Jake Steele, Senior Pastor

Some More Reflections from the Rooftop…

Since the written word of God is always richer than there’s time allotted on Sunday morning, I’m still retrieving residual pieces from the rooftop in Mark 2. If you have no idea what I’m referencing, then consider this my shameless plug to visit the church YouTube channel and give yesterday’s message a whirl.

My focus remains on the four friends whose willing hands literally led to saving faith. Indeed, as I mentioned, it was Jesus’ power, Jesus’ provision, but it was their palms that helped form the picture.

Like a rubik’s cube, repeatedly I turned over the idea of how well those men knew the man on the mat. Were they residents of the community who therefore knew him well? Were they former colleagues? Perhaps they were merely parts of the greater collection of people who were packing the place to hear Jesus. Maybe on the way, their gaze met his and their compassion wouldn’t let them continue unless they did something about what they saw.

It’s immaterial at this point. Anybody who sees a need and is moved to meet it in the name of Jesus is a fast friend to the one who is desperate and down and out.

I’m certain that when those men passed by, they saw paralysis.

I’m certain that when those men passed by, they saw a certain social position.

I’m certain that when those men passed by, they saw poverty.

But here’s something of which I’m also 100% certain:

Before they saw position, poverty or any kind of paralysis, they saw a person first—someone worthy of the Lord’s redeeming.

What if we lived through such lenses?

In a day so ideologically splintered and politically tense, especially after midterms, it’s a point we need to pack up and take with us before we leave the house (or from wherever you’re reading this). What if before we fell into the trap of responding to positions, or getting twisted up in talking points, we deliberately chose to see the person behind them?

Get this: one person found restoration in the person of Jesus all because some persons refused to depersonalize need. From the man on the mat to mega-pastors like Billy Graham, they’d all agree:

The world needs more anonymous ushers.

Why not me? Why not you?

Let’s go.

This Sunday’s sermon, will feature Mark 10: 46-52 and will continue our 3-week sermon series entitled “Saved”. Read the scripture to prepare for worship and invite someone to join you as we continue to walk with Christ.

Sundays at 10:30 a.m., join us in person,

or participate in our live-streamed worship service

on either our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/forrestburdettemumc

or our YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/ForrestBurdette/videos

Sunday School classes for all ages meet at 9:15 a.m.

Fellowship dinners are catered by Shonet’s Country Café of Milton and begin at 5:30 p.m., starting this week. The cost of each dinner is $14. We ask that you sign up at the Connection Center or call the church office by Monday at noon to RSVP. You do not have to attend a class to join us for dinner! Volunteers are needed to set up and clean up each Wednesday.

The Youth are planning a Leaf Removal Workday this Sunday, November 15, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. for anyone who may need assistance with cleaning up leaves in their yard. This opportunity is intended for individuals who are unable to take care of their yards due to mobility challenges or health-related concerns.

If you or someone you know could use a helping hand, we would love to serve you! A sign-up sheet is available at the Connection Center desk for those who would like the Youth to come and help at their house, or call the church office (304=562=5903). We are blessed to have the opportunity to serve and care for our church family and community.

Hey Seniors, 55 and more, hope to see you at JOY Fellowship, Thursday, November 19, at 12:00 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall. Our speaker will be Rachel Blankenship, Commander of the Crimes against Children Division of the State Police. Bring or buy some food or just show up. Don’t miss Ruel Elliott’s sweet potato casserole!

The Angel Tree will be in the Connection Center on Sunday November 22, along with instructions. If you are unable to pick out an Angel in person, contact Karen at the church office (304-562-5903) to request one to be mailed to you. Remember to mark your giving to the "Angel Tree." All Gifts (unwrapped) are due back at the church by noon on December 6th. Thank you for your continued support of this mission.

We will decorate the church and sanctuary immediately following our Sunday service on November 22. In order to get the church ready for Advent and Christmas, we need people to carry boxes, assemble trees, string lights, trim the trees, climb ladders, and decorate the sanctuary, fellowship hall, and church. A light lunch will be furnished.         

Spend the holiday with friends, November 26, at 2:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and rolls will be provided. Bring a covered dish of your specialty to share. Signup at the Connection Center or call the church to signup. This will give us an estimated number to prepare for.  

Poinsettias in memory or in honor of loved ones will be placed in the Sanctuary for Christmas Eve. Poinsettias may be picked up after Christmas Eve worship. Please fill out a poinsettia order form (click here to print a form or find one in your bulletin) along with your cash or check and return to the church office no later than December 6. Poinsettias are $11.00 for each (6”container, 1 plant, 4-6 blooms, red with pot cover and bow) and purchased through Gritt’s Midway Greenhouse.

*If you are coming to walk in the mornings, please note that you must use the preschool entrance before 8:30 a.m.

11/9—Tracie Brown, Matt Cox, Luke Sergent

11/10—Martha Carlstrom, Jeanie Jarvis, Maggie O’Dell, Brian Slappe

11/11—Sharon Smith

11/12—Lois Kinneer, Tristen Nesmith, Ashley Stalnaker, Sarah Stark

11/13—Sandra Johnson, Kierstin Marsh

11/14—Jennifer Bonham, Lorn Limanen, Kris Pyles

11/15—No birthdays on record today

The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.