LIVING and LOVING in LODI      

SEPTEMBER 20, 2020

from Pastor Pam…. 

Like many of us last week I recalled the horrific and holy events of September 11 nineteen years ago. The slaughter of innocent people clearly was horrific; I could barely stand to glance at the pictures of all of those who died memorialized in The New York Times.  I stand in prayer that those still suffering the effects of that day are given the justice they deserve from our leaders.  Still, to this very day I stand in awe at the holy events of that day. Greater love has no person than to lay down their lives for another person.  Greater patriotism has no citizen than to risk safety and security for those who walk the same paths in the same land as they do.  There were no grandiose displays, no speeches, not even flag waving. There was toxic dust and flames of evil. Yet the radiance of God’s goodness shed its holy light in innumerable acts of heroism by first responders and ordinary folk.  Aside from the perpetrators of the crime, there was no us and them. It was not all about me, but we. It was about the way God intended us to act and think beyond ethnicity and social class, beyond nation or origin, beyond conservative and progressive, beyond the forms love took in people’s lives or the practices and thoughts that defined their religion.  For all the evil and horror of that day, goodness triumphed. Actions spoke louder than words. Creation triumphed over destruction. The multiplication of love overcame the division of fear. The truth that all people are created in the image and likeness of God prevailed in every act of selfless heroism. This is where true greatness grows.  

Our weekly scripture invites us to look at another time of fear and confusion and the amazing providence of God in all times and in all places.  

Weekly Scripture: Exodus 16:2-15 

Hymns    #130   “ God Will Take Care of  You”       #145 “ Morning Has Broken”   #374  “Standing on the Promises”

Noteworthy News  and Needs 

  ~We are back in the sanctuary  and still on Facebook. We thank the Trustees and Return Committee  for their faith-full service. 

  ~UMW  met Saturday the 14^th – a great time of ministry and sisterhood. All women are welcome; the group meets the second Saturday of the month at 9:30 in Fellowship Hall. Contact: Chris Sparr 

~Work on the ramp is progressing!  Praise Be! 

Lodi Hospital is offering a Grab and Go dinner at LUMC  Thursday 4:30 – 5:30 

Got News or Needs or Prayer Concerns ?  Please share them with Dottie or Pastor Pam so we can include them for learning and loving. 

IT TEAM

One of the few good things we've learned from Covid-19 is that Lodi United Methodist has new ways to share our service. Whether it's the audio from our service, Missy's wonderful music or even FaceBook Live.  

We're reaching our congregation and beyond. Facebook has many viewers who don't normally attend our church. Last Sunday, the Facebook post was at least seen by 143 people, and of those 65 watched all or part of our service. Wow. Isn't that great?! We want to continue using these new tools to share the good news. 

For that reason, we are establishing a new committee: The IT Team(as in: Information Technology team or just the "IT"  team...the place to be! haha)   We have many talented people doing these things now, but forming a team means we never miss a Sunday and have back-ups during vacation season etc. 

This team will learn how to use our audio room, our outdoor portable speaker system, including Blu-tooth, how to project our service onto the screens in the sanctuary, work with PowerPoint and film FaceBook Live. If you're willing to learn, we're ready to teach!  

 

Email Katrina Morgan (KatrinaMorg@gmail.com) if you're interested.  Once we all learn the ropes, this team will probably only meet once a quarter.  

Clothe My Sheep: Save The Date!

October 17, 2020  8 a.m. - Noon

 

New and Gently Used Clothing will be given away to area students

and their families

*Jeans, shorts

*Shirts, sweaters, Hoodies

*Coats, jackets

*Socks and Shoes

 

We are collecting coats, jackets, hoodies,

And sweatshirts in all sizes.

We also need CHILDREN’S clothing

Sizes 4-14. *We have all the adult clothing we need at this time.

 

Donations can be dropped off at the church on Fridays

Sept. 18^th thru October 2^nd from 1-5 pm. We could use volunteers on Friday Sept. 18, Sept. 25^th and October 2^nd to help sort clothes.  Let Katrina know if you can help.  

 

Due to Covid-19, we will have to restrict the number of people in the building at one time…but intend to serve all who come.

Hope to See you then!   

 You can mail your offerings to:  Lodi UMC, PO Box 3, Lodi, OH  44254

 

Rev. Pamela Buzalka       (216)-704-0307        pamelab23@hotmail.com