Update/Correction. Some copies of a 'Draft' Letter with a time error for the Christmas Pageant were sent out. Correction: Dec. 24, 9am (not 11am). Please note and share to avoid any more confusion. ❤️⚓
Dear Round Lake Church Family, Friends and Community of Faith, Christmas Blessings! 🎄 What a year it has been, and it is not even over yet! If you are like me, there are times we look back in wonder and amazement. It often leaves me shaking my head and even saying, “I never saw that coming”! Nevertheless, the year 2023 will soon be in our past. I know this year has brought some difficulty. I am sensitive to the grief and loss that many of you are experiencing. Still, these challenging times have also provided us with the opportunity to exercise our faith. We have witnessed acts of profound kindness and creative ingenuity that remind us of the joy within us. We have helped and taken care of each other. We are watching many churches, including ours, prove themselves to be incredibly adaptable, flexible, and resilient. Christmas reminds us of something critical to keep in our minds, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5). My friends, there are many reasons to be grateful and filled with hope because of our faith. God has and will continue to help us to see all of this through. Therefore, I want to remind us that we are a Christmas people and that Jesus is incarnated in every act of love and kindness we extend to one another. God can reach us beyond all the barriers the world can create and revive us by giving us strength in times of great distress. So we can do this, and we will overcome, because we are the Church, the body of the risen Christ! So mark your calendar: for the annual
The music on Christmas Eve will be epic with a joyful concert of Christmas favorites prior to the Family Service, a Worship experience that will proclaim the Story in holy Scripture and sacred Song. Please remember to invite friends, family and neighbors to any and all church events! We have so very much to be grateful for, even in times of challenge! Amen? I am privileged to be the pastor of Round Lake UMC, and feel incredibly blessed and honored to be with you. My prayers are with you always. May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ child. Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever. Amen. Shalom, Pastor Jim ❤️⚓ A friend of my aunts lost his home to a fire. He's a single dad with 2 kids. They lost everything. My aunt started a go fund me for the family and I was told I could share it with you. The link is below:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/vehw6x-lost-everything-in-a-house-fire?member=30863511&sharetype=teams&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&utm_medium=social&utm_source=fbmessenger This is the list of items she has posted that they need. "Help Our friend and his boys had a fire this morning and lost EVERYTHING! They got out with the clothes on their backs! He's a single dad and been through so much already and they lost everything including the Christmas gifts he bought for the boys already. If you can help: Boy 1 - 4yrs old - 4T/5T clothes size 8/9 shoes & boots. Interests: Baby Shark, Cocomelon, books, sensory toys. Boy 2 - 3yrs old - 2T/3T clothes size shoes 6.5/7. Interests: Balls, trucks, ball pit w/balls, bubbles, sensory toys Both boys will need socks, jammies, coats, Diapers sizes 4 & 6 and wipes also. Dad: Shirt Size Xl Pants 36/34 Lounge pants Xl Boxers Xl Coat Xl socks Any/all household items you may be looking to get rid of, they could use. Thank you in advance. We pray for peace this morning, peace between nations and cultures, peace between political leaders and those they serve, and peace in our families and in our personal and work lives.
May we strive towards peace and hold it high as God's work in us. May we strive for peace and find God through it. May we strive for peace and be it's ambassadors in all we do.  Amen. 🕰 Don't forget, Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 2 a.m. That means we "fall back" one hour and gain some extra sleep. But as you turn back the clocks, remember to use that extra hour wisely by taking care of some essential safety checks around your home:
1️⃣ . Check Your Smoke Detectors: Ensure they're in working order. Test them, change the batteries, and make sure they haven't expired. 2️⃣ Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Just like your smoke alarms, make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly and have fresh batteries. 3️⃣ . Inspect Door Seals: Check for drafts around your doors. Proper seals can help you save energy and keep your home cozy during the colder months. 4️⃣ Heat Units or Heat Source: If you use a furnace, space heater, or another heat source, ensure it's clean and well-maintained to prevent any safety issues. 5️⃣ Fireplace: If you have a fireplace, clean out the ashes and have your chimney inspected if necessary. A cozy, safe fire is perfect for the fall and winter. Also, check your emergency candles🕯️ just in case. Remember, "Time change, Battery Change." Use this reminder to keep your home safe and snug during the upcoming winter months. 🏡❄️🔥 #DaylightSavingTime #SafetyFirst #checkthosebatteries Dear Prayer & Study Partners-
The Epistle reading turns to its final series this season after Pentecost in 1 Thessalonians, which many scholars believe is one of the earliest letters of Paul (it may be the earliest we have in our Bible). We begin with the introduction in 1:1-10, of Paul and his companions, Silvanus and Timothy, writing to the church in Thessalonica. Paul gives thanks for the church’s faithfulness, because they not only received the Gospel by word, but the Holy Spirit has been manifest in the church’s reputation. In spite of being persecuted, they became an example to all believers in neighboring regions. Word has made it back to Paul that the Thessalonians turned from idols and have served God faithfully, while waiting for Jesus to return. We're back in Thessilonica. Paul and his companions are forced to leave. Things are difficult but with encouragement they forge ahead. Paul is informed that the church has been faithful in difficult times. What encouragement can we take into the 'modern' Church during difficult times? Always remember: 'Draw near to God and God draws near to you.' ~James 4:8 In His Service, P Jim ♥️⚓️ ♡Special thanks to Rev. Mindi, workingpreacher, Hope for the Broken Hearted, Kelly's Treehouse and/or Star Bright Angels for their contribution to this effort of Daily Prayer and Study. All scripture is taken from the Revised Common Lectionary and, unless otherwise indicated, from the New International Version of the Bible. The intent of this effort is to inform our faith and grow closer to God, while preparing for next Sunday's Worship. <x>< |
ZOOM WORSHIP SERVICE
SUNDAY @ 11 AM To join by phone, dial (929) 205-6099 and enter the meeting ID and password below: Meeting ID: 876 1875 9099 Password 333 PrayerGracious Loving Lord, please keep all of your children safe in these trying times. Guide us. Open our ears to hear, our eyes to see, our minds to understand and our hearts to know and be your love to others. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Want to support RLUMC and our missions? Donate Today
Prayer Chain
For those wishing to activate our Church Prayer Chain, contact Barbara Hurley 518-307-8238 If you want the concern to remain confidential among prayer chain members only please feel free to make that request when calling. Archives
September 2023
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