Something to think about…   

       Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should! What you do affects others, so use your gifts wisely each day… 

       Are you being Christ to others or just showing off? The Bible tells us to put down our nets and follow Christ, which means? For us to put us aside all the things that are important to this world and pick up our relationship with Christ and follow the example He gave… We are to be fishers of men and women, to do this we must be the best of ourselves and use our gifts in such a way that is a reflection of Christ. And Christ is who we as modern day or from the time of first century use as our guide, but God revealed God’s self all throughout scripture for the people to have as an example of how to live. 

Moses, and there are so many other examples of those that used their gifts and were, a true reflection of God in God’s world. The mere concept of the parting of the Red Sea blows my mind. If you can imagine yourself standing on the sand facing the great body of water that Moses faced with thousands counting on him and thousands more coming after him, then I would imagine that his first thoughts were something that would be similar to mine. This is hopeless, or impossible, or both. But was it? Moses didn’t have a self-imposed idea to part the sea, or even to walk across on the dry ground, I’m pretty sure. But what he had was a faith in God so powerful that he knew that all he was capable of and all he had done came in the form of gifts given by God. Moses faced obstacles with God’s help, and not relying on his own powers or understanding. He never once said, (at least I’m pretty sure he never said) “God, I got this…” never assume that all you’ve been given is yours to use as you see fit.  

See I think there are two HUGE issues with the institution of church today. (1) Is the “we’ve ALWAYS done it this way” approach year in and year out, forgetting that the world changes. That doesn’t mean tossing the baby out with the baptismal water, just that God calls us to reach others and to do that means we are willing to step back and look at how we are living out the ministry of GOD’s church. That said, it is also not a free pass to “conform” to the world; in fact, Romans 12:2 says just the opposite of that… take time to read it. But, in order to be the best Church we can be in this time, we have to be more authentic in our worship, intentional in our prayer practice, generous in our giving and fearless in our acts of service. And number (2) is… SEE NUMBER ONE! It’s that important.    

So, pray, and then pray some more for God to say to you… “Hey, I got this…'' decide if you are ready… Are you? Because I am personally tired of church being a bad taste in the mouths of those that are dry, parched and need the living water that is Jesus Christ. I get excited about all God is planning for us together, but I truly pray that we are ready for the places He will part the waters for us to cross. Or better yet, keep your feet dry and let's go through the doors God opens. (Have you heard that somewhere recently?).  

By the way, I’ve been to the Red Sea, stood in the sand with a large stick, stretched out my arms and waited… It was a profound moment of clarity as to what my gifts are and what they are not. I am humbled by the gift of serving as your Pastor.    

Serving an Awesome God! 

Pastor Laurie 

Study on This….  “The word on Worship” 

What kind of worshipers does God seek?  John 4:1-26  

What is the outcome of Worship?  Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:4-10  

How did Biblical characters demonstrate a lifestyle of worship? 2 Samuel 6:12-23; Psalm 100  

How does the authenticity of my worship influence other people? Romans 3  

Study on This….  “The word on Prayer” 

What confidence do you have in prayer?  1 John 5:14-15 

Do you truly believe you are forgiven?  2 Chronicles 6:21 

Are you praying that others may see? Ephesians 1:15-19 

Are your prayers ones of faith? James 5:13-20 

Study on This….  “The word on Giving” 

What does your heart say about giving?  Matthew 6:20-21 

How much are you to bring to God? Malachi 3:10 

What does your giving say about who you serve? Matthew 6:24 

Study on This….  “The word on Serving” 

Do you serve like Jesus served?  Mark 10:45 

What are we commissioned by Christ to do?  Matthew 28:18-20 

How does that connect to who we are as United Methodist?  

What does it really mean to be the light of the world? 2 Corinthians 4:4-7 

What does being free really mean? Galatians 5:13-15 

Membership 2024 “Get into the story here at Aley UMC” 

Getting connected is important as a Christ-Follower, and being in the story of God’s church is a great way to grow in your personal relationship and to serve all of God’s people.

So the new year means it is time to do a new thing, or maybe just the next thing. Pastor Laurie will offer an opportunity to become a growing and active member of Aley UMC starting January 28, 2024 @ 1:00pm, with 2 additional gather dates of February 11, 2024 and February 25, 2024 and joining the church on March 3, 2024. This is for those looking to step into the story for the first time or those that want to transfer a membership because this is where the story continues for them. We can’t wait to join you in the story. 

LOVE GOD. LOVE PEOPLE. MAKE DISCIPLES…

and to do that sometimes we have to GO. Here is an opportunity for Aley UMC to be part of a team heading to Highgate in the beautiful mountains of Jamaica - Join Pastor Laurie and others on a CSI Ministries Team April 6 - 13, 2024 and cost is usually around $1500 (includes flight, lodging and food). 

For more information you can connect with Pastor Laurie (pastorlaurie@aleyumc.org), but first take time to pray about how God might be calling you to missions beyond our community. The applications and team meetings will begin soon. You can check out CSI on their web-site on the link below.

Leadership Training Day : Sunday January 21 @ Mason UMC

The West Ohio Conference is planning leadership development events this winter, one in each of our 6 counties. The Great Miami River District's event will take place on Sunday, January 21 from 2:00-5:45pm at the Mason UMC building.

We encourage all clergy and laity to attend this day of learning, fellowship and collaboration. Doors will open at 1:30. Devotions will kick off the day at 2:00 followed by our keynote address from Rev. Sam Holmes. From there you'll attend 2 workshops of your choosing. Click here to download a complete list of workshops and descriptions. Click link below to register.

Register for Leadership Training Day

Sam Holmes is the Lead Pastor of The Point, a campus of the Gem City Collective in Montgomery county. He will teach us how to live "freely and lightly" based on Matthew 11:28-30

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (MSG)

Of course the question is, how do we actually live this out? How do we step into the reality of spiritual renewal and total life transformation? How do we practically live in ways that allow us to discover the joy of following Christ in the midst of any season, any trial, any storm? Find out on January 21.