FRIDAY from FIRST! 02.14.2020
Updated: Feb 21, 2020
See Jesus, Show Jesus, Share Jesus
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
02.16.2020
Worship 9:30 AM
Join us this Sunday as we continue to explore the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus started with a series of blessings, and followed it up last week with encouragement to be Salt and Light in the world. This week, Jesus digs a little deeper, and might even make some of us start to squirm: it isn't enough to avoid murder, adultery, or telling lies. Jesus expects us to go above and beyond the Law's minimum requirements and live in love for each other. Best Valentine ever! Following worship, head downstairs for the (rescheduled from last week) Pie Auction to raise funds for youth ministry at First! If you are donating baked goods for the auction, please bring them to the dining room before worship!
Southern Prairie - Preparing for General Conference 2020
District Superintendent Fred Vanderwerf will facilitate a district gathering for clergy and laity at Hilltop UMC in Mankato on Monday, March 2 at 6:30 PM. Topics will include General Conference plans and decision points, strategies for handling the media, resources to facilitate dialogue/circle conversations and our commitment to stay strong, stay together and stay focused on our mission.
Walk to Emmaus Community "Fourth Day" Gathering March 3, 2020
If you've ever attended a Walk to Emmaus retreat, you know that those three days can be life-changing. A new Fourth Day group is developing out of Mankato, and New Ulm Emmaus Walk graduates are welcome to be part of it all! I encourage you to join Bruce and me at Hilltop UMC on Tuesday, March 3rd at 6:30 pm for a time of fellowship & worship. If you've been curious about the Walk to Emmaus, this is also the perfect opportunity to learn more. Let me know if you need a ride to either of these events!
Coming to Our Senses in Lent
Join the Wednesday night study group on a journey through Lent as we explore discipleship through our five senses. We'll match each sense to a miracle of Jesus,
a story of personal transformation, and a spiritual practice connected to that sense. Study materials will also be available on our church website.
Pray for the New Pastor at 5:16 every day!
Holy Lord, give our new pastor wisdom, courage, and a deep passion for making disciples of Jesus Christ. Strengthen our new pastor as you strengthen us, to be ready for the new thing you are preparing us to do for your Kingdom. Help us to participate eagerly in the ministry to which you call us all, we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. - James 5:16
While God has you on your knees...
pray for the upcoming General Conference in May, 2020...
pray for God to send strong worship & music leadership to First UMC...
pray for God to prepare our congregation for the changes that will come with new growth in the coming year...
pray for those in our community who do not yet know Christ ...
pray that God will soften your own heart toward people who are different from you...
LOOKING AHEAD
Mark your calendar now!
02/23/2020 - UMW Sunday
02/26/2020 - Ash Wednesday (supper and worship only, no classes)
03/02/2020 - Pre-General Conference Gathering 6:30 pm Mankato
03/03/2020 - Walk to Emmaus Fourth Day Gathering Mankato
I will be out of the office Monday-Thursday of next week, as I complete training for Transitional/Intentional Interim Ministry. If you need emergency pastoral care, please contact Pastor Gerhardt Miller at Oakwood UMC.
I'm praying for you, Church!
Pastor Jo Anne