Dont worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Philippians 4:6

Monthly Newsletter of Ithaca and Beebe United Methodist Churches November 2013 Edition

The Vine
Love God. Love others. Serve the world.
is open to members of any Christian denomination. Emmaus is for the development of Christian leaders who: Are members of a local church. Have a desire to strengthen their spiritual lives. May have unanswered questions about their faith. Understand that being a Christian involves responsibility. Are willing to dedicate their everyday lives to God in an ongoing manner.

http://www.IthacaUMC.org Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ithacaunitedmethodistchurch

Dear Friends,

worked as a clergy person during the October 17-20 Womens Walk to Emmaus. What a blessing! Emmaus is a 3-day short course in Christianity specifically for the encouragement and development of leadership in the local church. It is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way as Gods grace and love is revealed to you through other believers. If anyone wants a glimpse, an experience that captures what the Acts 2 church looked like, go on a Walk to Emmaus. I can preach 1,000 sermons on the Acts 2 church, what it looks like, what a local church looks like when it is working right, and still would not capture in mere words what my heart and spirit know. But I can go with you on a Walk to Emmaus weekend and you can experience, see, hear, and know by its end what an Acts 2 church is all about, clearly. An Acts 2 church is one where Gods grace abounds and Gods love is shown. It is where personal agendas die and we walk as Brothers and Sisters-in-Christ. Want to know more? Come talk with me, email me, or facebook me. Or give me a call. In Christs service and love, Pastor Cindi

Emmaus

Reflecting and Confessing . . . by Mark Monroe, Ithaca UMC Lay Leader

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Psalm 63:2 eading these words again recently started me thinking. When I enter the sanctuary area of our building each Sunday, or any day for that matter, what am I expecting to find, to see? I like the way the New King James states this same verse: So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. What a difference a few words can make in our approach to worship! Charles Spurgeon remarked on this verse: He longed not so much to see the sanctuary as to see God. David looked through the veil of ceremonies to the Invisible One. I wonder if sometimes that longing can get lost for us. We are blessed with a gifted praise band who sing and play various instruments. We have faithful servants who bring vivid colors and designs to life on our chancel. Depending upon the sermon series were blessed with visuals and props that showcase our theme. And squarely at the center of it all is the cross, always reminding us of our Savior and His sacrificial death and resurrection. Yet, somehow in the week-by-week rhythms and routines of corporate worship we can find ourselves looking AT instead of looking THROUGH. We may notice this or that visual that we like or dont like or hear the words to a familiar favorite and smile or hear an unfamiliar melody and grouse just a bit inside. But do you see what were missing? If were not careful, we can slowly begin to grow more mindful of sanctuary and surroundings and forget the very One they are all meant to point toward. We can be more intent on the externals than the God Who is Spirit and Jesus Who is the radiance of Gods glory (John 4:24; Heb 1:3). David was a king who was fleeing for his life when he penned the beautiful words of Psalm 63. And with danger all around, what he most remembered, what his soul most longed for, was God Himself. He had looked for God in the sanctuary and God did not disappoint. David had encountered Gods power and glory and they became his souls feast, magnificent and compelling, worthy of all his adoration and singing. Read through Psalm 63. Notice Davids very heart revealed in passionate pursuit: My soul thirsts for You my flesh faints for You my lips will praise You I will bless You I will lift up my hands my soul will be satisfiedI will remember You meditate on You my mouth will praise You with joyful lips I will sing for joy My soul clings to You Recently Pastor Cindi remarked to us how difficult it can be to get our attention as worship begins or a prelude is played. Perhaps the low roar of our conversations with each other is reflective of a kind of spiritual complacency. Maybe conversations with each other, the laughter and lightheartedness and small talk, mask our discomfort with silence where we might just come face-to-face with the Living God, the Holy One. Maybe, just maybe, its time for us to enter the sanctuary with a renewed spirit of anticipation, echoing some of Davids other words Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. - John 6:35 In John 6:48 we read that Jesus said, I am the bread of life. Jesus had just fed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fishes. They were all excited and thrilled over the great miracle that had occurred, [but] Jesus was talking about something more important than social needs. Bread in the Scriptures is a symbol of spiritual life.

