Bethel United Methodist Church 16101 Swanson Road Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 301 627-4515 Fax 301 627-3793 Email: bethelum@verizon.net www.hisbethel.org February 2011: Volume 3, Issue 1
Happy Valentines Day Zackey!
Prayer
It’s all about the relationship!
(Adapted from The National Day of Prayer Ministry)
God created mankind so that we naturally hunger for a relationship with Him. He encoded eternal longings in our spiritual DNA structure. The Scripture says, “He has also set eternity in the hearts of men” (Eccl. 3:11). Prayer is the way our spirits breathe. Without His presence, we are left gasping for meaning and desperately seeking our purpose in life. We find ourselves trying our best to pray because it is as needful as air for our lungs. Prayer is speaking with and listening to our Heavenly Father. God wants to answer our prayers. Answered prayer is how He manifests Himself in our lives and makes HIS relationship personal with us. “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). To illustrate the importance of the relationship, try this scenario! Let’s say you went into a restaurant with your father, ordered your meals, only to have the waiter pick up a fork and help himself to a bite from your father’s plate! It would be quite inappropriate. You would be offended. You would demand an apology from this waiter! Now imagine instead, that after you and your father got your ordered meals, you said to your father, “That looks delicious Dad. I’d like to try a bite of your entree!” With just an approving nod from Dad, you could then help yourself to a bite from your father’s plate. It would be natural. Your father would be happy to share his meal with you. It would be an accepted intimacy. What is the difference? Not the words. Not the actions. Not the intention. The difference is the relationship. Because of your relationship with Dad, you have access to your Father that a stranger does not. Seek him. Talk to your Father. He wants to talk with you! He wants a relationship with you! (Adapted from Live a Praying Life by Jennifer Kennedy Dean)
7×7 Prayer Ministry Are you willing to commit to pray for our country seven days a week? Are you able to set aside time in your car, during your coffee break, or before bedtime? We want to challenge you make this prayer commitment.
Rev. Ingrid Wang, Pastor
7×7 involves praying for seven centers of power seven days a week: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family. By remembering these specific prayer points, we can cover all Americans with God’s power. Together, we will see positive change.
Thousands are gathering across America from 12:00 noon – 12:30 p.m. every Thursday to cover the nation in prayer. This Task Force encourages you to assemble with co-workers, family and friends in this challenge. Please pray for our nation!
Page 2
Dear God, help us to respond to the needs around us by planting seeds of love. Amen
Business as Ministry submitted by Jan Holmes (adapted from Os Hillman, TGIF Today God is First) “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24) The bible is very clear that the purpose for our work life is to reflect Christ in and through our lives. It is an attitude that says our work is to have an overriding “ministry” objective to it. Our work is our worship to God. These two words even originate from the same Hebrew word, avodah. Robert Laidlaw was born in Scotland in 1885 but grew up in New Zealand. Born to Christian parents, he committed his life fully to the Lord when he was 17. Laidlaw began working in a hardware merchant company as a traveling sales representative when he was 19. Later he had the idea for a mail-order catalogue business that sold everything imaginable including underwear, groceries, cosmetics, and farm equipment, all at bargain-basement prices. His concept proved successful and his business later merged with Farmers Union Trading Company. He became general manager and held that position for 50 years. But this is not the most significant thing that can be said about Robert Laidlaw. He understood that his work life was a tool to affect others for Jesus Christ. He began giving ten percent of his income early in his business life. Later, however, he entered this into his journal: “September 1919, age 25. I have decided to change my earlier graduated scale, and start now giving half (50%) of all my earnings.” This he continued for the next 60 years. (John Woodbridge, ed., More Than Conquerors, Chicago, Ill, Moody Press, 1992, 351) The result of that commitment was countless numbers affected for Jesus Christ through the resources he gave to mission groups and other noteworthy Christian causes. He was personally involved in ministry. He wrote a small book that gave a thoughtful answer to basic questions about life and faith. It was titled, “The Reason Why.” Many hundreds of thousands came to faith in Christ because of this 46-page booklet. He publicly spoke to many of his faith in Christ and became very involved in the Soldier’s and Airmen’s Association when World War II broke out . Robert Laidlaw understood what it meant to view business with an overriding ministry objective. Pastor
Does the Lord have complete control of your life? If so, you will be able to see your work life as an extension of His life in you. Let the Lord live in and through your work life today.
