"The Vine" October 2013 Edition

7/28/2019 "The Vine" October 2013 Edition

1/6

Just as a branch separated rom its supporting vine cannot live, let alone produce any ruit,

so we are helpless when we are not connected to Jesus, the source o our hope and salvation.

- John 15:5

TheVinehttp://www.IthacaUMC.org

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ithacaunitedmethodistchurch

Love God. Love others. Serve the world.

Monthly Newsletter of Ithaca and Beebe United Methodist ChurchesOctober 2013 Edition

Dear Friends,Did you know that we, Christ-ollowers, keep time dierently than the world around us?We do! We keep time in light o the lie o Jesus and the church. Let me explain.Each o these seasons has a dierent scriptural ocus. From the very beginning the Churchcreated special days and seasons to remind us that our lives are centered in the saving actso God through Jesus Christ and to strengthen the bonds o community through enjoyablecelebrations.

I share this because so oten people tell me how much they want to have a certain song(anthem,hymn or contemporary song) sung. They want us to do a certain drama or dvd clip.They want to hear on a certain subject or scripture. And oten the worship design team says,Not yet. People oten interpret that as a no it really isnt a no. It is a not yet it eitherdoesnt t the liturgical year (Christian year)or it doesnt t the sub-series this year we are

doing in a particular series.

Advent: The our weeks beore Christmas are a preparation time or the celebration o theNativity o Jesus (so we do not sing Christmas carols or songs about Jesuss cradle ). Thecolor purple symbolizes penitence and a readiness to learn. The rst Sunday o Advent is theChristian New Years Day.

Christmas: (Nativity o the Lord) Remembrance o the birth o Jesus Christ, the coming oCreator God into the midst o the human amily. The colors o gold and white symbolize aestival time. December 25, 2012 to January 5 The Twelve Days o Christmas.

Author, Kyle Idlemanhelps every believerrecognize there are alsegods at war within each ous, and they battle or theplace o glory and controlin our lives. What keeps usrom truly ollowing Jesus isthat our hearts are pursuingsomething or someone else.While these pursuits maynot be the graven images o

old, they are in act modernday idols. Behind the sinyoure struggling with, thediscouragement youredealing with, the lack opurpose youre living with is aalse god that is winning thewar or your heart. Join us aswe look at this six-part series,gods at war.

- continued on page 2

The Free Store is comingSee page 6


2/6

Ithaca/Beebe Newsletter The Vine -October 2013 2

Epiphany: January 6 to the beginning o Lent, is a timeor celebrating the world wide nature o the ChristianWay. Epiphany immediately ollows Christmastide and itsrecollection o the birth o Jesus. The Biblical basis or Epiphanyis in the Gospel o Matthew, chapter 2, verses 1-11. It is thestory o the visit o scholars rom a distant land to honor a newborn child who would be important to the whole human race.Epiphany is a time or expanding the vision o Christian people.The aim is to be open to people o all cultures, races, andreligions. Epiphany is a welcome to every human being on theearth. Oten we look at missions.The colors used are white, goldand green.

Season ater Epiphany: time where we ocus on the John theBaptist, baptism o Christ, calling o the disciples, teachings ormiracles o Jesus.

Lent: This 40 day event is a time o asting in imitation o Jesus

experience in the wilderness o temptation. This season weturn towards Jerusalem, like Jesus did and prepare or the crossto come. The story is in the Gospel o Matthew 4:1-11 It is atime o preparation or Easter and o repentance by people..Sel- examination, control o appetites, and spiritual devotionare obligations or many Christians in all world cultures duringLent. Conscious attention to the tragic evils in the human amilyis encouraged. Colors requently used are purple, ash gray, andred. Lent ends on Holy Saturday.

Holy Week: The days between Palm Sunday and Holy Saturdaybeore Easter are known as Holy Week. These days observe theevents in the lie o Jesus rom the entry into Jerusalem throughthe crucixion and burial. Palm Sunday is sometimes called

Palm/Passion Sunday because it takes us rom Jesus entranceinto Jerusalem to the tragic events o the week to come. Theprimary observances o Holy Week are: Maundy Thursday(instruction o the Eucharist o Lords Supper); Good Friday (thepassion and death o Jesus); and Holy Saturday (the burial oJesus).

Easter Sunday: The principal and most ancient estival o theChristian church year is Easter. Following the death and burialo Jesus, there was a renewal o the very lie o Jesus Christ inthe ellowship o believers in the early Church. Several schoolso thought in the Christian Church explain the nature o whathas come to be known as the Resurrection o Christ. Somebelieve in a literal rising up o the body o Jesus that had diedthree days earlier. Others understand the memory and personalexperience o Jesus to have been so vivid and strong that theollowers physically and mentally experienced the renewedpresence o Jesus. Yet others believe that the continuing lieo the Christian Church is an adequate proo o the ongoingreality o Christ being alive. In any event, the resurrection isa central eature o the Christian religion. Eastertide is theseason continuing through Pentecost. Each Sunday is a weeklycelebration o the resurrection o Christ.

