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Sunday, December 26, 2010

Prayers in the Midst of Cancelled Services

Well the snow came after all: Just enough to either cancel services or enough to keep all but the hardiest of souls from attending. We began this year with record snow storms, often cancelling services so it seems fitting that we end 2010 the same way.

This is a classic bad news/good news situation.

The bad – it makes it tough for churches financially.

The good – it gives us the opportunity to slow down and think about the real source of our financial base.

Snow always reminds me that God is ultimately in control of everything, even our finances. At the beginning of this year, I thought the snow storms would put all of us in horrible shape from which we would never recover. Yet for most churches, not only did we recover, we did pretty well and managed to make a huge difference in our community.

Nearly every single church in our area made a difference somewhere. In fact in many of the churches I visited, you made a difference far beyond what would have been reasonable.

So, today, I’m going to give more of the worries to God and spend my worrying time in prayer for you and for our churches.

Here is what I came across in my Bible reading today from Zephaniah, Chapter 3. It’s been awhile since I’ve read from this book. I’m always amazed at what I missed. After a lot of painful predictions, the book ends with the following promise.

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Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! For the LORD will remove his hand of judgment and will disperse the armies of your enemy. And the LORD himself, the King of Israel, will live among you! At last your troubles will be over, and you will never again fear disaster.

On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be, “Cheer up, Zion! Don’t be afraid! For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

I will gather you who mourn for the appointed festivals; you will be disgraced no more. And I will deal severely with all who have oppressed you. I will save the weak and helpless ones; I will bring together those who were chased away. I will give glory and fame to my former exiles, wherever they have been mocked and shamed.

On that day I will gather you together and bring you home again. I will give you a good name, a name of distinction, among all the nations of the earth, as I restore your fortunes before their very eyes. I, the LORD, have spoken!

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Shout aloud… be glad.
The Lord will remove his hand of judgment.
The Lord himself will live among you.
Your troubles will be over and you will never again fear disaster.

Those are words of comfort and promise we all need to hear from time to time… especially these times.

Cheer up! Don’t be afraid.
For the Lord your God is living among you.
He will take delight in you with gladness. He will calm all your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.

Don’t we need to know that?

I will gather you who mourn. You will be disgraced no more.
I will deal severely with all who have oppressed you. I will save the weak and helpless ones;
I will bring together those who were chased away.

More promises we need to hear.

I will gather you together and bring you home again.
I will give you a good name.

Here is the best part… remember the source.

I, the LORD, have spoken!

Enough said. I hope you spend the day doing more praying and less worrying.

May God bless you with a special day and prepare you for a special year.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Someone in Need of Help

Amanda Blankenship is the daughter in law of one of our pastors, Glenn Dawson. A friend of hers named Troy Waugh was killed under tragic circumstances. There is no money for the funeral or for Christmas for that matter. I'm going to help the family out through the district but if we're really going to help this family I need your help.

I'm setting up a fund. If you can help, you can send a check through the Lynchburg District at 621 Court Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504. Just make sure you let us know it's for Troy Waugh and we'll get it to the family. We want to help with funeral expenses and with Christmas if possible. He will be buried here in Lynchburg.

Amanda's letter is below.

December 20, 2010

Mr. Davies,
Thank you so much for replying to my email earlier. I’ve been thinking for the last few hours, ‘How can I put into words how special Troy was and what makes his story so important that others will want to help his family? One hour later, I’ve wrote a huge story about Troy, but I’m so exhausted from these last few days that I just do not know if I’m actually getting to the heart of what’s truly important right now and that’s the family that he has left behind due to his sudden death Friday morning.

Troy Waugh, we know him as Boomer ( a nickname he earned in elementary school, rec. baseball for hitting the balls over the fence) died Friday morning at the age of 31, likely due to complications from Diabetes. He was a married to Nancy, currently a cook at the Boys & Girls Club in Dallas, Texas and father to 2 sons, ages 13 and 11, and one daughter, age 10.

