"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness." - Philippians 2:4-7
We can be called in subtle ways to be servants. We have so many opportunities to volunteer at our feet. One recurrent theme in volunteering is that we are more blessed by serving others than we are blessing others with our service. In being open to opportunities around us, we are given the privilege to serve. Just as Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, let us wash the feet of others in different ways. Often when we feel an obligation to serve, we find a calling that benefits us in ways in which we never dreamed.
Example at hand is helping with children’s Sunday school. I help Pam Wilson two Sundays of the month with the 4th and 5th grade 10:45 class. What a great group of kids with abounding energy and enthusiasm! In addition to learning from the kids, I also get to learn many lessons from the Old Testament that I didn’t know. I find myself looking forward to the weeks I help with this class rather than looking forward to having an extra hour to myself. My heart soars when one of the students tells me that they are happy I’m there. The blessings received from Pam and the kids are the high point of my week! I walk to my car feeling truly blessed. It will be with a great deal of pride that I watch the 5th graders go to the Confirmation class and I’ll look forward to seeing the 4th graders become 5th graders, and greet a new class of 4th graders at the end of August.
What other opportunities am I missing? It is a challenge to listen for God’s calling. Thank you Wylie UMC for such great opportunities!
Put on your Spring finest to join the women of Wylie United Methodist Church and their guests for an afternoon tea.
Sunday, May 5th
2:30-4:00 PM
Wylie UMC
Attendance is free, but guests are encouraged bring a food item for donation to the Wylie Christian Care Center. The nursery area will be available for little brothers and sisters too young to attend.
“All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to his purposes.” – Romans 8:28
By Betty King
As has become my habit, when I woke this morning I enjoyed the luxury of lying in bed, saying my prayers and doing a little meditating. The big thing for me is something I have talked about the past year and a half after my husband passed away and our home on about 1 1/2 acres that we built and moved into in 1979, became more upkeep than I wanted to do. My Son lives next door and helps, but he has his hands full without the upkeep and repairs on mine.
So, I’m making arrangements for my grandson to move into home and I move to an apartment. You can imagine what a big step this is for me. I have such mixed feelings. Yet, I keep moving forward with the plans. I have prayed about this. My family and friends have as well. I am 77 years old and was married 54 years. I am excited and scared!
I was having second thoughts a few days ago and looked out at my very big flower bed and the yard that already needs mowing and was assured I am excited and scared! Was having second thoughts a few days ago and looked out at my very big flower bed and the yard that already needs mowing and was assured I am doing the right thing.
Because I have prayed about this, I feel sure this is o.k. with God. In fact I feel that there would have been roadblocks that would have kept me right where I am had it not been o.k. with God. So, I am moving forward with the knowledge that it is his will and I am anxious to see what plans he has for me in my "new normal".
Matthew 6: 33-34 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
The Sermon on the Mount is a common part of the New Testament studied during the season of Lent. Studying Jesus’s teachings is so very comforting, as we see how they still apply to us today. One of my favorite parts is in the book of Matthew, Chapter 6, versus 26 -34 where Jesus reassures us that if God provides for the birds in the air and the flowers in the fields, He is going to take care of us.
Our faith needs to be directed toward Him as He knows our needs. We don’t need to plan for tomorrow because God has it under control! I think deep down, we know this, but it is so hard to give up the worry and the self control of timing. We want resolutions to problems and issues when we want it – not in God’s time.
This year has presented a perfect example of this situation for me. January 7th our department at work was told that our temporary position we had been working for the past two years was ending. We were told that it would be a matter of days – not weeks or months – in which we would receive information on what our new roles would be. Well, days did stretch into almost two months.
My great discovery was that in patiently waiting for our redeployment news, there was down time that I could use to get caught up on personal things and get some rest. The best part of the rest however, was the mental peace. Signs started indicating that we were valued and that it was just taking time to find the best opportunities for my co-workers and myself. The wait was worth it as God provided what seemed to be a miracle in keeping us together and in a similar location. God does provide for us, even when times are hard.
