But respond. What is God calling you to?
In Christ Alone, Earl
Berta writes:
Velcro came out when I was in eighth grade. A woman from Church replaced the buttons of an old, wool coat, with strips of this hook and loop material, and gave it to me as a gift. The Velcro held tight and that coat protected me many times from harsh weather.
As I have matured in Christ, I have needed God's covering many times. I have learned how to actively seek God's blessing, like that winter coat, to protect my family and myself.
In Ephesians 6, Paul tells us about spiritual armor:
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand" (vs.11-13).
Satan still tempts the children of God today, in all places and conditions. And we still wander into all kinds of mischief and sin. Thankfully, Christ still delivers, heals, and restores. Call on Christ and let him cover you like a warm winter coat on a cold winter’s day.
In Christ Alone,
Berta Dickerson
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas is a marvelous new biography of a real life, recent Christian hero. In wondering how he could stand up to Nazis and even die in such a way that his executors were left amazed, one might consider his words from years before his death. It is from a sermon preached by Bonhoeffer while he was pastoring a church in London. He says,
No one has yet believed in God and the kingdom of God, no one has yet heard about the realm of the resurrected, and not been homesick from that hour, waiting and looking forward to being released from bodily existence.
Whether we are young or old makes no difference. what are twenty or thirty or fifty years in the sight of God? And which of us knows how near he or she may already be to the goal? That life only really begins when it ends here on earth, that all that is here is only the prologue before the curtain goes up - that is for young and old alike to think about. Why are we so afraid when we think about death? ... Death is only dreadful for those who live in dread and fear of it. Death is not wild and terrible, if only we can be still and hold fast to God's Word. Death is not bitter, if we have not become bitter ourselves. Death is grace, the greatest gift of grace that God gives to people who believe in him. Death is mild, death is sweet and gentle; it beckons to us with heavenly power, if only we realize that it is the gateway to our homeland, the tabernacle of joy, the everlasting kingdom of peace.
How do we know that dying is so dreadful? Who knows whether, in our human fear and anguish we are only shivering and shuddering at the most glorious, heavenly, blessed event in the world?
Death is hell and night and cold, if it is not transformed by our faith. But that is just what is so marvelous, that we can transform death. (P. 531)
P.S. Bonhoeffer was executed by the Nazis on April 8, 1945 at Flossenburg prison. When he knew he was going to his death, he told a friend, "This is the end...for me the beginning of life!"
One of the men, Dr. H. Fischer-Hullstrung, who attended his execution is quoted as saying of Bonhoeffer, "At the place of execution, he again said a short prayer and then climbed the steps to the gallows, brave and composed. His death ensued after a few seconds. In the almost fifty years that I worked as a doctor, I have hardly ever seen a man die so entirely submissive to the will of God."
OUR CHURCH FAMILY
NEW YOUNG ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
Concord will be kicking off a new young adult Sunday school class at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 19th. The class will meet in the room between the nursery and the sanctuary. Wade Poat will be leading the class. All young adults are invited to become a part of this new class.
Sympathy is expressed to the family of Larry Brantley on his death.
Sympathy is expressed to Jim Gipson on the death of his brother, Herman Gipson.
We welcome our newest members, Allison and Mary Kate Harpole. They joined the church on August 22nd.
MEMORIALS
A Gift Was Given:
In Memory of Debbie Swafford By
Eddie & Linda Duff
In Memory of Ann Boatwright By
Roger, Heather, Johnny & Angela Boatwright
In Memory of Fenco Culp By
Marjorie Yancy
SEPTEMBER COMMUNION OFFERING
At the Memphis Annual Conference in June Bishop Wills asked churches to help raise funds to assist those who suffered losses in the spring floods. Disaster response teams have been busy with recovery efforts, but much remains to be done. Our September Communion Offering will be directed to the Memphis Disaster Response Teams for use in their efforts to help those affected by the spring floods.
