Category: Corner

The Pastor's Corner for April 2013

4/2/2013

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Although every Sunday is a day to celebrate as we
come together to worship our Lord and Savior, the four
Sundays in April have added reasons to celebrate. On
the first Sunday in April, April 7th, the High School
Youth Group, under the leadership of youth leader
volunteer, Tim White, will be leading our worship
service. The Gospel Lesson for that Sunday is about
Doubting Thomas. The youth will share a drama with
us titled The Faith Zone.

The following Sunday, the 14th, is Confirmation
Sunday. Four youth will be confirmed and join our
congregation. Prior to being confirmed, the youth will
share their faith statements with the congregation.
On the third Sunday, April 21st, we will learn more (via
video) about a United Methodist missionary, Larry Kies,
serving in Africa. Some of you may have met Larry if
you were able to come to our last All Church Birthday
Party. Larry was our guest speaker at that event. Our
third Sunday offering will go to support Larry's
missionary work.

April 28th has been designated as Camping Sunday. It
is the Sunday we recognize campers and it is a time to
get people thinking about camp.

And we can't forget about the special event on the
28th held before the worship service. Sunday morning
from 8-10am the men of our church will serve a
pancake breakfast in Fellowship Hall. The free will
offering will be used to help eliminate malaria.

I pray you will join us for worship and breakfast during
the month of April. We are the body of Christ. In 1
Corinthians 12:14 & 27 we read, “For the body does
not consist of one member, but many. Now you are the
body of Christ and individually members of it.” We
need each and every one of you. You are all important
to the life of the church.

“You are members of God's very own family, citizens of
God's country, and you belong to God's household with
every other Christian.” Ephesians 2:19b

And All God's Children Said,

“Amen”

Pastor Karen

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The Pastor's Corner

3/1/2013

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I recently attended the memorial service for a very good friend of the family. On the life and times folder for this young man's service were written the words, Get Busy Living. This was the philosophy of the man being remembered on that day. This special person was remembered for his love of God and family. He lived life to the fullest. He had the biggest smile you have ever seen. When you were around him, you could not help but smile, too.

The phrase, Get Busy Living, was a line from the popular film, Shawshank Redemption. Now I'm not sure when or where that phrase first originated, but the thought has been around for a long , long time. The scriptures remind us that life is short and that now is the time to act, now is the time “to live.”

So how should we live? In his letter to the Colossians. Paul tells us to live in union with Christ Jesus. Keep our roots in him. Become stronger in our faith. Be filled with thanksgiving. Don't be enslaved by the old life, the life before you accepted Christ Jesus as Lord. In other words Get Busy Living.

When Jesus died on the cross, he destroyed the power of sin in our lives. We have been resurrected along with Christ. We are new creatures. Through the Holy Spirit, we have access to the power of God to do the impossible. Are you claiming God's power in your life? What holds you back from living life to the fullest? Give it to God so you can Get Busy Living.

This month we remember Jesus' death and resurrection. Easter is a celebration of life, new life, when it was least expected. Even Jesus' closest followers didn't get it. Mourning the loss of their Lord, they hid behind closed doors, afraid and confused. And then Jesus appeared to them and told them not to be afraid. He gave them the great command- “Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day.” In other words Get Busy Living!

May it be so for us all!

And All God’s Children Said,

“Amen.”

Pastor Karen

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The Pastor's corner

1/3/2013

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As I was thinking about the coming of a new year, I recalled words I had read about how to go into a new year. The words can be found in a daily devotional book written by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman titled Streams in the Desert. The book was published in 1966. I purchased the book in 1971 as a Father’s Day gift for my grandfather. The book was returned to me after my grandfather’s death in 1975.

I found much comfort and encouragement from the reading of this book as I have turned to it countless times for over 35 years. I would like to share with you the words written by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman about how to go into a new year:

“Advance into this new year on your knees. Faith does not concern itself with the entire journey. One step is enough. That first step is all that is needed. Breathe a prayer of courage to fill your legs as well as your heart as you face the unknown, the unexpected. What matters that you know not your destination? Put your hand into the hand of God. He gives the calmness and serenity of heart and soul. As He endures, you too, can endure the climb over sharp rocks and crags. Climb with Him to the end of the year – yea, even to the end of life’s trail.”

Begin the new year with prayer, and hold on to God’s hand as He leads you through the year. I can’t think of any better advice than that!

Wishing you a Blessed New Year!

