Remembering How Blessed We Are |
In 2023 4,998 of our brothers and sisters in Christ were killed simply because they believed like we do. Most Christians murdered for their faith in 2023 were killed in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria accounted for nine out of 10 religiously-motivated murders. Christians were also killed in Congo (DRC), Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic (CAR). Another 4,125 were abducted because they were followers of Jesus. Last year, 14,766 churches were attacked or closed. This was a six-fold increase from 2022. In China, at least 10,000 churches were closed. In India Christian properties were raided by violent mobs, and in Algeria, where there were 47 official Protestant churches, only four remain open, and they are now under intense pressure.
It is hard for us to fathom, but more than 295,000 Christians were forcibly displaced from their homes because of their faith in Christ. More than 365 million Christians suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith. That is a big number. To break it down and make it a little easier to comprehend, 1 in 7 Christians are persecuted worldwide. In Africa it is 1 in 5. In Asia it rises to 2 out of 5 are persecuted. A little closer to home, 1 in 16 Christians in Latin America were persecuted for their faith.
You and I are truly blessed. Sure somebody might give us a look if we are talking about our faith. Occasionally our invitations to worship or a church event might be met with a quick and cold, “No,” but that is the biggest threat we face most of the time. We don’t have to worry that we will be seen at Vineville and lose our jobs, be forced to move, or worse. While we have had a few small property crimes through the years, we don’t worry about the church being attacked.
I believe even as we pray for our brothers and sisters who are in harm’s way, we should also be grateful every day for the safety and freedom we enjoy. It would seem only fitting that we make the most of our freedom. To fail to exercise the freedom we too often take for granted seems to disrespect Christians who do live in fear and under oppressive regimes. I encourage us all to pray faithfully for those who are suffering because of their faith and to make the most of our freedom. Invite people to church. Share what our faith means to us. Tell folks how our participation at Vineville makes a difference in our lives.
Peace,
|
|
WORSHIP SERVICE
Sunday, Feb 4, 2024
|
9:00 a.m. CLC
11:00 a.m. Sanctuary
Communion at both services
Rev. Teresa Edwards
Embody: The Power of Sacrifice
Mark 14:22-26
MUSIC
Praise Band (9 am)
Chancel Choir (11 am)
Elizabeth Morgan (11 am)
ONLINE WORSHIP
|
|
SLEEP OUT FOR DAYBREAK- YOU CAN HELP! |
|
Daybreak serves people in our community who are experiencing homelessness or transition by offering a day shelter where men and women receive valuable services such as showers, laundry, breakfast, snacks, support, a safe place to stop to rest, help with resources for housing and jobs, and so much more. Many of our Vineville members support Daybreak by volunteering in addition to the monthly support that Vineville UMC offers toward their important work.
Each year in February, Daybreak holds their largest fundraiser: Greater Macon Sleepout. This year’s sleepout will be held on Thursday, February 29. Volunteers sleep out in tents in solidarity with those who sleep this way every night. They also raise money for Daybreak so that this vital ministry continues to be strong and grow its services in our community.
Our own Mike Evans is sleeping out this year. Let’s all do our part to join our voices in speaking the truth: There is no place for homelessness in Macon. You can support Mike’s efforts and Daybreak by making a donation with the following link:
|
|
VINEVILLE ON A MISSION: PRAY-GIVE-GO |
|
|
|
The Mission:
Hinton Rural Life Center features three days of a Safe & Healthy Home Repair ministry, worship and devotional times, poverty awareness activity, Appalachian Culture Night, delicious meals, and fun challenges with our amazing crew of college-aged summer staffers. Groups stay in Lodge or retreat house accommodations (with beds, linens, and bathroom for each room).
Home Repair Ministry:
Building handicap ramps, painting, floor repair, yard work, and more, this mission experience is for all ages and abilities!
Deadlines & Cost:
-Maximum cost of $250 per person
-$100 deposit to hold your spot- deposit can be paid in Realm
-Registration deadline: February 25th
-Maximum of 20 people
|
|
WEEKDAY WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES |
|
COMMON PRAYER
IN-PERSON & ONLINE
Tuesdays at 7:45 a.m.
Prayer Center
TAIZE WORSHIP SERVICE
IN-PERSON
Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.
Chapel
PRAYER BREAKFAST
Thursdays at 7:30 a.m.
|
|
ATTENDANCE
Sunday, January 28
9:00: 88
11:00: 156
HOSPITAL VISITATION
February 2-4
Rev. Teresa Edwards
478-396-3866
ALTAR FLOWERS
Sunday, February 4
In loving memory of Dr. & Mrs. Edmund A. Brannen by their daughters, Dianne Brannen Adams and Wendie Brannen Reynolds
|
|
ALTAR GUILD
Sunday, February 4
Harriett Durkee, Murray Manocheo, Sharon Walker
IN MEMORY
Margie Massey Powell
Allen Sanders Fellowship Class
Bebe Reichert
Bill & Trudie Fickling
Jane Walton
Helen Weathers
Jean Snow
Jane Walton
|
|
We have several ways to give to the church. You can mail a check to the church or click here to give online. Thank you for your generosity.
|
|
478.745.3331
www.vinevillemethodist.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
