"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, Who has been given to us.."
~ Romans 5:5 ~

Hope is in fact God's gift of His Holy Spirit in our lives. Through my darkest days that Spirit got me through; and sometimes that Spirit came through someone else.  Hope is faith in action - we hope for things we do not yet have. We are confident, though, that God will lead us through dark times and lead us home to God.  Hope is putting our faith into practice - an action that will never disappoint us.  

We all have received God's Spirit freely. We can keep It to ourselves for strength and we can share that Spirit with others to build that strength up.  

Praying we use God's Spirit often!

God bless each of you today and always -
~ Pastor Denise

You can view DeBows online worship at debows.online.church. The standard worship service time will remain the same: Sunday morning at 9:30 AM. You will have the ability to replay the worship service after the first 9:30 AM presentation.

You can also link to the next 9:30AM Sunday service and replay recent worship services from the church website.  From the main menu - Worship/Online Worship or click on the Online Worship feature box.

We are thankful for your faithful support during these times of isolation and uncertainty. Your generous giving has been vital in maintaining our ability to cover expenses and continue our church ministries. You may continue your giving 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.

--- Week of 8/30 ---

Eileen Schuck (Ervin friend) - for her bladder cancer.

--- Week of 8/23 ---

Ellen Davis (sister of Peggy Ervin's neighbor) - She has been fighting COVID-19 for weeks now and has been hospitalized for 2 of those weeks. Her oxygen levels drop so dangerously low when they try to extubate her that she cannot live without it. The next step is to intubate her through her trachea and then be able take her off of the deep sedation and hopefully make her somewhat comfortable. She is only 62, was healthy, and just retired. She cannot see any of her family members during this time, although the nurses do hold up the phone to her to hear their voices. Prayers for healing and for Ellen and her entire family.

Carla Perry (cousin of Jill Palmer) - she lost her house to the fire in California.  Please pray for the family and the recovering process.

--- Week of 8/16 ---

Guy Raymond's brother-in-law, who Guy loves like a brother. He just lost his daughter to a senseless murder. Not many details at this time, just that she was at a fast food restaurant in North Carolina. Please lift up Jim Baker, his wife Laura, and their younger daughter during this very difficult time.

First Responders & Healthcare Workers - Prayers and praises for all those that serve and work in close proximity to people who have or potentially have the coronavirus.

--- Week of 8/9 --

Lauren Rikard (Daughter of Guy & Christine) - she had surgery on August 12 to remove a tumor, which was larger than first thought. She is in Alabama, so Guy & Christine were unable to be there. Please lift up Lauren and the family in prayer. UPDATE - surgery was successful and tumor was found to be benign.


--- Continued prayer for home-bound church members ---

Rudy Iannacone; Ann Giarratano; Paul Bartek; Donna Ridge

*** Please help us keep this prayer list up-to-date.  To add or remove names from this list, please contact Pastor Denise at pastor@debowsumc.org.  All prayer requests go directly to the pastor.

Our music program is led by our Minister of Music, Grayce Armstrong. Over the last 5 months she has been collaborating remotely with several of our musicians and singers to provide music for our online worship. Their creativity has been inspiring and much appreciated. "Thank You" to all who have contributed their musical talents during this time.

Recordings may be submitted for inclusion in online worship. You may contact Grayce by email at music@debowsumc.org if you are interested in recording for virtual choir and band.

*Note - Please monitor the church website and calendar for the most current information concerning music related activities.  More information about the DeBows music program can be viewed HERE.

September
UMCOR - Hygiene Kits

DeBows will be supporting UMCOR during the month of September with collections and building Hygiene Kits.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is the not-for-profit humanitarian agency of The United Methodist Church. Money collected underwrite UMCOR’s “costs of doing business.” This helps UMCOR keep its promise that every gift to a specific UMCOR project will go 100% toward that project, not for administrative costs.  UMCOR is historically one of the very first support organizations to arrive after a disaster occurs.

This has already been a challenging year concerning disasters: the wild fires in California have caused much property damage and displaced many people, and hurricane Laura devastated the Gulf Coast area just last month, and more hurricanes are forecasted to come.

If you wish to donate, please mark clearly on your check or envelope that it is for UMCOR. Any and all donations will be greatly appreciated and will be sent to UMCOR along with the Hygiene Kits.

DeBows will also be collecting items to build Hygiene Kits. Our UMCOR Hygiene Kit outreach activity helps to meet the ever increasing demand for relief items. The Hygiene Kits we put together are forwarded to UMCOR for deployment to those most in need. This has been very successful and rewarding ministry in past years. You may drop-off complete Hygiene Kits (or separate items to build other kits) at the church at one of these times:

1. Sunday, 9:00am during the outdoor worship service.
2. Any Monday that the Food Pantry is open, 6-8:00 PM – Deb or someone from the Food Pantry will be happy to accept them.
3. At church, Thursdays, 12 noon-1:00 PM, and Tom will be glad to meet you there, BUT call him first at 732-446-9189 and let him know you are coming.  He will not be there if no one calls him.