Troy and Nancy had lived in a suburb of Dallas for the last 8 years but had decided to move to Elon, his hometown (he graduated from Amherst High School in 1997), to escape the busy city life of Dallas. They were here for 6 months when his father in law was diagnosed with Cancer. Nancy and 2 of their children went to Texas to be with her father during his treatments. To afford an apartment, she has also been working as a cook at a Dallas Boys & Girls club.

After spending this past week with his 11 year old son, Troy boarded a bus to Texas to be with his wife & family during Christmas. Boomer was an insulin dependent Diabetic, and it’s to my understanding that the bag containing his insulin was dropped when boarding. So eager to see his family, he attempted to ride 31 hours without his necessary insulin. Troy was found on the bus, unresponsive, 2 hours from his wife. He was rushed to St. Michael’s Hospital in Texarcana, Texas, and pronounced dead.

Troy was a wonderful friend and I could talk all night about him. We have been best friends since age 11….but tonight, again…I need to stay focused on his wife and children, and the rest of his family that are all grief stricken. His mother, Peggy Bennet of Monroe, VA, has been working deligently trying to plan a funeral for her son whose body is in the process of being flown to Lynchburg now, and trying to console a wife and grandchildren that are halfway across the country. Peggy is an employee at Central Virginia Training Center and is a caretaker of an intellectually disabeled family member. His step father, Clifford Bennet, is a custodian for Amherst County Public Schools. Troy’s youngest sister, Tameka, was able to book flights for the wife and children today, and they will now be able to attend Boomer’s funeral. But now in the aftermath I see how hard this is going to hit this family. Nancy has lost her companion and three children have lost their father….and of all the horrible times for this to happen…. right here at Christmas.

I have spoken with the family many times over these last few days and discussed many aspects of what’s happening right now…but I cannot muster up the courage to mention Christmas for the children. It would just add insult to injury. Nancy did not have the money to pay for airfare and almost had to miss her husband’s funeral so I know that she does not have the means to pay for presents.

So, I guess I’m writing as a call for help. These children have lost their father and now they are about to lose the joy of Christmas, too. They might also have to move permanently to Texas although they have grown fond of their family and surroundings here in Virginia. The only way I can think to help is through monetary donations or gifts. At least without some of the financial burdens that are now being laid upon this family they will be able to think more clearly and hopefully get back on their feet faster.

Davis & Turner Funeral SVS of Lynchburg VA is handling the funeral arrangements, their phone number is 434-846-9011. As of earlier, Troy’s funeral is planned for Wednesday at 1pm at a church on Rt. 635, in Elon, VA.

Mr. Davies, thank you so much for your attention. I know this time of year is one in which many people are in a financial pinch and will find it hard to donate which is completely understandable.

Thank you again,
Amanda Blankenship
Blankenship.ag@gmail.com

The True Meaning of Christmas

The True Meaning Of Christmas by Brian K. Walters

In todays' day and time,
it's easy to lose sight,
of the true meaning of Christmas
and one special night.

When we go shopping,
We say "How much will it cost?"
Then the true meaning of Christmas,
Somehow becomes lost.

Amidst the tinsel, glitter
And ribbons of gold,
We forget about the child,
born on a night so cold.

The children look for Santa
In his big, red sleigh
Never thinking of the child
Whose bed was made of hay.

In reality,
When we look into the night sky,
We don't see a sleigh
But a star, burning bright and high.

A faithful reminder,
Of that night so long ago,
And of the child we call Jesus,
Whose love, the world would know.

Merry Christmas from the staff of the Lynchburg District

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Prayer for Pastors and Worship Leaders

A writer on a television variety show wanted to do an old fashioned Christmas. Everyone thought he was nuts. This was Hollywood. There is no snow? No Christmas trees? Then they begin to question whether Christmas is even realistic anymore? Jesus wasn’t even born on December 25? Finally one asked the central question: Where is God anyway?

The financial crisis may be easing somewhat but times are hard for so many. Where is God for them?

