Good sunny afternoon!

A Moment Apart…

There was the time that I broke down on the beltway in the middle of the night.  Then there was the time (not too long after) that I broke down AGAIN on the beltway, this time during the day.  Then there was the time (very recently) that I got stuck in the mud, or the time(S) my mother-in-law had to bail me out because I locked my keys in the car.  Or the time I totaled my very first car.  Oh, the fun I've had waiting for a tow truck or a ride; the feelings I've had when I realize "this actually is happening to me!"

I'm sometimes prone to disasters.  Often, it comes hand in hand with my stubbornness or "running around like a chicken with her head cut off" lifestyle.  These times are uncomfortable, sometimes unhappy, sometimes scary, and sometimes humiliating.  But, I'll tell you what - there's a silver lining.

Because for every one of the examples above (true examples, might I add), there's always been someone to help:

1)  Broke down in middle of night = was being followed by police car listening to Christian radio station on way back from church with date just happening to be going my way

2)  Broke down during day = frantic waving out window signaling telephone with my hand and someone ACTUALLY stopped

3)  Stuck in mud = father-in-law calling AAA, but nice man stopping and towing us out with pick-up truck before AAA call was over (and restaurant not calling to charge us for ruining grass, even though there were stay off grass signs)

4)  Keys locked in car = mother-in-law coming to my rescue and recommending I get keys made (which I eventually did)

5)  Totaled first car on I-270 during rush hour = fire police guy who helped me and took me to a local restaurant where I could wait and there was an outlet for my cell phone charger.

What are the odds of all of these things happening?  I am not an actuary and not interested enough in probability and statistics, but I'd say things turned out pretty well for me.  To me, these situations turning out in these ways are visible signs of the Lord caring for me.  It's not that I never go on deserted roads or never venture into scary situations; it's not even that I've always been saved from "bad" things happening.  However, it is clear that I've been watched over.  When I was in trouble or even possible danger, I was protected, and when I wasn't protected from everything, I was cared for.

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.  Psalm 100:5 

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.    Matthew 6:28-33

Above and beyond this, even though I haven't sought his kingdom first, he, in his mercy, has cared for me.  He cares for you, too.  Hallelujah!!

This Week at Wesley…
We are revving up the activities these next two weeks at Wesley!  Hope you can be a part of the fellowship, service, and fun:

• Tonight, 2/13 (Monday)  Project Linus 6 to 8 PM
• Tomorrow, 2/14 (Tuesday)  Winter Bible Study 7 PM
• Wednesday, 2/15:  UMW at 6 PM, Boy Scouts at 7:30 PM
• Thursday, 2/16:  Handbells at 6:30 PM and Adult Choir at 7:30 PM (all welcome!!)
• Friday, 2/17:  Office Open 9:30 to 2:30; Prayer & Meditation 10:15 to 11:15 AM; Faith Feast at St. John's UMC (Noon - all welcome!!)
• Sunday, 2/19:  Confirmation Class at 5 PM, STIX at 6 PM, UMYF from 7 to 8:30 PM
• Monday, 2/20:  Office CLOSED; SPRC 7 PM
• Tuesday, 2/21:  Office OPEN 9:30 to 2:30; Pancake Supper and Bake Sale 4:30 to 6:30 PM (to benefit Jerrett Peake's $3,000 +/- uniform cost); Girl Scouts 6:30 PM; Winter Bible Study 7 PM
• Ash Wednesday, 2/22:  Ash Wednesday Service 7:30 PM   (beginning of Lent)
  

Coming Up:  Girl Scout Sunday on 3/11/12 and Spring Fried Oyster and Fried Chicken Supper - Prep Day on 3/23, Supper on 3/24

Have a lovely week!

Jessica Sichel
Secretary

Good afternoon!

A Few Office Notes: 

 

New Schedules for Greeters/Ushers, Acolytes, and Liturgists are posted outside the Church office. These are also posted on our website at www.wesleychurch-hampstead.org under "Volunteer Schedules" (you can find this tab at the top of the site or to the left side under "What's Going on at Wesley"). They are also attached below this issue of "This Week at Wesley."  A reminder of the schedule for the upcoming month should always appear on the back of the Journal. 

 

I (Jess Sichel) am back at the office. MANY thanks to my subs!! Hours have changed a bit from last year. Most weeks, office hours should be Monday 11 to 5, Friday 9:30 to 2:30.

 

Journal Submissions for the February Journal are due January 15th. January's Journal is going out late but should be available on the Web by this evening or tomorrow at the latest. I'll send out email notification.

