eChurchlight, January 2009

through the looking glass
L.L.Wimmer

A New Year always calls for some new direction. Ginny Jay passed these words on to me and I think they serve very well to give us a direction for the new year. They are the words that were found on the wall of Mother Teresa’s room. If you have seen them before, look again. They are called “Words to Live By” and so they are:

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
  forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
  be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
  be successful anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
  be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
  build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, others may be jealous;
  be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will forget tomorrow;
  do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
  give your best anyway.
For you see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God.
  It was never between you and them anyway.

It sounds like she might know something worth knowing. May we discover such wisdom as we practice the three simple rules from our Wesleyan tradition: Do No Harm. Do Good. Stay in Love with God.

Happy New Year. Oh, and bless your hearts!   Larry

In Worship, Fellowship, And Service…

Did you know these words are in our mission statement?  Even if you didn’t, I’ll bet you all have seen them come to life as we travel on our journey together as a church family.  This has been especially true for me during the Christmas season.  I have been cheered, encouraged, and sometimes downright amazed by the number of people who have willingly contributed their time and talents, volunteered when a job needed doing, and opened their hearts to each other and to a world in need.  Thanks to:

• the readers and musicians who participated in Sunday worship and the service of lessons and carols on Christmas Eve;
• the youth who put together a truly unique pageant video;
• the adults who helped make all the youth and children’s activities run so smoothly;
• the people who baked, painted Nativity Scene characters,  hung wreaths, and opened their homes for festivities;
• the youth and adults who shopped for, wrapped, and delivered 124 gifts to the children at Cooper Community Center;
• the families who donated food and money to Belmont Food Pantry;
• the givers who replenished the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund for emergency assistance;
• the people who reached out to communities far and wide by donating to Heifer International; and
• all who have welcomed visitors into our midst…

We have been not just a busy church, but a caring and Spirit-filled church!   God be with you all.
Barbara

Announcements

Sunday, January 4, 2009 is the first All Church Lunch of the new year!  Join us after coffee hour in the Social Hall for a time of fellowship and celebration.  Our thanks to Brian and Heather Sullivan and family, who will be preparing the meal for Bristol Kitchen the night before, and will make extra for all of us.

Agenda for the Church Council Meeting on Wednesday, January 21^st will include a review and discussion of research done so far on potential uses of Imler House.  Everyone is welcome to come and participate in this ongoing process.

Women’s Book Group
Schedule and Books for 2009 for the BUMC Woman’s Book Group:
January 29^th                    The Seed of Sarah by Judith Magyar Isaacson
February 26^th             The Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie
March 26^th                  The Shack by William P. Young
April 30^th                     Sarah’s Daughter by Ruth Bass
May 28^th                            Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbary Kingsolver, Camille Kingsolver, & Steven L. Hopp
Everyone is welcome!  Please ask Louise Halstead if you have any questions.

Coffee Circle
Our newest fellowship group meets on the second Thursday of the month for coffee and conversation at 10:30 am in the parlor.  The next meeting is January 8.
All are welcome!  For more information see Linda Rodi.

January 2009 Coffee Hour Schedule
January 4^th –  RSTU, coordinated by Kathy Toujian & Donna Esposito
January 11^th –VWXYZ
January 18^th – ABC, coordinated by Lisa Courtney
January 25^th – DEFG, coordinated by Diane & Kevin Ghiozzi

Electronic Churchlight
The Churchlight is now only mailed out to a few who do not have email or access to the web.  Please let the office know if you would like a paper copy mailed to you – or if you would like to pick it up at church. If you are not currently receiving the Churchlight by email please go to the Newsletter page on the church website at www.umcbelmont.org to subscribe.  Current and back issues are posted on the website in the Newsletter section.

January 2009 Worship Services
January 4^th: 10:00 a.m. Epiphany Sunday            Color: White
Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 (UMH 795); Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12

January 11^th: 10:00 a.m. Baptism of the Lord     Color: White
Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29 (UMH 761);Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11

January 18^th: 10:00 a.m. Second Sunday After the Epiphany            Color: Green
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20); Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 (UMH 854); 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; John 1:43-51

January 25^th: 10:00 a.m. Third Sunday After the Epiphany            Color: Green
Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12 (UMH 787); 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20

Sunshine Page

January Birthdays

If you would like your birthday or anniversary date to be added to the monthly Churchlight page, please contact the office.