Newsletter

Circuit Rider - 2/8/12

Filled by God’s Spirit

These past Sundays, we’ve been talking about the person that God wants us to be; that person who is the best version of ourselves, responsive to God, and fueled with joy. To get there, we need the power of God’s Spirit working in and through us, transforming us from the inside out.

The Holy Spirit is the most mysterious part of the Trinity.  It is the Holy Spirit that connects us with the heart of God; that guides us, convicts us, challenges us, and soothes us.  It is the Holy Spirit that woos us to take a risk, and who gooses us to step out in faith. But we cannot see the Spirit, only its effects, like a breeze stirring leaves on a tree.

At baptism, being born of water and the Spirit, we individually become sacred vessels bearing the Holy Spirit, and are personally commissioned into the work of Christ’s holy church. We become Spirit-bearers to others.

In the middle of the quadrangle of Eden Theological Seminary, there is a fountain that burbles with splashing water.  That is what I think of when I think of God’s Spirit.  It bubbles with life, with joy, and with purpose.  When I open my life to God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit, I get to share in that effervescent life, joy, and purpose.

But it is not always an easy thing to open ourselves to God’s leading.
What shall we do?
Come Sunday and find out.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Sharon

United Methodist Women Luncheon

United Methodist Women will host a brunch meeting Saturday, February 11 at 10:00 a.m. featuring guest speaker Margaret Mahan of Epworth Children and Family Services.  Please come and hear about how Epworth is expanding to meet children’s needs in new ways. After  the program UMW officers for 2012 will be installed, followed by the regular business meeting. Call Mary Taylor for more information or if you need a ride.

Hygiene Kits Needed For Homeless Youth

Epworth’s Street Outreach Services (SOS) program is in urgent need of toiletries to fill hygiene kits that are distributed to homeless and runaway teens.

·         Soap                   
·         Shampoo 
·         Deodorant
·         Toothbrush
·         Toothpaste

Please bring items to the UMW brunch, Saturday, Feb 11 or to the church by Sunday, Feb 12.

Two Opportunities to start the Lenten Season with Prayer

BEFORE WORK COME-&-GO                    
PRAYER TIME
(With Imposition of Ashes)
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012
6:30a.m.-8:00a.m.

ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
(With Imposition of Ashes)
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012
7:00p.m.-8:00p.m.

Youth To Fast For Haiti

Our youth will be participating in a 2012 Winter Fast for Haiti, beginning February 24th, they will need sponsors.

Checks should be made payable to 1st  UMC Webster Groves.

Healthy Church Initiative

IMPORTANT GATHERING
           You are Invited!

          ALL CHURCH
    HEALTHY CHURCH INITIATIVE                            
        WORKSHOP

         Sunday, March 4, 1pm-4pm
       Carry In Lunch at 12:15                                              
        (meat dish provided)

What is the Healthy Church Initiative? Come and we will find out together.