SHARING OUR SURPLUS - SOS
Items needed this month are: beds (all sizes- including baby beds), all sizes sheets and blankets, desk, kitchen table and chairs, washer, dryer, dressers or chest of drawers, night stand, end tables, coffee tables, couch, chair, dishes, microwave, and an entertainment center. If you have any of these items to donate please call Cola Ro at 442-3725.
2nd ANNUAL CORN HOLE TOURNAMENT
Mark your calendars for September 25th at 3 p.m. for the 2nd Annual Corn Hole Tournament on the front lawn of the church. Grab a partner, pay the $20 entry fee (fee is for two people per team) and sign-up to play. The winner of the double elimination tournament will win a gift basket worth $100. There will be other "corny" prizes, too.
Come hungry! There will be grilled hotdogs, chips, drinks and homemade pies. Ladies of the church, we’re counting on you to supply those pies (guys, you are welcome to bake, as well). This will be a local mission project for the entire church and community.
On August 28th starting at 9 a.m. the youth will meet at the home of Tommy Fletcher to make the corn hole boards for the tournament. If you like to saw, hammer, paint and fellowship make plans to join the youth at the Fletcher’s. After the tournament the youth will sell the corn hole boards for $100 a set. Reserve your set now as supplies are limited! The money from the sale of the corn hole boards will go towards the youth mission trip in June 2011.
This is a great opportunity for us to reach out to our community, area schools and missions, both local and distant. We are planning on having a great time and look forward to seeing each of you and your friends on the front lawn of the church on September 25th.
CHURCH YARD SALE
The Church Yard Sale will be September 11, 2010. Items for the sale can be place in the back of the gym the week of September 5th-10th, between the hours of 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Proceeds from the sale will go toward the new refrigerator.
SHOES 2 SHARE
Approximately 600 pairs of shoes were collected during our Shoes 2 Share for Haiti Campaign. Once the shoes were matched, sorted, cleaned and packed they filled 17 boxes. The cost of shipping was covered thanks to generous donations. A big thank-you is extended to everyone for your overwhelming response to this mission project!
A SPECIAL THANK-YOU
Dear Concord United Methodist Church Friends,
Once again Concord Elementary thanks you for your wonderful generosity and caring hearts. Because of your donations we are able to assist many children. We often purchase items ranging from backpacks and new crayons to clothing and shoes. We try to meet every child’s needs. Our goal is to make sure every child is successful every day.
Your giving is greatly appreciated. We are so lucky to have you as neighbors! Your prayers for our students, faculty and staff are always appreciated.
Concord Elementary School
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Ruth Circle
The Ruth Circle will be going to Reelfoot Rural Ministries on Monday, September 20th for a work day. The bus will leave the church parking lot at 7 a.m. and return at approximately 3:30 p.m. They will deliver the toilet paper that has been donated to Reelfoot. Other donations of toilet paper would be welcomed. All donations can be left in Mission Alley (the hallway across from the Choir Room). Anyone interested in going to Reelfoot should call the church office at 443-2669.
New Evening Circle
A new evening circle of United Methodist Women is being formed and will begin meeting in September. If you would like to be a part of this group contact Mary Stigall at 443-7174 or the church office at 443-2669.
PCM
A needs list for PCM’s homeless shelter and food pantry has been posted on the bulletin board. The PCM collection box is in Mission Alley.
The ABC's of Salvation
Knowing your sins are forgiven and you are ready for heaven is as simple as following these steps:
Admit you have sinned. "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." (1 John 1:8).
Believe in Jesus. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16).
Confess and forsake your sin. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9).
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You need Jesus. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
You cannot save yourself. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no man can boast." (Ephesians 2:8,9).
God loves you enough to provide salvation. "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
By faith, believe Jesus and accept Him. "They replied, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved- you and your household.'" (Acts 16:31). Invite Jesus in now!
Reaching Out - Living In Christ
Concord United Methodist Church Vision Statement