Monday - February 21, 2011
Weekly Meditation
A Long Epiphany
The Christian calendar has two anchors, Christmas and Easter. Christmas is always fixed at December 25th. But, because Easter is based on the spring equinox and the cycles of the moon, it can come as early as March 22nd (as it last did in 1818) or as late as April 25th (as it will in 2038). Epiphany is the season that spans the time from Christmas to Lent which leads to Easter; and its length varies according to the date of Easter. Since Easter is April 24th this year, we are celebrating the longest Epiphany since 1943.
This long Epiphany means we have not read this particular combination of Lectionary readings before. As I was reading these lessons, one theme I saw was how God cares for all his creatures. Since we are unlikely to encounter these lessons for a long time, I want to encourage everyone to read them and reflect on where they see God’s care in their lives.
Pastor Stephen
This Week in Worship: Sunday, February 27, 2011
Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany
Pastor Stephen preaching
Choir Anthem: Seek First the Kingdom
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 Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany are:
Isaiah 49:8-16a; Psalm 131; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; Matthew 6:24-34
Help Wanted: VBS Director
For the past several years Andrew Greenwood has directed our
Vacation Bible School.
This year, Andrew is not available and we need a new director.
We have already set the dates: August 6-12, 2011
The qualifications are a love of children and good organizational skills!
Please see Pastor Stephen to volunteer or for more information.
Help Wanted: National Night Out Coordinator
National Night Out is a nationwide program to help people connect with their neighbors. It happens on the first Tuesday in August (August 2nd, 2011) and features locally planned venues designed to get people out of their homes and interacting with their neighbors. We had a very successful event in 2009, but unfortunately the neighborhood group who sponsored it decided not to participate in 2010. So, we would like to step up and fill the void. But, to do so requires a coordinator. The coordinator will decide what we want to offer and get volunteers to make it happen. Please see Pastor Stephen for more information or to volunteer.
Christmas in April
This is the last Sunday to sign up for Christmas in April.
As of February 20th, we had close to 20 people signed up!
Christmas in April is a special day when volunteers work together to repair homes for the elderly who are disabled and/or low income homeowners.
This year Christmas in April is
Saturday, April 30th
from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Volunteers paint, do yard work, clean, make repairs, etc. - whatever is needed.
Skilled tradesmen are also needed.
Please sign up on the Narthex Bulletin Board no later than February 27th.
All volunteers must be 14 or older. Youth and adults of all ages are welcome.
Please call Shirley if you have any questions.
Meetings This Week
United Methodist Men – The UMM will NOT be meeting for breakfast on February 26th since we met for the Sweetheart Breakfast on the 13th.
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
“O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time on and forevermore.”
(Psalm 131:3)
Blessings,
Pastor Stephen
