But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. ~ Romans 8:25
 
How are you enjoying all of this snow?  
 
I love when we have a big snowstorm, if I'm prepared for it and it's not causing too much chaos. It's beautiful to watch it fall, and the morning after is always so peaceful and quiet. It's almost like God has covered the earth with a blanket, and it's forcing us to rest and focus on Him for a little while.
 
The days that follow a big storm are the ones that are challenging. When the snow on the ground is much more of a nuisance, it's not as beautiful, but it's still just as cold.  
 
Once Christmas is done, it's very tempting to spend much of January, February, and March as months we've got to just get through, until things start to get nice again. Ugh. I just can't wait for the weather to be warm again. I have never heard anyone say that January or February are their favorite months.  
 
I believe that all of God's creation points to Jesus. All of nature points to our Lord and Savior. 
 
For as long as we are living (especially in a northern state like NJ) there will always be January and February, and it will always be cold and dreary. There will always be a part of us longing for warmer weather, more beautiful weather when we can really enjoy life to its fullest.
 
Friends, we have been given this day - and this moment to really live. While we wait in hope for the warmth of tomorrow, I pray that you might walk with God today and live life to its fullest. I pray that you might experience the joy that God has for you today in this moment.  
 
Let's pray together for God to be with us and show us how we can fill today with His hope and love for others.  Amen!

~ Pastor Denise

We are thankful for your faithful support during these challenging times. Your generous giving has been vital in maintaining our ability to cover expenses and continue our church ministries. You may continue giving in-person at the indoor worship service, by sending your offering check directly to the church, or by using the church online giving feature found in the footer of the church website. It is easy, secure, and appreciated. The Online Giving option is also available while you are watching the weekly online worship service. --- Thank You

If so inspired, you may give online now, by clicking HERE.

1. Smart Phone App --- To install the app, go to the app store from your smart phone (iPhone or Android) and search for “Bible in One Year”. Download and install the app. Each day a new reading will appear in the app along with related commentary. (Audio of reading is available)
2. Daily Emails --- Subscribe to receive daily emails by visiting http://www.bibleinoneyear.org/ Each day you will receive an email with the reading for that day along with the related commentary.
3. Web Browser --- Access the reading plan via a web browser by clicking HERE.
4.  PDF File --- If you do not have access to the internet, you may click HERE to download a PDF file containing the reading plan so you can follow along using your own bible. You may also pick up a hardcopy of this document at the church.

• Donna Ridge’s family – Donna’s cousin Ann Cook and her aunt Jean both passed away. 
• Family of Louise Taylor - Louise passed away last week after a battle with cancer. Please keep her husband, Bob, and the rest of the family in your prayers.
• Family of Chris (Donna Ridge's nephew) - Chris passed away after struggling with cancer. Please pray for the Covert family.
• Bill Wentzien - he is out of the Masonic Home Rehab and back in his apartment with in-home care.
• Martha Shewell – recovering from COVID.
• Charles Dugan (friend of Rosemary) - recovering from COVID.
• Tim Ward (friend of Anita) - former neighbor of hers in VA. Beginning dialysis and is in need of a transplant.
• Chloe (Donna Ridge's great niece) - She is 6 months old, and they've discovered she has neuroblastoma and has several tumors throughout her little body. 
• Mark Gray (father of Guy & Christine's grandchildren) – fell and broke his neck and has had multiple surgeries. Please hold the family in prayer during this difficult time.
• Continued prayer for home-bound church members: Rudy Iannacone; Ann Giarratano; Paul Bartek; Dottie Weeks

DeBows UMC is blessed with talented people who love to praise God. We pray for each other and give back to the Lord the blessings we’ve received. We welcome newcomers to join our music ministry and share and grow their talent for God’s glory. Please contact Grayce by email at music@debowsumc.org for any questions or to discuss opportunities to participate in our music ministry.

More information about the DeBows music ministry can be viewed HERE.

*Chime Rehearsal
--- Monday nights at 6 PM

*Band Practice
--- Tuesday nights at 7 PM

* Exceptions to these schedules can be seen in the church calendar. Rehearsal confirmations and/or cancellations are made by email. Please check email for any cancellations before coming out.