Welcome to the New Year!

Traditionally, the new year is a time to reflect on the past, examine the present, and hope and plan for the future. There really doesn't seem to be anything particularly special about moving from one year to the next - except for the fact that most of us may mess up the date on paperwork at least once a week for the first month…

Even though moving to the new year is just a difference of one day, what makes it special is our reflection, the time we take to get a grip on where we stand. I will be frank and confess that 2011 was NOT my year. From just before its start to almost the moment of its completion, there were times when I dodged one thing after another. And not all of these were your usual "oh, the car broke down", "oh, I locked my keys in the house", "oh, I had a very bad cold" (although these things are difficult enough on their own). Some of these things were deep - deeper than I've had to go in a very long time. Some I couldn't dodge.

You may have experienced the same - whether it be this year or one before. It's the kind of year that you don't mind seeing go the way of the Dodo. I must make at least one exception - my son Isaac was born. Right before things really got tough, my son entered the world. For that reason, I allow 2011 not to be stricken from the record.

What 2011 taught me was that I can't do things on my own. It also taught me that I can't predict the future - that things can change in almost an instant. The good news for me was that I didn't have to do it on my own. I often had friends and family and Church family and professionals who helped and I am certain that they were given to me by God - but I had to accept their help. Things didn't go well all the time but there were some moments where I could be so thankful, moments where I was so overwhelmed, moments where I was enlightened - even moments of joy.

The good news for you is the same: you don't have to do it on your own, either.

Hear these words from the song "Strong Enough" by Matthew West:

You must, You must think I’m strong / To give me what I’m going through

Well forgive me, forgive me if I’m wrong / But this looks like more than I can do

On my own

 

I know I’m not strong enough to be / Everything that I’m supposed to be

I give up, I’m not strong enough

Hands of mercy won’t You cover me? / Lord, right now I’m asking You to be

Strong enough, strong enough / For the both of us

 

Well maybe, maybe that’s the point / To reach the point of giving up

‘Cause when I’m finally, finally at rock bottom / That’s when I start looking up

And reaching out

 

I know I’m not strong enough to be / Everything that I’m supposed to be

I give up, I’m not strong enough

Hands of mercy won’t You cover me? / Lord, right now I’m asking You to be

Strong enough, strong enough

 

‘Cause I’m broken / Down to nothing / But I’m still holding on to the one thing

You are God / And You are strong when I am weak

 

I can do all things / through Christ who gives me strength

And I don’t have to be strong enough

Monday, 1/2- Office Open until 5 PM

Tuesday, 1/3 - Little Feet Preschool Reopens

Wednesday, 1/4 - Trustees Meeting at 7:30 PM; Boy Scouts at 7:30 PM

Thursday, 1/5 - Handbells at 6:30 PM, Adult Choir at 7:30 PM

Friday, 1/6 - Office Open 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM; Prayer and Meditation 10:15 - 11:15 AM

 

Monday, 1/9 - Office Open 11 AM to 5 PM; Finance Committee Meeting 7 PM

Tuesday, 1/10 - Winter Bible Study Begins - 7 PM; Girl Scouts 7 PM

Wednesday, 1/11 - Outreach Meeting 6 PM; Ad. Council Meeting 7:30 PM; Boy Scouts 7:30 PM

Upcoming Events…

• Confirmation Class meets on January 15th at 5 PM with STIX at 6 PM and UMYF following until 8:30 PM
• Pastor Curtis will be on Retreat from January 17th through the 19th. 
• Rock 2012 is January 20th through 22nd.

God bless!!

Good evening everybody!

A Moment Apart…

When I was a very young woman, I actually asked the Lord to keep me busy.  I didn't want to have a "boring" life, where things were ordinary and 'day to day.'  I wanted to be engaged, energized, active. 

Well, I must say, I am BUSY!  Preschool, dance classes, Bible Study, work, meetings, football games, family, and friends keep me so busy that my calendar looks like an edited high school English paper - in its first draft.  I enjoy many of the activities in which I participate - trips to Panera Bread, Outreach activities, laughing during Bible Study - but sometimes, I admit, I am overwhelmed. 

We have some friends who have consistently encouraged us to look at our calendar and cut some things, carving out some time for our own "little" family.  It's very, VERY hard to do.  For me, dropping activities can mean risking the quality  of relationships associated with those activities.  And besides that, I do these things because I like to do them - so why would I want to quit them?

