Ramona United Methodist Church
The Valley Spirit
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
August 2012
Pastor Val Inside this issue: UMW
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Turkey Dinner Pastor’s Article Treasurer
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Church Picnic Birthdays
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LPLC Open Door Dinner Calendar
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Volunteers Theater
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Scrip Golden Share
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Food Menu Opportunities
OUR VISION: An inclusive community of faith, learning and serving for the glory of Christ
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For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29: 11 (NRSV) These words from Jeremiah are one of my favorite verses and one I’ve leaned on many times these past few years. When I first heard the calling to ordained ministry I did what many do, I tried to ignore the urging and volunteered for even more activities in the church. After several years the calling was even stronger when I approached my family about this possibility and the changes that could occur. There was fear and worry, yet the support and love I received was overwhelming. While I had heard this verse many times, it was at a youth event that these words were read and they brought such comfort. Surely I know the plans I have for you...How amazing to think that God had these plans for me all along and even more amazing that God was patient in my accepting these plans.
Plans for your welfare and not for harm…There were so many times during seminary when these words brought comfort. Comfort when there weren’t enough hours in the day for studying, commuting, working and being present for my family. Comfort when tuition and bills came due long before funds was available. Comfort and strength when I just didn’t think I could go on. To give you a future with hope… This future seemed so far away during the darkest hours. This future at times seemed unimaginable. Hope seemed barely visible. Today this verse carries new meaning for me as I reflect on the plans God had and has for me. Anything I thought might harm me actually made me stronger and able to turn to others asking for help. The glimmer of hope that was always there now shines bright and leads the way to endless opportunity.
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