LIVING and LOVING in LODI      November 1, 2020

From Pastor Pam……

Saints Alive!
This Sunday we celebrate the feast of All Saints in which we honor the great saints of the church throughout history and those who have walked with us and now return home to God.  This has always been one of my favorite days in the church year; this year in the face of the horrific death toll from Covid and the amazing courage and selflessness of those who care for the sick, the old saying “ Saints Alive “ comes to mind. As I recall the  deaths of so many in our nation, I reflect on how brief and unpredictable our lives can be and how important it is each and every day to pray for the grace to be a living Saint who heals, forgives, speaks and acts like Jesus. I thank God for the “Saints Alive”— healthcare workers and all of the other good, gracious and generous souls who in their daily lives are the hands and hope of God!

 

Weekly Scripture:     Matthew 5: 1-12

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,

 ² and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,  for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

 

Hymns:  “For All the Saints”  (verses 1, 2, 4)  #711

   “Make Me A Channel of Your Peace”  #2171

   “Marching to Zion”  (verses 1, 4)  #733

Thank you

~ Dear Church Family thanks so very much for making this Pastor Appreciation so very special with your kind words, thoughtful cards and tasty treats!  I am so very blessed to be a part of this amazing congregation!         Rev. Pam

Happy Hundred! Our beautiful church building will be 100 years old next year.  This Sunday, after worship in Fellowship Hall, there will be a “starter” meeting to begin conversation, visioning, praying and planning for the Hundred Year of LUMC building celebration. Questions? Ask Pastor Pam or Larry Scott with any questions.

Advent Study:   Pastor Pam will lead an Advent Bible study on Zoom and / or e-mail on Adam Hamilton’s book: “Incarnation”. If you would like to engage in this study or have any questions, contact Pastor Pam.

 

Refrigerator swap!  The refrigerator at the parsonage stopped working.  Saturday morning, Donny and his son-in-law moved one of the church refrigerators to the parsonage.  Thank you for your help!

 

Noteworthy News and Needs: (Do you have something to share or want prayers? Share them with Dottie or Pastor Pam so we can include them in our weekly e-mail.)

 

~We are back in the sanctuary, BUT still on Facebook AND YouTube!!!!  The link will come Sunday afternoon (after the service) in an e-mail. You MUST click the link to be able to watch the service as it is private on YouTube.  *Our re-opening committee and leaders of the church are listening to our governor and local health department concerning the virus and the way it is spreading. We will keep our church family as safe as we can.*

 

                                                                 

The Lodi Tech Team:

Thank you Re. Donna Van Trees, Bob Wooley and Colin Laughlin for stepping up!  We will find ways to make our audio and video better, including PowerPoint, Testing Microphones, adding lighting, etc.  We’re thrilled to be reaching so many people virtually. Our World Communion Sunday Service had 78 views on Facebook and 30 views through our private site on YouTube! There are many ideas on how to better utilize these opportunities. We could use a few more members on our team! Text Katrina if interested or with ideas. (330-819-6890)  **Please keep in mind, all the recordings and links are still a work in progress. Doing our best!**

 

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

 

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

 

LIVING and LOVING in LODI      October 25, 2020

from Pastor Pam…. 

Reformation Sunday
This Sunday we celebrate Reformation Sunday. On this day we remember the bravery of Martin Luther, Roman Catholic vowed religious and professor, who nailed his 95 critiques of church practice on the church door in Wittenberg in 1517. We also recall John Wesley, whose life spanned the 1700s; Founder of the movement, mocked as

 “Methodism” for its emphasis on accountable, and shall I say structured, intentional spiritual growth. Wesley invited the church of his day to recover its authentic zeal for The Gospel— he challenged his followers to live lives of true personal and social holiness. The outward forms of bland, conventional religion were no substitute for a real commitment to the journey of sanctification— becoming like Jesus!  Like Jesus, both of these men stood in protest against ways of being religious that were socially acceptable but not biblically faithful.   Throughout the ages there are those brave disciples who speak up for the Loving Way of God; they do so in public forums, workplaces, and family gatherings as well as churches and mission fields.  They speak with words or work or witness. I pray that individually and together as a church family, we will pray and work bravely to re-form the world in which we live each day in the image of Christ!

