All are invited. ♥️👍
Zoom Worship Service is at 11 a.m. for Pittstown and Round Lake UMC. The hymns are: #454 - Open My Eyes That I Can See #407 - Close To Thee #57 - O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing - verses 1, 2, 3, 5 #666 Shalom to You If you would like to prepare by reading the scriptures before, they are: Revised Common Lectionary: 1 Samuel 16:1-13; ♡Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41 Message: Meditating on Psalm 23 ------- To join with your computer, tablet or mobile device, click the link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87618759099?pwd=Y3U2a3lqSE5ZZ1hQWHNyVXM1Z3pTQT09 To join by phone, dial (929) 205-6099 and enter the meeting ID and password below: Meeting ID: 876 1875 9099 Password 333 Be blessed! A Moment for Mission ♥️⚓️
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:12-13, NIV This Sunday, The United Methodist Church will celebrate the critical work of the United Methodist Committee on Relief or UMCOR. It is an opportunity to share hope and respond with grace that makes a difference in the lives of others. As tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters occur across the United States, UMCOR is always ready to respond. Contact is immediately established with individual conference disaster-response teams in order to provide financial assistance with emergency grants and funds when requested. As Hurricane Ian swept across Cuba and made landfall in Florida in late September, the category 4 storm devastated whole communities with heavy rain, wind and flooding. UMCOR responded quickly with thousands of cleaning kits and initial emergency funding to help the Florida Annual Conference address the most pressing needs. UMCOR spearheaded a collaborative effort with nonprofit partners to teach and equip personnel in both North Carolina and Florida conferences to build and install transportable solar-powered generators. UMCOR staff continued to help with recruiting and organizing early-response teams as well. Hurricane Ian was not the only natural disaster to occur in the U.S. throughout 2022. UMCOR responded to massive flooding across Kentucky, Mississippi and Georgia; tornadoes in the Midwest and Southeast; and wildfires in New Mexico. Sometimes, we may feel as if the world is turning upside down, but we remember that God’s love is greater than anything we could face and we are called to share it. The gifts and energy we give enable us to be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing hope and love to a struggling world. Thank you for supporting UMCOR with your gifts on UMCOR Sunday! Together, our resources allow us to stand with those who suffer while remaining joyful with hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. Thank you! -Adapted from “UMCOR helps local partners respond to Hurricane Ian” by Dan Curran, General Board of Global Mission. Used by permission. To the Family of God-
The call and anointing of King David happened while Samuel was still grieving Saul in 1 Samuel 16:1-13. Saul, chosen by God, turned from God’s ways. As a prophet, Samuel anointed Saul, and perhaps took it as a personal failure that Saul didn’t work out. Nonetheless, God sent Samuel to Jesse in Bethlehem to offer a sacrifice, and God promised to show Samuel who to anoint. Although Samuel assumed it would be one of the eldest, tallest, or strongest, none of Jesse’s first sons were chosen by God. Jesse had not brought the last, youngest, smallest son who was out with the sheep. Instead, God chose the one who was known probably for being too cute. Too small, too young, probably picked on by his brothers for his looks. And God told Samuel, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” 1 Samuel 16:1-13, New International Version Samuel Anoints David 16 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” 2 But Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.” The Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.” 4 Samuel did what the Lord said. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, “Do you come in peace?” 5 Samuel replied, “Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. 6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” 12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” 13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah. Have you ever been anointed for Service? For what purpose? After two years of study as a Spiritual Director, with Isaiah as my assistant in the work, we were both anointed for Service. It was a powerful moment for me. Isaiah, as a Therapy Dog, also gained a new confidence in the effort. When God annoints for Service, powerful things are about to happen. Note how David’s life changed, even against all odds, even the dangers imposed by his own family. Are you open to the possibilities of a spiritual anointing? In His Service, P Jim ♥️⚓️ ♡Special thanks to Rev. Mindi, workingpreacher, Hope for the Broken Hearted 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. ~James 4:8 <x>< Dear Friends in Chtist-
When we wake up, who do we go to? Who do we turn to? Who do we help on the way? Who do we view as part of God’s beloved community and how will we make sure they are included? How will we practice mercy, grace, and forgiveness? How will we love our neighbor as ourselves? John 3:1-17, New International Version Jesus Teaches Nicodemus 3 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” 9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. 10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. When you think on these last two verses, which holds more weight with your faith, God's love for the world or God not condemning the world? Why? Clearly we have spent far more time considering John 3:16. Why do you think this is true? What questions are you bringing to Worship tomorrow? In His Service, P Jim ♥️⚓️ ♡Special thanks to Rev. Mindi, workingpreacher, Hope for the Broken Hearted 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. ~James 4:8 <x>< Dear Friends in Chtist-
The Epistle reading continues in Romans but backs up a chapter from last week to 4:1-5, 13-17. Paired with the Genesis reading, Paul interprets Abraham’s trust and obedience in God as righteousness. It is not the works that Abraham did but his faith that made him righteous before God. This applies to all people, regardless of those who follow the law or not, as part of Paul’s introduction of his theology of inclusion of Gentiles with the Jewish followers of Jesus in Rome. This section concludes with Paul’s use of the blessing of Abraham into a great nation (“father of many nations”) as an indication of God’s promise of resurrection, a promise of calling things into existence that do not yet exist. A promise that what seems impossible is possible with God. . Romans 4:1-5, New International Version Abraham Justified by Faith 4 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness... 13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression. 16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not. 'A promise that what seems impossible is possible with God.' The Marines have a saying that if something is difficult, it will take time. If it's impossible, it will take more time. This is a confident response to difficult challenges. The Marine depends on his/her own skills and that of his/her comrades. Yet faith demands a deeper perspective. Truly impossible is only the work of God, the workings of faith. So called "miracles," involve a perspective/a perception, that what is truly impossible, is only possible with God. The Promise/the Inheritance will be realized by faith alone. What does this mean to you? Does your faith make you righteousness before God? How do these truths, specifically, inform your faith? If you have a different perspective, what Scriptures support your opinion(s)? Do you have any questions to bring to Worship? In His Service, P Jim ♥️⚓️ ♡Special thanks to Rev. Mindi, workingpreacher, Hope for the Broken Hearted 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. ~James 4:8 <x>< Dear Friends in Christ-
