Friday, October 2, 2025

This week our reading takes us to the first book of our Bible, Genesis...
 
                    "Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders or mine, for we are close relatives. Is not the whole land before you? Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right, if you go to the right, I'll go to the left."   (Genesis 13: 8-9 NIV)
 
Between sinful people in a cursed world, conflict is inevitable. But as followers of Jesus, we can diminish tensions by relinquishing our supposed rights in unimportant matters.  
   
Of course we can't compromise the clear teachings of scripture. But when we disagree, let's always aspire to be as gracious as Abram was with his nephew Lot.  
   
Chosen by God to lead a specially blessed people, Abram fled a famine in his promised land by sojourning in Egypt. Returning home, the two relatives, owners of much livestock, realized that they couldn't live near each other without conflict between their herdsmen. As the elder and "God's friend" (James 2:23 NIV), Abram could have thrown his weight around, demanding whatever land he preferred. Instead, he spoke the gracious words of today's scripture.  
   
By giving up his rights, Abram allowed God to work out God's perfect plan. Abram got Canaan as he should have. Lot chose Sodom, which would ultimately be destroyed for its sin.  
   
Hold your "rights" loosely. Trust that God will work things out for you.  
 
               Your plan is always better than mine, Lord. May I defer to you every time. Amen. 
 
+++ We have another busy Sunday of worship and ministry coming up this week. When we gather at 8:30am and 10:00am we will be celebrating World Communion Sunday.  We will join with Christians around the world at the Lord's Table as we celebrate the Sacrament together. We will also receive one of our 6 general church offerings which are used throughout our United Methodist connection to do mission and ministry around the world. Look for the special offering envelopes when you enter the Narthex on Sunday morning. (As always, you can watch live on our Facebook page at 10:00 am, and later on our YouTube channel.) Following worship our Meal Ministry deliveries will take place. If you know of someone needing a meal delivered, please talk to Marilyn V. Thanks to Sam and all who help with this important ministry. And then some of our youth will be heading off to CROP WALK 2025 at Longbranch Park in Liverpool. Thanks for supporting the young people in this ministry.  

+++ Please remember to sign up for our upcoming Second Sunday Luncheon on October 12th! We will enjoy some world famous Mac and Cheese from Barb B. but we need to know how many folks to plan for that day. Sign up outside the Fireside Room, please.   

+++ Our Board of Trustees meeting is coming up on Wednesday, October 8th at 4:00pm. We hope to see all the Trustees so we can do the important business that day.   

+++ Next week the office will be staffed from 9:00am -12:00noon by volunteers, as Pam is away on vacation. Emergency phone numbers are on the church answering machine if needed.  

+++ The Healthy Aging class begins next Wednesday, October 8th in the Fireside Room, as well. Please sign up to let us know you are planning on attending. 

+++ And don't forget our upcoming Craft Show on October 24th and 25th! Plan to invite a neighbor or friend to come with you and do some holiday shopping. You can also show these friends where it is you attend worship and invite them to come back on Sunday!
 
Make this day a great day and watch as God works things out for you!   
​Pastor Jack