Even though I balk at cutting down my schedule, it's so important  to make the time necessary to keep my core support system (my little family, including myself) strong and healthy.  If I try to build on my core without strengthening it, I am like a house built on sand.  If the heart of the system crumbles and weakens, so will my activities extending from it.  It's ironic, but to be a positive influence in the extra things I do I have to be a positive influence in my home and with myself.

This is the same with Sabbath. 

Like many things in Scripture, the honest Truth is often contrary to popular belief and what we might consider 'logic.'  Over and over again, Scripture flips things around.  For example, if you give, you shall receive.  On the surface, how does that make sense?  Or how about these:  the least shall be the greatest and the first shall be the last? 

Similarly, we want to say, "I can't afford to take off an entire day to do nothing!"  Here's the counter-intuitive thing:  the Sabbath day is a day for you to rejuvenate with the Life-Giver.  While family and self are close to the core, they are not the core itself.  On the Sabbath, you strengthen your relationship with the very essence of your life:  the LORD God. 

Here is what the LORD Himself had to say about the Sabbath Day: "Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you.  Six days a week are set apart for your daily duties and regular work, but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God.  On that day no one in your household may do any kind of work...  Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out with amazing power and mighty deeds.  That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day."  Deut. 5:12-14b, 15

In Genesis 2:2, it is written:  "On the seventh day, having finished his task, God rested from all his work.  And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from his work of creation."

God wants to be in relationship with us.  If we allow ourselves to be too busy to take proper time for Him, our core will not be as strong as it should be.  Thus, our extending activities, relationships, and very lives will not be what they should be.  We will be weaker and less effective in what really matters.

Can you see some room for improvement in your activities and relationships?  Go to the core.  May God strengthen you.

This Week at Wesley…

We're in the swing of things!

• Tonight - Wed. 10/12:  Outreach meets at 6 PM and Ad Council meets at 7:30 PM.  All are welcome to attend!  Boy Scouts meets at 7:30 PM. 
  
• Tomorrow - Thurs. 10/13:  Handbells starts at 6:30 PM, Adult Choir starts at 7:30 PM.  Like music?  Come on out!  New members welcome.
  
• Friday 10/14:  Prayer and Meditation will be from 10:15 to 11:15 AM.  The Church Office will be Open 11 AM to 3 PM.
  
• Saturday 10/15:  Lay Speaker Class will be meeting from 9 to 11:30 AM.  November Journal Submissions are Due!!!
  
• Sunday 10/16:  The 2011 CROP Walk will be taking place at Cape Horn Park from 2 to 4 PM (registration at 1:30).  If you can attend, please do!  Sponsors are also needed.
  
• Monday 10/17:  SPRC meets at 7 PM
  
• Wednesday 10/19:  The Church Office will be Open 11 AM to 3 PM.  UMW meets at its new time of 6 PM.  Boy Scouts meets at 7:30 PM.

The Shepherd's Table Soup Kitchen is on Friday, 10/21, at Westminster UMC (help is welcome!); Cemetery Committee meets on 10/26 at 7 PM; the Trustees Work Day is Saturday, 10/29, from 8 AM to Noon; Wesley sponsors Faith Feast on Friday, 11/4; the Outreach Soup Sale is on Sunday, 11/6, following the 11 AM Service; and last, but not least - the Fried Oyster and Fried Chicken Supper will be on Saturday, 11/12, from Noon until 5 PM.

God bless you this week!

Jessica Sichel
Secretary

Hi everybody!

It’s been a while, but I got the urge to write to you all this evening and decided to give in J

A Moment Apart…

If you are like me, you may not notice all the little ways each day that Satan grabs a foothold in your life.  It may even seem like he’s not there (I’m sure he prefers to do his work unnoticed – it’s more effective).   If you were to consider how he has been working to trip you and your fellow mankind up, what would be the common thread?

 Conflict.

Think about it:  ever since the Garden of Eden – and even before at the fall of angels – Satan has been creating discord.  At the fall of angels, Satan went against the Lord himself, wanting to take over.  The very first sin of mankind was the division between God’s perfect will and man’s will.  Since then, brothers have been pitted against brothers, friends against friends.  War, family strife, internal Church conflict…  it is to Satan’s delight. 

In contrast, what does the Lord require of us?  “Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with your God.”  (from Micah 6:8)  Jesus’s most important commandments are to love the Lord and love your neighbor as yourself.  Do you tend to love yourself by being in conflict with yourself?  Hopefully not.  The Lord desires that we walk together with each other and with him.  The further we delve into conflict, the farther we tread from our Lord and from each other. 

