This week's note from Steve Lane

Side Effects?

My favorite story about the Holy Spirit is the story C.S. Lewis told about a college student who wrote to him. The young man was an atheist. And he was very concerned, because he had made friends with some Christian students. They were enthusiastically witnessing to him about Jesus, and it had shaken-up the young man's thinking. He was going through some great struggles about Christianity, and he wanted to know, "What did Dr. Lewis think?"

C. S. Lewis wrote back, "I think you are already in the meshes of the net. The Holy Spirit is after you. I doubt you will get away." 

God's Holy Spirit is in the world today -- seeking for us, trying to teach us about the eternal, abundant life that only Jesus can give. That young college student who was in the meshes of the Holy Spirit's net did get saved. His name was Sheldon Vanauken (writer, war hero) and here is what he wrote about that day:

"I couldn't reject Christ. There was only one thing to do. I turned and flung myself over the gap toward Christ. On a morning with spring in the air, March 29th, I wrote in my notebook: 'I choose to believe in the Father, Son & Holy Ghost. In Christ, my Lord and my God. Christianity has the ring, the feel of unique truth. Essential truth. By it, life is made full instead of empty, meaningful instead of meaningless. I confess my doubts and ask my Lord Christ to enter my life. I do not know God. I do but say: Be it unto me according to Thy will. I do not affirm that I am without doubt. I do but ask for help, having chosen, to overcome it. I do but say: Lord, I believe. Help Thou my unbelief.'"

Side effects, I believe that we all have different side effects of the Holy Spirit, the Bible may not call them side effects, they are gifts. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Some Christians believe these are specific attributes of the Holy Spirit, while others see them as examples of the Holy Spirit's work. I call them side effects and I hope to share with you soon how these side effects have helped me.

God Bless,

Steve

Service for January 12, 2025

Sermon offered by Steve Lane

"Possible Side Effects"

Galatians 5:16-23

Come and learn Spanish Tuesdays 9:30 am in the office.

Next regular meeting will be January 20, 2025. The group meets the third Monday of the month at 3pm in Fellowship Hall. All women are invited.

Book Club

When the First UMC Book Club gathered January 8 at the Royal Scoop, members brought books from their own libraries to share and exchange with fellow readers.  Since the holidays are so busy, the group does not read a single library selection in January.

The group will resume its normal first Wednesday of the month for the February 5 gathering. The group gathers at 1 p.m. to enjoy lunch and/or ice cream before diving into discussion of the book. The February selection of Tom Lake: A Novel by Ann Patchett was distributed to those in attendance January 8. This is another book kit selection from the Bonita Springs Public Library. If you were unable to be at the January meeting, the books will be available at church.

The book is described as “a beautiful and moving novel about family, love, and growing up”. The New York Times reviewer added: “Ann Patchett once again proves herself one of America’s finest writers.” This is the book club’s second Ann Patchett selection. The group read and enjoyed the author’s book These Precious Days-Essays in January 2023. Her novel will be the 44th book the group has read.

This novel is set in the spring of 2020 at the family’s orchard in Northern Michigan. Lara’s three daughters beg their mother to share the story of a famous actor with whom she shared both a stage and a romance years before at a theater company called Tom Lake. Reviewers describe the book as “a meditation on youthful love, married love, and the lives parents have led before their children were born.” Patchett combines her narrative artistry with insights into family dynamics.

The First UMC Book Club is open to all who love reading and discussing what you have read. If you have any questions, see Susan Atkinson at church or text her at 239-405-9078. 

"TOM AND PRINCESS' CORNER"

The places we go and the things we see!

A Purr-fect Church Family



Hello there, dear church family! Tom and Princess here, your resident feline observers, ready to share the inside scoop on everything that's been happening around our beloved church.

Last Saturday was the monthly Church Clean-Up Day, and let me tell you, the volunteers were pawsitively amazing! Despite a few catnaps that were missed, several of our dedicated church members showed up, rolled up their sleeves, and dove into sorting, cleaning, and even painting.

It truly warms our furry little hearts to witness the dedication and hard work of our church family. They never fail to show up, whether it’s for missions like the monthly breakfast or answering the call for clothing and blankets for the Clothes Closet. We have a family that truly "pawses" for a good cause.

Not to mention the steady flow of donations for the Depot Mission! It’s enough to make any kitty's whiskers twitch with delight knowing there's so much kindness and generosity in the air.

Tom, isn't it just the cat's meow to be part of such a loving community? We are indeed lucky to be nested within such a warm and welcoming environment, where everyone shows up eager and ready to serve Christ in their own unique ways.

Thank you, dear church family, for being the cat-alyst of love and service in our community. Until our next report, keep being the purr-fect representatives of Christ’s love!

Whisker wishes and purrs of gratitude,

Tom & Princess 🐾

The Upper Room

The Upper Room magazine's mission is to provide a practical way to listen to scripture, connect with believers around the world, and spend time with God each day.

PRAYER & CARE

All information and last names will be kept confidential. Our list is updated weekly. If you need us to keep someone on the list, please send their name to prayer@fumcbonita.org.

Come Pray

Fridays at 9:30 am

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Prayer Request cards are on the rack at the back of the Sanctuary.

Please help us to keep the list current, fill out a request for adding or taking off!

Altar Flowers



If you would like to honor family, friends, or loved ones for an anniversary, birthday, or memorial, contact the church office for details.

 Wednesdays from 1:00-4:00 our church participates with the Meals of Hope to feed over 150 families each week. Right now we have a desperate need for people to come and help out with the initial packing of fresh fruits and vegetables into bags, and then taking them to the cars as the clients come through.