THE WOODS UMC Grand Prairie, Texas may 2015 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER O Yes We Can! Moving from Fear to Faith…….The Pastor’s Pen “Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much Hme together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:4347) I know it’s not Pentecost season; but I’m in the spirit of Pentecost! So are many in the Wednesday Small Group Classes. Reading about how the church was started and fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit has caused many in the class to feel and hope for a sense of revival. To read about the once fearful and wobbly disciples now standing firmly on their feet and speaking with authority while saving souls for Christ, puts joy and expectaHon in our hearts. We see God moving through them in a mighty way to heal, deliver and be witnesses for Christ as they transform lives and spread the gospel. “Do it again, God!” we shout. Easter reminds us that the same wonderworking power that rose Jesus from the dead is available to us, as well, as we minister to the masses in God’s Kingdom. It is Hme for us to claim that power and live and serve faithfully and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Now. This world is in need of disciples who are rooted and grounded in Christ Jesus and all he taught and stood for. God has gi‘ed each of us; and what a force this church can be when we all surrender to God’s will and proclaim, “Here I am, Lord. Use me to your glory!” Thought for the Day: Our Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automaHcally liberates others.” blessings Pastor Marie
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THE WOODS UMC Grand Prairie, Texasm
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M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R
O Yes We Can! Moving from Fear to Faith…….The Pastor’s Pen
“Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much Hme together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:43-‐47)
I know it’s not Pentecost season; but I’m in the spirit of Pentecost! So are many in the Wednesday Small Group Classes. Reading about how the church was started and fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit has caused many in the class to feel and hope for a sense of revival. To read about the once fearful and wobbly disciples now standing firmly on their feet and speaking with authority while saving souls for Christ, puts joy and expectaHon in our hearts. We see God moving through them in a mighty way to heal, deliver and be witnesses for Christ as they transform lives and spread the gospel. “Do it again, God!” we shout.
Easter reminds us that the same wonder-‐working power that rose Jesus from the dead is available to us, as well, as we minister to the masses in God’s Kingdom. It is Hme for us to claim that power and live and serve faithfully and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Now. This world is in need of disciples who are rooted and grounded in Christ Jesus and all he taught and stood for. God has gi`ed each of us; and what a force this church can be when we all surrender to God’s will and proclaim, “Here I am, Lord. Use me to your glory!”
Thought for the Day:
Our Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to
manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone.
And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automaHcally liberates others.”
-‐-‐blessings Pastor Marie
Giving—A Love Offering
Giving is all about love. Whether it’s giving of our Hme, our talents or our monetary gi`s, biblical giving is a loving response to God who has given us God’s best gi` in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It has been o`en said that “you can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” A heart filled with graHtude cannot help but to give and share resources. And, this kind of a heart not only gives, but gives ‘cheerfully’ and consistently.
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks to his disciples (and us) concerning treasures:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, whether neighter moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for a friend.” (John 15:13) Jesus willingly sacrificed his life for you and me and all humanity. That’s a love that we cannot fathom. Might we seek to faithfully live and give as he did. Only then can we transform lives and impact our church, community and the Kingdom of God.
Is Jesus your greatest treasure?
-‐-‐Pastor Marie
Online Giving !If you are currently giving on a weekly basis, you will no longer need to write out 52 checks a year or prepare 52 envelopes. And, when travel, illness or other circumstances prevent you from attending
services, this program will allow your weekly offerings to continue on an uninterrupted basis."!Giving online is easy and allows you to set up automatic recurring contributions and view your
complete online giving history from anywhere you have access to the Internet. Simply follow these easy steps:"
Manage your giving online"1. Visit the church website at www.thewoodsumc.org,"2. Click on the Give button,"3. Click on the Give Now button, then"4. Follow the onscreen instructions to create an online profile and to schedule your recurring
Children’s Ministry News at "The Woods UMC
Children’s Sunday School Classes We have 3 Children’s Sunday School Classes every Sunday at 9:45 a.m."
Our Preschool Class is for Pre-K through Kindergarten which is studying Rock Solid, Building a Heart of Faith for the Pre-K children."
We have a class for all children in grades 1st through 3rd grade and they are studying Rock Solid, Building a Heart of Faith for the younger elementary children."
We have a class for all children in grades 4th and 5th grade and they are studying Rock Solid, Building a Heart of Faith for the older elementary children."
All of our children’s Sunday School classes are upstairs across from the restrooms. We are MinistrySafe, which means no child will be left alone with a adult at any time. There are always 2
teachers in the classrooms."
Bridgeport Camp 2015!July 7th-11th!!
Bridgeport Camp Applications are now being accepted. If you are in grades 3rd-5th, please let Melody know if you are interested in going this upcoming Summer. Please go to http://www.bridgeportcamp.org/camp-schedule.htm and sign up for this week.
The Woods UMC Children 2015 VBS July 27th-31st
6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. If you are interested in being a volunteer for this years
VBS please come to a VBS volunteer meeting on Sunday, May 31st right after the 2nd service in
*SENIOR SUNDAY* We will be having Senior Sunday for the graduating seniors on May 17th right after the 2nd service! !*WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY* I have changed the time for this Bible Study multiple times but I have come to a final say for 6pm to 7pm. All youth are welcome. !*SUMMER MISSION TRIP*Everything is coming along great for the trip. No new updates. Sarah Powel and Mike Towlsten are going to be the volunteers on the trip! I need everyone's money for the trip by Sunday May 10th! !Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive of me and the youth! I am very appreciative of the love this amazing church has shown me!
IMPACT Youth
Save The Date A Women’s Conference, called Together, featuring popular speaker and author Beth Moore, and ChrisHne Caine will be at Trinity Church in Cedar Hill May 27-‐May 29. ChrisHne Caine will lead the 7 p.m. Wednesday (May 27) session. Thursday (May 28) will feature sessions throughout the day and Beth Moore will highlight the 7 p.m. session. On
Friday, more sessions are scheduled throughout the day culminaHng in a 7 p.m. Worship.
This Conference offers women a chance to be encouraged and will bring lots of fun, gi`s and opportuniHes to fellowship and connect. Early bird Hcket rate (before May 6) is $50 per person; $65 unHl week of event, $75 week of
event or at the door. RegistraHon is at www.trinitychurch.org/events or call 469 523-‐2760.
It would be great if we could take a group of women to these events. Let us know your interest in the church office.
