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
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