Man has an inborn hunger for God. He cannot be satisfied with anything less than God. God alone can supply the bread which satisfies the inner longing of your soul and the hunger of your heart. . . . The Bible says that He is the Bread of Life. Prayer for the day: Lord Jesus, thank You for satisfying the yearnings deep down in my heart. Your presence fulfills the needs of my soul, and I rejoice.

http://ibibleverses.christianpost.com
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Ithaca/Beebe Newsletter The Vine -November 2013

by Ken Gibson, Youth Group Facilitator

Youth group in the BASEMENT has started off

strong. We are blessed and excited as we have been serving 20 to 25 students at Sunday Night Youth Group since our kickoff in September. Every fourth Sunday we go outside of our regular lesson time and engage in a fun group building activity. Our first activity was a trip to Nancy Oboyles house for mingling, eating and a game of Search and Destroy, throughout the woods and around Nancys house. The rain didnt stop the kids from running around and enjoying the fun! We have started our second lesson series on Salvation: Lesson 1 helped our students ground the concept of salvation in the character of God. Lesson 2 connects the dots, helping students see how Christ was always Gods ultimate answer for the salvation of His children. Lesson 3 will paint a picture for our students of what their life will look like when they begin to truly internalize the amazing gift of salvation. Youth Group November Activities . . . November 2 (Saturday) Hayride at Hirshmans November 3 Shopping for Operation Christmas ChildBring $ for shopping and food November 10 Judgment (Seeing God as Judge) November 17 Judgment (Death for Life) November 24 Judgment (Justice Patrol) **Upcoming event-Progressive Dinner Dec 1

Search and Destroy at the OBoyles . . .

A Search & Destroy look from Nathan and Conner.

3.

1. 2.

1. Mark demonstrates the baggage we carry while Keegan talks about giving it to the Lord 2. Nathan helps Edward on a faith walk through the church 3. Brooklyn and Aaron help Anna on a faith walk

BINS UMW Harvest Supper by Char Turner, BINS UMC President

BINS UMW Harvest Supper was held Wednesday, October 16. Our speaker for the evening was Steveie Watson, one of our local missionaries who serves Campus Life Ministries on the University of Michigan campus. Two special ladies were recognized at the annual Harvest Supper: Phyllis Schelder, received the Dove Award, an award given for creative and supportive fellowship that experiences freedom through Jesus Christ. Jeanne Flegel, who received the Special Mission Recognition award for work demonstrated over a period of time in mission work. Both Phyllis and Jeanne are active participants in BINS and we want thank these ladies for their active work through prayer, giving and service. BINS UMWs next meeting will be held at Beebe UMC on November 14 at 1:30. Dont forget your shoe boxes, for Operation Christmas Child. Bring your favorite snack finger food. Looking forward to seeing you at Beebe UMC.

Ithaca/Beebe Newsletter The Vine - November 2013

Missions

Barb Swanson, Ithaca UMC Facilitator

Fortress . . .
Cups of cold water
by Jerry Hamm, Fortress Facilitator IUMC And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward. Jesus (Matthew 10:42) o you have something to spare? Perhaps a cup of water? Today, there are still children with needs in our greater Ithaca community. Today, Jesus words are still true. Would you pray to the Lord of the Harvest as Jesus asks us, to send out laborers into the harvest fields? The harvest is still plentiful the laborers still few. As I have spoken to our Fortresses core servant leaders, one consistent reminder rings out; while we do not know why, the numbers at Fortress ebb and flow. One year, we may see one hundred children on a given Friday night and another year, we may see twenty. This means that we need different numbers of pizza, pop and yes, even helpers to serve and love the young people. This year we are seeing around thirty. Ideally, we need eight to ten servant leaders (helpers) to properly serve, assist and love on the kids that come. Would you please consider helping and/or would you pray to Our Lord, that He would call out and raise up those who would work the fields with us? This is not just a valid ministry opportunity. This is a big part of the heart of Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Think about it, pray about it and be blessed!

MSU Wesley Foundation

he Michigan State University Wesley Foundation is a United Methodist campus ministry which seeks to support students spiritual journeys. It provides students with a safe place to explore ideas, discover their talents and make friends. Wesley Foundation embraces diversity and emphasizes inclusion and understanding among the diverse population within the MSU community. On Thursday evenings Wesley has a worship service of about an hour, followed by snack time. The worship service is designed to be thought provoking and engaging, with the praise band offering music that inspires you. Sunday evenings the students meet for a meal and to hear occasional guest speakers and have group discussions as well as just relax and hang out with friends. Wesley has a long tradition of service through mission projects. They have served the poor, hungry and homeless in Lansing, Detroit, Kentucky, Alabama, South Carolina and Washington D. C. The Wesley Foundation provides a place for students to share ideas on a variety of subjects and to connect with God and one another in deep and meaningful ways. Our Church supports Michigan State University Wesley Foundation through Lane Six of our Six Lanes of Giving.

