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 EVENTS IN FEBRUARY
CWU WESLEY
BATTLE OF THE BEANS CHILI COOK-OFF Feb. 9th, 2017 - 5:30-7:30 p.m. Do you think you make a mean pot of chili? If so, enter our Battle of the Beans contest and find out if your chili is the best in town! Contact Stephanie at stephbrady10@gmail.com to enter.
Come join us!!
Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students/kids
ANNUAL BOTTLE AUCTION
FEBRUARY 12TH, 2017
11:30 a.m. (after church service) More information to come!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!
Volunteer(s) needed to help reorganize and revamp our church bulletin board by the front door. If you can help, that would be greatly appreciated! Please email me at secretary@ellensburgumc.org for more information. Thank you!
We are looking for a volunteer coordinator for our Cold Weather Shelter. If this is something you might be interested in, please contact Pastor Jen at eburgumpastor@gmail.com
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 12:30 p.m.
UMW Evening Circle
January 18th - Kay Forsythe's house 7:00 p.m.
Please bring some refreshments to church on Sunday for Coffee Hour. Thank you!
Julie Large - prayers for Dick Alexander who is suffering from kidney failure and for 2 month old grandson, Leo Robinson, who will be facing surgery in 3 weeks.
Prayers for Dorothy Cheshire and she would love to have visitors.
Peggy Morache - prayers for a young family at her Las Vegas church who recently lost their one month old baby, Lydia.
Prayers for a nurse aide with six children at Prestige who is struggling with frozen pipes.
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.
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 12
7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15
10:00 a.m. Sunday Service
11:15 a.m. Coffee Hour
11:45 a.m. Bible Study/Revelation
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17
1:00 p.m. Lectionary Bible Study
6:30 p.m. Handbells Rehearsal
6:30 p.m. CWU Wesley
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18
12:30 p.m. Afternoon Friendship Luncheon Group
(Meeting at Dakota Cafe)
7:00 p.m. UMW Evening Circle
(Meeting at Kay Forsythe's house)
