A MOMENT OF REFLECTION…

October reminded me, in more than a few circumstances, that love is a risk. If you have ever watched someone you love in pain, then you understand that love is a risk. If you have cried with friends going through painful moments, you understand love is a risk. If you have said goodbye to people you love, you understand love is a risk.

The more “me-centered” our culture becomes, the less likely people are to risk loving others. Our circles get tighter because the more people we love the more pain we will have. It’s true. There will always be sickness, heartbreak, relationship struggles, addiction, and tragedy in a world that is not yet God’s Kingdom. And the more people we choose to love in this world, the more struggle we will encounter.

Yet, as followers of Jesus Christ, love is a risk worth taking. Jesus loves us and we can’t help but love others in return. Jesus lived and died for us, and we can’t help but risk our own cozy lives for others. If we put our faith in the God that created us, redeemed us, and sustains us, then we can risk loving others. God will always provide and we serve an abundant God.

October was a month where I personally experienced the struggle and joy of loving others, and I watched other Christians experience the same because they risked loving others beyond a hello on Sunday. And they would all tell you that love is worth the risk. There was pain and heartbreak, but there was joy and the hope of resurrection. If you don’t know why we become part of the Church, Christ’s hands and feet in the world today, it is because we need this body to lift us up when our hearts break. We need the church to do God’s work of love and grace. I am thankful for you, church people.

Risk loving others because “the present suffering is nothing compared to the coming glory that is going to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18). If Christians can’t love others, then our world is hopeless. But where love is risked, there is eternal hope.

--Pastor Brody+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Carson UMC has been encouraging everyone to take part in small groups. These groups not only allow us to study God’s Word together, but they also call us to build relationships and hold each other accountable in our faith. Have you tried a small group yet?

Advent would be a perfect time for you to join in! You are probably thinking, “The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are the busiest of the year. That is a horrible time to add something to the schedule!” I know, I get it. That is why we are going to try something different for the Advent season (the four weeks leading up to Christmas).

Step 1: Take part in daily scripture readings and devotions, done on your own time.

Step 2: Share your feelings and reflections with a few friends who have also decided to do the daily readings. You can do this in emails, texts, as part of a Facebook group, or get together once a week for lunch or dinner.

Step 3: Attend the Wednesday evening gatherings at 7:15pm at Carson UMC to discuss the scriptures and how they are colliding with your busy holiday season.

The goal of this Advent season shouldn’t be to “just get through” or to plan the best parties with the perfect gifts. The goal should be to draw closer to the Lord and discover the peace that came to earth when our Savior Jesus Christ was born. We want you to get a taste of small groups and scripture study during Advent so your New Year’s resolution will be to continue to be present in a small group. Will you give this a try in some way?

Carson/Mt. Hope NewsNovember 2016

4th Annual Riverside Thanksgiving Dinner and Festivities

Thursday, November 24, 2016Carson Community Center

Doors open by 8:00 AM Dinner served at 1:00 PM

Activities being planned include crafts, watching the parade and football game, cards, board games and more.

Turkey, ham, dressing, potatoes and gravy will be furnished. Bring your favorite

Thanksgiving vegetable, salad, dessert and/or appetite.

This is a community Thanksgiving event. Come by yourself, bring your family, bring your neighbor. Come and celebrate with the thankful people of Carson, Macedonia,

Oakland and surrounding communities.

Carson & Mt. Hope United Methodist ChurchesPO Box 87Carson, IA 51525

TRICK OR TRUNKFRIDAY, OCTOBER 28TH

4:00PM – 6:00PMCHURCH PARKING LOT

SUNDAY SCHOOL SOUP SUPPER

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28TH

4:00PM – 7:00PMFELLOWSHIP HALL

CARSON UMC

Christmas Eve Service

Candlelight Service

SaturdayDecember 24

4:00PM ****************

***Blue Christmas