Reading Revelation Responsibly
By Michael J. Gorman
We will start the new year with a study on the last book of the Bible, Revelation. Since I arrived at EFUMC in July 2014 I’ve fielded many questions about the book of Revelation. What does it mean? How are we supposed to read it? Why is it so scary? Scholar Michael Gorman says this,
“How one reads, teaches, and preaches Revelation can have a powerful impact on one’s own – and other people’s – emotional, spiritual, and even physical and economic well-being. Therefore, interpreting the book of Revelation is a serious and sacred responsibility, not to be entered into lightly. Furthermore, although Scripture is a living word from God that can bring a fresh message to people in changing contexts, with respect to Revelation it must be clearly stated that some readings are not only inferior to others, they are unchristian and unhealthy.”
Join us for 8 weeks as we delve into this fascinating work about the living Christ, not the “antichrist”.
Do you like cooking? Or are looking for ways to help the college students in the church? CWU Wesley is looking for people to cook meals for the upcoming winter quarter and could use your help. Typically we ask volunteers to cook for 8-10 people (no food goes to waste- if we have leftovers we send it home with the students). Meals would need to be dropped off at the church no later than 6:30 on Tuesday and we encourage volunteers to stay and eat dinner with us. If you are interested please contact campus minister Stephanie Brady at stephbrady10@gmail.com.
Seven Rivers District is offering a one-day seminar on
“Exploring New Ways of Walking With One Another in Uncertain Times.”
In a reality where immigrants are threatened with deportation, Muslims with registration, and any stranger may be harassed as a danger, Jesus calls us to love our neighbors. A lot of discussion about “sanctuary” is being expressed and shared. As Church, we need to consider what “sanctuary” means, what it looks like, and how we may be able to offer it to those in need. Exploring other responses to these needs may help our communities to be safe places.
You are invited to pray, study, and propose ways that we, as Church, can
Be Hospitable, Offer Sanctuary, and Love One Another.
Please come with your experiences, questions, worries, and ideas.
“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were there with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." Hebrews 13: 1-3
UPCOMING UNITED METHODIST WOMEN EVENTS
UMW Bunco Fundraiser January 21st, 2017 - Saturday @ 2:30 p.m.
First United Methodist Church
$10 per ticket Open to everyone (adults and kids)
All proceeds go to United Methodist Mission.
Tickets can be purchase at the door.
Afternoon Friendship Luncheon Group
January 18th - Dakota Cafe UMW Evening Circle
January 18th - Kay Forsythe's house
Please bring some refreshments to church on Sunday for Coffee Hour. Thank you!
Prayers for Abby, the Beach’s family dog.
Prayers for Jim Wedekind, Jeff Wedekind’s dad.
Prayers for Jack Frost for his breathing problems.
Prayers for Lee Roy Seymour as he leaves Rehab Center and going home.
April Klieman/Devin Ross - prayers for their family.
Anne Engels - prayers for Glenn on his continued recovery and for people to live in peace.
Anonymous - prayers for discernment.
Prayers for Estella Wallace and family on the loss of her sister, Barbara.
Jen Stuart - prayers for her aunt as she struggles with bipolar.
Prayers for those suffering mental illness.
Marilyn Sorenson - prayers for her sister-in-law, Donna Ringer, who suffered a stroke and for Donna’s husband, Fred.
Lynn Whelan - prayers for Betty Holmes' grand niece, JJ, who was born prematurely last year, is now struggling with "failure to thrive".
Our Electronic Prayer Chain is now operating!
If you have a prayer request, please send it to PrayersEFUMC@aol.com and it will be distributed through to everyone on the prayer chain. If you have not yet signed up for the prayer chain, please send your name and telephone number to the Prayer Request email. We hope everyone will sign up for the electronic prayer chain so we can pray for our church family as they ask.
Worship begins at 10:00 a.m.! All are welcome!
CHILDCARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5
7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
SUNDAY, JANUARY 8
10:00 a.m. Sunday Service
11:15 a.m. Coffee Hour
11:45 a.m. Bible Study/Revelation
TUESDAY, JANUARY 10
1:00 p.m. Lectionary Bible Study
6:30 p.m. Handbells Rehearsal
6:30 p.m. CWU Wesley