We are once again holding a bake sale on Easter Sunday, March 31 at Wylie UMC to benefit Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society. If you recall the Christmas Cookie Caper last December, this bake sale will be laid out similarly. Our Munchies for Missions Circle is taking the lead this year to help bake and run the sale. They need your help though to donate other baked goods: cupcakes, cakes, breads, cookies, pies, bars, etc. Please drop off your donations in the church kitchen on Saturday, March 30 (any time that day) or on Sunday, March 31 (by 8:30am).
We’ll also be selling Relay for Life luminarias and UMC car decals at the bake sale. Please connect with Sandy Donovan ([email protected]) if you’d like to join our Relay for Life team.
Thanks in advance for your support! And now, the cutest Easter baking from Pinterest. May this inspire you!
One of the most interesting books I have read from the UMW Reading Program list is Praying for Strangers: An Adventure of the Human Spirit. River Jordan, the author, describes her experiences with her resolution to pray for a stranger each day. Often, she would tell the person that he or she was her “stranger for the day.” Almost always, the person responded with gratefulness that someone had singled them out for good thoughts, blessings, and prayer. Ms. Jordan says, “I believe we greatly underestimate our power to pray, to affect someone’s story in a positive way. For that one word, one touch to be something that they carry home with them and hold steady in their hearts.”
Now and then, she would do a little more – help an elderly person, hold a crying baby, give a little money to someone who was struggling financially, or share lunch with a lonely person. But most of the time, she simply thought about the person, promised to pray for them, and followed through on that promise. She wonders about the impact if perhaps she was the last person in their lives who talked to them or prayed for them. She thinks about the future of the baby who was about to be given up by his mother and be adopted by someone. She hopes she can help out an elderly person (similar to her mother in another state) whose family cannot see them often. Maybe she was able to throw a lifeline to someone who was at the end of her rope and contemplating suicide.
Ms. Jordan believes this exercise helped her grow. While she may have made important differences in the lives of her strangers each day, she learned to pay more attention to those around her, to be attentive to their needs, to come out of her shell, and to become a better human being; and she learned the importance of human contact and communication with God through intercessory prayer for people.
I love books that give me ideas of ways that I can make a difference. While I haven’t yet committed to praying for a stranger each day and telling them that I’m praying for them, I’m thinking about it. And I have found myself noticing strangers in my daily life and saying a prayer for them. I encourage everyone to read this book. Just think of the impact we could make if many of us started praying each day for the strangers we meet. (In fact, even those who are mostly homebound can pray for people they read about in the newspaper or on the Internet!) Our prayers could make differences in the lives of those for whom we pray, but my guess is that we will see huge differences in our own lives!
Ms. Jordan closes with: “I’m beginning to see that the part of me that reaches out to the homeless and the well-to-do, the young and the aged, the broken and lost, is the one that matters most. My heart has opened up so much further than I ever dreamed possible. These strangers, this adventure, are making me a better person in spite of myself. Once an internal recluse, I’m more open to not only meeting people, but opening myself up to truly caring what happens in their lives. I’m more patient to listen on my better days. And it must be obvious in some way. They find me on the streets, in libraries, and on street corners. They even find me in my dreams. Just last night, a face I would have thought long forgotten was suddenly there speaking her soft, simple requests. … I said another prayer for her, one more hopeful blessing for a soul I had encountered many, many months ago. … We don’t come into this world separate, or belonging to a select few, but we’re a part of the human race. All of us amazingly the same in spite of our differences. This is the real thing. We belong to each other. We always have. And in the process of my understanding this, of walking out this resolution, I’ve lost my regret and instead have counted it lost if I don’t touch a life, offer a smile, a prayer, a pause along the way. So every day I continue to do this one tiny thing. This one tiny, incredible thing.”
Our yearly event provides a unique opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against cancer.
The event takes place on Friday, May 10, at 6pm at Shaffer Stadium. All are welcome to spend the entire night with us or if you choose, come to walk a lap or two or help us sell popcorn at our “campsite”.
