The Pastor's Page - A Monthly Reflection
Take Time to Enjoy Advent

1.        Are you committed to too many things?  
2.        Do you find yourself running between church, school, family,
job, sports, social events, shopping, fitness clubs and many other
commitments?
3.        Has anyone ever told you that you must learn to say no when
asked to do more things?  If this describes you, you may have a
problem with over involvement, but this is not necessarily a
commitment problem.  What then, is commitment?

Commitment is not a scheduling problem.  It is not measured by the
level of one’s business.  Commitment, is a matter of the heart.  It
involves both a selfless willingness to serve and a clear sense of
priorities.  Commitment to God does not always mean, “Let’s get busy
right now.”  Commitment to the Lord starts with slowing down and
carefully discerning God’s will, presence and work in the world.

Commitment begins with slowing down.  If we take the opposite path,
the path of diving right in the commercialization of Advent; we run
the risk of missing what God may be telling us through the subtle
clues that the spirit of advent brings to us.  We may become more and
more frantic in our busyness.  

If we will slow down as to listen, we will hear again the spirit
teaching us again about commitment as we are invited once again to
examine the lives of persons like Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph, the
Shepherds, Wise men, et cetera.  Persons like Mary slowed down and
took time to listen to the message of the angels, to praise God, and to
share what God was doing with others like Elisabeth and Joseph.  She
slowed down as to seek to be faithful to Jesus through His life and did
not abandon Him even at His betrayal, death on the cross and
resurrection.  She was a woman of deep faith and prayer.  

I hope you will take the time this advent to reflect on the praise that
flowed from Mary’s heart.  May your heart resonate with Mary’s
heart this advent.  May you be filled with joy in serving.  May you
not lose the wonder in the ordinary in the name of Mary’s Son, our
Lord and Savior, Jesus the risen Christ.

May we find encouragement in the examples of Mary and Elizabeth.  
Their circumstances were humble, yet their hearts were rich.  As Mary
was pronounced blessed for her faith, may we too be blessed in our
faith.  May we be found worthy of God’s trust this Advent Season

Youth Confirmation

Confirmation is one of the rites of the Church.  At this time in the
person’s life, they make their commitment as a Christian.  
Confirmation, Reception and Affirmation of faith are available to
anyone in middle school or older.  We invite anyone not yet
confirmed to make this profession of faith and commitment.  If you
have been confirmed in another denomination or tradition and wish
to be received into the United Methodist Church, we ask that you speak
with Pastor Patience about the inquirers class.  We encourage you, at
any time, to contact us if you have made or wish to make a
profession of faith or recommit your life to Christ.  Every Sunday,
the pastor is available to pray with you during our 9:00am and 11:00
am Services of Christian Worship in the church.  In addition to
confirmation classes for adults and middle scholars we offer other
outlets for study and spiritual growth including Bible studies, prayer
groups, fellowship meetings to help us grow in our faith.  The
confirmation class will meet over lunch and desserts on Sunday,
November 30 immediately following the 11:00 O’clock Service of
Christian Worship.  At this meeting, participants will negotiate
calendars and agree on guiding principles that will accompany us on
the journey through a curriculum based on drama and small group
activity we will learn about our faith and the traditions of the Church
using Scripture, Tradition, Experience and Reason.  In addition, we
will plan two retreats and several opportunities for service in family
life, community, nation and world.  Please contact the church office
for more information at 652-9186 or the pastor at 297-1906.