Eastertide: 50 days ollowing Easter (ocus on Jesus postresurrection appearances and/or the power o the resurrection)Pentecost: This celebration o the coming o the Holy Spiritto a gathering o believers shortly ater the resurrection andascension o Jesus is a major observance or the Christian way. The estival is observed 50 days ater Easter. The day takesplace on the Jewish day o Pentecost, thanksgiving or the rstruits o the wheat harvest. For Christians, the experience othe energy o the Spirit was a rst ruit o the new era thathad dawned or the believers, kind o a birthday o the church.In some parts o the Church, Pentecost is a special time orbaptism o new believers. Throughout the Church, Pentecost iswhen the surprising vital energy o the presence o Creator Godinuences worship and challenges people to new lie in Christ.In all nations and in all times the discovery o lie changingspiritual vision cannot be predicted or contained. Pentecostguarantees an open mind to the uture. Pentecost begins onSunday and continues through Saturday,

Season Ater Pentecost: Beginning on Trinity Sunday, andcontinuing through the day beore the rst Sunday o Advent,this season celebrates the growing lie o the ellowship oChristians in the world o persons, nations and the naturalworld. Oten intentional discipleship is the ocus. The color isgreen.

Christ the King Sunday concludes the Christian year. Thecolors are white and gold.

I hope this helps each o us to understand that we mark timedierently than the world. And in our corporate worship time,the worship design team is guided by the above. The Word o

God, the lie o Christ and His church, dictates what we read,learn, study, sing, and do. Everything that happens in a worshipservice happens to support our unique Christian story.

I you have questions, please share them with me.

God bless you!

Pastor Cindi

- continued rom page 1


3/6

Ithaca/Beebe Newsletter The Vine - October 20133

World Communion Sunday

Sunday, October 6, a special oering will be taken as wecelebrate World Communion Sunday. This oering startedin 1940 to alleviate the suering o the victims o World WarII. Since 1971 The World Communion Sunday oering hasprovided scholarships or racial-ethnic students in the U.S.and internationally, on both undergraduate and graduatelevels.

Through the generosity o United Methodists around theworld, persons seeking to serve Christ have been aided intheir journey by scholarships like the Crusade Scholarship

or international students and or U.S racial- and ethnic-minority students. Scholarships are provided to racial- andethnic-minority persons seeking second careers in church-related vocations, and to undergraduates in need o nancialassistance.

Our World Communion Sunday gits enable persons toachieve their goal o serving God in lie-changing ministries.Please give generously on World Communion Sunday.Thank you.

Fortress Begins Again

Its that time again! Fortress has begun once again as othis past Friday, September 20th. This ministry has beencalled a agship ministry or Ithaca UMC.

It is appropriately described this way because Jamestells us religion that God our Father accepts and pure andaultless is this; to look ater orphans and widows in theirdistress and to keep onesel rom being polluted by theworld. (James 1:27) We thereore believe that God calls us tolove and serve those who are at times let out, orgotten ormarginalized.

Thereore, every Friday night at 9:30 P.M. ater varsityootball games, basketball games or any other Friday, wewill be here! As long as school is in session, we will be there.

Where can you help? We can NEVER have enough prayerwarriors or ront line helpers or this ministry. I youwould like to help in any way, please let me know at yourconvenience. These young people in our community needdesperately to be exposed to the risen Christ. You can help.

October 6: Activity at the OBoyles(bonfre and Seek and Destroy/scavengerhunt) Leaving the church at 4:15 andreturning by 6:45)

October 13: Salvation. The God who saves

October 20: Salvation. Jesus=Salvation

October 27: Salvation. New Lie, New Purpose

November 2: (Saturday)-tentative hayride. Details TBA

6th - 12th GradeYouth Activities . . . Come join us!We meet Sunday nights at the church rom 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Formore inormation contact Ken Gibson.

Sunday night YouthGroup kick-oSeptember 8th atHubcshers Park.

The Basement begins with new lessons rom YM360. Our rsthree weeks we will be looking at Gods Love.


4/6


I recently read the ollowing blog post by Jared Wilson. As Iread each entry I was struck by how personal and inviting Jaredwas in reerring to Jesus. This seems so oten oreign to me.I can tend to keep Jesus very impersonal, ormal, and highlytheological.

Maybe thats why Jareds blog post struck a needed chord inme - kind o reminding me that while Jesus is high and exalted,Hes also as near as my next breath. Perhaps God might use it tostir up my courage to speak more reely and personally aboutMY Jesus. Maybe Hell do the same or you. Read slowly andenjoy!