A very special event is the Luminaria Ceremony, with hundreds of illuminated paper bags lining the track. These bags can be purchased for $10 to honor or to remember our loved ones.
Wylie UMW has supported the Relay For Life for all 5 years it has been held in Wylie. Please prayerfully consider joining our team. Call me at 214-477-2613 or email me at [email protected] for more information.
Help us fight back against cancer! Every dollar you collect, every person you tell and every step you take helps in the fight against cancer. Please take this chance to make a difference!!
PS If you care to make a donation to the American Cancer Society, you can do so online at www.relayforlife.org/wylietx and go to our Wylie United Methodist Church team.
Last month I started committng much of my free time to helping my parents organize their house and storage spaces. They have lived in the same house for 27 years and in that time have accumulated an enormous amount of stuff. Dad collects electronics and music, including records, CDs, cassettes and even a-tracks. Mom collects craft supplies that someone might need for Girl Scouts at a later time. Why I always wonder is it so hard for them to part with these things that just sit on shelves and are often forgotten? I’m not different really; I love spending money on books even though my bookshelf is brimming with ones I haven’t yet read.
We all have our own weaknesses for stockpiling more and more. In our consumer-driven world, it’s almost of badge of honor to show what your money can buy. My dad once told me that he worked damn hard to be able to buy what he wants. He never had it as good as a kid, and we should be more grateful. Like my parents, most people are running out of space in their homes for their material possessions and rent out storage unit space. Yet, we often forget how little others have and how precious the basic necessities of life are for people not only in third-world countries but in our own communities.
The early Christians understood this. In the years following Christ’s resurrection, “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” (Acts 4:32) During this time, Christians lived in God’s powerful grace by serving those in need. In fact, several who were well off sold their land and houses, bringing the money to the apostles to be distributed to the poor. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, sold a field he owned, for example, and gave the money to the apostles.
Yet, not all of the followers were fully faithful. Ananias and his wife Sapphira also sold a piece of property but kept back part of the money for themselves. Then they lied to the apostles about how much they really made on the land. Peter’s response: Why do you think you can lie to the Holy Spirit who is well aware of your sin? The two paid the full price for their deceit, instantly dropping dead at the pronouncement of Peter’s words.
Are we any different than Ananias and Sapphira today? I think on the many times I have served God, through volunteer work or making donations, and also attempted to bargain with Him so I can get away with doing the bare minimum. I donate what I don’t want and cling to the good stuff – even things that I don’t necessarily use but make me feel impressive in the world’s eyes. I settle for ‘good enough’ in lieu of giving Him my all.
The Bible is full of other countless examples of people who tried serving God and also their worldly desires. 1 Samuel tells the story of Israel’s first king, Saul, who wasn’t very great at the job. After failing to obey God too many times to count, God gives him one more chance (1 Samuel 15). He asks Saul to attack the Amalekites and totally destroy ALL that belongs to them. His army was to put to death all men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys as punishment for what they did to Israel. So, Saul attacked the Amalekites and destroyed everything God had commanded… except for Agag their king, the best of the sheep and cattle, and the fat calves and lambs – basically, everything that was good in Saul’s eyes. He killed everything that was despised or weak. As a result of his disobedience, God rejects Saul as king over Israel and anoints David, a better candidate, as the next in line for the throne.
What is our benefit in trying to serve God and fulfill our earthly desires? Do we think that because we gave Him some, we can take a little on the side for us? Why do we strive to store up treasures on earth, which grow dust, lose value and go out of style, rather than storing up treasures in heaven? (Matthew 6:20). Jesus teaches that we cannot serve two masters – both God and Money. Either we will hate one and love the other, or we will be devoted to one and despise the other. (Matthew 6:24).
We can’t have it both ways. We can’t serve both God and the world. Galatians 1:10 says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Spring is a time to clean out and clear away the excess. What is holding you back from fully serving God? Are you clinging to stuff that may bring you temporary satisfaction but hinders your relationship with Jesus? If not, sell or donate it. Re-prioritize your time to focus on efforts that serve God’s kingdom and not gain you notoriety here on earth.