When we allow conflict to divide our relationships, when we allow our frustration with each other to overcome our love for each other, we allow Satan to have his playground.  But, if we are all intent on doing the Lord’s will, then we will be of the same mind and body.  In the Lord’s Prayer, it says, “thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”  One mind, one will – the Father’s.

That’s not to say that conflict is always avoidable – we are sinful and thus will disagree.  Sometimes, two people in sin will even disagree with each other!  It is so important to be vigilant in making sure our will complies with the Father’s.  If two or more people disagree, then they should come together before God in love, asking Him for guidance down His path, not their own.  And then – don’t forget to listen!  Don’t forget to modify your choices and behavior to follow that path.  Especially in a church, where we should all be here to serve the Lord, this is vital. 

~  Where has conflict been in your life?

~  Have you asked the Lord to reveal His will?

~  How can you best participate in the conflict to resolve it?

~  If others are not interested in the Lord’s will, how can you still help?

I hope you are well hydrated and air conditioned at the moment.  Walking out into today's heat has been described as "hitting a wall" and I have to say that's about right.  When even the breeze is hot, you know it's bad!

A Moment Apart…

Have you ever had a time in your life when you have been completely cared for?  When your abilities were either not advanced enough to care for yourself, or when nearly everything was out of your control? 

For some of us, that period of life is often childhood.  When you were a child, bills were paid for you, dishes and clothes were washed for you, your life was scheduled for you.  Now, I make no mistake:  our child-selves are usually eager to break out of this kind of lifestyle, to "do it by ourselves."  But oh, once you realize what you gave up, don't you sometimes want to go back and advise your child-self to, "enjoy it while you have it"?

It's so easy to get distracted by the responsibilities that now consume us.  We have ourselves to look out for, then sometimes our spouses, of course our children - and even our parents.  So much goes into coordinating our lives, so many areas of concern and details…  We carry these roles around and often don't realize the weight bearing down on our shoulders.

As Christians, we are called to be responsible and make certain decisions to reflect who we are in Christ.  Unfortunately, that means the dishes are still in the sink, the trash will still smell after a day or two, and there will still be conflicts to deal with.  BUT - listen to this passage from Romans 12:

"And so, dear Christian friends, I plead with you to give your bodies to God.  Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will accept.  When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?  Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is."  Romans 12:1-2

Do you see a pattern?  Notice how we are to give ourselves over to Someone Else - God.  We are to allow ourselves to be a living and holy sacrifice.  We are to let God transform us into new people, and we will know what God wants us to do.  This does require action on our parts - we are to "give" ourselves, "think" of what He has done for us, "know" what we are to do - but it also requires a lot of letting go on our parts.  We are to release ourselves to the guidance and direction of God. 

Now, here's another question:  Have you ever tried to move a big piece of furniture with one or more other people?  Say three of you are working together to move a large dresser.  You are huffing and puffing and desperately trying to hold on to this piece of furniture, even as your hands grow sweatier and arms grow more tired.  Then, all of a sudden, the weight lifts significantly.  All of a sudden, you realize a fourth person has stepped in and lifted your burden.  You couldn't see him coming, but you could feel the difference!  God does the same thing.  Perhaps it's through prayer - as you admit to God your concerns, fears, failures, you feel your shoulders drop and the weight lifts a bit.  Maybe through reading Scripture, maybe through talking with others. 

Life doesn't have to be (and really isn't supposed to be) a one-man-show.  We have responsibilities, yes, but we are not alone trying to find our way in the dark.  God actually wants us to give up some of what we hold on to.  This week, take a moment to let the weight go, trusting that God is there to step up and do His part.

This Week at Wesley…  We have a pretty low-key week, but please note the other activities going on as well:

• Tonight, 7/19 - Summer Bible Study on Revelation is at 7 PM in the Fellowship Hal (you are still very welcome to join in!) 
• Friday, 7/22 - Office is open 11 AM to 5 PM
• Sunday, 7/24 - STIX will performing for our Special Music time during the 9:30 AM service; hope you can make it!
• Monday, 7/25, through Friday, 7/29 - Little Feet Preschool Camp "Music" will be held in the morning
  

***  Our School Supply Collection is going on now!  We are accepting donations for the following items for Shepherd's Staff through August 7th (3 Sundays from now):

~  Pre-K/1-2 Grade:  composition books, crayons (24 max), glue sticks, yellow highlighters, blunt scissors, pocket folders, pencils, block erasers

~  3rd Grade through High School:  3-ring binder (1 1/2"), 3-ring binder paper (wide-ruled), sets of tabbed dividers, pocket folders, pencils, blue or black pens, yellow highlighters, colored pencils (12 count), packs of index cards (3x5 - white)

~  Head Start:  composition books, glue sticks, pocket folders, blunt scissors  Especially Needed:  "fat" crayons (8 per box), "fat" pencils

Office Changes...