Some are going through crisis: divorce, grief, illness. Where is God for them?

Nearly all of us are feeling more personal pressure now than ever before. Where is God for us?

If the truth be told. God doesn’t seem that close to many of us anymore or your church would be full.

If the truth be told, are people attending your church to celebrate the God who gave them the precious gift of salvation or are they merely coming out of habit?

If the truth be told, are we still excited about the God who called us into ministry or are we preparing our professionally organized message with all the right words but none of the passion?

Where is God for us?

If this were a sermon, I would start giving you Scripture and answers because that is what we as preachers do. I can do that and it might help you but I’ve got a better idea.

You know the story. You’ve studied the Scripture. Now answer the question for those who are sitting in the pew looking for something besides the habit of coming on Sunday morning.

Where is God for you? Where is God for our community? For our world? Most of all, where is God for them?

Help me to believe again? Help me understand why Christmas is more than opening a few presents, eating a lot of food and attending a few parties.

Deep down, you know the answer because you were called by God. God chose you to give that answer to your congregation and to inspire your congregation to go out into the community.

God chose you to remind others with all the passion you can summon that God is here. God is everywhere. Merry Christmas! Our Savior is born.

Remember the writer at the variety show? Well, they decided to celebrate Christmas after all.

At the end of the show, they brought in a trumpet player from New Orleans who almost died during Hurricane Katrina. He lost his home and all of his possessions. More than anyone, he had the right to ask: Where is God?

But in the midst of tragedy he found God. First, in the outpouring of help from friends and neighbors. Then, a church from another state sent people, not once but many times to rebuild his home. But more than rebuild his home, they witnessed to him their love for Jesus Christ.

By the time, the church group left, they had built more than a home. They had restored this musician’s faith.

In the midst of his tragedy, he rediscovered his passion and love for God!

So at the end of the show, the stage grew quiet while a single spotlight focused on this grateful musician as he gave thanks the only way he knew how.

He told his story…

Then he put his trumpet to his lips and played his own version of, “O Come All Ye Faithful”

At first, all you could hear was medley but there was something special about the way that musician played. As the camera panned the audience you could see people at first mouthing the words quietly but gradually they began to sing louder.

O come all ye Faithful, joyful and triumphant.
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.
Come and behold him, born the King of angels.
O come let us adore him.
O come let us adore him.
O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

As the audience sang the final words you could see the transformation. The once passive audience now looked animated and involved. Nearly all of them were smiling.

The show ended in silence, spotlight first on the audience, then on the transformed musician, while the screen simply flashed the words: Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Where is God?

O come all ye Faithful, joyful and triumphant.
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.
Come and behold him, born the King of angels.
O come let us adore him.
O come let us adore him.
O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

You know more than anyone. You were called to bring your story to us.

Merry Christmas.

I will be praying for you but more importantly, I will pray that God’s Holy Spirit guides and directs you.

Merry Christmas.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Top Ten Holiday Volunteer Appreciation Gift Ideas

From Church Volunteer Daily
December 15, 2010 | Written by Sue Brage Permalink

10. Supplies - often teachers and leaders can use some fresh supplies for their rooms or to use with their teams. Show them you care by meeting those needs this Christmas.

9. Laughter - share a funny holiday story or video with your volunteers. Be sure to tell them you are sending the gift of a smile in appreciation for all they do.

8. Meal - prepare a large pot of soup or spaghetti sauce. Divide and deliver to each volunteer along with a lovely Christmas card and perhaps a nice loaf or bread or small plate of cookies for dessert.

7. Photos - arrange for a photographer (ideally, a church member willing to donate their services) to photograph your volunteers and their families in a pretty spot near the Christmas tree. Make the digital files available as your gift to them.

6. Stress-relief - find a masseuse with a chair who would be willing to come and set up at your staff meeting or Christmas party.