Can I Tell You About My Friend Jesus?September 16, 2013 by Jared C. Wilson

A while back I began a series o tweets over several days

reecting on my riendship with Jesus. The response washeartwarming, as many seemed to indicate they ound theupdates helpul and encouraging. Somebody suggested I writea book on the subject, but I hope you will settle or a blog post.Here are the tweets about my riend Jesus. I hope he is yourriend too.

I love my riend Jesus because he knows everything Ive everthought and still doesnt cross the street to avoid me whenhe sees me coming.

I love my riend Jesus because the blood o his sacricespeaks a better word than the sweat o my eort, and heshouts it triumphantly.

I love my riend Jesus because he chased ater me when Iran away and he didnt stop til I was ound.

My riend Jesus? Hes a storm-hushing, tomb-busting,dragon-crushing brother.

I love my riend Jesus because he took my death, eventhough he had plenty o time to think it over and everyreason to say no.

I love my riend Jesus because hes never let me and wontever leave me, even when Im most leave-able.

I love my riend Jesus because even when hes laughingat me, hes laughing with me. There is no guile in him, nomockery.

I love my riend Jesus because even when he calls me on mybull he doesnt nag or shame me.

I love my riend Jesus because he never checks his watchwhile Im talking to him.

I love my riend Jesus because he never brings up my oldstu.

I love my riend Jesus because, while the crowd gathers withtheir stones on that side, he stands on this side o the linewith me.

I love my riend Jesus because he keeps the devil on a leashlike a dog but will throw him into the lake o re like hes acat. #dogperson

I love my riend Jesus because he doesnt nitpick.

I love my riend Jesus because he never leaves me behind.

I love my riend Jesus because he waits unhurried with me.

I love my riend Jesus because when I enter the room, hedoesnt shake his head & mutter This guy but smiles andshouts This guy!

I love my riend Jesus because, though he has every right tobe, he is nevertheless not ashamed to call me his brother.

I love my riend Jesus because he doesnt get upset withme.

I love my riend Jesus because he is orgiver, healer,conqueror, king, God.

I love my riend Jesus because he uses the dirt o mysermons to open blind eyes. What a powerul, graciousriend.

I love my riend Jesus because he doesnt just erase therecords against me, he burns the record book and scattersthe ashes to nothing.

I love my riend Jesus because when he sees me shufing intail between my legs, he runs to meet me in welcome.

I love my riend Jesus because he doesnt pass on alse

reports about me but is glad to be my eternal advocate.

I love my riend Jesus because he upholds the universeby the word o his power. I am in good with the boss oexistence.

I love my riend Jesus because he just straight-up nohesitations, no qualications, no is ands or buts lovesme.

I love my riend Jesus because while many give me trouble,he gives me rest.

I love my riend Jesus because when all around my soulgives way, he is all my hope and stay.

I love my riend Jesus because he always lives to intercedeor me.

I love my riend Jesus because I can just be mysel with him.

I love my riend Jesus because he is innitely rich with graceand a big spender.

I love my riend Jesus because he makes me eel like aconqueror but he does it without eeding my ego.

Grace and peace to you . . . Mark Monore, Lay Leader Ithaca UMC


5/6

Ithaca/Beebe Newsletter The Vine - October 20135

Beebe Corner

Beebe services begin at 9:00 a.m. and we welcome guests at any time. Our church

is located at the corner o North Baldwin and East Tyler Roads.

October Greetings rom Beebe UMC

Growing in Grace Sue Silverthorn, Evangelism Facilitator

The Bible tells us in the book o James about Gods glorious

wisdom. The Lord calls us to humbly receive and grow inHis perect wisdom. Yet mankind, throughout the ages, hasbelieved in many alse teachings that ocus on elevating theindividual person and calling this kind o thinking wisdominstead.

I used to thinkthat i I gained knowledge then I had alsogained wisdom. But wisdom is ar greater than knowledge.Knowledge usually comes by learning the rules o a situation aswell as learning the acts. There are many people on this earththat the world considers to be great; yet, the Bible in Job 32:9says, Great men are not always wise. Isaiah 5:21 and Proverbs3:7 tell us we are not to be wise in our own eyes. And Proverbs26:12 says, there is more hope or a ool than or a man wise inhis own eyes.

God calls us all to seek true wisdom because wisdom is betterthan gold. ( Proverbs 16:16 ). And we are to seek it rom theLord who gives it to men liberally.( James 1:5 ). True wisdomcomes rom the Lord.

James 3:13 asks the question, Who is wise andunderstanding among you? and then answered it with, Lethim show it by his good lie, by deeds done in the humility thatcomes rom wisdom.

