God's Offering

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Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭17:22-31‬ ‭NLT

“So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about. “He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ And since this is true, we shouldn’t think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone. “God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead.”” ‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭17:22-31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ https://www.bible.com/116/act.17.22-31.nlt

A note from the Pastor

15 May, 2020

A note from the Pastor

Hello all, 

​I hope this finds you doing well and enjoying the beautiful spring weather.  I have been so encouraged as so many of you have continued to reach out and check on each other during these uncertain times. The reports have been encouraging but I know that everyone is wondering when we will be able to return to church and things will get back to normal. This week I have had meetings with the Bishop, our DS and the Unified Committee to discuss how things will look as we move forward.

​That being, said, please keep in mind that the underlying object though out the process has been and will continue to be that we do nothing that would potentially impact anyone negatively.  That means, if you are sick or have a compromising or chronic condition, you should not plan on coming to services.  Even after we return to in person worship we will still provide our services live on line each Sunday so you will be able to be with us in that way.  Our goal is to be sure that everyone is safe, that we not be responsible for getting anyone sick, but trying to make connections with each other in the process. 

​At this time, the target is to return to in person worship the first Sunday of June, the 7th. That of course could change if the process of re-opening should take a turn for the worse. Even so, our worship will come with differences.  Everyone should remember to keep at least six feet from others (non-familymembers).  To ensure this, we will only be able to seat in every other pew.  When you enter the sanctuary, you will have your temperature taken and then be asked to proceed to a pew.  When the service has concluded, we ask that you remain in place as the ushers direct you out.  We want this to be orderly and be sure that groups do not congregate together.  Once you leave the sanctuary, we ask that you not stop and visit with others but return directly to your cars.

​Since we will not be able to use each row of seating, the number of people who can get into the sanctuary will be limited.  We have a plan for that.  We have acquired the necessary equipment to broadcast the services to an FM radio.  That means you can drive to the church, stay in your car, turn your radio to the correct station (we will get that information to you later) and share in the service real time.  So don’t worry about there not being enough room for you, come on and enjoy “being together” in a new way.  This also applies to any of you who are concerned that you are at risk to infection.  If you wish to be with us, you can enjoy the service from your car. 

​I cannot say enough about the number of people who have worked so hard during all of these changes and uncertainties.  Each and every member of the Unified Committee have taken on the challenges, including different ways of meeting, and worked to find answers.  Dean, Dotty, Miranda and Bob have been quick to get the answers we need about our financials, so we can make plans and changes but ensure that the church is sound for the future. To Ron, Robbie and Lee, who have worked many hours to set up, test and refine the streaming process which includes a lot of new equipment and new ways of doing things. To Katie, who as always, works tirelessly in planning and leading in our worship services.  I knew she did a lot, but I had the opportunity to see a glimpse of what it takes to make the services come together each week. To Shirley and the Bread Day crew for meeting the challenge of finding new ways to continue this ministry in safe ways. I stand amazed at the leading of the Spirit as the family known as Morgans Chapel continue to be the Church to this community. It is probably no secret that there are times when ministers get discouraged or burn out.  But when I watch as this congregation works and loves and supports and steps up in tough times, it thrills my heart and strengthens my soul. And each day I say, Thank you God for these, your people.  Amen.

Gazing Past Death

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Acts 7:55-60 Lexham English Bible (LEB)

55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and[a] saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” 57 But crying out with a loud voice, they stopped their ears and rushed at him with one purpose. 58 And after they[b] had driven him[c] out of the city, they began to stone[d] him,[e] and the witnesses laid aside their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they kept on stoning Stephen as he[f] was calling out and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60 And falling to his[g] knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” And after he[h] said this, he fell asleep.[i]

You Have Been Called

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==> Link to: Nothing but the Blood <==

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Today’s Scripture: 1Peter‬ ‭2:19-25

“For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:19-25‬ ‭NLT‬‬ https://www.bible.com/116/1pe.2.19-25.nlt

A Word from your pastor

The new month brings to us a new way of doing things.  We are currently seeing the orders for staying at home eased and the vision of returning to “some kind of normal” growing on the horizon.  We have competing voices adding their perspective to how things should progress.  There are those who believe that our current tactics are working and we need to keep them in place until we are sure we have the battle under control.  On the other side, armed protestors are demanding that all restrictions should be lifted and they be allowed to return to their previous lives.  But who is right?  Who are we to listen to?