5. Fun - buy a fun, family game, DVD, or even a gift certificate (bowling, anyone?) that they can share with their families. Or better yet, rent a few lanes at the bowling alley and invite your volunteers to come for a family fun night on you!

4. Prayer - take time to pray for each of your volunteers and their families. Take time to share what you felt during that prayer time or a special verse that came to mind for them.

3. Spiritual Encouragement - is there a book your pastor has recommended recently? Purchase a copy for each of your key volunteers. Remind them that their spiritual growth is important to you.

2. Parents Day Out - provide free child care on a weeknight or Saturday morning for your volunteers. Give them the chance to get some shopping done or just rest during the busy holiday season. (This could be arranged at the church or in someone's home, depending on how many volunteers you have.)

1. Time - arrange a substitute, give them a Sunday off, or even fill in yourself, and let your valued volunteer have a break from their normal serving time.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

3 Tips for "Above-Average" Leaders

-- Sue Barge - Editor of Volunteer Daily

Christ calls us to live an "above-average" life; a life of influence and impact. The reality is average, status-quo, ordinary living doesn't inspire others to follow Christ more closely. Radical, above-average, extraordinary living does! I don't know about you, but at times this has been a challenge for me! Average seems so comfortable, so appealing, so safe. Not to mention, it’s what everyone else is doing, so it makes life easier... or so it seems.
However, remember our verse from Isaiah?

"If you are willing and obedient you will eat the good of the land" (Isaiah 1:9)

My question for you today is:
Are you willing to be above average? If you want to reach others and change your world, the answer needs to be yes.
To be above average, you must:
  • Do what others won't
Have you ever heard someone say, Oh I would never do that? I have. Many times, in fact. Often that is a sign that I am on the right track. To live - and serve - in an above average way means you are willing to do what others won't. Don't let this bother or intimidate you! Recognize that every leader faces the same challenge, starting with Jesus. He certainly could have settled for an average lifestyle, but He chose to lay down His life to fulfill His purpose.
  • Create productive habits
Leaders choose what to do with their time, their health, their desires and appetites, and their words and thoughts. One of my favorite verses is Ephesians 5:15-16 "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of the time...." Our time and energy needs to be fruitful, not frivolous. We all have areas of life that are uncultivated and unfruitful. Often all it takes is for a seed to be planted and we can turn that around.
  • Refuse to live an average lifestyle
Average people (and leaders) don’t stop to examine what they are doing. Often, they live by their emotions and take the path of least resistance. To be above average, you may need to watch less TV, read more books, set goals (and be accountable to reach them), take care of your health, eat better, exercise more, forgive, encourage, and take more risks...than the average person! Of course, this also means you get to see God do more in and through you than the "average" person might.

Are you ready to be above average? I hope the answer is yes, because that means you will be able to reach more people with the love and encouragement of Christ, and lead them to grow and mature into His image. That is worth the inconvenience of letting go of the status quo...

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Prayers Before Christmas

Prayers

Epworth UMC – Their church was broken into yesterday.
Anna Workman – Director of Congregational Development and Evangelism
Anthony Busic
Mary Jones
Les Trail
Jerry Viemeister

Christmas is supposed to be a time of spiritual renewal for everyone. After all, we are getting ready to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. But, we have Christmas programs and special services full of people hungry to hear the “Good News.”  So, we become tired and cranky from too many events, too many crisis, too much pressure and too little time.

Several years ago, I attended a meeting where we spent the day interviewing twelve future ministers. One by one, they were asked to tell how God changed their lives.

  • A businesswoman left a thriving career, friends and family to serve three rural churches. 
  • A counselor attended Bible College in his spare time and is now serving a church part-time until he completes his education.
  • A successful contractor moved his wife and children from a thriving city to a small town.
  • A minister’s son who swore he would never follow in dads footsteps…. did!
  • A nurse who’s heart warmed by God’s Holy Spirit became involved in spiritual healing.
  • A Vietnam veteran who fought and survived while others died dedicated his life to God.

