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Church Happenings
*******************NEW WORSHIP SCHEDULE*******************
As we begin to bring our two churches together, our first step is to start worshipping together every Sunday for the next 6 months. We will worship together at First UMC for three months and then at Christ Church for three months. To limit confusion and give a sense of stability, we will meet at 9:30 a.m. at both churches.
July 2 – September 24 Worship together at First UMC
October 1 – December 31 Worship together at Christ UMC
Join Pastor Herb at Wilmer Park on Tuesday mornings at 9 AM, we will read a scripture passage from one of the Gospels and then set out Walking with Jesus together. As we walk the trail from Wilmer Park and back again, we will reflect and discuss the Gospel lesson… What’s going on in the passage? … What’s inspiring or challenging about the passage? … What does it tell us about the nature of Jesus? … What will we do with what we’ve learned in the next seven days?
Hopefully, this will be an exciting and unique opportunity to exercise both your body and your faith at the same time. Our journey will begin on Tuesday mornings at 9 AM as long as weather permits. The trail from Wilmer Park to Route 20 behind Royal Farms is 1.13 miles making and takes approximately 20 minutes at a leisurely pace – the round trip 2.26 miles. The path is paved and there are plenty of trees along the way to provide shade from the summer sun. If the distance seems a bit much, there is a good stopping point with a small bench to sit on approximately .6 miles from Wilmer Park – this would make the round trip more manageable at 1.2 miles.
No sign-up is necessary, everyone is welcome, just show up in comfortable attire and walking shoes at Wilmer Park on Tuesdays at 9 AM and we will go for a Walk with Jesus.
Bible Study
Schedule for Fall Short-term Studies
We are kicking off the fall with a wide selection of short-term Bible / book studies that will begin on September 13, 2023, and go through the season of Advent. Hopefully, everyone can find a topic that will interest them. Although I do not expect anyone to join all the studies… I would like to issue a challenge for everyone in the church to attend one of the studies this fall. JUST ONE!
Would you consider joining one of the following 4 or 6-week studies over the next 4 months?
Here are the following options…
This 4-week study will be offered on Wednesday afternoons from 1:00pm – 2:30pm (September 13, 20, 27, and October 4) in the Undercroft at First UMC. Book price is $12.99.
In On Purpose: Finding God’s Voice in Your Passion, authors Magrey deVega, Sam McGlothlin, Jevon Caldwell-Gross, and Susan Robb help us see God’s purpose for our lives, how to open ourselves to God’s voice, and how to take the first or next step to follow God’s call. This study will focus on exploring life choices, learning how to channel your passions, to hear God’s voice, and live the life you are meant to live.
(Description adapted from https://www.cokesbury.com/On-Purpose)
Men & Women Studies
The Men’s study will be led by Pastor Herb and the leader of the Women’s study is still to be determined. Both studies will run during the same 6-week period.
This 6-week study will be offered on Wednesday afternoons from 1:00pm – 2:30pm (October 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15, 22) in the Undercroft at First UMC. Cost of participant workbook price is $13.49.
Through this study, based on the book of James, Jen Cowart helps women to find inspiration and tools around six traits:
Endurance – Embracing obstacles as a means to maturity.
Wisdom – Using a heavenly perspective on earthly issues.
Action – Living a life where actions match faith.
Control – Taming the tongue.
Humility – Developing the attitude of Christ.
Prayer – Exercising the power tool of the faith.
(Description adapted from https://www.cokesbury.com/Thrive-Womens-Bible-Study-Participant-Workbook)
This 6-week study will be offered on Saturday mornings from 10:00am – 11:30am (October 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18, 25) at Christ UMC. Cost of the study guide is $10.79.
In this updated edition of the bestselling classic, Wild at Heart, author John Eldredge reminds men we need adventure in our lives . . . in our work, in our love, and our spiritual lives. He reveals how God designed men to be dangerous. Simply look at the dreams and desires written in the heart of every boy: to be a hero, to be a warrior, and to live a life of adventure and risk. Sadly, most men today have abandoned these dreams and desires–aided by a Christianity that feels like nothing more than pressure to be a “nice guy.”
So, instead of asking what you think you ought to do to become a better man, John asks us in this study, “What makes you come alive? What stirs your heart?”