​I am no different than anyone else.  I would like to see normal again.  I miss our being able to gather together and hug and share, to listen and to laugh, to give solace and find support.  I want to see the sanctuary filled with smiling faces, singing hymns, offering prayers and listening to the word of God.  But then I ask myself, at what price?

​And there seems to be the crux of the question.  At what price?  At what price do we stay locked down. At what price do we end all restrictions and just let everyone live how they choose?  At what price do we believe the answer to our happiness is commercialism.  At what price do we just let the “chips fall where they may?”  As the discussion continues, I have read many people who take the position that we should do just that.  Their logic is that only a small percentage of people will die.  It’s mostly the old and infirmed, they’ve had a full life already, it’s time for them to step aside and let the younger folks have their shot.  Yes, that is the argument being made, but it is not an argument that I can support.

​You see, as much as I would like to see the sanctuary filled, I’m not willing to pay the price of a single life.  There is not one of you who I feel has “had a full life and it’s time for you to step aside.”  That is why I am more than willing to, not only continue our current course of on-line services, but take extra steps to ensure everyone’s safety as we do begin to gather together once more.  As things stand, we will not have open services for the next three Sundays.  After that, we may start to gather again. This is not a definite decision, but it is our current plan.  When we do open, it will be on a limited basis. Those who are sick or have an under lying condition should not plan or being at the church.  Those who do come, will be asked to maintain a safe distance.  We will increase our sanctuary cleaning schedule, we will not be having a fellowship time after the service.  Our worship life together will be different, but that does not mean less good!  For those who cannot come, we will continue to offer our worship on-line. 

​Yes, going forward, things will be different.  Going forward we will continue to listen and follow God’s directions for our ministries.  Going forward, we will be stronger.  I have watched as you have learned new skills and behaviors.  I have watched as you have taken the responsibility of ministering to each other.  I will watch as Morgans Chapel continues to be a shining light to the Bon Secur community. And I will say a still small prayer to thank God that I get to be a part of it.  

Amen.

"Quarantined — Yet Liberated"

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1 Peter 1:17-23 Lexham English Bible (LEB)

17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves with fear during the time of your temporary residence, 18 because you[a] know that you were redeemed from your futile way of life inherited from your ancestors not with perishable things like silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb 20 who was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has been revealed in these last times for you 21 who through him are believing in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for sincere brotherly love, love one another fervently from the heart,[b] 23 because you[c] have been born again, not from perishable seed but imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

Acts 2:14 Lexham English Bible (LEB)

Peter’s Sermon on the Day of Pentecost

14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them, “Judean men, and all those who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and pay attention to my words!

Acts 2:36-41 Lexham English Bible (LEB)

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know beyond a doubt, that God has made him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified!”

The Response to Peter’s Sermon

37 Now when they[a] heard this,[b] they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “What should we do, men and brothers?” 38 And Peter said[c] to them, “Repent and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all those who are far away, as many as the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he solemnly urged and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this crooked generation!” 41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added.

Memorial Walk Update: A Special Thanks to Robbie and Miranda!!!!!

Attached are pictures of the before, during and after the Memorial Walk stone/paver rearrangement.

Due to the cancellation of our work day and hot weather right around the corner, Robby and I decided to go ahead and get this taken care of.

All the cut pavers have been removed and will no longer be needed going forward. This should make additions easier. The only stone we lack is Dean Hansen's and it has been ordered.

When we do get back together for worship and fellowship, please take the time to check it out.

Let me know what you think! Continue to Stay Safe!