Jeanne Tussy recently came across this powerful message about our tool box as Christians and wanted to share it with everyone in UMW. Thanks, Jeanne!
By Barbara Alpert
Take today’s next step: One of the best ways to grow in your faith is to share it. Learn how.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man (woman) of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
It is astounding how many tools my husband has purchased throughout the years. He has toolboxes filled with stuff for working on the cars, other equipment for tending to the lawn, and necessities for maintenance and repair work around the house. Without investing in these essential tools and equipment, he would not be able to be a good steward of the things God has blessed and entrusted to our care.
Similarly, it is wise for us to invest in things that will permit our spiritual growth, maturity, faith, and walk with the Lord to flourish. An effective Christian toolbox, a survival kit for living the Christian life, may include the following:
A Bible – the ultimate source for our Christian life
A Concordance – this tool allows you to look up and locate a specific word found throughout the Bible
A Commentary – this tool aids in expanded studies of the Bible by providing an explanation and interpretation of Scripture passages
A prayer journal and a private place for prayer with God
A church where you worship and praise God, serve and fellowship with other believers
A supply of praise and worship music
A few wise spiritual mentors and a small group fellowship
A submissive, teachable, forgiving heart that is willing to be transformed by God’s indwelling Holy Spirit
A testimony to share with others and the ability to offer the prayer of salvation
A compassionate heart ready to serve God and others
There you have it! Ten wise, valuable tools that will equip and enable you to fulfill the wonderful plans God has for you.
Father God, I thank You for all that You have been doing in my life. I pray that as I seek to know You more fully by studying Your word and listening to Your Spirit I will be more equipped to carry out the goods works You desire. I give You permission to fine-tune areas of my life that are in need of repair, healing and restoration. I wholeheartedly seek to maintain my Christian integrity, which brings glory, honor, and praise to You and Your kingdom work here on earth and in heaven. In Jesus name I pray, Amen
How many of us know women - grandmothers, mothers, aunts, sisters and friends - who understand us and speak to our expressed and perceived needs? How many times have we felt and sometimes said that these women understand us or our needs even better than we do ourselves?
The Bible is replete with stories of God-fearing women who see the needs around them and respond with God's grace. "A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised," notes Proverbs 31:30 as it extols the actions and attitudes of a woman. She is celebrated not only for the way in which she takes care of her household but also how "she opens her hand to the poor, and reaches our her hands to the needy" (Proverbs 31:20).
In Matthew 26:6-13 a nameless woman comes to Jesus as he is visiting the house of Simon in Bethany carrying an alabaster jar of very costly perfume. She breaks the jar and pours the perfume on Jesus' head. She affirms both his ministry on earth and his impending death. The woman recognizes the cost of Jesus' incarnation: "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor" (2 Corinthians 8:9) and his saving death on the cross - "by his bruises we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). Jesus names the announting woman saying that whereever the good news is preached, "what she has done will be told in rememberance of her" (Matthew 26:13).
Likewise, in Mark 12:41-44 we see a poor widow bringing her offering to the temple treasury. As she puts her two small coins in the chest, Jesus calls his disciples and tells them that she has given more than all those contributing to the treasury. She has given her all. Jesus notices the widow's investment and calls attention to her deed.
During Jesus' ministry on earth, many women became followers of Jesus. They recognized the words of life that he taught them. They recognized how Jesus met their own needs for healing and wholeness. They also perceived the needs of those around him and they fulfilled those needs out of their own resources (Luke 8:3b).
Today, United Methodist Women members are doing just that. In response to the fullness of life that Jesus gives them they are extending wholeness and healing and abundance to others who are left out of God's table. They form a sisterhood of grace as they work with and through missionaries and invite others to join in this important work.
Reflect
Whom do you include in your sisterhood of grace?
Whom is God calling you to make new connections with?