The psalmist sings of assurance of God’s help in Psalm 121. The hills, the mountains, the high places that were known to be where heaven and earth met in the ancient world—they are not the source of the psalmist’s hope, but the Creator who made heaven and earth. The psalmist sings a blessing: God is the one who keeps the people and protects them from evil. God guards their entrances and their exits, and is with each person at their rising and their lying down, always. Psalm 121, NIV A song of ascents. 1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains-- where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord watches over you-- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. The power of God's presence. I can't tell you how many people have told me they've found God in the high places, especially the mountain top. When I walk outside, my first inclination is to look up and honor God. Psalm 121 invites you to consider the source of help, honor and awe. Of course, God is that source, “but to speak it is one thing, to believe it is another. The psalmist assures those who pray this psalm that we do not walk alone—the Maker of heaven and earth journeys with us as our helper”. How does this Psalm inform your faith? Do you have any new insights as you re-read this psalm of ascents? As a disciple of Christ, is there another way to apply the learning? In His Service, P Jim ♥️⚓️ ♡Special thanks to Rev. Mindi, workingpreacher, Hope for the Broken Hearted 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. ~James 4:8 <x>< Dear Friends in Christ-
This third Sunday of Lent we return to the call of Abram in Genesis 12:1-4a, as we prepare for a Communion Sunday. God spoke to our ancestor and told him to go away from his family and homeland to a new place that God would show him (and Sarai). God would bless Abram and Sarai and from them would come a great nation. God would make them and their descendants a blessing to others, making their name great and known, for through them all people of the earth would be blessed. Abram listened to God, and Abram and Sarai, along with Abram’s nephew Lot, followed God’s instructions and left their home. The Call of Abram 12 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." 4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Call narratives are autobiographical or third-person stories in which YHWH calls, ordains, or commissions a prophet or other figure to undertake some task or official function. Here, Abram is called to Service, and God establishes a covenant with the people through Abram (and Sarai). By this established relationship, they will be known as Abraham and Sarah. God's election of the family of Abraham and Sarah as a chosen and special vehicle of God's blessing affirms God's continuing commitment to humans and the world in spite of their rebellion, violence and evil. 'God will not let go of God's creation.' The promise to Abraham and Sarah marks one of the most dramatic transitions in the entire story of the Old Testament. The text draws them into a journey that leaves behind an old life and looks forward to a future not yet seen. The season of Lent is a season that helps us to let go of old commitments and burdens and sets us free to journey into new territories, new promises, new hopes, and new lives. How is your Lent gong? Have you realized a new possibility? What is working? What yet needs to change? Remember, 'God will not let go of God's creation.' In His Service, P Jim ♥️⚓️ ♡Special thanks to Rev. Mindi, workingpreacher, Hope for the Broken Hearted 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. ~James 4:8 <x>< John 3:1-17:
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him." 3 Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, " You must be born anew. 8 The wind blows where it will, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or wither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit." 9 Nicodemus said to him, "How can this be?" 10 Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand this?" 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and bear witness to what we have seen; but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the servant in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life." 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. We are the beneficiaries of a gift from God; a Savior. We have inherited a faith that has been passed down through generations of faithful followers. This is our legacy, to share the gift we have inherited, with others. Have Faith 🙏🕊️ 1 What then shall we say about Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh?
2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." 4 Now to one who works, his wages are not reckoned as a gift but as his due. 5 And to one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness. . . . 13 The promise to Abraham and his descendants, that they should inherit the world, did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. 16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants -- not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham, for he is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations" -- in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. We know that good works alone do not guarantee admission into the kingdom of Heaven. It is by our faith in God and acceptance of the faith of those who came before us, and by living in grace, that we share in the faith of Abraham, as a member of his lineage of faith. Have Faith 🙏🕊️ Psalms 121: Revised Standard Version
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills, from whence does my help come? 2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot be moved, he who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. 6 The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. 8 The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever more. Do you allow yourself the time to consider where the source of your spiritual help comes from? Always remember that you never walk alone. Life can feel overwhelming at times and a quiet, prayerful time for meditation can help lift your spirit. Have Faith 🙏🕊️ |
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
|