(Description adapted from https://www.cokesbury.com/9780310129103-Wild-at-Heart-Study-Guide?refq=wild%20at%20heart%20study%20guide)
Advent Study
The Advent Study will be offered at two different times and in two different formats – one in person and one online through the Zoom platform.
This 4-week study will be offered on Wednesday afternoons from 1:00pm – 2:30pm (November 29, December 6, 13, 20) in the Undercroft at First UMC. AND online through Zoom on Sunday evenings from 6:30pm – 8:00pm (November 26, December 3, 10, 17). The price of the book is $12.99.
The Angels of Christmas: Hearing God’s Voice in Advent, a four-week Advent study by Susan Robb, explores the four angelic visits surrounding the birth of Jesus with Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. The study uses these four angelic appearances to discuss God’s presence in history and our lives today.
(Description adapted from https://www.cokesbury.com/The-Angels-of-Christmas?refq=the%20angels%20of%20christmas)
IMPORTANT: Please call the church office, during normal business hours, if you would like to join any of the study groups this fall, so we can get a count on how many books we need to be to order.
Click the link below to learn more.
Choir - Christ United Methodist Church
Chancel choir practice begins again on September 6 at 6:00 pm at Christ UMC.
Chime Choir
A new inter-church chime choir is being formed! Suitable for all ages and skill levels (including none). Chime playing is a beautiful and therapeutic way to express our faith and worship God. Rehearsals will be held at First United Methodist Church on Wednesdays at 7:15 pm Rehearsals will be informal, just an opportunity to make music, play beautiful instruments, and have some fun. Questions? Please contact Grace Wheatley at wheatsg90@gmail.com or 410.708.9974. I cannot wait to chime with you!
Food Pantry
The Community Food Pantry operates out of Christ United Methodist Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to Noon. Individuals and families are referred by Social Services to benefit from this community service.
Men's Prayer Breakfast
The last men’s prayer breakfast for this season was held on May 13th at 8:00 am at Christ United Methodist Church. The event will reconvene in October.
Emmaus and Chrysalis
Please pray for the weekends and the teams and the members of this church serving on the weekends. If interested in attending a fall weekend or sponsoring someone – please see Pastor Herb for more information.
FEAST OF LOVE - ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER
The Feast of Love started when God prompted Yvonne Arrowood, in 1984, to start a Christmas dinner for those alone and economically disadvantaged. Congregants from First United Methodist and Christ United Methodist joined forces to roast turkeys and make food to serve at their 1:00 p.m. dinner. Yvonne, and her son Billy, organized the meal for 25 years. The United Methodist Men’s Group carried the meal for ten years while Yvonne raised her children. In 2022, the two churches officially joined together to make this, a community dependent, joint ministry.
The planning starts mid-October. Typically, we plan for 150 guests. As a community we make sure this meal stays free to all guests. Congregants have donated hundreds of pounds of turkey every year. We serve roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans with bacon, candied carrots, buttered corn, yams with pecan topping, stuffing with celery and onion, rolls and pies. Jeff and Betty Carroll, from the Fish Whistle, have roasted the turkeys for many years, as Lapp Bakery have donated rolls and pies. Becca Gsell makes a cake to sing, “Happy Birthday” to Jesus. We are grateful.
Congregants and community members do everything from cleaning the church kitchen to serving the meal and cleaning up. One gentleman’s job is to make certain the pilot lights are lit. Groups of women come on December 23 and 24 to set the tables and prepare.
On Christmas Day, a group of gentlemen arrive at 8:00 a.m. to carve the turkeys. A woman, from a neighboring community, makes the beverages. A community family comes to keep the dining room flowing smoothly. A Rock Hall family comes to sing, entertain and donate door prizes. A community couple delivers meals to shut-ins. Church members keep the clean-up organized. Last year, over 88 people gave of their time and resources toward fulfilling our ministry.
Mark 10:45, “For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” Following our Savior’s example, we invite you to come.
Call First United Methodist Church Office at 410-778-2977 from December 1- December 20 for meal reservations or sign up to volunteer. Don’t hesitate to leave your name and number if no one is available to answer your call.
Guests attending and volunteers may pick-up a take-out meal after the celebration, as leftovers permit.