Miranda  

BEFORE

During

A Job Well Done

Letter from Pastor Robert

A Word from the Pastor

​Each day we hear continuing discussions about when we can “get back to normal.”  In some places protests are taking place to demand that stay at home orders be rescinded.  We all feel it.  When can we return to our normal lives. When will schools resume, when can we go back to church?  The tension of this “new normal” continues to weigh on all of us as we are desperate to get out of the house and back to our routine.  And underlying it all is the question, where is God in all of this?  Is God even listening? 

​The easy answer is yes, but that is not necessarily the simple question. Having these questions are not, in and of themselves, wrong, but I would point out that they are probably unique to us and our culture.  You see, we are so used to getting things done and done quickly.  We want results, and we want them now.  We have such an array of means to getting what we want fast.  We can prepare a meal in minutes with the microwave.  We can find the answer to almost any question in seconds by asking “the Google.” We can fly half way around the world in hours in an airplane.  We can get most any item we want in days with an order from Amazon.  We have been conditioned to get what we want when we want it.  It is no surprise that we are already antsy after only a few weeks of sheltering in place. 

​To better understand where God is in all of this only takes a moment to look back at the history of our faith.  The Israeliteslived in Egypt about 430 years.  Keep in mind not all of that was as slaves, but I’m sure it was long enough for some to begin to doubt God caring about their plight. The Babylonian exile was 70 years.  And let’s not forget, the tribes wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.  And despite God providing them with food everyday of that time, when they were about to cross over into the Promised land, there were some who still doubted. 

​I think we can take two lessons from this.  One, it’s not unusual to doubt, and Two, we need to give God time.  I can be as impatient as the next person but I just remind myself, God is still there, God still cares and God will bring us through.  I miss our being together on Sundays.  I miss being able to watch andlisten as you share with each other and love each other.  I wish we could be together again this week, but we can’t.  Even so, I know that God is at work, God is moving, and God will lead us out of this “bondage.”

Robert

Now what?

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John 20:19-31 Lexham English Bible (LEB)

Jesus Appears to the Disciples

19 Now when it[a] was evening on that day—the first day of the week—and the doors had been shut where the disciples were because of fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace to you.” 20 And when he[b] had said this, he showed his[c] hands and his[d] side to them. Then the disciples rejoiced when they[e] saw the Lord. 21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” 22 And when he[f] had said this, he breathed on them[g] and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them. If you retain the sins[h] of any, they are retained.”

Thomas Doubts But Later Believes

24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, who was called Didymus,[i] was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe!”

26 And after eight days his disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Although[j] the doors had been shut, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said, “Peace to you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Place your finger here and see my hands, and place your hand and put it[k] into my side. And do not be unbelieving, but believing!” 28 Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, have you believed? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Why This Book Was Written

30 Now Jesus also performed many other signs in the presence of the disciples[l] which are not recorded in this book, 31 but these things are recorded in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by[m] believing you may have life in his name.

Let Jesus Rock Your World

Matthew 28:1-10 Lexham English Bible (LEB)
Jesus Is Raised

28 Now after the Sabbath, at the dawning on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to view the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came up and[a] rolled away the stone and sat down[b] on it. 3 Now his appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. 4 And the guards trembled from the fear of him and became like dead men. 5 But the angel answered and[c] said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has been raised, just as he said. Come, see the place where he was lying. 7 And go quickly, tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and behold, he is going ahead of you into Galilee. You will see him there.’ Behold, I have told you.” 8 And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and[d] ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Greetings!” And they came up and[e] took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid! Go tell my brothers that they should go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

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322 Up from the Grave He Arose 1. Low in the grave he lay, Jesus my Savior, waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord! Up from the grave he arose; with a mighty triumph o'er his foes; he arose a victor from the dark domain, and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.

ev. Robert McMillan, Pastor Music Leaders: Renee James, Katie Aiken, Randy Smith Taylor Reynolds, Samuel Thompson April 12, 2019 Easter Sunday Worship He Is Risen Indeed! Announcements TWO VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ⬧We are forming a team to telephone members of the congregation to check in on them, learn if they need anything, etc.

Please note changes or corrections on the clipboard at the back of the Sanctuary or email to kaiken@gulftel.com . Prayer requests will normally stay on this list for one month . Please advise if someone should be taken off sooner, needs to stay on longer, or be moved to Standing Prayer list.

