FEBRUARY Ono United Methodist Church 9 Main Street, Ono

Transcription

1 FEBRUARY 2019 Ono United Methodist Church 9 Main Street, Ono

2 The entire community raised their voice and the people wept that night. All the Israelites criticized Moses and Aaron. The entire community said to them, If only we had died in the land of Egypt or if only, we had died in this desert! Why is the Lord bringing us to this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and our children will be taken by force. Wouldn t it be better for us to return to Egypt? So they said to each other, Let s pick a leader and let s go back to Egypt. Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before the assembled Israelite community. But Joshua, Nun s son, and Caleb, Jephunneh s son, from those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite community, The land we crossed through to explore is an exceptionally good land. If the Lord is pleased with us, he ll bring us into this land and give it to us. It s a land that s full of milk and honey. Only don t rebel against the Lord and don t be afraid of the people of the land. They are our prey. Their defense has deserted them, but the Lord is with us. So don t be afraid of them. But the entire community intended to stone them. -Numbers a (CEB) It is a fascinating part of the story of Israel that we rarely mention. God had freed them from the Egyptians and they were preparing to enter into the land promised to Abraham. Moses wisely sent men from each tribe to check the land out and give a report. All twelve recognized that it was a good and bountiful land. However, ten focused on the people in the land. They seemed big and powerful. In their report, they exaggerated the dangers and frightened the people from being faithful and obedient to God s call. Two of the men focused on God. Joshua and Caleb reminded the people that God was with them. Notice how the story turned out- the people were ready to stone them! The Israelites were prepared to find a new leader and return to Egypt! Their evil decisions made God ready to destroy them and start over with Moses. The leader they rejected would now become the new nation of God- an even stronger nation (Numbers ). What a challenge for a religious leader- his people rebelled and God was ready to promote him! What would or should a leader do? Moses was unconcerned about his good fortune. Instead, he was concerned about the people. He fasted and prayed for forty days and nights (Deuteronomy 9. 25). Now that is commitment! He could have rejoiced in the good favor God was granting him. He could have reveled in the idea that his descendants would be a great nation and we would be sharing the story of the people of Moses. In this moment we have a great vision of a Godly leader. He fought on his knees for God s people. He reminded God of the promise He had made to Abraham. He implored that God would relent and forgive the Israelites for their unfaithfulness. God listened to Moses (Numbers )! That is the type of leaders the Church needs today! Leaders who will humble themselves and remain committed to the Church- even when it is in the midst of failure. Leaders who seek God s grace above all things, even their own blessings! The challenge this story presents to modern Christians is simple: are we willing to pray for those who are failing around us? Will we put the time on our knees to seek God s grace for hurt and dying communities? Jesus criticism of the religious leaders of the day was that they burden people and then do nothing to help them (Matthew 23. 4). Life is not easy. Mistakes are made. Let us be the ones who are committed to seeking the welfare of those around us. Let us maintain our biblical integrity by ensuring that we are loving those around us- even those who would count themselves as our enemies (Matthew 5. 44). By doing this we will be following the examples of our great history of leaders in faith. Pastor Robb

3 Jessica Grimes ONO UNITED METHODIST YOUTH MINISTRY - VISION 2019 The Ono Youth have selected VISION as their theme for Phillipians 3:15-16 is our theme verse taken from the Message So, let s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision. WOW! What powerful words from Paul to the youth of today. May we all be prayerful in asking God to clear our blurred vision and help us stay focused on the goals God puts before us! Nothing less than total commitment! Please in prayer for our youth this month as both youth groups will have winter retreats. The Middle School will be away Feb 8-9 at Kenbrook Camp as we welcome Luke Wentling as our speaker. He will be sharing about the gospel and adult leaders will be sharing testimonies. The High School will be at Black Rock Retreat on Feb The youth leaders will be sharing different bible characters under the theme of: FEARLESS.

4 Ono Children s Ministry Our Theme for the year New Year / New Heart Janruary has been a busy month Planning. our winter retreat is February 22 nd -24 th at camp Barachel. $20.00 fee (sign up by February 1 st and pay 15.00) The theme is digging deep into who is Jesus We had a super slime party on February 2 nd! KeeP tunned for more events. (will it be a nerf gun battle?) My challenge this year is to speak love into every life that I can. Will you take the challenge with Me?

5 Main Floor / Rms 22&24: A Biblical study of the book of Ecclesiastes with Dave Hahnlen Ed. / Fellowship Hall(S): Bible Study Reflections, A Journey Through the Old Testament with Roy Pennycoff Ed. / Fellowship Hall(N): Discussion Class Ed. / Fellowship Hall(E): Ladies Class, Book study; Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life. Authors: Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend; led by Karen Fuhrman and Steph Dissinger Ages 2 3 Teachers: Clay and Leslie George (meet in lower education wing) Age 4 Grade 1 Teachers: Lorraine LaPorte and helper Grades 2 4 Teacher: Jerry and Dawn Fessler Our Church Family 80 and over! 2/3 Ralph Daub 2/12 Jack Allison 2/16 Lenny Leibold 2/17 Betty Felty 2/18 Furman Parker Pantry Wish List: Canned Fruits, Noodles Ramen Canned Vegetables: Beets, Carrots, Peas, Lima Beans. Canned Pasta Baked Beans Creamed Soups Vegetable Soup Instant Potatoes Canned Meats: Tuna, Chicken, Stews, Spam Toilet Paper Laundry Detergent Paper Towels Dish Detergent Thank you! LEBANON COUNTY CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES February Wish List: Canned Meats Beef Stew Boxes of Instant Potatoes Boxes of Scallop Potatoes Canned Chili w beans Soups Beef/Chicken Broth Juices of all kind Grape and Strawberry Jelly(18&32 oz.) Creamy Peanut Butter Spaghetti/Marinara Sauce Canned Applesauce Canned Cream Corn Canned Peaches Stage 1,2 and 3 Baby Food Thank you!

6 Have you heard about Wednesday nights in Ono? - Kids 4 Jesus - Youth & Production Team Going thru the Bible With nursery care! ROBICS every monday and 6pm

7 The Easter Choir will begin practicing on Thursday, February 28 at 7:00pm. All ages are welcome come be a part of this intergenerational choir as we prepare for an Easter celebration performance on Sunday, April 21st at both services. Super Bowl Sunday Fun and Games!