This week's scripture lesson

(St. Paul's Cathedral, London)

This week's sermon continues our readings from the epistle of Paul to the Romans, 12:1-8.

"Paul's theology, preaching and letter writing all had one goal: to bring his audience to an understanding of faith in its Christian form and to commit themselves to a life of discipleship to Jesus Christ. He proclaimed primarily, if not exclusively, an ethical gospel and theology made possible by the living Christ. It was good news for ethical living." - Jack Sherman on Midrash

Welcome back MSID teachers and staff!

McCamey ISD teachers and staff reported this morning for the start of the 2011-2012 school year.  Like past years, area groups sponsored a "welcome brunch" for them, which is always fun!  The McCamey United Methodist Women's (UMW's) group is one of the event's sponsors, and the ladies did an outstanding job!

On hand to help with today's brunch were Tandy Adams, Belinda Alkula, Pastor Charles, Maurine Jacobsen, Jean Myrick, Lou Dell Myrick and Sherry Phillips, along with volunteers from the McCamey Women's Study Club, McCamey County Hospital District and the McCamey Chamber of Commerce.

Showers of Blessings!

Our worship service had an air of expectancy this morning, God was at work in our fellowship, in our worship and in our world!

This afternoon during the convalescent center worship service the blessings continued to 'rain' down!  We actually had over 1/2 hour of rain!!!  Yea, God!!!

Church Activity!

There was lots of activity at the church yesterday!  Mary Witcher and Billie Mitchell were busy creating a fun new look for the bulletin board in the fellowship hall.  School is about to resume, so we are all thinking "Go, Badgers!"  Yes, we are ready for some f-o-o-t-b-a-l-l!

Glen Smart and Judy Eyler stopped by to discuss McCamey Ministerial Alliance news. 

Bill Lester and Mary Witcher discussed various parsonage remodeling projects that are being considered.

It was an exciting day.  Thanks be to God!!!

United Methodist Women

Last night, the United Methodist Women met in Bobbie Lester's home.  Peggy Garner gave the devotional and led the program.  President Jean Myrick guided us through the meeting portion of the evening.  Treasurer Louise Carll, as always, provided an outstanding financial report.  Bobbie Lester gave a "memorable" recap of our last meeting in June.  (.... "memorable" since the rest of us could not "remember" back to June as to what had transpired... but Bobbie's minutes reminded us!)  Cytha Peters played the piano for us while we sang some lovely hymns. 

We assembled everyone's donations to create ten welcome baskets for new teachers and staff at the McCamey Independent School District.  We appreciated Bobbie's delicious refreshments, featuring green tea, fruit pizza, ice cream, cashews and mints.  A great time was had by all! 

Scripture lesson for August 14th

Pastor Charles will be preaching next Sunday from Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32. In this passage, Paul offers an invitation to enter the "open door" of grace which God has made available to all people.

Questions to consider this week: The saying, "When God closes a door He opens a window," may sound like a cliche`. But what if it is really true? What if instead of a window God has opened yet another door, would you enter?

First Sunday in August

August continued hot and dry this morning which made for the cool sanctuary even more inviting to the assembled faithful!  We are blessed to have people coming together each week to share in the journey of faith and today was just such a day.

This afternoon, we enjoyed singing and praying and communion with the residents of the convalescent center.  Thanks to Cytha Peters, Bill & Bobbie Lester, and Belinda Alkula for helping with this afternoon's service.