“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope —never forget that.” Jeremiah 29:11
The GRUENE UMC NEWS
January 2018
A note from the Pastor: Happy New Year! Praise God for a new year... What a year 2017 has been! A year ago, none of us could have imagined the plans God had for us! My family and I are only beginning to get to know you - and what a blessing it is to serve here at GUMC!!! Our lives are filled with so many wonderful new friends. We have been blown away by your love, generosity, and dedication as we serve Jesus together. Thank for being a church were ALL are welcomed... a church home where folks can experience a ‘come as you are’ atmosphere… a place where people can come and be loved, filled, and encouraged by the Holy Spirit that empowers us to GO and BE the love of Christ in the world. We caught a beautiful glimpse of this at Christmas when we sang Silent night and light hundreds of candles… all of them glowing together seem to say, “Remember... YOU are the light of Christ in a dark world that needs to hear the good news!” What will 2018 hold for us? What ways will we love our neighbors, and in what ways will we show the love of Christ in the local community and in the world? How will we teach our children and what will we learn from them? What mountaintop experiences will we share? What dark valleys will we journey through? What will we learn and how will we grow? What will challenge us to be the people God has called us to be?
In what ways is Jesus calling you to follow him? None of us know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future! Together we remember the word of God through the prophet Jeremiah: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget that. Jeremiah 29:11 (voice translation) May God continue to lead us into a bright future. May we keep our hearts lifted, our ears and eyes, hearts and minds open… I’m expecting great things! Come close, Lord lest I wobble and fall short. It is not days or years I seek from you, not infinity and enormity, but small things and moments and awareness, awareness that you are in what I am and in what I have been indifferent to. It is not new time, but new eyes, new heart I seek, and you. From Guerrillas of Grace: Prayers for the Battle by Ted Loder
Rev. Dan Harrington Senior Pastor (Dan@grueneumc.org)
This Month • •
Remix Groups Kids Corner
• Confirmation Classes •
Run Feed Love 5K
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Family Promise
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Steve’s Pantry