Pray
Almighty God, you are the originator of mission. You touch us by your love so that we can become transformers in the world in situations that need compassion and justice. Remind us, dear Lord, when the burdens seem too great that we are not alone. You have provided us your grace and the fellowship of sisters and brothers in mission. Thank you for this creative and supportive community. Amen.
An excerpt from the United Methodist Women Program Book 2012-2013, 'Living the Heart of God'
Have you called a friend to say hello today? Have you talked with a friend about women’s ministries lately? Take some time out of your busy life to share your love of God with another lady.
Call a friend and offer to meet them for lunch or coffee. It will be time well spent.
As you prepare to gather, be in prayer about these four things:
Ask them how their spouse (or family) is doing.
Ask them how their job (or free time) is going.
Ask them how things are between them and the Lord.
And finally, offer to pray for them this week.
You both will be blessed. Spread God's love through your voice with other women.
“This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.” – 1 John 3:11
Can you remember specific events that happened when you were 10 or 22 or 35? Can you remember exactly how you felt at the time of those events? It’s amazing, but you can remember, even decades later! You know you’re the same person that you were then. But you also know that you have changed in so many ways since then, and you know that you have grown to be different from the person you were then.
Life brings changes to all of us. Death, divorce, and loss are unwanted and often unexpected. Motherhood, jobs, and relationships can change us in many positive ways. Retirement and moves are changes that can cause mixed feelings.
Ronald J. Greer, in the UMW Reading Program book If You Know Who You Are You’ll Know What to Do: Living with Integrity, includes a chapter called “Who Am I Now?” He uses the words of Paul from Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God.” Greer says that “Paul begins by discounting what this world might choose or what it might think of your decision. This is your life, and this decision is in your hands.” Changes can be times for us to discern the will of God for us now, at this time of our lives, after this change.
Integrity, according to Greer, means knowing who God created me to be and what God intends for me now – at this time in my life! I believe that God can take all our life experiences and all the changes that we have gone through and use them for his purpose. Greer continues, “You have the power to choose what is best for you and what is next for you. Robert Louis Stevenson said, ‘Life often isn’t a matter of being dealt good cards but of playing a poor hand well.’ You have been dealt a new hand – not necessarily a poor one, but a different one. Look at the cards you now are holding. Play them intentionally, and play them well.” Our experiences, the changes in our lives, and even our losses can lead us down new paths of service. We need to discern what is God’s will for us now, we need to be willing to follow what God intends for us now, and we need to choose what is next for us.
Prayer thought: God, let me be open to new avenues of service for you at this time of my life. Guide me in discerning what is next for me. Use my combined experiences to help someone else in a unique way.
We have such a short period of time on this earth and I feel I must make every second count, so I always keep busy. Sometimes that means we’re too busy for quality time with God. Despite my hectic schedule, I strive to put Jesus first in my life. Although I know he’s always there, I make a conscious effort to ask him to be with me each day. Here are five things that work for me:
(1) I’ll say a quick, short prayer before my feet hit the floor after the alarm clock goes off.
(2) I don’t listen to music when I run in the morning; instead, I use that hour to have a conversation with Him.
(3) I find ways to share the word with others, and in turn, their insights and opinions teach me more about Him too.
(4) I have to stay involved in a women’s small group study. As women, we go through similar trials, frustrations and situations. We have each other to lean on for support and you know they’ll understand what’s on your plate.
(5) Feeling like the day is gone and you still missed time with God? I usually feel this way after work on the drive home, so I’ll hit “shuffle” on my worship music playlist and belt out some of my favorite worship songs. It’s a 30-45 minute praise session, and I always feel more connected by the time I pull up in the driveway.
I do my best to make sure there is some scheduled, designated time with Him most days. It can be difficult because life gets in the way, but you have to try…and eventually, it becomes habit. Find opportunities through your hobbies, activities, schedule to spend time with God. Be creative; it might be a little easier than you think and before you know it, He’s an active part of most of your activities.
Matthew 6:33: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
