January 31, 2011 - This Week at Providence-Fort Washington

This Week at Providence-Fort Washington

Monday - January 31, 2011

Weekly Meditation

Last Wednesday, during the snowstorm, our power went out. Fortunately, we did not have any downed trees or power lines; so we found some candles and read for a while before going to bed. It was not until the next morning that we began to feel the impact of no electricity. The bathroom was dark, there was no way to cook anything for breakfast or lunch, and there was a chill in the house as the temperature began to drop. We were fine during the day because the sun was shining, but as evening approached we prepared for another cold and dark night. Fortunately the electricity was restored at about 11:00 pm on Thursday so we did not have to spend another night in a cold house.

As Alice and I coped with the inconveniences, I wondered about how my great-grandparents of 100 years ago would have dealt with such a problem. I realized that they would hardly have noticed. They were more self sufficient and much more in tune with the rhythms of nature than I am today. They lived “with” nature and were better prepared when the storms came. Today, we seem to depend on technology to insulate us from the realities of nature.

I sometimes wonder if modern technology also insulates us from the reality of God in our lives. Today we often turn to technology to help in situations where our ancestors would have turned to God. I want to suggest that we take a moment and thank God for the snowfall (and power outage). They helped me appreciate the power of God, and how God watches over us even when our technology fails.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31)

Pastor Stephen

This Week in Worship: Sunday, January 30, 2011

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Communion Sunday

Rev. Dr. Ianther Mills (Washington East District Superintendent) preaching

Choir Anthem: Since Jesus Came Into My Heart

United Methodist Women - Clean-up Day

The United Methodist Women will hold a Clean-Up Day on

Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 10:00 am.

They will be cleaning and reorganizing the decoration closet in old church building.

All the women of the church are encouraged to come and help.

United Methodist Men - Sweetheart Breakfast

The United Methodist Men are hosting a Sweetheart Breakfast on

Saturday, February 12^th at 9:30 am.

A Sign-up sheet is available in the narthex.

Please sign-up and come join us as we celebrate our sweethearts!

New Member Class

The New Member Class is still open if you are in interesting in joining

Providence-Fort Washington United Methodist Church.

The class meets at 9:00 in the parlor and will continue for the next 2 weeks. The class discusses the wider Christian church, the United Methodist Church

and Providence-Fort Washington.

Participants will then be invited to join the church on Sunday, February 27^th.

Please see Pastor Stephen for more information or to sign up.

Wednesday Bible Study

The Wednesday Evening Bible Study gathers at 6:00 pm for a potluck dinner and for Bible Study at 6:30.The lessons for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany are:

Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 112:1-10; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16; Matthew 5:13-20

Snow Policy

In general Providence-Fort Washington follows the Prince George’s School system

(If schools are closed then the church is also closed)

If there is an exception, people in the affected groups will be called.

Also check the website (www.pfwumc.org) for updates!

New Sermon Book Available

Pastor Stephen has just published the 2009-2010 Sermon Book. It contains all the sermons since the First Sunday in Advent 2009. Cost is $12.00.

Pastor Stephen has copies for sale.

It can also be ordered on-line at www.lulu.com/banquo

 “Praise the Lord!

Happy are those who fear the Lord,

who greatly delight in his commandments.

(Psalm 112:1)

Blessings,

Pastor Stephen

January 24, 2011 - This Week at Providence-Fort Washington

This Week at Providence-Fort Washington

Monday - January 24, 2011

Weekly Meditation

I spent this past weekend in Ocean City at ROCK - the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference’s annual Youth Retreat. Andrew and I accompanied two of our young men, and we have a great time. The convention center was filled with thousands of middle and high school kids praising God and seeking ways to serve Jesus Christ in the world. The theme for the weekend, “Give Me THAT Fish!,” was based on Jesus’ call to leave our nets behind and fish for people. Many young people from across the Conference responded to the message, and that gives me hope for the future of the church.

I am also hopeful because the same Spirit that was moving at ROCK is moving at Providence-Fort Washington. We are responding to God’s call; we are leaving our nets behind; and we are fishing for people. I believe Christ will grow this church as we share Christ with our friends and neighbors, and invite them to be part of our fellowship.

Keep Fishing For People!

Pastor Stephen

This Week in Worship: Sunday, January 30, 2011

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Andrew Greenwood preaching (really this time!)

Choir Anthem: Since Jesus Came Into My Heart

Food Pantry Sunday

At our annual planning meeting earlier this month,

we agreed to make the fifth Sunday of every month Food Pantry Sunday.

Please bring non-perishable food items to church

this Sunday (January 30^th) to share with those in need.

The need is always great,

but seems to be magnified by the harsh winter weather.

