Trinity Sunday scripture lessons

Our worship next Sunday will focus on the Holy Trinity. Our scripture lessons are Psalm 29 (The Father), Romans 8:12-17 (The Holy Spirit) and John 3:1-17 (The Son).

Pentecost Sunday in McCamey

Joys from this morning:
+Pastor Charles shared the news that he's accepted a one-year residency in the Pastoral Care department of the VA hospital in San Antonio starting in mid-June.
+The recent graduates from McCamey High School including Kendra V. (Henry W.'s granddaughter).
+Kaleigh W. graduated from Texas Tech last Friday.
+Derek W. has one more week in Afghanistan and will be back in Texas in time for his daughter to be born in June.
+Gary & Luanne E. are celebrating their 39th anniversary.
+Sherry P. had several family members visiting last week and others who are celebrating birthdays this week.
+Guests in worship this morning.

Concerns from this morning:
+We remember on Memorial Day those Armed Forces members who gave their life in the service of our Country.  Derek W.'s unit lost two members last week in Afghanistan.
+Prayers for the people on the Pacific coast of Mexico who are bracing for the arrival of the first hurricane of the year, Hurricane Bud.  Prayers also for the southeast US who are waiting for the arrival of Tropical Storm Beryl.
+Roy and Alice K. will be returning soon due to concerns about Roy's health.
+Prayers for those traveling on this holiday weekend.

Healing prayers:
Everette A., Nadine A., Elena B., Sandy C., Rick C., Billy C., Denise D., Ardell E., Bob F., Samantha F., Jennifer F., Louisa G., Terri G., Elizabeth H., Sara H., Roy K., Julie L., Dusty R., Colton W., Jean V., Jessica V., Tom V., Arnold W., and Simone W.

Continued prayers:
+our church +our community youth +our schools - including athletes, coaches, staff, students & teachers +our military members and their families +the homeless +the unemployed +our nation, government & leaders +victims of natural disasters +countries fighting for freedom +unspoken requests.

A prayer on Pentecost Sunday

A Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Breathe in me O Holy Spirit
that my thoughts may all be holy;
Act in me O Holy Spirit
that my works, too, may be holy;
Draw my heart O Holy Spirit
that I love but what is holy;
Strengthen me O Holy Spirit
to defend that is holy;
Guard me then O Holy Spirit
that I always may be holy.

St. Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-430)

A warm morning in McCamey

While the temperature was rising outdoors, the residents and visitors at the McCamey Convalescent Center were enjoying themselves in the AC indoors!  There were some really terrific treats being shared and lots of good conversation!

Aldersgate Day 2012

Click on the picture to make it larger

Today is the 274th anniversary of John Wesley's "Aldersgate experience." This follows three days after his brother Charles' "Aldersgate experience," also in London.

Visit the General Board of Global Ministries link to read more.

Do I like being old?

This poem was shared by Theodora Matthews last Friday at the United Methodist on the Town supper outing here in McCamey:

Do I Like Being Old???

As I’ve aged, I’ve become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself.  I’ve become my own best friend.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM or sleep until noon?  I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60s & 70s, and if I, at the same time wish to weep over a lost love, I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.

They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful.  But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten.  And I will eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken.  How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody’s beloved pet gets hit by a car?  But broken hearts are what gives us strength and understanding and compassion.  A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.  So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive.  You care less what other people think.  I don’t question myself anymore.  I’ve even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old.  It has set me free.  I like the person I have become.  I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be.  And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).

(Provided by Theodora Matthews, First UMC – McCamey, TX)

Pentecost Sunday text

While the secular world will think next weekend celebrates the Memorial Day holiday, the weekend which is the 'unofficial' start to summer, we in the church know that next Sunday (May 27th) is Pentecost Sunday - the "birthday" of the church. Our sermon scripture lesson will come from Ezekiel 37:1-14.

In recognition of this significant day in the life of our faith, please wear something red.

Please invite someone to celebrate with us - God is going to do some amazing 'stuff' in McCamey, you won't want to miss it!