Weekly News from WCUMC-11/03/2013

Sharing the transforming love of Jesus, across the street and around the world.

Living God's Grace in an Unbelieving World

A Sermon Series on 1 Peter

“Living with Hope in the Midst of Suffering”

In previous weeks of this series, we have looked at Peter's first letter to the Church, and we've seen him encouraging Christ-followers to live with the HOPE of Jesus, no matter what situations they (we) go through. Peter's first letter is a message of HOPE, to encourage us to live God's grace in an unbelieving world.

In 1 Peter 4:1-11, Peter highlights four attitudes that Christians should mature in throughout their lifetimes:

1. A bold attitude toward sin (vs 1-2) Therefore, since Christ suffered as a human, you should also arm yourselves with his way of thinking. This is because whoever suffers is finished with sin. As a result, they don’t live the rest of their human lives in ways determined by human desires but in ways determined by God’s will.

2. A patient attitude toward unbelievers (vs. 4-6) They think it’s strange that you don’t join in these activities with the same flood of unrestrained wickedness. So they slander you. They will have to reckon with the one who is ready to judge the living and the dead. Indeed, this is the reason the good news was also

preached to the dead. This happened so that, although they were judged as humans according to human standards, they could live by the Spirit according to divine standards.

3. An expectant attitude toward Christ's return (vs. 7) The end of everything has come. Therefore, be self-controlled and clearheaded so you can pray.

4. A passionate attitude toward believers (vs. 8-11) Above all, show sincere love to each other, because love brings about the forgiveness of many sins. Open your homes to each other without complaining. And serve each other according to the gift each person has received, as good managers of God’s diverse gifts. Whoever speaks should do so as those who speak God’s word. Whoever serves should do so from the strength that God furnishes. Do this so that in everything God may be honored through Jesus Christ. To him be honor and power forever and always. Amen.

In 1 Peter 4:12-19, Peter talks of how all Christians will face various kinds of persecution in this world as we faithfully live the life God commands us to live:

1. Expect suffering (vs. 12) Dear friends, don’t be surprised about the fiery trials that have come among you to test you. These are not strange happenings.

2. Rejoice in sharing Christ's suffering (vs. 13-14) Instead, rejoice as you share Christ’s suffering. You share his suffering now so that you may also have overwhelming joy when his glory is revealed. If you are mocked because of Christ’s name, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory—indeed, the Spirit of God—rests on you.

3. Evaluate our lives (vs. 15-18) Now none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or evildoer or rebel. But don’t be ashamed if you suffer as one who belongs to Christ. Rather, honor God as you bear Christ’s name. Give honor to God. . .

4. Commit ourselves to God (vs.19) . . . those who suffer because they follow God’s will should commit their lives to a trustworthy creator by doing what is right.

Next week’s message "A Faithful Life of Humility" 1 Peter 5:1-11 Pastor Rick Vinther preaching

THIS WEEK AT WCUMC

Sunday - 11/03

Evening Prayer, 5:30 PM, Prayer Room

Young Families Group, 6:00 - 8:30 PM. Memorial Room

Monday - 11/04

Talk Time, 6:00 PM, Crossfire Room

Tuesday - 11/05

Women's Bible Fellowship, 9:20 - 11:45 AM, Gathering Place Men's Bible Study, 9:45 - 11:15 AM, Room 10

Sewing Group, 6:30 PM, Memorial Room

Wednesday - 11/06

Wednesday Women's Bible Study, 10:00 - 11:00 AM, Memorial Room

Prison Ministry meets in Church parking lot at 5:40 PM

Youth Group/Crossfire, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Crossfire Room

Choir, 7:15 - 8:30 PM. Sanctuary

Thursday - 11/07

Friday - 11/08

Prime Timers Dinner, 6:00 PM, Celebration Hall

Saturday - 11/09

Men's Group Study, 7:30 AM. Celebration Hall

Sunday - 11/10 -

Adult Sunday School Classes, 9:00 AM

Nursery Care is available in the Children’s Wing during worship

10:30 AM Worship Service

Tweeners Class for 5th-8th graders, 11:00 AM, Memorial Room

Evening Prayer, 5:30 PM, Prayer Room

Wednesday Women's Group

Advent Study

Join us on Wednesday, October 30 at 10:00 AM in the Memorial room for the six-week study "Advent of the Savior".

On a seemingly ordinary day, in a manger in the middle of bustling, overcrowded Bethlehem, the promised Messiah slipped into the world as a tiny baby. Thousands had longed for his coming, few witnessed his entrance, but millions have been changed by his life.

These six studies, edited by Cindy Bunch, will introduce you to the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus, remind you of God's faithfulness and power to fulfill his promises, and draw you more deeply into the

love that brought Christ to earth.

Questions? Contact Evelyn Carlson, ecarlson@wcumc.org or 425-483-5252.