Each minister faced multiple problems of low income, attending school, leading a church, maintaining a family life and trying to spend personal time with God. In any other profession this would be a formula for disaster. Yet, they were enthusiastic and full of exuberance about their future and especially about their relationship with God.

What was their secret? How could they be so enthusiastic in the midst of such obstacles?

Peter, surrounded by a crowd, was once asked the same question: “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises! My body rests in hope. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave. You have shown me the way of life, and you will give me wonderful joy in your presence.”                                                     (Acts 2:25-28)

Peter never denies the difficulties life presents, but he makes several important statements:

  • The Lord is with me. Knowing God is with you gives purpose and meaning to your life.
  • I will not be shaken. Refusing to allow today’s obstacles to overcome your faith.
  • My heart is filled with joy. A celebration of God’s continuing love and guidance.
  • I have hope. The obstacles will pass or be overcome, but God’s love endures forever.
  • You have shown me the way of life and joy. Thank you, God!

These enthusiastic new ministers reminded me of how God continually turns ordinary people into special servants. This is what I believe God has done for you. As we celebrate the Christmas season, my prayer is that God will continue working living miracles in you and in me.

As you prepare for worship, may you know:

  • The Lord is always with you.
  • You will not be shaken for he is right beside you.
  • Your heart will be filled with joy.
  • Your body rests in hope.
  • God has shown you the way of life.

I will be praying for you today.

Have a blessed Advent and Christmas and a joyous 2011!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Lynchburg District Moves to Common Table

District Common Table

  • The Lynchburg District Common Table is a circle of spiritual leadership empowered by the district to coordinate and prioritize the ministries and resources of the Lynchburg District.
  • The Common Table reports annually to the members of the Lynchburg District and offers recommendations for the goals of the Lynchburg District for the coming year.
  • The Lynchburg District Common Table interprets, engages and advances the vision of the Virginia Conference and the Lynchburg District to benefit the ministry of the local church and our connectional ministry.
  • The Lynchburg District Common Table primarily focuses on strategy, planning and creativity to realize the District vision.
  • Common Table members will serve four year terms and are placed in annual classes. For the first two years there will be no rotation.
  • Common Table members are nominated by the Leadership Team and approved by District Conference.
  • Common Table serves as the Board of Managers of Board of Missions and Church Extension of the Lynchburg District, and will be responsible for reviewing and issuing grants under the guidelines approved by the full Board of Missions and Church Extension of the Lynchburg District.
  • Common Table will be responsible for reporting all grants issued the previous year and presenting the budget for Mission Grants for the following year. Approved grants and the budget will be reviewed by the entire District Conference serving as the full Board of Missions and Church Extension of the Lynchburg District.

1.    Ministry and Missions
a.    Includes: Representatives from - Council on Ministries, Youth Council, Older Adult Council, UMW & UMM, Disaster Relief, Education Committee, Heart Havens Board, Executive Committee of District Board of Missions
b.    Goals: Coordinate and guide current ministries and missions plus establish new ones.

2.    Stewardship of Resources
a.    Includes: Finance, Trustees, Building and Location, Beulah Retreat Center
b.    Goals: Provide a district wide budget, set guidelines for District Mission Grants, Review all property matters related to Lynchburg District Churches

3.    Leadership
a.    Includes: Representatives from - Superintendency Committee, District Clergy Association, District Committee on Ordained Ministry, Board of Laity, Lay Speaking Ministries, Nominations
b.    Goals: Coordinate, merge and guide current committees plus provide Leadership Training opportunities for both our laity and our clergy

4.    Communications
a.    Includes: No current committees or groups exist.
b.    Goals: Coordinate all of our current communications tools in order to make available our resources throughout the Lynchburg District

Meetings are the First Tuesday of Every month at Fort Hill starting at 7:00 PM and will last approximately one hour and a half to two hours.