Ithaca Food Pantry Collections

uring the month of November Missions will be sponsoring a non-food drive for the Ithaca Food Pantry. We are asking for the donation of household aids such as dish and laundry detergent, liquid hand soap, paper towels and toilet paper, tissues, and personal items such as shampoo and conditioner, ladys deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes. As people struggle to feed their families, these items are often unattainable. A box will be available in the entryway of the church for your donations to our nonfood drive from November 4 to November 24. Our monthly Hunger Offering on November 24 will be given to the Ithaca Food Pantry for the purchase food items. The Food Pantry is feeding numerous families a week, and more families are signing up every month. As the winter months arrive, the need will be greater. The Food Pantry can purchase food for about fifty cents a pound, but their budget is very low. Please be generous in sharing what you have with those who are less fortunate. Thank you.

In all things give thanks.

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Thessalonians 5:16

Ithaca/Beebe Newsletter The Vine -November 2013

Growing in Grace
In my lifetime I have grown up learning many rules and laws to obey. I learned them at home, at school, when I learned to drive, at work, at church, and even while serving in community organizations, etc. Many rules and laws are good, even necessary in this world. However, I grew up in an average loving household that taught me to focus on learning and remembering the rules and laws instead of the amazing grace and mercy of God. I grew up thinking that fullness of love is contingent upon whether a person remembers the rules and obeys them or not. As a teen, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. But I didnt stop focusing on the rules that must be obeyed in order to please others, the rules/laws that must be obeyed in order to fully receive love, which now included Jesus Christ. Over the years, I heard about the love of Jesus, read about it and even shared some about it to others telling them Jesus loves you, Jesus died to pay for your sins by the grace of God. But the foundation of my thinking was not the saving grace and mercy of Jesus Christ; instead, the foundation of my thinking was knowing and keeping the rules/laws and I added Jesus Christ to that thinking. For many years, the Gospel I carried in my heart was a mixture of Jesus Christ plus rules to be followed in order to be good enough Grace and The Law. It has taken me years to see the error of my thinking, but as I did I began to grow more in the glorious grace of God that is in Jesus Christ. I now see more clearly that it is not my efforts that make me righteous; rather, it is what Jesus Christ did for me all because of His holy, perfect love, righteousness and obedience ! He and the Father prepared their gracious gift of righteousness for me to receive! Jesus Christ is my righteousness Jesus Christ is my wisdom Jesus Christ is my redemption Jesus Christ is my healing, restoring & strengthening sanctification

Sue Silverthorn, Evangelism Facilitator

Here are just a few scriptures that tell us of Gods gracious power in Jesus Christ: Behold the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29b) For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. (Hebrews 8:12) And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (Jesus is the provision/reason that God the Trinity can forgive past, present and future sins, and can look favorably toward us in our sins; our sins and the sins of the whole world!) (1John 2:1b, 2) PRAISE GOD for His amazing GRACE! Now, as I read, learn and meditate on Gods Word I realize even more how much He loves me no matter what sin I have. Jesus prepared a glorious salvation for me by taking all my sins onto Himself and placing His righteousness on me. Jesus is my Lord and Savior. When God looks at me He sees me covered in Jesus righteousness and He hears Jesus speak on my behalf as my advocate. With Jesus as your Lord and Savior, He is doing the same for you. The more I understand Gods glorious provision for us in Jesus Christ, the more I understand Gods love for you and I. It truely is an honor and a privilege to serve Him and love Him with my heart, mind, soul and strength, and to love my neighbors as He calls me to. I encourage you to Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. (James 4:8)

