Scriptures

Jonah 3:1-5,10

& 

Mark 1:14-20

Sermon Title

"Surprising Change of Direction"

​Pastor Barbara Marks

This Sunday-In times of stress and confusion who do you call on? In this uncertain anxious world where is the light?  Is it time for a change? Turn your direction and follow the one who created you. There is a purpose! Thank you to Shawn & Melissa Roberts, Justine Guckin, and Tom Fisher for helping to present our Gospel message today. 
Pledge Cards? Pledge cards were mailed with a return stamped envelope. If you haven't submitted your pledge cards please do so...God is counting on you. Many need your support. 
Amazing Grace & St Vincent DePaul are always in need of your food items. You can drop them directly to Amazing Grace or  you would like to drop them at the church we would be happy to take them for you. Please let Pastor Barbara know if you do so. 
Lent is Coming! Stayed tuned for upcoming study!
Finance Meeting-Wednesday February 3 at 7pm. ​

Scriptures

1Samuel 3:1-10

& 

John 1:43-51

Sermon Title

“Your Time Is Now!”  
​Pastor Barbara Marks

This year will mark the 25th anniversary of the National Day of Service in honor of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “through volunteerism in our communities.” Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday should be a “Day On, Not A Day Off.”
In Middletown, the Middletown Scholarship Committee of Greater Middletown will be presenting the 28th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration on Monday, January 18th beginning at 12:30 p.m. with a virtual service on zoom. The Meeting ID is 92853898676 and the passcode is mlk2021. The keynote speaker will be the Connecticut Commissioner of the Department of Children & Families Vannessa Dorantes, LMSW.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic there will not be a march in Middletown on January 18th according to organizer Brittany Hardy. She went onto say that “This program is our key fundraiser in honoring Dr. King's dream for equality and his stance on education. It also allows us to provide continued financial support to high school graduates continuing on to a higher education.” Donations to the scholarship fund can be mailed to P.O. Box 282, Middletown, CT 06457. If you have any questions about the virtual service or the scholarship fund, please send your queries to mlkscholarship@yahoo.com
For more information about the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. please see the following websites:
https://www.dodea.edu/dodeaCelebrates/MLK.cfm
https://www.ushistory.org/US/54f.asp
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/martin-luther-king-jr
https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/march-on-washington
https://www.history.com/news/kings-letter-from-birmingham-jail-50-years-later
Enjoy the videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smEqnnklfYs&list=RDsmEqnnklfYs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAe4oyRkLdY

Scripture Readings

Acts 19: 1-7

&

Mark 1:4-11

Sermon Title

"Is the Power ON?!"
​
Pastor Barbara Marks

New Year 2021 will be Celebrated with Holy Communion this Sunday. Thank you Rev Ron Cox for sharing your gifts with us to bring in the New Year...keep following the star! 

​Reminder - Our UMC Laity Celebration is Saturday, January 16, 2021 
10AM - 2PM  You may register for the Laity Conference at NYAC.com. It is on the homepage scroll, "Stronger Together."
 Several years ago we had an amazing turn out for our discussion on Same Kind of Different As Me. I believe the book below would be a great follow up, not only with the Conference, but in our local church. I am hoping to connect with Golden Hill UMC for future on line discussions.
The book discussion for the Laity Celebration and beyond is-
 Black & White: Disrupting Racism One Friendship at a Time, by Teesha Hadra & John Hambrick. 
You may order a copy from one of these vendors: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com, etc. If you need help with this (or would like me to order for you) let me know...
  Note: because this will be a virtual event, there will be no registration fee.
 Looking forward to a series of great upcoming discussions!

​Thank you to all who contributed to our family in need with beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts. Mom was overwhelmed by your generosity. Her mid-size SUV was filled to the brim with clothing, shoes, educational toys and books, for her four children. We were able to purchase gas and food gift certificates with cash that was donated.  JOY!