Most of you are probably aware that things will be changing here at the office for the next couple of months.  We'll have some lovely assistants helping out to cover while I'm gone; please pay special attention to the new office hours and other changes that may arise during the next few months. 

Susan Ehrgott is scheduled to cover the office from August 1st through the 26th, while Linda Yost will be covering the office starting on August 29th until September 30th.  I will hopefully return on October 4th. 

This week, the office is open today until 5 PM and Friday from 11 AM to 5 PM. 
We will reopen Thursday the 28th and Friday, July 29th, 11 AM to 5 PM.  Friday is my last day prior to maternity leave.

Upcoming Events…

• Camp Wesley is August 8th through the 12th - ADULT VOLUNTEERS STILL WELCOME!  Call or email Cherie Hughes for details or to participate.
  
• There is an Old Fashioned Corn Roast Fundraiser" coming up soon:
  

  JOIN “THE LEAST OF THESE MINISTRIES” AND THE “LOKOTA NATIVE AMERICAN PROJECT” FOR AN…

  “Old Fashioned Corn Roast Fundraiser”        

August 7, 2011     at    2 PM

Roast Corn, Hot Dogs, Burgers, and Drinks Will Be Provided.

Bring a covered dish and dessert to share.  Also bring a lawn chair or blanket & swimsuit.

There will be live music throughout the afternoon, with a ministries report and testimonies at 4 PM.  Free will donations will be accepted at the picnic – just look for the white donation boxes.  Please give generously to these worthy ministries.

This afternoon of food and fun will be located at:

3740 Maple Grove Rd., Manchester, MD  21102

Call 1-410-374-2832 or 1-410-374-2822 for more information.

Have a Good week!

Jessica Sichel
Secretary

A Moment Apart…

How well do you know… yourself?

Life Happens.  It just does.  One minute, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, the traffic is flowing.  The next, you are stopped behind 5,000 other cars, you get a call that your cat escaped from the house, and your boss wants that report… NOW. 

In cases like these, how well you know yourself can play a huge role in how effectively you respond to your situation.  For example, you may never realize how the boss wanting that report… NOW… is really affecting you.  All you know is that after you leave work, boss unhappy, you are weak, cranky, and having difficulty putting one foot in front of the other.  Then, you get home, trudge up the sidewalk, and limp into the house.  You know you are tired, but don't understand the full problem. 

But, say you have a "people-pleaser" personality.  Again, for example, others around you might tolerate your boss' crazy demands in a light and easy-going manner, but you are left feeling agitated, unhappy, and drained.  If you are a people-pleaser, it is your goal (spoken or unspoken) to affect those around you in a reliable, beneficial way.  Your boss being unhappy probably makes you feel like you have failed - not just in your job, but in a fundamental personal goal.  As a result - you are drained. 

If you don't know you are a people-pleaser, you might be left unprepared for the effects of an unhappy employer on your very being.  Eventually, you might lash out at that employer, your family, or your friends - or you might withdraw at work, unable to function as well as you used to.

Knowing 'what's up' with yourself can change that situation.  Let's replay the example:  you - no report.  Boss - unhappy.  Boss complains to you.  This time, recognize your internal response and word it in a way that expresses the truth:  tell the boss you feel you have deeply disappointed him/her and how important it is for you to fulfill your duties in a helpful manner.  Your boss might not always understand how you feel, but you are able to recognize and respond to your own feelings in a more effective manner - thus eliminating some of that internal exhaustion you carry home.

Relationships are built on honesty:  your honesty with each other and your honesty with yourself.  Recognizing your limitations, your personality features, and your strengths help define you.  I recently discovered - only after admitting it to myself and someone else - why I might not function well in certain debates.  For a long time, I have reacted strongly to certain disagreements and internally, I can be left feeling VERY off-kilter, like my world is upside down and relationships are crumbling.  Perhaps the issue is that I'm more of a doer and unifier and less of a debater.  Now, I may try stepping back and listening, processing the debate more (a little less mouth, a lot more ear).  If I try to distance myself a bit, knowing that my preferred focus is to "do" and find common ground, I might be able to fall into my appropriate role instead of getting tied up in the debate itself.  It might save a lot of trouble and heartache!

