UMW's Fall Salad Supper

One might be excused to think that after Sunday's potluck at the church, there wouldn't be any interest in food at the First UMC in McCamey.  Thinking that way, however, would have resulted in missing the United Methodist Women's annual salad supper! 

Tonight's meeting included continuing the present unit officers for another year, reports of ongoing activities and, of course, some really good food!  The program was presented by Belinda Alkula who showed snipets of  Christian singer/comedian Anita Renfroe's women-focused messages.  There was a lot of laughing and smiling going on in the fellowship hall.  It is so good to hear the sound of laughter in God's House! 

Present tonight were: Belinda Alkula, Pastor Charles, Louise Carll, Bobbie Lester, Theodora Matthews, Jean Myrick, and Cytha Peters.

September 12th @ FUMC - McCamey (Fellowship)

Following our worship service this morning we adjourned to the fellowship hall for the annual welcome lunch for new teachers in the McCamey school district.  The tables were groaning with delicious food and the boisterous fellowship gave indication that here was a happy community!

Thanks to everyone who contributed the amazing variety of food and to those who shared this time of food and fellowship!

September 12th @ FUMC - McCamey (Worship)

Worship among the people called United Methodist in McCamey today was a lively affair from soup to nuts! 

We began our time together with members of the McCamey Primary School's third grade, led by Dollie Lynch, leading the congregation in singing the McCamey school song and fight song.  There were some mighty proud Badgers in the congregation judging from the singing!

Jim & Mary Witcher were presented with special recognition pins by Bobbie Lester on behalf of the United Methodist Women.  The Witcher's are among the dynamic people who make the ministry of our congregation possible.  Donny Wiley and Pastor Charles presented Ashley R. with a pin in recognition of Ashley's ministry of service as our acolyte.

We enjoyed some really great music today.  Cytha Peters (flute), Mike Sherrod (piano), Sara Hill (clarinet) and our choir, led by Louise Carll really lifted our worship to a new level with the music ministry they offered!

This afternoon at the McCamey Convalescent Center we enjoyed another time of blessing with the residents.  It is such an uplifting time, singing and sharing communion with these wonderful folk!

The Message for Today

"A Jewish story tells of the good fortune of a hardworking farmer. The Lord appeared to this farmer and granted him three wishes, but with the condition that whatever the Lord did for the farmer would be given double to his neighbor.

The farmer, scarcely believing his good fortune, wished for one hundred cattle. Immediately, he received one hundred cattle, and he was overjoyed, until he saw that his neighbor had two hundred. Next he wished for one hundred acres of land, and again he was filled with joy, until he saw that his neighbor had two hundred acres of land.

Rather than celebrating God's goodness, the farmer could not escape feeling jealous and slighted because his neighbor had received more. Finally, he stated his third wish -- that God would strike him blind in one eye. And God wept.

When we reject God's love for others... the Pharisee, the Samaritan, the Muslim.... we are rejecting God's love of ourselves... "when all the while, we could be rejoicing at how much we've been given and how much we've been loved."  God seeks to restore us, heal us and make us whole again. No one else seems to want to do that.

Posted on Midrash by the Rev. E. Allen Siebold
Cornerstone Community Church of Lansingburgh, Troy (New York)

Coffee & Bluegrass Music!

McCamey's Bluegrass festival got off to a foot-stomping start this morning at the Convalescent Center!  A group of musicians kept the residents entertained for over an hour and with good coffee, donuts, fellowship and conversation there was something for everyone!

A Musical Evening at First UMC

We had a great time tonight at the First United Methodist Church!  Our wonderful choir director Ms. Louise and fabulous pianist Ms. Cytha led us in our choral endeavors.  We had so much fun!  AND afterwards, Ms. Sara led us in our bell choir practice.  Yea!

Midweek Message for September 8th

(picture is of "Old Sarum," near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK)

Collect for Purity

Almighty God, to Whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from Whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love You, and worthily magnify Your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 


(from the Book of Common Prayer, 1979)