 

 

Weekly Scripture:     Matthew 22: 34-40    (NRSV)                                                           

The Greatest Commandment

³⁴ When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, ³⁵ and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. ³⁶ “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” ³⁷ He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the greatest and first commandment. ³⁹ And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

 

Hymns   #384 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”    (verses 1,2,4)  

               #393 “Spirit of the Living God”        

               #408 “The Gift of Love”     (verses 1,2,3)

 

Noteworthy News and Needs  

~Last Sunday's service was streamed live on Facebook, but was unable to be saved as a link to send out to everyone.  Again, we ask for your patience as all of this is a work in progress.  The service can still be viewed on the church's Facebook page. 

~We are back in the sanctuary, BUT still on Facebook AND YouTube!!!!  The link will come Sunday afternoon (after the service) in an e-mail. You MUST click the link to be able to watch the service as it is private on YouTube. 

Meeting:  November 1, there will be meeting after worship to begin praying and planning for our Lodi United Methodist Church 100 year celebration. Contact Rev. Pam or Larry Scott with any questions.

  ~United Methodist Women - All women are welcome; the group meets the second Saturday of the month at 9:30 in Fellowship Hall. Contact: Chris Sparr 

~Have you checked out the ramp project!  It will be finished before we know it!

 

Clothe My Sheep Recap – from Katrina Morgan:

What do you get when you mix thousands of items of clothing, hundreds of prayers, dozens of volunteers, and one empathetic and impassioned church? 

Answer: One very successful Clothe My Sheep!

You all touched the lives of many people last Saturday. Whether you donated items, volunteered your time (thank you, thank, you, thank you!), or prayed for the event, you had an impact. The overall number of visitors was down this year. We think we had a little under 60 walk through the door. Whether that was due to Covid, the time of year, or splitting the school supplies into a separate date, we will never know. 

However, each person spent a long time shopping. The majority were moms and grandmas shopping for kids and family, and they literally took out garbage bags full of clothing and coats.  We emptied 9 full tables of clothing, reduced what was hanging by half, and gave away 95% of the kids coats. That's a good day! Each shopper was so very grateful. 

There was a woman there with her son, but shopping for five children. She left with a bag for each of them. With tears in her eyes, she asked if we took donations. I said, "No, that's not necessary. We just want to help." She insisted and not knowing what else to do, I retrieved one of our offering boxes from the sanctuary and placed it on a table by the clothing.  I turned away, busy with other things and didn't think about it again until the end. 

Later, when I opened the box, there was a dollar bill and some change--a little over $2.00 total.   It brought tears to my eyes because I knew she gave everything she had at the time. And, so Lodi UMC, did you. 

It reminded me of the parable of the Widow's Offering...

Mark 12: 41-44 

  "Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.  Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

 

Advent Booklet:    We still need a few articles.  PLEASE consider it!!!!  You can write it.  It can be a poem.  It can be a song. 

For your devotional article you will need: scripture, your article, a prayer

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5 - theme is HOPE                         Dec. 6 - Dec. 12 - theme is PEACE

Dec. 13 - Dec. 19 - theme is JOY  (all dates are taken)   Dec. 20 - Dec. 26 - theme is LOVE

If you are interested in sharing an article, please e-mail, text or call me with the date.  We have had such thoughtful booklets in the past - looking forward to doing it again this year!  Dottie

 

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

                                                                 

The Lodi Tech Team:

We had our first meeting on October 2nd. Thank you Re. Donna Van Trees, Bob Wooley and Colin Laughlin for stepping up!  We will find ways to make our audio and video better, including PowerPoint, Testing Microphones, adding lighting, etc.  We’re thrilled to be reaching so many people virtually. Our World Communion Sunday Service had 78 views on Facebook and 30 views through our private site on YouTube! There are many ideas on how to better utilize these opportunities. We could use a few more members on our team! Text Katrina if interested or with ideas. (330-819-6890)

 

 A Race For Hope Sponsored By: The Firelands District Youth Council Enter to walk or run a virtual 5k/1Mile walk anytime between Halloween until Thanksgiving Sat. Oct. 31, 2020- Thurs. Nov. 21, 2020 @11:59pm in order to benefit the LaTannerie Methodist School in Haiti and the Manos Juntas Mission in Mexico!