If you are interests in being on one of our Common Table teams please email Fran Briley at Ldisumc@aol.com

Class of 2011                         Common Table for Lynchburg District UMC

District Superintendent                                                                       Larry Davies
District Lay Leader                                                                  Fred Fauber
Ministry and Missions Lay Representative                             Al Baughman
Ministry and Missions Clergy Representative                                    Steve Turner
Stewardship Lay Representative                                                        Carl Stinnett
Stewardship Clergy Representative                                       Bill Burleigh
Leadership Lay Representative                                                          Joyce Duncan
Leadership Clergy Representative                                         Rick Ecklund
Communications Lay Representative                                                Judy Bogle
Communication Clergy Representative                                             Joe Shoop

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Prayer for our Church Leaders

Prayers

Bob Auxier – daughter Erin
June Carpenter – dad Robert
Mary Jones
Les Trail
Anthony Busic
Jerry Viemeister

Today is a historic day for Jackson Street UMC and Trinity UMC. Today they will unite together as one strong church: Jackson Street UMC. I will be there with them as they celebrate.

Today is also our annual District Conference. Like charge conference, it’s a day of reports but also like our charge conference, I hope today to put increased emphasis on ministry and worship. Come if you can and help us celebrate our ministry together. 3 PM at Amelon.

Most of my week was spent talking with many of you. Annually I have the privilege of talking to our pastors about their ministry, their church and whether they want to return next year.  As a part of the conversation, I get to re-experience the unique joys and struggles of church leadership. Yes, there are often problems to discuss but those too seem less burdensome when shared with others.

Usually at the end of each conversation, after our prayer together, there is a mutual feeling that progress has been made but more importantly we both feel better because we know that we are not alone with the burdens of ministry. God called each of us as pastors in a unique way but God did not call any of us by ourselves. We were called along with hundreds and thousands of others and together we make up this wonderful family called the church.

One of my favorite illustrations is a story that often goes unnoticed in sermons. Jeremiah 32: 6-7.

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet predicts doom for his country yet…

“At that time the LORD sent me a message. He said, “Your cousin Hanamel son of Shallum will come and say to you, ‘Buy my field at Anathoth. By law you have the right to buy it before it is offered to anyone else.’” 

Purchasing land is one thing but purchasing land in the midst of where Jeremiah predicted catastrophe seems… well stupid.

Then you have to wonder: Why is this in the Bible?

In Disciple Bible study, one writer makes a great point. Jeremiah predicts a catastrophe that will forever change everything. It’s as if Jeremiah predicted an atomic bomb was going to explode in their midst but then, he goes and purchases property right at “Ground Zero.” It would seem ridiculous indeed or is it something else?

Financially and politically this makes no sense but Jeremiah wasn’t a stock broker or a politician. He was a prophet and there was a definite message. Within the prophecy of doom, Jeremiah gave us a message of hope.

Someday, even after the disaster that is to come, God will restore the land and it will be useful again. Jeremiah’s land purchase was a clear message that one day, the land, the people and our nation will be restored.

Jeremiah warned us of the consequences of our actions but at the same time Jeremiah offered hope in the midst of our tragedy.

For me, this story, illustrates the unique role we play as prophet and minister:

Like Jeremiah we are often called upon to be a prophet and warn of the potential consequences of our sins.

Like Jeremiah we are also called upon to offer gestures of hope illustrating God’s presence in the midst of the consequences.

If we as pastors and church leaders take our calling seriously then we, like Jeremiah will occasionally weep, will sometimes be in trouble and will often feel lonely and isolated.

But there are also the moments when God tells you to buy a field in Anathoth. For many of you it started with your initial call to ministry. On the surface it made no sense but you stepped out in faith and in the midst of it all, you saw God in a new and fresh way. You were encouraged, comforted and strengthened for the road ahead.

Most important, this week, I learned, I was not alone either. I am surrounded by dedicated pastors, church leaders and laity. After meeting with many of you and traveling throughout the area I believe the Lynchburg District has stepped out in faith and purchased its own field in Anathoth and in the midst of this spiritual and financial crisis we are beginning to see the fruit of our investment.

