Happenings at FUMCJ - February 2, 2010
Submitted by Randy Smith, Pastor

Sunday was the fourth Sunday after the Epiphany. The Old Testament Lesson was Jeremiah 1: 4-10. The Epistle Lesson was 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13 and Paul uses beautiful language to describe love—the love one should have for others. His words were written to the Corinth Jesus Community which was suffering from division and distrust. Martin Luther King said, “Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illumines it.” The preacher, Fred Craddock says “What marks you as a Christian is not who you will feed but who you will eat with.” The Gospel Lesson from Luke 4: 21-30 continues last week’s story of Jesus reading and speaking at his hometown synagogue. The people didn’t like the message and in turn decided not to like the messenger and drove him out of town! My daughter, Megan was our “guest” at church this morning. It was great to have Megan and our “grand-dog, Raven visiting us this weekend.

Several FUMCJ members went to the Fifth Sunday Singing at Jackson Baptist Church . The singing was great and was capped off by some beautiful songs by the Jackson Baptist Choir. Thanks to our good friends at Jackson Baptist. I believe the next fifth Sunday is in May and will be at the FUMCJ.

Our Sunday morning worship service was held in the fellowship hall. Our sanctuary has been having a long needed makeover and new vinyl and carpeting is being put in. The classrooms, restrooms, and kitchens are also getting new flooring. We look forward to having this work completed. We are very thankful to the many friends of our church who donated toward these repairs and remodeling. We are also very grateful to the 2nd Mile Club of the East District of the Methodist Church . They gave so generously last year and again this year toward these projects.

Our monthly Family Night (potluck meal) is Wednesday at 6:00 PM. Prayer Breakfast will be Thursday morning at 8:00 AM. There will be a short devotional, prayers, and communion before we head out to eat breakfast. This Friday at 2:00 is the monthly birthday party at Pine Grove Nursing Center . On the Church Calendar, the “Clean Crew” was scheduled to meet and clean the church. This get together has been postponed until later this month.

Our worship time is 11:00 AM. Sunday School begins at 10:00 AM. Check our website for pictures and information. Our website is joaquinumc.com. At the website you can look at photos, request prayers, and read the pastor’s sermons. Our email address is joaquinumc@hotmail.com . Go to our website at www.joaquinumc.com. To send in prayer requests to be posted on our website, send your request joaquinumc@gmail.com. The church phone number is 269-3661. The Christian Services number is 269-4099. Take care everyone and God’s speed.