The moral of the story:  don't just let life happen to you.  Be honest, recognize who you are.  It makes you a better… you :-)

"It is an honor to receive an honest reply."  Proverbs 24:26

"Get the truth and don't ever sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and discernment."  Proverbs 23:23

This Week at Wesley (and upcoming events):

• Tonight, 7/5 - The kickoff for the Summer Bible Study!  Here at Wesley at 7 PM
• Friday, 7/8 - Office Open 11 AM to 5 PM
• Sunday, 7/10 - Carol Raber will be providing Special Music this Sunday; 9:30 Service
• Little Feet Summer Camp - Cooking across America begins on 7/11 and goes through 7/15
• Tuesday, 7/12 - Office Open 11 AM to 5 PM.  Greenmount Station Outreach Fundraiser!  Visit our website for a copy of the flyer.  All meals on 7/12 (carry out and eat in) qualify for a 15% donation to Wesley UMC's Outreach.  Take your flyer with you! 
• Thursday, 7/14 - Church-wide Potluck!  Our Potluck will be in honor of the new Air Conditioning in the Fellowship Hall.  Bring a dish to share and come at 6 PM
• Friday, 7/15 - Office Open 11 AM to 5 PM
  
  

Have a lovely week :-)

Jessica Sichel
Secretary

Good afternoon!

As Jan Kurtz so aptly said, "technology's great - when it works." And, this week, that's the big office news so far. If you are experiencing technical difficulties with the church email lists - hang in there! Hopefully, they'll get straightened out soon.

(On a happy note, This Week at Wesley emails are currently also available on our website!)

 

A moment apart…

A purpose. Have you ever seen a gadget at the store or on TV and you know that it probably belongs in a kitchen, but that's about all you can figure out?? It could have a wheel on one end, a cork-screw type thing on the other end, and some holes in the middle… and none of that helps you figure out what the purpose of the item actually is.

I was at a Christian camp last year (Rawlinsville Camp Meeting - check it out on the web at http://www.rawlinsvillecamp.com/) and heard a guest performer talking about what children wanted to be when they grew up. He made the observation that, when surveyed, children he talked to didn't know what they wanted to be. To him, this was a pretty sad state!

What does it mean that our children might not have dreams for their future?

Most parents out there probably have dreams already stacked up for their children - 4 years of [inexpensive but fabulous] college, kids of their own ["just like them"!], safe jobs, a settled home life. Maybe in young children, we hope that the undeniable marker scribbles become lovely landscapes or perhaps those cute little block buildings turn into affordable housing for the elderly.

I suspect that many parents see a purpose in their children almost from the beginning. Those little faces make their debuts and you just know that your child is - or already has - been part of making a difference.

While it's somewhat easy to see purposes in others, perhaps - like our children - it's harder for us to see our own purposes. We can look at someone else and tell right away that that person has a purpose and has talents to go with it, but what do we know about ourselves? In the day in, day out difficulties and challenges of life, it is so easy to lose focus on the bigger picture that is the plan for our lives.

" 'The truth is that you will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you,' says the LORD. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.' " Jeremiah 29:10-11

 

We serve a Lord who has created us for a purpose. When we stray from Him, He stays faithful. Each one of us is here for a reason. Each of us has a future. Each of us has a mark to make. Don't short yourself on the scale of life - dream big! Look at the talents God has given you. Look at the education He has allowed you to have, whether from a four year institution or from the 'school of hard knocks' (or, as most of us experience, a blend of the two). You ARE made with a purpose. You might be or feel like you're in captivity because of bad choices, you might feel like you're in a place of waiting, but you are NOT without a future and a hope.

After all, God is our parent and we are His children. He sees what we can do from the very beginning and His plans for you are perfect.

BE today :-)

• Friday, 7/1: Prayer and Meditation at Wesley, 10:15 - 11:15 AM; Shepherd's Table Soup Kitchen at Westminster UMC; Office Open 11 AM to 5 PM
• Sunday, 7/3: 9:30 AM Traditional Worship
• Monday, 7/4: Happy Independence Day!
• Tuesday, 7/5: Office Open 11 AM to 5 PM; Little Feet Summer Camp 'Discovering Dirt' 8:30 AM to Noon; Summer Bible Study Begins (on Revelation with Rev. Dr. Stanley Harrell) 7 PM

Good afternoon,

First, a few business items:

1)     I am EXTREMELY happy to report that our website has been overhauled!  Please visit our regular website address:  www.wesleychurch-hampstead.org (so no need to update the web location).  My hope is that you will be able to use this upgraded tool personally and share it with others who might be interested or seeking. 

