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A Message From Our Pastor
Have you ever thought about God’s plan for you and your life? So often we tend to plan our future without seeking God’s guidance and direction. The prophet Jeremiah reminds us that God has a plan for each of us, one that includes our long term future filled with hope and possibility. This suggests that maybe we need to try to sync up our thinking about our future with God’s plan for us. That doesn’t usually happen in a lightning bolt instant, but usually as a result of intentional prayer, Bible Study, and openness to discern God’s guidance and how best we can use our gifts and talents to be a disciple for Jesus. A disciple is a chnged follower of Jesus. Disciplkes worship, make new disciples, engage in growing their faith, engage in mission, and give to mission. Even when we hasve a clear sense of where we are called to go, we need to continue to listen and pay attention to the course corrections /God has in mind for us along the way. To achieve God's purposes, it is helpful to develop a plan that sets out measurable goals and timelines which keep us on track and allow us to measure our progress. Not only is that true for individuals, but it is also true for churches as well. So, with that understanding in mind, the United Methodist Church is encouraging every church around the world to prayerfully think about how it can be a more Vital Congregation making disciples for Jesus Christ. Five areas of emphasis have been identified as key aspects of a Vital Congregation. A Vital Congregation has: 1) Inviting and inspiring worship; 2) Engaged disciples in mission and outreach; 3) Gifted, equipped and empowered lay leadership; 4) Effective, equipped and inspired clergy leadership; and 5) Small groups and strong children’s programs and youth ministry. Each church is asked to prayerfully consider where they are now and where they would like to be in five years and to set goals that guide their efforts. We started that process on Jan. 15 as we gathered and began thinking about our local community and the context in which we are called to be the church. We bagan to think about how and where God might be leading us into the future. Each of our communities and organizations is tasked with considering how they can support our effort to be a more Vital Congregation. Each of us has a stake in this process and all are welcome to participate. If there is a specific area that you have ideas for, or feel that maybe God is nudging you to connect with, please talk to that committee or organization and share your thoughts. If you don’t know who to call, please call the office 296-9610 and Carol or I will help you. Everyone is welcome to attend Church Council meetings and the February 13th meeting would be an excellent time to begin, since we will be setting our course through 2015. Our goals will be gathered by our Annual Conference and will be presentned to the General Conference as an offering from us.
What is e-Giving? A new and exciting opportunity for our congregation to make regular contributions to the church, wherever in the world they may be. Just click on the link below and follow the easy directions for a safe and secure transaction. For more info, please call the church office at: 609-296-9610.
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2012 Lenten Study Come and join us for our 2012 7-Week Lenten Bible Study. This year, we will be using the book FINAL WORDS FROM THE CROSS by Adam Hamilton. Sessions are scheduled for Wednesday evenings at 7:00, beginning right after the Ash Wednesday Service, or join us on Tuesday mornings at 9:00AM, beginning February 28th. Pastor Grant will be leading our study, so, stop by and pick up your book, which is available in the Narthex for $11.00. Read the intro and Chapter 1, then you are ready to join the first session of whichever time works best for you. Lenten study is a great way to prepare your hearts for Easter. We invite you to be part of the crowd and experience the final words from the Cross.
House of Hope is an outreach ministry of the First United Methodist Church of Tuckerton for the Hispanic community of Tuckerton and its surrounding areas. Services in Spanish are held at the Church every Saturday at 7:00 PM. Click here to access our website Casa de Esperanza.
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