The Basics: - This event is taking place virtually, so you can walk or run a 5k/1mile wherever you are!!! - The registration fee is $25 for virtual event participation and will include a t-shirt for everyone who signs up. You can also gather pledges or donations to go with your registration fee! - Mail your registration fee and donations to the Firelands District Office, 3 Stower Ln., Unit 5 Norwalk, OH 44857. Just be sure to include your name and intent to participate in the 5k/1Mile walk in the envelope! Make checks payable to the Firelands District and put 5K/1Mile walk on the memo line. - Email Blair Porter @ blairbear72320002@gmail.com with any questions.

https://www.eocumc.com/window/NovDec2020/Fall5Race4Hope.pdf

 

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

 

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

 

 

LIVING and LOVING in LODI      October 18, 2020

from Pastor Pam…. 

 

A Biblical Election Year Challenge

We are nearing an election. Our nation is polarized. While I realize most of us have our minds made up regarding candidates, it is my hope to encourage us to continually engage in biblical reflection on the issues of the day.
Years ago, as a seminary intern, I taught a class based on a book by a Protestant Evangelical writer Jim Wallis: God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Does Not Get It. I was excited to use this book in Bible study as I had found his first book The Soul of Politics, so enlightening. The group I led had both progressives and conservatives; it was a great blessing to watch persons move from their knee- jerk responses to moral/ political issues and engage in holy conversation: folks stopped needing to be right and started opening their minds and hearts to fresh ways of attuning their perspectives to the way of Jesus. 

We, in The United Methodist Church, have rich biblically based resources to help us form our responses to the political / moral issues of our day: the texts for Holy Communion and Baptism offer food for reflection as does the Social Creed (The Hymnal), The Book of Discipline has the “Social Principals”.  The “Social Principals” can also be found on-line in outline form or fully articulated with biblical support; these resources are also available in hard copy.

Often we become locked into ways of thinking that are comfortable; looking at our community, nation, world, and values with fresh eyes can feel uncomfortable, but Jesus did not come solely that we might be comfortable; he came that we might live an abundant life and share that life with all creation.

I pray we will all be vigilant as to the sources of our in-formation so that we will be formed inwardly in the way that is Jesus.  As the hymn states so beautifully: keep your eyes upon Jesus!

 

We welcome Larry Scott to the pulpit this Sunday as it is Laity Sunday.   He brings his energy with a most interesting message entitled “Mopin’ / Copin’ / Hopin’”. 

 

Weekly Scripture:   Psalm 46                                                                                  

46 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

² Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

³ Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

⁴ There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

⁵ God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

⁶ The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

⁷ The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

⁸ Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

⁹ He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

¹⁰ Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

¹¹ The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

 

Hymns   #378 “Amazing Grace” verses 1,2,4

                #142  “If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee”  verses 1,2,3

                #368  “My Hope is Built”  verses 1,2,3

 

Noteworthy News and Needs   ~We are back in the sanctuary, BUT still on Facebook AND YouTube!!!!  The link will come Sunday afternoon (after the service) in an e-mail. You MUST click the link to be able to watch the service as it is private on YouTube.  

  ~United Methodist Women - All women are welcome; the group meets the second Saturday of the month at 9:30 in Fellowship Hall. Contact: Chris Sparr 

~Have you checked out the ramp project!  The brick matches perfectly!!!! Thank you to Frank and his crew!

~Clothe My Sheep: set up this Thursday and Friday 10 am to ?

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!  Even an hour... it helps!!

Please pray for this outreach!!!   We are offering so much more than clothing.

 

Advent Booklet:

We are still in need of a few articles.  PLEASE consider it!!!!  You can write it.  It can be a poem.  It can be a song. 

For your devotional article you will need: scripture, your article, a prayer

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5 - theme is HOPE                        Dec. 6 - Dec. 12 - theme is PEACE

Dec. 13 - Dec. 19 - theme is JOY  (all dates are taken)     

Dec. 20 - Dec. 26 - theme is LOVE

If you are interested in sharing an article, please e-mail, text or call me with the date.  We have had such thoughtful booklets in the past - looking forward to doing it again this year!  Dottie

                                                                 

The Lodi Tech Team:

We had our first meeting on October 2nd. Thank you Re. Donna Van Trees, Bob Wooley and Colin Laughlin for stepping up!  We will find ways to make our audio and video better, including PowerPoint, Testing Microphones, adding lighting, etc.  We’re thrilled to be reaching so many people virtually. Our World Communion Sunday Service had 78 views on Facebook and 30 views through our private site on YouTube! There are many ideas on how to better utilize these opportunities. We could use a few more members on our team! Text Katrina if interested or with ideas. (330-819-6890)

 

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

 

 

LIVING and LOVING in LODI      October 11, 2020

from Pastor Pam…. 