The site includes VBS paperwork, "This Week at Wesley" writings (you can even subscribe to the posts), our current and past monthly Wesley Journals, a current 'Events Calendar,' information about our ministries and other community organizations which meet at Wesley, information on how to contact us, how to get here, what times our services are, and more. 

Please regularly visit the site for new 'goings on.'  I hope you find it helpful!  

2)    We have only until Thursday to change up any Joe Corbi's orders.  If you forgot to turn yours in, please let me know by calling me at 443-850-4274 (I may not get your email in time).

A Moment Apart:

Babies change things.  They change a LOT of things.  Even before they are introduced to the world, little babies in the womb are changing curtains, beds, carpets, entire room layouts, purchases made by their moms and dads, modes of transportation, job plans…   and of course, the mom (particularly, her dimensions). 

As parents get closer to officially welcoming these amazing, pure gifts from God, they realize just how much work it takes to prepare for someone not much bigger than a basketball.  Surely, a person the size of a basketball can't make all those changes necessary, right???

Well, the truth is, there are lots of things babies need and some of these things do require changes:

• Community:  They certainly can't survive on their own!  (and neither can parents, sometimes). 
• Nutrition:  they even come equipped with an alarm that goes off at "hungry."
• Protection:  Such defenseless beings are prone to all kinds of danger.
• Cleanliness:  Such a mess with such a small package!
• Guidance:  How do they learn?  Natural instinct and guidance from people who've already been taught the right steps.

Jesus said, " 'Let the children come to me. Don't stop them!  For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I assure you, anyone who doesn't have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God.'  Then he took the children into his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them."  Mark 10:14b-16 (NLT)

If we are to be like children in faith, we have needs and require changes much like babies.  We need:

• Community:  It is said there is strength in numbers, and in the case of the fellowship of believers, this can be very true.  We need each other to hold one another accountable, learn from one another's mistakes, share the Love that Christ commanded us to have, and more.  Also, there are many who have been down our roads before.  With millions and billions of people who have experienced life here, it's important to remember that we are not alone in our struggles.  All alone, we have - well, ourselves. 

• Nutrition:  Without spiritual food, our souls may wither and rot.  We are more than just the physical, more than just the mental.  We are absolutely spiritual beings, and neglect of that spirit is not healthy.  The healthier we are in spirit, the more prepared we are to be who we are truly meant to be.  It's like not eating breakfast before a big test - you may not be as productive. 

• Protection:  We are fair game in this difficult world.  While we are to be present in the world and among it, we are not to be of it.  To keep ourselves in check, we need the protection of what we learn from God, what we experience through the Holy Spirit, what we understand from the Bible, and the example of others.  As we protect our children, the Lord protects us. 

• Cleanliness:  Oh boy, can we get stinky.  Our attitudes, our behaviors…  We need to be washed clean through the forgiveness of our Savior.  The moldy goop in your shower won't be moldy goop if you take proper steps to clean it regularly.  Our souls are no different.  Wait long periods of time and your "soul" buildup will rival anything that can't be beaten by Drain-O, Scrubbing Bubbles, or pure Ammonia.  Give your dirt over to the Loving Parent who knows exactly how to cleanse you and make you like brand new. 

• Guidance:  There is One who knows exactly what our purpose is and what we should be doing.  Giving our trust over to Him and then obeying His commands allows us to be properly guided.  When we are out there in this world with many broad paths, we know what to do to stay alive and productive if we have been and continue to be properly guided.

Be a kid again!  Be free from the things that hold you down, defenseless, alone, dirty, and lost.  God bless you as you renew your dependence on Him.

This Week at Wesley:

• Today, 6/14:  The office will be open until 5 PM today, so give me a call or email if you need anything.
• Tomorrow, 6/15:  The Annual UMW Dinner is at Dean's at 6:30 PM tomorrow evening.  (No Finance - moved to 6/22)
• Fri., 6/17:  Prayer and Meditation 10:15 - 11:15 AM; Office Open 11 AM to 5 PM
• Sun., 6/19:  Summer Schedule Begins!  Worship at 9:30 AM (No Sunday School or Words of Worship).  Happy Father's Day!!   
• Mon., 6/20:  VBS begins!!  9 AM to Noon through 6/24.  SPRC 7 PM.  Camp Wesley Meeting 7 PM
• Tues., 6/21:  Office CLOSED;  Joe Corbi's Pizza / Cookie Dough delivery  

Looking Ahead:

·          6/22 - Office Open Noon to 3 PM  (Finance also meets at 7 PM)

·          6/23 - Office Open 12:30 PM to 5 PM

·          6/24 - Office Closed, No Prayer and Meditation, 7 PM VBS Closing Program

·          7/1 - Shepherd's Table Soup Kitchen at Westminster UMC

·          7/5 - Summer Bible Study on Revelation Begins (7 PM)

Have a Lovely (and Cool) Week!