New Member Class

Have you been attending Providence-Fort Washington for a while as a visitor or constituent? Would you like to be more involved? Are you looking for new ways to serve Christ? Are you just curious about the church and want someone to answer your questions? Are you hearing God’s voice calling to you?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the New Member Class is for you. I will be starting a new member class on Sunday, January 30, 2011 at 9:00 in the parlor. The class meets for 3 weeks and we will discuss the wider Christian church, the United Methodist Church and Providence-Fort Washington. Participants will then be invited to join the church on Sunday, February 27^th.

Please see Pastor Stephen for more information or to sign up.

Wednesday Bible Study

The Wednesday Evening Bible Study gathers at 6:00 pm for a potluck dinner and for Bible Study at 6:30.The lessons for the Third Sunday after the Epiphany are:

Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12

Snow Policy

In general Providence-Fort Washington follows the Prince George’s School system

(If schools are closed then the church is also closed)

If there is an exception, people in the affected groups will be called.

Also check the website (www.pfwumc.org) for updates!

New Sermon Book Available

Pastor Stephen has just published the 2009-2010 Sermon Book. It contains all the sermons since the First Sunday in Advent 2009. Cost is $12.00.

Pastor Stephen has copies for sale.

It can also be ordered on-line at www.lulu.com/banquo

 “He has told you, O mortal, what is good;

and what does the Lord require of you

but to do justice, and to love kindness,

and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

Blessings,

Pastor Stephen

Monday, January 17, 2011 - This Week at Providence-Fort Washington

This Week at Providence-Fort Washington

Monday - January 17, 2011

Weekly Meditation

My preaching professor in seminary was Dr. William B. McClain. Dr. McClain is a wonderful preacher and he often  transfigured his lectures into sermons. One thing I remember about Dr. McClain was his casual references to his friend Martin. Dr. McClain was a friend and associate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and was with him on August 28, 1963 when Dr. King gave his “I Have A Dream” speech. Dr. McClain also shared with us one of King’s secrets to a great message: start with the conclusion and work backwards from there.

Another thing I remember from Dr. McClain was his direction to always preach God’s grace. He said it is okay to speak against sin and to call for repentance, but preachers of the Gospel must always proclaim the Good News that God’s grace is greater than our sin.

So, as we remember Dr. King and the many obstacles we must still overcome as we seek justice and righteousness, I want you to hear the Good News: “Christ died for while we were yet sinners. This proves God’s love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!”

Pastor Stephen

This Week in Worship: Sunday, January 23, 2011

Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Human Relations Sunday

Andrew Greenwood preaching

Choir Anthem: Shine, Jesus, Shine

New Member Class

Have you been attending Providence-Fort Washington for a while as a visitor or constituent? Would you like to be more involved? Are you looking for new ways to serve Christ? Are you just curious about the church and want someone to answer your questions? Are you hearing God’s voice calling to you?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the New Member Class is for you. I will be starting a new member class on Sunday, January 30, 2011 at 9:00 in the parlor. The class meets for 3 weeks and we will discuss the wider Christian church, the United Methodist Church and Providence-Fort Washington. Participants will then be invited to join the church on Sunday, February 27^th.

Please see Pastor Stephen for more information or to sign up.

Wednesday Bible Study

The Wednesday Evening Bible Study gathers at 6:00 pm for a potluck dinner and for Bible Study at 6:30.The lessons for the Third Sunday after the Epiphany are:

Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 4-9; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23

Snow Policy

In general Providence-Fort Washington follows the Prince George’s School system

(If schools are closed then the church is also closed)

If there is an exception, people in the affected groups will be called.

Also check the website (www.pfwumc.org) for updates!

Administrative Council Meeting

Reminder: The Administrative Council will meet this Thursday at 7:00 p.m.

United Methodist Men Gathering

The United Methodist Men will gather for breakfast and a planning meeting on

Saturday, January 22 at 9:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall

New Sermon Book Available

Pastor Stephen has just published the 2009-2010 Sermon Book. It contains all the sermons since the First Sunday in Advent 2009. Cost is $12.00.

Pastor Stephen has copies for sale.

It can also be ordered on-line at www.lulu.com/banquo

 “The Lord is my light and my salvation;

whom shall I fear?.” (Psalm 27:1)

Blessings,

Pastor Stephen

January 10, 2011 - This Week at PFW-UMC

This Week at Providence-Fort Washington

Monday - January 10, 2011

Weekly Meditation

So far the winter weather has been relatively kind to us. We have not lost any Sundays to bad weather, and the snow held off so we could celebrate Christ’s birth on Christmas Eve. But, I know that will not continue; sooner or later, we will have our share of bad weather.