Today, I encourage you to enter your church with passion knowing that you are called by God. You have confidently purchased your own field and you are confidently anticipating the fruit to come.

I pray for you today knowing you are surrounded by all of us but most of all you are surrounded by the power and comfort of Almighty God.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

A Miracle of Giving

Below is a narrative by one of our members about the Campbell County Social Services Food Box Collection. I thought you'd enjoy knowing the result as well as the excitement of the members who participated. – Dan Dibble, Pastor of Bethlehem UMC in Concord

==============================

"Mission....  MORE Than Accomplished!!"

WOW! What an experience my daughter and I had this past week.

An announcement was made during church, that food boxes for families were desperately needed for our county.

Social Services requested for anyone to donate to the cause. On such short notice, our small congregation took up a "love offering" that morning.

Now, what do we do with the money we collected?

My daughter and I volunteered to do the grocery shopping! Our church hoped we could get enough food and other items that were provided on the list to make two boxes. We really wanted to try and fix two family Thanksgiving food boxes.

We got to the store and began carefully calculating the number of items and their prices. After all, we only had enough for two food boxes if done properly. We really wanted them to be nice. We made it to the check-out.. crossed our fingers.... cha-ching... we had only put a dent in our collected money!

What?!

We went back through the store and got items for two more food boxes! Check-out time again.... fingers crossed... cha-ching... would you believe we still had money to spend?

We were taking these carts full of food to our car so we could go back through the store for more....and that's when we bumped into two of our dear friends who were also trying to fix food boxes. They knew what they needed more of, but didn't have the money. We had the money, but didn't know what to keep on getting! So we let them show us what they needed and we provided the money!

When it was all done...our small congregation had provided enough items for six Thanksgiving food boxes, plus some items that could be spread around to help others as well.

This experience my daughter and I shared made us feel so good...to know that our church helped so many with so little. Reminded me of the story in Luke where Jesus fed the 5,000 with five loaves of bread and two fish! HE kept on providing for us too!

It was a "God-moment" for sure! 

God bless
MJ - Bethlehem UMC-Concord, VA

"Giving God Our Prayers" by Ree Cathy

Ree Cathy has been writing a devotional column in Keysville, Virginia for years. I've always enjoyed her insight. This week, she wrote about the age-old Christmas dilemma -- "What do you give to someone who already has everything they need?"

Every December, we’re faced with the same dilemma: What do you give someone who already has everything he needs?  Most men don’t need another tie; most women don’t need another knick-knack or more clothes; and most children have more toys than they’ll ever play with.  So what do you give them for Christmas?

With all the commotion and hullabaloo of the holidays, it’s easy to forget what Christmas is all about:  God sent His Son into our world as one of us, to show us what He’s like and to give us the only way to be like Him.  What would you give God for Christmas, to show Him how much He means to you?  He definitely has everything already; He made everything there is!  He doesn’t really need anything…or does He? 

Every morning before I get out of bed, I take about 45 minutes to read a devotion, read the Bible, and tackle my long list of prayers for friends and family and people I don’t even know.  I confess there are some mornings that my prayer list seems more like a duty or a chore, and less like what it really is – a privilege to bring these people before God’s throne. 

What if I thought of my prayers as a gift to God each morning?  They’re a gift to the people I’m praying for; but could they also be a gift to God?  Each time I pray for someone, I’m taking the time to acknowledge Him as the One with all the power to meet that need and the answers to each problem. 

When I trust Him with the outcome, I’m telling God He knows best - and not me.  I’m sure that’s music to His ears, after all the times I’ve tried to tell Him what to do.

What God wants for Christmas (and every day) is the same as what everyone on our lists wants too: our love, our time, our loyalty, our devotion.  Our prayers are a connection with the One who made us, and who carries us through our days.  Each prayer we make can be a thank-you gift to God, and a love-note straight to heaven. 

I’m sure there’s nothing He wants more than that.

Take care, Ree