Join the Warm Greetings

Espresso Team

Learn to make espresso drinks! Don't be shy. You too can be a Barista. Anyone 14 or older is welcome. Your commitment can be weekly, monthly, or as needed, with after service help the most needed. Contact Mary Sutton at matermary@hotmail.com, or talk with her on Sunday.

Prime Timer's Dinner

Friday, November 8

"One by One" - A Ministry of Music

Join us on Friday at 6:00 PM to hear a talented singing group accompanied by Connie Simms (previously a pianist at WCUMC). The entree - baked ham - will be provided. Sign up for a side dish and come join us for a great time of fellowship and music.

Congregational Lunch & Conversation November 17, 12 Noon - 2:00 PM

All WCUMC members are invited to a special event to enjoy lunch and discuss our church finances.

Revel in the Excel Spread Sheets

Delight at numbers being crunched

Marvel in the nuances of the graphs

Give your input and feedback to our 2013 income and the 2014 budget development. We desire your comments.

Sincerely, Your Finance Committee

"Finding Bethlehem in the

Midst of Bedlam"

The Open Door Class invites you to join us at 9:00 AM on Sunday, November 24 as we take time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas with a 5-week Advent study.

Christmas or confusion, Bethlehem or bedlam . . . Which will you choose this year? The truth is, we don’t have to choose, because Christmas always happens right in the midst of our confusion. God breaks into our confusion and is made known in Jesus Christ.

That’s what this study is about––how Christ breaks into our chaos and confusion and brings

Christmas––how Bethlehem always happens in the midst of bedlam.

This thematic Advent study for 2013 has five sessions. Each chapter includes questions for reflection and discussion, a brief prayer, a focus for the week, and six daily Bible readings for personal devotional time during the week.

All are welcome. Books are $10. Contact Don Morgan at dsmorg2@comcast.net to order.

SOCK IT TO HOMELESSNESS

You can make a difference in the life of a homeless person.

Start collecting men's new white socks, and bring them in during our Open House Sock Drive Kick-Off

Sunday, October 20, 2013'1:30 - 3:00 PM

Operation Nightwatch

302 14th Ave S, Seattle, (between Jackson & Yesler)

We need two additional teams (2 per team) for Panera Bread runs on Friday evening.

Pick up at Panera Bread in Woodinville.

Friday nights, 9:00 PM, after restaurant closes.

Transport bread to the Storehouse.

Re-package bread and shelve it.

Most teams serve 1 time per month.

It will take approximately 1 hour of your time.

A fun thing for a family to do together.

The Woodinville Storehouse Food Bank will again be giving out Thanksgiving meals and turkeys to our clients.

Our Church has been asked to provide cranberry sauce and stuffing/dressing. Donations can be put in any of the donation bins located around the church. We will also be taking cash donations to buy the turkeys. Checks can be made out to the Woodinville Storehouse Food Bank and turned in at the office. Donations need to be turned in by November 17 for November 20 distribution.

At Christmas time, we will be giving away homemade cookies. If you would like to make cookies, please contact Della Haug at 425-483-1391 or dellahaug@hotmail.com.

This Week's Needs:

Cereal Peanut Butter

Cranberry Sauce

Dressing/Stuffing

Thank you for your continued support.

www.woodinvillestorehouse.org

Since 1993, more than 100 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have experienced God’s love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child. Samaritan’s Purse works with local churches and ministry partners to deliver the gifts and share the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ.

Come to the church office to pick up a shoebox. Or you can also use and empty shoebox or a small plastic container. Please pick up a form with suggested items to fill your box based on age and gender. Typical items are toys, school supplies and close, but we also ask you to pray for this program.

Please donate $7 or more for each shoebox to help cover shipping and other project costs. Write you check to Samaritan's Purse (note OCC on memo line) and place in an envelope inside your box. DO NOT WRAP YOUR BOX. Place a large rubber band around each closed shoebox and drop it off at the church office.

Deadline is Sunday, November 17.

Questions? Contact Denise in the church office, or Kristin Gulledge - 425-488-4284 - artsymom@yahoo.com.

Financial Snapshot

General Fund

Income, week ended 10/27/13 $ 4,626

Income, weekly average, year-to-date $ 9,587

Expenses, weekly average, year-to-date $ 9,621

Weekly average, budgeted expenses $ 10,413

Faith Promise Total Faith Promises pledged $ 90,342

Faith Promise beginning balance $ 21,016

Received as of 10/27/13 $ 84,492

Disbursed as of 10/27/13 $ 93,120

Prayer Chain Requests

Prayer Chain requests call Barbara Clark 425-483-3885. After 6:00 PM call Mary Harvey at 425-827-2883 or call the church at 425-483-5252 during office hours.

We hope to see you in church this Sunday and God Bless.

Have a great week!

This newsletter is published by Woodinville Community United Methodist Church for our members, friends and all who love Jesus. Our vision is "To Share the Transforming Love of Jesus Christ Across the Street and Around the World". If you are looking for a church home with loving, devoted followers of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we invite you to attend our Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 each Sunday. We are located at 17110 140th Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072. Learn more at www.wcumc.org.