Pastor Karen

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The Pastor's Corner

11/8/2012

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We are called to come together to be one – to praise God, to love and care for one another and to reach out to those in need. We are the “Body of Christ.” In 1 Corinthians 12:14, 27 we read, “For the body does not consist of one member, but many. Now you are the Body of Christ and individually members of it.” In this chapter, we are reminded that we are all important parts of the Body of Christ. We have all been given spiritual gifts to use for the building up of the Body of Christ, the Church. Your active participation in the life of the church does make a difference. In Psalm 100, we are called to come together to worship, to praise and to give thanks to our Lord and Savior:

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness;

Know that the Lord is God.

It is He who made us, and we are His;

We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving,

And His courts with praise.

Give thanks to Him, bless His name.

For the Lord is good;

His steadfast love endures forever,

And his faithfulness to all generations.”

We invite you to come and worship on Sunday mornings at 10am. Let us all join together in praise and thanksgiving! Your participation is always wanted and needed!

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!

And All God’s Children said,

“Amen”

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The Pastor’s Corner

10/11/2012

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In September I opened an envelope addressed to the Oakland UMC. The enclosed letter was a thank you to the people of the Oakland UMC for their generous contributions to the PET project.

In April of this year our third Sunday special offering was designated to go to the PET Project. If you were able to be at the worship service on April 22, you may remember seeing a PET during the service. PET is an acronym for Personal Energy Transportation vehicle.

The PET Project began in 1995 in response to a need for three-wheeled, hand-cranked wheelchairs for victims of polio and landmines. Reverend Larry Mills, missionary in Zaire (now Congo), Africa, told Reverend Mel West of this great need. Mel contacted Earl Miner, product designer, and the process to create a sturdy, simple, and low-cost vehicle to serve the needs of those with limited mobility began.

Millions in our world have been disabled by landmines, accidents, disease and animal attacks. Many of these people live in areas where the typical wheelchair cannot go. The PET is designed to go where normal wheelchairs cannot. PETs are made in both child and adult sizes. All PETs are built by volunteers.
The Mission Statement of the PET Project is as follows:

The Personal Energy Transportation (PET) Projects mission is to provide mobility for all of Gods children. We seek to provide first for those in greatest need and with the least resources in poor or underdeveloped countries. The PET Project is a part of the ministry of Jesus Christ, whose disciples said, In the name of Jesus Christ, arise and walk. Acts 3:6.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we give because we know it is what our Savior has asked us to do. We give trusting God to use and even multiply our gifts in order to do the good w are called to do. Often times we do not know how our gifts has blessed others. The letter on the following page to all of you from the PET Program is a story of how your gifts have been a blessing to others. Enjoy and thank you for giving!

And All God’s Children Said,

“Amen.” – Pastor Karen

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THE PASTOR'S CORNER

8/31/2012

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Years ago, when I was employed as the Parish Assistant at the Atlantic First United Methodist Church, I had a conversation with an inquisitive unchurched young lady. She asked me several questions about the church, which I have long forgotten, except for one. The question I remember went something like this, "Where does the money come from to pay the church's bills?" My quick response, "from the people who are a part of the church," left her wide-eyed and doubting the sincerity of my answer.

As I reflected on the conversation, I could see that people who are not familiar with how the church works might think operating funds for churches come, at least in part, from taxes, government agencies, nonprofit groups, etc. When you think
about it, it does take a lot of faith to build a church building and to believe that there will be funds to keep it going for future years.

Yet, as children of God, we are called to be people of faith. Second Corinthians 5:7 reminds us, “We walk by faith, not by sight." Often times we don't know what is around the corner. We have to walk by faith. And as we step out in faith, we learn that God is faithful and can be trusted.

The Stewardship Committee and I would like to thank you for participating in the ministries of the Oakland UMC by your prayers, your presence, your service, your witness, and your gifts. We thank you for your generous contributions to the general budget of the church and to the mission work of the church. Your generosity has made it possible for us to reach out to countless people in the name of Jesus Christ.

On Sunday, September 16, when you arrive at church, the Stewardship Committee will present you with an envelope containing a giving card, a stewardship form
of service sheet, and an automatic funds withdrawal form (in case you would like to set up an automatic withdrawal). You can take the envelope and contents home and complete at your own convenience. We ask that you bring your completed giving card and service sheet to church on Sunday, October 7, to be brought forward during our service of Holy Communion. Following the giving of the bread and cup, we will consecrate the giving cards.