Small Groups

by Jerry Hamm, Discipleship Facilitator IUMC

And they met together daily in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all people. Acts 2:46 Small groups remain at the foundation of Ithaca UMC, as they did for the Acts Two church. To date, between 80 and 90 people are involved in small groups at some level at Ithaca UMC. These past several months has been a stretching and growing time for Gods people within our community. Not only have we on Sundays looked at what it means to have a radical active faith, but also how important it is we take inventory at what little g gods might be vying for our hearts. We have discovered, as I am sure the church in Acts knew, that Sunday is simply not enough. In turn, we do life together, challenging one another in our knowledge of Christ and His Word but also our service to Him and this world though ministries such as S.I.A (Servants in Action), Fortress Ministries, The Ithaca Food pantry, The Free Store, and many others. Would you grow with us? If you are not already in a small group, please do not hesitate ask me how to get involved. There are a number of existing small groups that would readily accept new members, where a chair is always open for you and The Holy Spirit. Lets grow together. Christ is The Hope of the World! Lets make sure everyone knows! Blessings,
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Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. (Psalm 100:4, NKJV.)

Reminder . . .
The Free Store is coming to our church, November 15 & 16, 2013
An outreach ministry, coordinated by a Sunday night Bible study group, is coming in November. After studying Radical for 10 weeks, this group wanted to make I will commit my life to a multiplying community a reality, which is part of the Radical Experiment. God began uncovering blind spots in our eyes as we looked at the enormous amount of things we have and could do without and decided it was time to give things away. We need your help. We are seeking donations from our church family and immediate families for new or gently-used clothing and household items. If you are like our small study group, you most likely have things that are cluttering your life. We will be glad to take them off your hands. We have contacted Ithaca Public Schools (teachers and staff ) who will also help by making donations to this project and be our contact to families who will benefit from the Free Store. After meeting with school staff school, we found out that there are many families in our community that need this kind of assistance. We want to offer gently used-good quality clothing for all family members, and miscellaneous household items at no cost (everything is FREE) to people in our community. Because winter is just around the corner, we would also like to focus on new or gently-used winter coats, boots, hats, and gloves for kids. Perhaps, even some Christmas toys could be available to our families, so if you would like to donate new or used toys that would be greatly appreciated.

Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving . . .

s believers, we have the honor and privilege to enter boldly into Gods presence. Scripture says that we can come to His throne of grace and receive His mercy. Because He loves us, He has given us unlimited access to Himself 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But notice the verse tells us that we shouldnt just come any old way to God. We shouldnt come empty-handed to the King of kings and the Lord of lords. What can we bring? What do we have thats worthy of Almighty God? Our praise. Our thanksgiving. Our worship. We are to enter His gates with an offering from our hearts of adoration because He is worthy! We have to understand, praise isnt just about singing songs on Sunday mornings. Praise is the expression of gratefulness to Father God for Who He is and all that He has done. Praise gets Gods attention. Praise is a powerful tool in the life of the believer because God inhabits our praises! When we enter His presence the right way, He enters our circumstances, and when God shows up, the enemy must flee! Today, enter into His gates with thanksgiving and open the door for Him to move on your behalf! A Prayer for Today: Father, I come to You today with thanksgiving in my heart. I enter into Your courts with praise. Today I declare that You are good, and Your mercy endures forever! Have Your way in me by the power of Your Holy Spirit in Jesus name. Amen.

http://ibibleverses.christianpost.com/

Adult Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. in the Wesley Room K-5 Sunday School - 10:30 am. Education Wing Second Saturday of each month - Servants in Action Vital Beginning Bible Study every Sunday 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Sunday Night Youth Group - 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Fortress - Every Friday 9:30 p.m. after the game (No school, no Fortress) November 10 - Charge Conference at 7:30 p.m. Ithaca UMC November 14 - BINS UMC 1:30 p.m. at Beebe UMC November 15 - (Friday) Free Store 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Ithaca UMC November 16 - (Saturday) Free Store 9:00 a.m. - Noon at Ithaca UMC November 17 - Leadership Team meets at 1:30. Ad Board follows November 26 - Community Thanksgiving Service at 7:00 p.m. Presbyterian Church in Ithaca
Ithaca/Beebe Newsletter The Vine -November 2013 6

The downstairs area of Ithaca UMC is reserved for the collection of items. Beginning Monday, November 4 through Wednesday, November 13, you can drop your items off at the church. Tables will be set up in the church basement for these items. We are hopeful that this project will be just the first in many new efforts to reach out to our community and to take care of our neighbors. You never know when Jesus might walk through the doors and need a new coat or a pair of shoes . . . For more information, please contact: Sherri Moon, Donnalea Chaffin, Sue Silverthorn, or Karen Weller.