Words From Wanda

  It is hard to believe that we are standing at the beginning of another new year, but here we are ready to launch into the days ahead.

  I suggest that we begin with prayer.  Now you may believe that prayer is a very time consuming exercise – too time consuming.  But as we begin the new year, may I suggest 10 quick ways to pray.  It is my hope you might try one or all of these in the days of 2008.

  1. Give an Alarm Clock Alleluia.  When your alarm goes off in the morning, open your eyes and say, “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!”
  2. Practice Shower Power.  As you soap up and rinse off in the shower, pray to be cleansed of any feelings of anger, bitterness, resentment or regret for the day.
  3. Practice Driveway Meditation.  Turn your time behind the wheel on your way to work or shopping into a time of prayer.  As you place your hands on the steering wheel, ask the Holy Spirit to steer you through your day.  As you drive think about your “to be” list.

Pray to be more compassionate, serene, diligent and let grace-filled thoughts carry you through the drive.

  1. Pray as you walk or climb stairs.  Breathe slowly as you walk and connect with God as you take each step focusing on all the blessings in your life.
  2. Elevator Blessings.  Say a silent prayer for those sharing the elevator with you and add a smile of your own as you see each person riding with you.
  3. Prayerful Single-Tasking.  Instead of dividing your concentration among many tasks at once, do one thing prayerfully.  Offer your work as a prayerful gift to God and ask for grace to do your work meaningfully and without anxiety.
  4. Fast for One Minute.  Before you reach for food in a time of high anxiety or boredom, wait one minute offering that minute to God and asking for the grace you need to control your appetite.
  5. Touch the Earth.  Native Americans have a saying, “Never let a day go by without touching the earth with your foot.”  Take time each day to walk through nature in a meditative way noticing the wonders of God’s good creation and giving God thanks for our earth.
  6. Cook Up a Memory.  When you cook, pay attention to the memories that are sparked by the dishes you make.  Bless all those who sweeten your recollections, thanking God for the spiritual nourishment these people have brought to your life.
  7.   And finally…This one is for those who prepare lunches for someone else, like moms!  Pray a Peanut Butter Minute.  As you prepare the lunch for your kids or spouse, whisper a prayer as though you are sending the prayer right into the food.  Ask God to bless the food and the person eating it.

 

May one or all of these prayer suggestions help you to get 2008 off to a blessed beginning!

Blessings to you in January!

Wanda

 

Teaching the Word...

JANUARY LECTIONARY TEXTS

Here are the Lectionary texts for the month of  January.  Rev. Mello’s preaching texts are in Bold print.  You are invited to read the texts ahead of each Sunday service as you prepare to hear God’s word.  These texts are also the texts that are studied in our Wednesday morning Bible Study to which everyone is invited.

 

January 6, 2007 

Psalm 147:12-20

Jeremiah 31:7-14

Ephesians 1:5-14

John 1:1-18

 

January 13, 2007

Psalm 29

Isaiah 42:1-9

Acts 1-:34-38

Matthew 3:13-17

 

January 20, 2007

Psalm 40:1-11

Isaiah 49:1-7

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

John 1:29-42

 

January 27, 2007 

Psalm 27:1 & 4-9

Isaiah 9:1-4

1 Corinthians 1:10-18

Matthew 4:12-23

 

WORSHIP READERS NEEDED…

  We are in need of our worship readers for the month of January and February.  If you are interested in serving as a worship reader please sign up on the sheets in the Social Hall or speak to Rev. Mello.   May you be blessed as you read God’s word in worship. 

 

WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY

   Everyone is invited to join us at 9:30 AM each Wednesday in the

library as we study the scripture texts for Sunday’s service.

 Touching the World...

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS

  Any or all of the items on the list that follows will be welcome additions to our food pantry.  Your gifts to replenish the food pantry are greatly appreciated.  Please remember, if you can’t get out to purchase any of the things on the list, cash donations are also accepted so that the necessary items may be purchased.  Please DO NOT bring PREVIOUSLY OPENED SPICES OR FOOD ITEMS!  We cannot give those out to people as we don’t know their safety.

  Our pantry is well stocked at the moment so we are not in need of food donations at this time.  We will let you know when your food gifts are needed.  Thanks!

 

ASSISTANCE FUND

You are invited to give a gift for mission to our Assistance Fund.  Thanks so much for your continued support of this fund!  Your gifts to this fund do indeed help those in our community who are in need!

 

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

  The annual meeting of our congregation will take place immediately following worship on Sunday, January 27, 2008.  Everyone is encouraged to be in attendance at this meeting.  A potluck lunch will follow the meeting in the social hall.

 

CHURCH CABINET MEETING

Our next monthly Church Cabinet meeting will be on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 9:00 AM in the social hall.  If you are a member of the Church Cabinet and plan on attending this breakfast meeting, please RSVP Judy Chase as soon as possible.

 

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP NEWS

  The Women’s Fellowship would like to remind you to continue to save Campbell’s Soup, Swanson, and boxtops for education.  Bring your labels to the church and the women will take care of sending them on to the proper places.

 

REMEMBER YOU CAN FIND ALL OF OUR NEWS ON OUR WEBSITE:  www.arvinucc.org

Check it out!

 

Church Family News…

  As our world remains in a time of war, we ask that you continue to remember in your prayers all of our young people serving our country all over the world.  Especially pray for Jason Brand, John & David Phillips, Isaac Philips, and Josh Francis.

 

  Please keep our homebound, and nursing home members in your thoughts and prayers.  They are Mildred Holbert in the nursing home; and Lucille Barkley at home.  Also, please remember Ardella Wernli who is staying with her son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Dana Wernli, in Bakersfield.

 

Return to Arvinucc.org