Maundy Thursday

Psalm 116:1-2 New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 116

1 I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
    he heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because he turned his ear to me,
    I will call on him as long as I live.

Psalm 116:12-19 New International Version (NIV)

12 What shall I return to the Lord
    for all his goodness to me?

13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
    and call on the name of the Lord.
14 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
    in the presence of all his people.

15 Precious in the sight of the Lord
    is the death of his faithful servants.
16 Truly I am your servant, Lord;
    I serve you just as my mother did;
    you have freed me from my chains.

17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
    and call on the name of the Lord.
18 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
    in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the Lord—
    in your midst, Jerusalem.

Praise the Lord.[a]

Stapleton United Methodist Church Rev. Robert McMillan, Pastor Rev. Tammy McMillan, Pastor April 9, 2020 Maundy Thursday Hymn #298 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Gospel Message: John 13: 1-17, 31-35 ⬧ Rev.

From Palms to Passion

Matthew 21:1-11 Lexham English Bible (LEB)

The Triumphal Entry

21 And when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village before you, and right away you will find a donkey tied and a colt with her. Untie them[a] and[b] bring them[c] to me. 3 And if anyone says anything to you, you will say, ‘The Lord needs them,’[d] and he will send them at once.” 4 Now this took place so that what was spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled, saying,

5 “Say to the daughter of Zion,
    ‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble and mounted on a donkey,
    and[e] on a colt, the foal of a pack animal.’”[f]

6 So the disciples went[g] and did[h] just as Jesus directed them, 7 and[i] brought the donkey and the colt and put their[j] cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8 And a very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them[k] on the road. 9 And the crowds who went ahead of him and the ones who followed were shouting, saying,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord![l]
    Hosanna in the highest heaven!”[m]

10 And when[n] he entered into Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee!”

Rev. Robert McMillan, Pastor Music Leaders: Renee James, Katie Aiken, Randy Smith Taylor Reynolds, Samuel Thompson April 5, 2020 Announcements MAUNDY THURSDAY WORSHIP, APRIL 9, 6:30 pm. On-line worship celebrating the Last Supper. We will take Holy Communion together: you may use any bread and your own grape juice or wine.

Please note changes or corrections on the clipboard at the back of the Sanctuary or email to kaiken@gulftel.com . Prayer requests will normally stay on this list for one month . Please advise if someone should be taken off sooner, needs to stay on longer, or be moved to Standing Prayer list.

When We Face an Unknown Future

When We Face an Unknown Future
(Tune: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus or Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee)

When we face an unknown future that we can’t imagine yet,
when the closeness we have treasured turns from blessing into threat—
As we miss our friends and loved ones, as we crave community,
may we look, God, in this season, for a whole new way to be.

Jesus faced the lonely desert as a time to look within.
There he met such trial and conflict; there he knew you were with him.
In this time of separation when we miss the life we’ve known,
may we hear your voice proclaiming: “I am here! You’re not alone.”

May we cherish those around us as we never have before.
May we think much less of profit; may we learn what matters more.
May we hear our neighbors’ suffering; may we see our neighbors’ pain.
May we learn new ways of offering life and health and hope again.

God, when illness comes to threaten, and when so much here goes wrong,
may we know this thing for certain— that your love is sure and strong.
You’re beside us in our suffering, and when times are surely tough,
we may face an unknown future, but it’s filled, Lord, with your love.

Text: Copyright © 2020 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Used by permission of the author.

celebrate Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, and Holy Communion

Dear Friends, 

This Sunday we will celebrate Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, and Holy Communion.

Although we cannot come together in our sanctuary for these sacred events, we can participate from home.  We will be able to celebrate Holy Communion together by using any bread and grape juice or wine that you have at home.  Those elements will be consecrated by our pastor as part of our online service at 9:30 Sunday morning, April 5, or you may celebrate the sacrament in the same way if you view the service later on.  

