Meadville Messenger - Meadville United Methodist Church
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MEADVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FEBRUARY, 2019 Meadville Messenger Rambling Rex 1 Peter 3:15…”But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect”…(ESV) The season has finally arrived. Well, no, not Valentine’s though that is an important event in February. The historical moment is now less than a month away. The special called General Conference, February 23-26, 2019 at St. Louis, Missouri. We will finally have a decision on the issues of sexuality. Then, the real work begins. The aftermath will include potentially months and years of reorganizing, approving, deciding the proper avenues and channels for our churches connectional relationship and what best fits the needs for us to be the most effective in ministry. As I pondered all of this what is following showed up on my Facebook feed. It was offered by Rev. Stephen Sparks, a clergy member of the Mississippi delegation to the General Conference. I thought it captures where we are and it also captures where my heart has been on this issue since the first wranglings. I am not sure who actually wrote it but here it is: “For such a time as this. The next 5-6 months will potentially be the most consequential time in Methodist history since the mergers of ‘39 and ‘68 or maybe even the Christmas Conference. The decisions we make as a GC and those we make as an annual conference will be pivotal. Let us be wise. Let us be bearers of God’s shalom. Let us stay alert. Let us hold fast to the Word of God. Let us stand up to be counted regardless of cost. Let us be brave beyond our own courage. Let us be patient for each and every step, waiting on the Lord. Let us not grow weary but let us persevere. And ultimately the Church of Jesus Christ, the Bride of Christ will endure and ultimately prevail. So be of good cheer. Let us not cast our countenance downward as those who are yet already defeated but rather let our countenance be full of light and joy as happy warriors in the service to their King. Let our hearts be light. For regardless of outcome the bridegroom still comes, the lamb is victorious, and the Word of God will remain the Word! May this be our guide in prayer and hope in these anxious days. Come, Holy Spirit! Grant us peace in our hearts that whatever comes, we will have the courage, wisdom, and strength to follow only the way of Christ in order that we may be His true Bride. Peace and Joy and Love, Rex Wilburn, pastor
MEADVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FEBRUARY, 2019
MUMC family,
Many thanks for prayers, food, cards, flowers and texts
during the illness and loss of my sister, Lisa. Thanks
so much for your kind words. Sadness is overwhelming
at times and finding comfort in your words is great
support to me.
Thanks again and much love,
Sue Sullivan
In 1 Corinthians 16:14, Paul instructs
the church at Corinth to do all things in
love. Love has been sentimentalized
throughout the years. Some people
have become more “in love” with “falling
in love” than “staying in love.” Love has
little at all to do with feelings, but
instead, is a choice you must continually make to put another’s well being before your own.
St. Valentine understood that. When an edict was issued banning marriage in an attempt to keep
soldier’s minds focused on war rather than family, St. Valentine married lovers in secret. He believed
so strongly in Christian marriage that he was willing to lose his life to protect it. Legend is told that
while in jail awaiting execution, St. Valentine prayed for the healing of the blind daughter of a jailer.
Upon being healed, the two exchanged correspondence. In his last letter to the jailer’s daughter, the
note was signed, “From Your Valentine”. To remember the legacy of St. Valentine, Valentine’s Day is
now observed.
Loving the people we like is an easy enough task, but what about those people who are “thorns in our
flesh”? Jesus said it doesn’t matter. “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit
for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to
you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! Love your enemies! Do good to them.
Lend to them without expecting to be repaid.” (Luke 6:32-33, 35a NLT) How then do we love? 1
Corinthians 13:4-7 gives us a good reference. “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or
boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of
being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love
never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
Love without sacrifice is not really love. Love will always cost you something, but it will always be
worth it. St. Valentine lived what he believed, and it cost him everything. He lived out 1 John 3:18
that reads, “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our
actions.” Even God’s love for us required sacrifice. Romans 5:8 says, “But God showed his great
love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Actions speak louder than
words. We, as Christians, need to make sure our actions communicate love to everyone we come in
contact.
MEADVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FEBRUARY, 2019
Team Broth
or
Team Cream
Who will you vote for in
this year’s SOUPer Bowl?
MUMC’s Annual “Souper” Bowl will be Next Sunday, February
3 following the morning worship service. Bring your best
soup and maybe you’ll be voted MUMC’S 2019 MVP. Join us
for this fun filled and delicious event. ALL MONIES RAISED
DURING THIS EVENT is for exclusive use of LOCAL MISSIONS.
Disclaimer: MUMC’s refs are impartial and unbiased. Pass
Interference will be called!
COLEMANISM:
To accomplish great things, we must not only act but
also dream; not only pray, but also believe.
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
Romans 11:29
MEADVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FEBRUARY, 2019
MEADVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FEBRUARY, 2019
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
February 1
February 2
Zach McCormick February 19
Susie Kimbrough February 20
Ric & Theresa Wege
Ed & Betty Youngblood
MUMC Staff
February 3 Margaret Chatham
February 4 Mitch Priest
February 6 Bo Fleming
February 6 Sidney Youngblood
February 7 Judy McGehee
Pastor,
February 8 Morgan Poore
Rev. Rex Wilburn
February 9 Avis Mullins
February 10 Kenneth Oglesby
February 11 Sarah Halford
February 13 Carol Oglesby
February 15 Erica Jones Director of Music,
February 16 Dot Oglesby Pat Jones
February 18 Jean Hollinger
February 18 Steve Coleman
February 19 Pam Wilburn
February 20 Allin Kimbrough
February 23 Shelby Smith
February 23 Amber Whittington
February 25 Virgene Allmon Office Manager,
February 27 Clara Guice Samantha Sivils
MUMC
P.O. Box 548
101 First St. S
Meadville, MS 39653
601.384.2936
office@meadvilleumc.com
www.meadvilleumc.com
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