Looking Forward to Joshua

Our December movie at Arkport UMC is Joshua. It’s a story, based on the best-seller by Joseph Girzone, of a small town that’s turned upside-down by the arrival of a stranger. This man, Joshua is his name [note: "Jesus" is the greek version of the hebrew name "Joshua"], is a simple man who befriends many, and threatens others.

I’ve never seen the movie all the way through, just bits and pieces in church. I’m looking forward to seeing it. But, since I’m the impatient type at times, I’m reading the book. It’s great. I highly recommend it to anyone.

The movie Joshua will be shown at Arkport UMC on Saturday, December 6th, at 7:00pm. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

Pastor’s Report, November 2008

[Friends, here is the report of the pastor, submitted on November 19, 2008]

PASTOR’S REPORT TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL

The Advent/Christmas season is approaching quickly; it’s just weeks away. Advent is my favorite season of the church year. I like the quiet, reflective (penitential, even) seasons of Advent and Lent. I’m hoping that the upcoming season will be meaningful for us all.

I’ve got my hands full doing the required paperwork to become a provisional elder. There are papers to write and many, many forms to fill out. Please keep me in your prayers as I try to find the time I need to get it all completed (the final deadline for the most time-consuming parts is February 1, 2009). If I am successful, I’ll be part of the first class of provisional elders under the 2008 Book of Discipline. That will impact some of our scheduling in the years to come.

Over the past few months, our church—like much of the world—has been anxious. Yet in this crisis of confidence, I have kept my eyes open for signs of new life. Great things are happening, but we must remember that all things take time. Though some may view it as ancient history, we are still suffering from the wounds of the recent past. At the same time, healing has begun, but healing takes time as well.

What I try to remember is that all of these things are continually being lived out in every congregation. There are ups and downs, obvious successes and disasters, and quiet, unobserved moments of hurting and healing. In the midst of it all, we must keep our eyes on the Christ . We must remember who we are called to be as the family of God and be true to that calling.

I remain confident and hopeful about God’s family at Arkport United Methodist Church!

In Christ’s Service…

Michael A. Smith, Pastor

Worshipping with the Saints

We had a great All Saints’ Sunday service! It was one of our Combined Worship Services, where folks from our two services come together to worship as one. That it was on All Saints’ Sunday was even more meaningful, as we celebrate our fellowship not only with one another, but with all those who have come before. It was a packed service, with old friends and a few guests.

After worship, we went outside and gathered around our new church sign, which was officially dedicated to the memory of Terry Pritchard. Terry died in January and some of the money for the new sign came from the memorial funds given in her memory.

Then, we went back into the warm church and went downstairs for a time of fellowship and a delicious, hot breakfast served up by the men of the church. We had over seventy folks at breakfast!

All told, a wonderful day! Blessings…