An Early Thanksgiving!

Like many others, I love this season. Every year I am as awed by the beauty of the trees changing hues as if I had never seen God's paintbrush before. I enjoy the children's joy in trick or treating in their cute and creative costumes. I love the way the air smells as the first fires are lit. And yes, I confess to being delighted that Pumpkin Spice coffee creamer is once again available at the local grocery store. Apple butter, harvest festivals, corn mazes, cider and donuts- this season offers so much to savor!  This year offers something new to my Fall joy and gratitude list: I have the opportunity to love and learn and serve with the wonderful family of faith that is Lodi United Methodist Church. Even during these difficult times, love of God and neighbor guides our shared ministry in creative and compassionate ways. Esteemed theologian and spiritual teacher, St. Teresa of Avila once wrote that the core to our life in Christ are the attitudes of surrender and gratitude. As we surrender fear and the false- self like leaves freely dancing off the branches of trees and as we cultivate an attitude of gratitude, every day can be thanksgiving!

 

Weekly Scripture:    Philippians 4: 1-9

¹ Therefore, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

² I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. ³ Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion,^[b] help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

⁴ Rejoice^[c] in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.^[d] 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, beloved,^[e] whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about^[f] these things. ⁹ Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

 

Hymns  #545 “The Church's One Foundation” (verses 1,2,5)

              #2129 “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” (verses 1,2,3)

              #336 “Of All the Spirit's Gifts to Me” (verses 1,4,5)

 

Noteworthy News and Needs 

  ~We are back in the sanctuary, still on Facebook AND YouTube!!!!  The link will come Sunday afternoon (after the service) in an e-mail. You MUST click the link to be able to watch the service as it is private on YouTube.  We thank the Trustees and Return Committee for their faith-full service. 

  ~United Methodist Women - 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 moving right along!  Thank you to Frank and his crew!

Advent Booklet:

We are in of articles.  PLEASE consider it!!!!  You can write it.  It can be a poem.  It can be a song. 

Can you believe that Christmas is about three months away? With that in mind, we need to get going on our church Advent devotional booklet. 

Due to the virus, we will do sign-ups through e-mail,(lodiumcsec.dottie@gmail.com) texts (330-887-1471) or phone calls, (330-887-1471) and not a table set up in fellowship hall with Larry and Dee signing you up.  (If we do not get enough people, Dee will still track you down....hehehehe) 

Advent begins Sunday, November 29.  Each day has a theme. 

For your devotional article you will need: scripture, your article, a prayer

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5 - theme is HOPE       Dec. 6 - Dec. 12 - theme is PEACE

Dec. 13 - Dec. 19 - theme is JOY        Dec. 20 - Dec. 26 - theme is LOVE

If you are interested in sharing an article, please e-mail, text or call me with the date.  We have had such thoughtful booklets in the past - looking forward to doing it again this year!  Dottie

 

                                                                

The Lodi Tech Team:

We had our first meeting on October 2nd. Thank you Re. Donna Van Trees, Bob Wooley and Colin Laughlin for stepping up!  We will find ways to make our audio and video better, including PowerPoint, Testing Microphones, adding lighting, etc.  We’re thrilled to be reaching so many people virtually. Our World Communion Sunday Service had 78 views on Facebook and 30 views through our private site on YouTube! There are many ideas on how to better utilize these opportunities. We could use a few more members on our team! Text Katrina if interested or with ideas. (330-819-6890)

 

Clothe My Sheep: It’s almost here! Please keep this mission in your prayers. 

We’re still in need of children’s clothing. (Especially young boys sizes 5-12)

Donations accepted Fri. October 9th from 1-4

Friday Oct. 9th Sorting clothes 1-4 pm

Thursday Oct. 15th Fellowship Hall set up the room 10 am-4. No one is expected to be there the entire time!  If you have an hour or two, that would be great! 

Friday Oct. 16th Finalize set up and prepare our “store” Noon-4 pm

Saturday Oct. 17th The Big Day!  Volunteers need to be in place by 7:30 am

The event runs 8 am til noon. We will need help afterwards to box up clothing please!

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