Link to Sunday April 5 service below:

https://youtu.be/VqV-GoNzjOQ

On Thursday evening, April 9, at 6:30 we will again celebrate the Lord’s Supper as part of our Maundy Thursday worship service, which will also be on YouTube Live and will be posted to our website, 

morganschapel.org.

A letter to the Morgan’s Chapel Family from Pastor Robert

As we face these uncertain times, I find myself thinking back to the many times God has delivered. Our scriptures are filled with these examples.  Think for a moment what it must have been like for the Israelites as they walked, not just out of slavery in Egypt, but as a victorious army taking with them all the gold, silver and jewels they could carry. I can only imagine the elation that filled their hearts.  Yet within what must have seemed like moments, they now faced an uncrossable body of water to the front, and an angry army bearing down on them from behind. They have gone from celebrating victory to facing certain death! How much they must have asked why? Is this what God intended, to simply bring them out of what had been their only home to die here in the wilderness? 

Aren’t we facing just such a time?  We have seen life going well, perhaps even better than it ever has.  Career, family, finances, church; all at a point that has done nothing but improve over the last years, perhaps even to the best point in life.  God has delivered us from the slavery of our sin, of extreme need, to an economy that has been running at full steam for years. But now, we are standing on the banks of the Red Sea, looking at uncrossable waters.  We have an unseen illness that seems to spread faster than the plague. In an effort to stem its spread, our economy appears to be on the edge of total collapse. Why God? What is the point of this? 

The fear is real. We really are facing a complete unknown.  Our leaders have failed us, our careers have failed us, our medicine has failed us. It is no wonder why so many people are afraid.  But remember the Israelites, when they too faced what was surly certain death, they were delivered. God did a thing that no one could have imagined.  God found a way to offer safety by doing the impossible. Yes, we face uncertain times. No, I don’t see a way out. Yes, it feels like I have been deceived. But throughout our history as a people of faith, God has worked the miraculous. God has found a way.  And it has always been a way that no one could have seen coming. I hold to the hope that God will provide, that God will deliver us from this time as has been the case so many times in the past.  

Amen.

Out of Depths

Special thanks to our pianist: Alice Hilton

“Out of the depths I call to you, O Yahweh. “O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. If you, O Yah, should keep track of iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you is forgiveness, so that you may be feared.” I await Yahweh; my soul awaits, and I wait for his word. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning. Yes, more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, wait for Yahweh. For with Yahweh there is loyal love, and with him there is abundant redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭130:1-8‬ ‭LEB‬‬ https://www.bible.com/90/psa.130.1-8.leb

Scripture and Songs for 3/22/2020 Worship Services

A Mighty Fortress is Our God

https://youtu.be/atb6ArTj6CA

“Shout in triumph to Yahweh, all the earth. Serve Yahweh with joy; come into his presence with exultation. Know that Yahweh, he is God; he made us and we are his. We are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise. Give thanks to him; bless his name. For Yahweh is good; his loyal love is forever, and his faithfulness is from generation to generation.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100:1-5‬ ‭LEB‬‬ https://www.bible.com/90/psa.100.1-5.leb

This Is My Father’s World

https://youtu.be/N6wmWrDWLiQ

Apostle's Creed
 I believe in God, the Father Almighty,  maker of heaven and earth. 

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord;  who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried;*  the third day he rose from the dead;  he ascended into heaven, and sitteth (sits)  at the right hand of the Father Almighty. From thence ( there)  he shall come again to judge the quick ( living)  and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Spirit,  the holy catholic** Church, the communion of saints,   the forgiveness of sins,  the resurrection of the body,  and the life everlasting. Amen.

O God, Our Help in Ages Past

https://youtu.be/N-hN740J6qA

“Yahweh is my shepherd; I will not lack for anything. In grassy pastures he makes me lie down; by quiet waters he leads me. He restores my life. He leads me in correct paths for the sake of his name. Even when I walk in a dark valley, I fear no evil because you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare before me a table in the presence of my oppressors. You anoint my head with oil; my cup is overflowing. Surely goodness and loyal love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will stay in the house of Yahweh for a very long time.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:1-6‬ ‭LEB‬‬ https://www.bible.com/90/psa.23.1-6.leb

Blest Be the Tie That Binds

21/03/2020 Saturday Work day

Attention: Church work day scheduled for tomorrow 21/03/2020 is postponed. Stay tuned in to www.morganschapel.com for the latest updates.