In closing I would like to share with you the following scriptures from 2 Corinthians: “Each one should give then, as he has decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly. And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause. As the Scripture says, ‘He gives generously to the needy; his kindness lasts forever.’ And God, who supplies seed for the sower and bread to eat, will also supply you with all the seed you need and will make it grow and produce a rich harvest from your generosity.” (2 Corinthians 9:7-10)

And All God’s Children Said,

“Amen”

Pastor Karen

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The Pastor's Corner

8/2/2012

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It’s that time of year again. Time to celebrate our
birthdays together! The All Church Birthday Party will be held on Sunday, August 19.

This year we will do things a little differently. We invite you to join us for a light meal at 6pm (food and drink will be provided). Larry and Jane Kies, missionaries serving Africa University in Zimbabwe, will be our special guests. Jane is a United Methodist missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries teaching intensive English to students from non-English-speaking countries at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, southern Africa. Jane was born in Ndola, Zambia and grew up in Africa and England. Jane’s husband, Larry, Is also a United Methodist missionary with the General Board of Global ministries serving as technical advisor to the Africa University Farm. Larry grew up near Jessup, Iowa, where his parents gave him his love of farming and sense of global mission. Larry and Jane have four children.

The Kies will share about their missionary experiences following the 6 pm meal. Around 7pm we will gather around our respective birthday tables and enjoy celebrating our birthdays together.

We hope you can join us for this special time in the life of the church!

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THE PASTOR’S CORNER

6/29/2012

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

July 1 marks the one year anniversary of our time in ministry together. I thought for this month’s newsletter it might be fun to do an “Oakland UMC Year in Review.” Following are some of the highlights of the last 12 months:

July

August

September

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

Ecumenical Service in the Park
Potluck Noon Meal to Welcome Pastor
Fill-A-Pew Sunday
Ongoing Women’s Bible Study

Blessing of the Backpacks
Ice Cream Social for Soles-4-Souls
All Church Birthday Party

First Hispanic Worship Service at Oakland UMC
Bible Presentation/Teacher Recognition Sunday
Sunday School Begins
Jr. & Sr. High Youth Groups Begin
Picture Taking for Church Pictorial Directory

World Communion Sunday
Offering Taken to Purchase Items for Layettes
Cluster Charge Conference
Harmony Circle Meets

Thanksgiving Ingathering
All Saints Sunday
Ecumenical Thanksgiving Dinner
Hanging of the Greens & Soup Luncheon

Movie Night
Sunday School Christmas Program
Candlelight Service

Sunday School Youth Sing at Oakland Manor/Heights
Jr. High & Sr. High Youth Groups Visit MOHM’S Place
Invite a Friend/ Potluck/ Movie Sunday

Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University Classes Begin
Date Night Challenge Event
Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Service

New Places for New People Event at Oakland UMC
Youth Service/ Chicken Dinner
Missionary Speaker/Salad Luncheon
Easter Cantata

Palm Sunday Processional
Ecumenical Good Friday Service
Prayer Vigil
Easter Services
Camping Sunday/ Camping Meal

Library Grounds Community Service Project
Senior Breakfast/Senior Recognition/Choir Sings
Sunday School Attendance Recognition Sunday

VBS Begins
VBS Program
Offering for Storm Relief

Thank you for participating in the many ministries of our church by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness. It has been a joy and a blessing to serve as your pastor this past year. It is hard to put into words how thankful I am for all of you. You have shared the love of Christ with me in so many ways. I thank God for all of you and for the good we have been able to do in Jesus’ name. May God continue to bless our time together as we seek to love God with all of our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

And All God’s Children Said,

“Amen.”

Pastor Karen

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THE PASTOR’S CORNER

1/3/2012

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It seems like only a few months ago we went from writing 2010 to writing 2011. Yet, here it is, 2012. Twelve months have passed! It certainly gives meaning to the Psalmist‟s words:

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:1)

“Let me know how fleeting my life is.” (Psalm 39:4)

There is an important message in the above scriptures – Life passes quickly! Now is the time to do those things that will make a difference in this life and in the life to come. I recently read The Top 10 New Year‟s Resolutions for Christians:

Practice what you preach.
Read your Bible every morning.
Read your Bible every night.
Pray every morning.
Pray every night.
Forgive everyone.
Do not judge anyone.
Do not gossip ever.
Give to the poor.
Give unconditional love.

Personally, I am not a big fan of New Year‟s Resolutions. But as I reflected on the Top 10 List I just shared with you, I have to admit that if we want to make the most of 2012, giving some attention to these New Year‟s Resolutions would be a great way to get started!

Wishing you a very Blessed New Year and God‟s Good Gifts of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love!

And All God‟s Children Said,

“Amen!”

Pastor Karen

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