I must confess that I am not very patient with snow and ice. I can be very frustrated when bad weather forces me to cancel an event or miss worship on Sunday. Recently, I have been attempting to replace my impatience with gratitude. I have been trying to thank God for the snow and the ice. Snow and ice can transform a barren landscape into a winter wonderland and help us see God’s hand at work beautifying the world.

I am also trying to be thankful for the “forced” day off. Modern life runs at a frenetic pace and bad weather can force us to slow down and let the world go on without us.

So, when bad weather forces us to stay indoors for longer that we might want, I encourage you to thank God for the beauty of winter. Thank God for our homes that protect us from the elements. And, thank God for the extra Sabbath rest.

Pastor Stephen

This Week in Worship: Sunday, January 16, 2011

Second Sunday after the Epiphany

Human Relations Sunday

Pastor Stephen preaching

Sermon title: What Are You Looking For?

New Member Class

Have you been attending Providence-Fort Washington for a while as a visitor or constituent? Would you like to be more involved? Are you looking for new ways to serve Christ? Are you just curious about the church and want someone to answer your questions? Are you hearing God’s voice calling to you?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the New Member Class is for you. I will be starting a new member class on Sunday, January 30, 2011 at 9:00 in the parlor. The class meets for 3 weeks and we will discuss the wider Christian church, the United Methodist Church and Providence-Fort Washington. Participants will then be invited to join the church on Sunday, February 27^th.

Please see Pastor Stephen for more information or to sign up.

Wednesday Bible Study

The Wednesday Evening Bible Study gathers at 6:00 pm for a potluck dinner and for Bible Study at 6:30.The lessons for the Baptism of the Lord are:

Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42

Office Closed on January 17^th

The church office will be closed on Monday, January 17^th in observance of

Martin Luther King’s Birthday

New Sermon Book Available

Pastor Stephen has just published the 2009-2010 Sermon Book. It contains all the sermons since the First Sunday in Advent 2009. Cost is $12.00.

Pastor Stephen has copies for sale.

It can also be ordered on-line at www.lulu.com/banquo

 “The Lord put a new song in my mouth

a song of praise to our God.” (Psalm 40:3)

Blessings,

Pastor Stephen

January 4, 2011 - This Week at PFW-UMC

This Week at Providence-Fort Washington

Tuesday - January 4, 2011

Weekly Meditation

This past weekend Alice and I travelled to Roanoke, Virginia to visit our families. My parents and sister live in Roanoke, and Alice’s brother, Marshal, and his family live in Christiansburg. One Sunday morning, we drove to Blacksburg to worship with Marshal at Blacksburg Presbyterian Church. I thought of all of you as we sat in the pews, heard the Word of God, and participated in the Communion service. It was a different experience to be part of the congregation with no responsibilities for the service.

I was especially glad when we sang one of my favorite Christmas hymns, “What Child Is Time” (UMH 219). I was looking for that hymn recently on the Internet and discovered that William Dix’s original is slightly different from the version we sing today. In place of the refrain, he has these words at the end of the second verse:

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,

The cross be borne for me, for you.

Hail, hail the Word made flesh,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Dix’s original words got me to thinking that even as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, the cross is always nearby. The Word that became flesh at Christmas will bear the cross for me and for you on Good Friday. As we enter a new year, we cannot leave Jesus asleep in the manger. Jesus came as a baby to be “God with us;” Jesus died on the cross to take away the guilt of our sin; and Jesus rose victorious from the grave to open the gates of paradise.

So, as we start 2011, remember that Christmas is only the beginning of our journey with Christ, and remember that God has great plans for Providence-Fort Washington in the new year!

Pastor Stephen

This Week in Worship: Sunday, January 9, 2011

Baptism of the Lord

Pastor Stephen preaching

Sermon title: Baptized By The Spirit

Church-wide Planning Meeting

Mark your calendars: We will hold our annual church-wide planning meeting on Saturday, January 8, 2011 from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon. We will use the time together to plan our ministries for 2011. Everyone is encouraged to attend and committee chairs should come prepared with lists of dates and events for 2011. If the weather is bad, we will postpone the planning meeting until January 15^th.

Wednesday Bible Study

The Wednesday Evening Bible Study gathers at 6:00 pm for a potluck dinner and for Bible Study at 6:30.The lessons for the Baptism of the Lord are:

Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17

Office Closed on January 17^th

The church office will be closed on Monday, January 17^th in observance of

Martin Luther King’s Birthday

New Sermon Book Available

Pastor Stephen has just published the 2009-2010 Sermon Book. It contains all the sermons since the First Sunday in Advent 2009. Cost is $12.00.

Pastor Stephen has copies for sale.

It can also be ordered on-line at www.lulu.com/banquo

 “May the Lord give strength to his people!

May the Lord bless his people with peace!” (Psalm 29:11)

Blessings,

Pastor Stephen