Jessica Sichel

Secretary

A few important dates to start with:  

 

Joe Corbi's orders due Friday!  Please contact me ASAP with orders you have out.  Delivery will be 6/21.

This Sunday is Graduate Sunday!  If you have a grad, please get the info. in today.

"Humbly Grateful, or Grumbly Hateful?"

I don't know how familiar you are with this song, but I bet you are probably familiar with the idea of being either humbly grateful or grumbly hateful. 

As Christians, because our God is love in its best and purest form, we are called to be all kinds of things - kind, joyful, peaceful, grateful.  But then, there are those days, those situations, that bring out all the opposites - mean, nasty, depressed, frustrated, and angry.  It might be the flights that were $70 cheaper a few hours ago, but have jumped just in time for you to miss the deal.  Perhaps it’s a family member struggling with one of those situations you just can't fix for them.  Maybe it's the news of an untimely illness or death.

Most or all of us get grumbly hateful, and this shouldn't come as a surprise - the Bible clearly states that we "all make mistakes", we "all fall short of the Glory of God."  These mistakes and falls don't usually feel good!  In these situations, take a minute to think about a few things:
 

• Is it okay to be upset?  Yes - sometimes, it is.  Is it okay to sin in your anger with your mouth or by your hand?  No. 
• What are your priorities?  It might be the oldest advice in the book, but it's a 'goody'.  Figure out what your priorities are.  Wise parents have said this for years!  Write a list of your priorities, get it straight in your mind about what's what in your particular situation. 
• What is your life goal?  Is it to serve God as best as you are able in all situations?  If so, let that guide you and bring you to a humble place again.  Remember that how you act is a witness to those around you.  As you flare up and respond to a situation, letting your inner turmoil foam into your external reactions, take note of what your witness looks like.

The last concept I'll mention separately:  Peace.  Peace is often a kind of fuzzy notion, something that people talk about, but difficult to understand when it comes to actually 'getting' peace.  Check out Colossians chapter 3, particularly verse 15:  "And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.  For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace.  And always be thankful."  Peace comes from Christ.

I have a three (almost four) year old and we like to talk to her about God - who He is, what He's like.  One of our recent topics is "ask and ye shall receive."  How God responds to requests is a little more difficult to explain to a little one, but He's giving us learning opportunities!  Like when I broke my key off in the mailbox door, and Rose asked God to use the hairpin in her hand to fix the situation.  I explained that God doesn't usually physically take things out of our hands, but He might use something else to help - and guess what?  He did.  Later that afternoon, the mail lady came by and, sure enough, told me she could remove the lock from the box so that we could work on getting the end of the key out of it.

If you are having trouble with having peace in your soul, Ask God for His help.  He wants us to ask, and is willing to help.  Pay attention to His response, wherever it might come.  Obey His instructions - fighting the Lord of the Universe is probably not very goal-oriented, so give obedience a try. 

God bless you on your journey :-)

• Today, 6/7:  Office is open until 5 PM
• Tomorrow, 6/8:  Outreach at 6 PM, Ad Council at 7:30 PM, Last Boy Scout Meeting before Summer break
• Thursday, 6/9:  Visitation Committee at 7 PM
• Friday, 6/10:  Joe Corbi's orders due!  Prayer and Meditation 10:15-11:15 AM; Office open 11 AM to 5 PM
• Sunday, 6/12:  Graduate Sunday!   Last Sunday for Sunday School and Words of Worship. 
• Tuesday, 6/14:  Office is open 11 AM to 5 PM; Girl Scouts 6:30 to 8 PM

Looking Ahead…

• The UMW Annual Dinner is 6/15 at Dean's Restaurant, 6:30 PM
• July/August Combined Journal Submissions Due 6/15
• The Summer Worship Schedule begins 6/19 (also Father's Day) - 9:30 AM Traditional Worship, No Sunday School, No Words of Worship
• VBS begins June 20th!  Goes through June 24th, with a 7 PM Closing Program on the 24th. 
• SPRC meets 6/20 at 7 PM
• Joe Corbi's orders are delivered 6/21
• Finance meets on 6/22 at 7 PM

Enjoy the week God has blessed you with :-)

Jessica Sichel
Secretary