Message from Pastor Robert

Our Bishop has asked that we suspend services for the forseeable future.  Please read his message below.  With this in mind, Katie, Lee, Ron: can we make plans to meet just the few of us and produce a service for our members next week?  Lee and Ron especially, what do we need to ba able to provide this to our members?  Katie, I know you can get creative on what kind of music we might do.  I plan to focus my message on the possibilities that being on line might provide.  Let's get creative, let's think outside the box, and let's look at this time as a new opportunity from God.  

I think we should offer the Bishop's message to everyone as we begin to finalize our plans.  

Robert

Friends,
These are unbelievable times for us all. As one who could not imagine canceling worship services, I cannot remember a circumstance in my lifetime when churches were asked to suspend worship services and meetings.
As I watched social media this weekend, I marveled at the creativity and leadership of our churches and pastors. The Alabama-West Florida Conference is filled with Christ- centered followers. It is a blessing to be your bishop.
Yet, I write to you today specifically around the COVID-19 pandemic. Health experts warn us that it is in the best interest of church members, especially those in the high-risk categories, the community, the states of Alabama and Florida, our nation, and the world for us to stop assembling for a time of worship services and other group meetings. We have been told the best time to slow down the spread of the contagious coronavirus is now. We need to take measures to avoid large gatherings of people along with practicing social distancing. Many of you did that this past Sunday by canceling worship services and using social media to reach your congregation and beyond.

It is out of the plea from national and local health officials that I urge and request for at least the remainder of March all our Alabama-West Florida United Methodist Churches suspend in- person worship and other large gatherings.  We will assess the situation week-by-week to determine when it is safe to resume worship services. It is a day-to-day, week-to-week and at times hour-by-hour situation.

In the spirit of this request, we have already planned to close conference office for meetings. Staff are working remotely except for a few people each day. Click here to read the full statement. 

Though we are calling for a suspension of in-person church worship services, the church will continue to be in ministry. Some of our churches offer on-line and Facebook live stream or video service. I have been blessed by the number of our churches already reaching out in creative and caring ways. I have heard several stories of how churches are assisting the neighborhoods where they are located. The conference staff has put together a tool kit and resources of how to assist you in carrying out the mission of the church in these uncertain times. Click here to access this information.

Please remember that although worship services are canceled for a season, our relationship with Jesus and the Church continues each day. Be mindful, expenses of each local church continue everyday as well. Please look for a way to give electronically or simply mail in your tithes and financial offerings. Click here for information about electronic giving methods.  Your continued faithful giving will ensure the church is ready to respond to the needs as they arise. In fact, I feel the church will be asked to do more in these days. Therefore, your faithful giving is critical. As I think about all these things, I continue to recall this scripture from Ephesians 3:14-19 NLV, When I think of all this, I fall on my knees and pray to the Father. The Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And you may have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Thank you for being who you are. I just believe amid all we are going through that this will be one of the church’s greatest moments that we have seen in a long time. Revival!

In Christ,
David W. Graves

Communication and Connection

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“Come, let us sing for joy to Yahweh; let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; with songs let us shout joyfully to him. For Yahweh is the great God, and the great king over all gods, in whose hand are the unexplored places of the earth, and the heights of the mountains are his, to whom belongs the sea that he made, and the dry land that his hands formed. Come in, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before Yahweh, our maker. For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. Today if you will hear his voice: “Do not harden your heart as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the wilderness, when your ancestors tried me. They put me to the test, even though they had seen my work. For forty years I loathed that generation, and said, ‘They are a people whose heart wanders. And my ways they do not know.’ Therefore I swore in my anger, ‘They shall surely not enter into my rest.’ ”” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭95:1-11‬ ‭LEB‬‬ https://www.bible.com/90/psa.95.1-11.leb