So, where do we nd wisdom rom God? According to ICorinthians 1:24, CHRIST is the power o God and the wisdomo God. CHRIST is not the quick, easy answer to the question;

rather, CHRIST is the rich, powerul, sovereign answer rom God!! Praise the Lord!

James continues on and tells us that i any o us have envy

or selsh ambition in our hearts (the opposite o humility),we should not boast about it or deny it. Because this kind othinking does not come down rom heaven; rather, it is earthly,and o the devil, or where there is envy or selsh ambitionthere will be disorder and every evil practice. (James 3:14-16).

But the wisdom that comes rom heaven is frst o all pure;then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, ull o mercy andgood ruit, impartial and sincere.(James 3:17).

Wow! Wisdom rom above is amazing!! First o all, it is pure;there is no hint or a shadow o anything less than pure! It isocused on peace and thoughtul o others. It is also willing tosubmit and yield to a request in compassion and orgiveness.And it does not avor one person above another and is honest

and genuine.

Wisdom rom above is glorious, beautiul and powerul! Thepeace it sows brings righteousness to others through CHRIST!By Gods grace, as we grow in understanding and wisdom romabove, the Lords wisdom produces a humble understanding inour hearts that we owe everythinglie, breath, love and peacein grace to CHRIST!

I encourage you to Draw near to God and he will draw near toyou. (James 4:8). Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart,your soul and your mind; and love your neighbor as yoursel.(Matthew 22:37-39).

It has been a beautiul week. Perect weather to accomplish our yard work beore the leavescome tumbling down.

We now have a Sunday school program or the young children under the direction o MarthaAnderson. Its good to see so many young ones attending.

We said goodby to our aithul member, Marian Schleder. She was just a ew days short o her 95th birthday. She was a memberover 70 years and served the church in many ways. Seh was an example o Proverbs 31 and will especially remembered or heramous angel ood cakes, sugar cookies, coee cakes, and homemade dinner rolls. She will be greatly missed by her amily andriends.

October Birthdays: 10 - Holly Barcia 25 - Martha Anderson

The date has been set or our Christmas program and potluck. It will be December 7 at 5:00 p.m. Bring a dish to pass. Tableservice will be provided.


6/6


Adult Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. in the Wesley Room

K-5 Sunday School - 10:30 am. Education Wing

Second Saturday of each month - Servants in Action

Vital Beginning Bible Study every Sunday 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Sunday Night Youth Group - 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Fortress - Every Friday 9:30 p.m. after the game (No school, no Fortress)

October 6 - Town Hall Meeting following worship ser vice

October 6 - CROP Hunger Walk at the Alma Public Library

October 6 - World Communion Sunday

October 16 - BINS UMW Harvest Potluck, 6:00 p.m. at Ithaca UMC

October 20 - Leadership Team 1:30 p.m. Ad Board follows at 3:00 p.m.All members are highly encouraged to attend.

October 25 - deadline for newsletter and webpage articles to KarenWeller

BINS UMW will be hosting aHarvest Potluck Supper

Wednesday, October 165:00 p.m. at Ithaca UMC

All are welcome

Please join us and see who

we are honoring this year.

Steveie Watson is our guest speaker.

Mark your calendars . . .The Free Store is coming to ourchurch, November 15 & 16, 2013

An outreach ministry, coordinated by a Sunday night Bible

study group, The Radicals, is coming in November.

Ater studying Radical or 10 weeks, this group wanted to

make I will commit my lie to a multiplying communitya

reality, which is part o the Radical Experiment.

God began uncovering blind spots in our eyes as we looked

at the enormous amount o things we have and could do

without and decided it was time to give things away.

We will ofer gently used-good quality clothing or all amily

members, and miscellaneous household items at no cost(everything is FREE) to people in our community. Because

winter is just around the corner, we would also like to ocus

on new or gently-used winter coats, boots, hats, and gloves

or kids.

Perhaps, even some Christmas toys could be available to our

amilies, so i you would like to donate new or used toys that

would be greatly appreciated.

We need your help. We are seekingdonations rom our

church amily and immediate amilies or new or gently-used

clothing and household items. I you are like our small study

group, you most likely have things that are cluttering yourlie. We will be glad to take them o your hands.

The downstairs area o Ithaca UMC is reserved or the

collection o items. Beginning Monday, November 4 through

Wednesday, November 13, you can drop your items o at the

church. Tables will be set up in the church basement or these

items.

Our team realizes the importance o how distribution o ree

items should be determined and we are working on that

process.

We are hopeul that this project will be just the rst in manynew eorts to reach out to our community and to take care

o our neighbors. You never know when Jesus might walk

through the doors and need a new coat or a pair o shoes . . .

For more inormation, please contact: Sherri Moon,

Donnalea Chafn or Karen Weller.

Documents

"The Vine" October 2013 Edition