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
Volume 3, Issue 1
O God, thank you for placing in our lives people whom we can share your love. In Jesus‟ name we pray. Amen.
Page 3
Getting to know her better
Interview with Mrs. Lavern Weeks!
By Alice Canter Witness & Evangelism Team
Our Laverne was born in Baltimore Maryland. She tells me, “When I was born, women had their babies at home”. So although her family lived in Washington, DC, her mother went to have her baby in the home of Laverne’s aunt. Sometime later, mother and baby Laverne returned home to Washington, DC. While she was still young, the family moved to Bradbury Heights, Maryland where she attended a Methodist Church. As a young lady, she was active with vacation bible school and the church youth group. She graduated from Eastern High School. As long as she could remember, Ms. Weeks always wanted to be a home maker. In 1942, Laverne married Thomas Weeks. They were married for 52 years. Their children are Carol Weeks, Judith Gorsuch, and James Thomas Weeks; and two grand children are Elizabeth and Steven. Ms. Weeks hobbies include sewing, cooking, gardening, and canning. Maybe that’s why I feel a kindred spirit with her! She has been a home maker and care giver all her life! She has enjoyed spending time with children and the elderly.
Laverne’s relationship with God had firm roots in Bradbury Heights where her son joined church youth groups too. Later, the family came to Bethel although she cannot remember exactly when. Ms. Weeks does remember the pastor to be Thomas Ehlers when she started attending Bethel United Methodist Church. Laverne says her faith and trust in God gets her through the days and nights. Ms. Weeks now resides in a nearby gated community (Collington) in Mitchellville, Maryland. Ms. Weeks has fond memories of Bethel and misses attending services there. Due to current health issues, Laverne finds it difficult to get to Bethel. I for one, miss seeing her smiling face and hearing her words of encouragement. I surely enjoyed my visit and look forward to seeing her again.
Wednesday Lunch Bunch
an Email from Jan Holmes
We would love to have you join us any and all Wednesdays for lunch at 11:30 or at noon for the discussions! Father, thank you for keeping us always in your mind and heart. We have faith, but help our unbelief. Help us to share your grace with others when they are in need. In Jesus‟ name we pray. Amen
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 8 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2: 37-38)
Page 4
Loving God, thank you for being there for us. Help us to enjoy your presence. Amen
What’s Love Got to do With It?
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." (Acts 16:30-31)
Volume 3, Issue 1
O God, thank you for placing in our lives people whom we can share your love. In Jesus‟ name we pray. Amen.
Jesus answered, “It is written: „Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.” (Luke 4:8)
Page 5
Page 6
God of diversity, help us to recognize and celebrate the different ways we all contribute to your work in the world. Amen
Service and Mission: Faith in Action!
2263 Mt. View Pl., SE Washington. DC 20020 Ph: (202) 610-1055 Fax: (202) 610-5673
The Children of Mine Youth Center, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) volunteer based after school program dedicated to providing a clean safe haven and loving environment for all youth across the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. From 2:30pm – 7:30pm, four days a week, the Center provides the children with clothes, food, tutoring, counseling, workshops, make frequent trips to a local church farm, and take part in field trips to Washington, DC’s cultural attractions. Some of the Bethel saints support this local program! But what are they doing lately? The current enrollment of children is now in excess of 100. The ages range from 4 yrs. to 18 yrs. with grade levels reflecting the variance of ages from kindergartners to twelfth graders and college. The Center is dedicated and committed to enhancing the lives of the children through love, security, education, and effective communication. In addition, on every third Saturday of the month Mrs. Hawkins extends her services to the homeless by providing them with hot meals, clothing, as well as hair cuts. Everyday, volunteers provide needed services to the youth. The Director, Mrs. Hawkins says, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the dedicated, devoted, and loving volunteers (and financial contributors) who work so fervently with the children to try and make a difference in their lives. Your deeds do not go unnoticed, God bless each and every one of you.” Mrs. Hannah Hawkins Founder/Director
The Voice of the Martyrs is a non-profit, inter-denominational Christian organization dedicated to assisting the persecuted church worldwide with a global perspective on the persecution of God’s church.
Bethel supports Streetlights ministry with warm clothes. Streetlight gives practical help to the homeless. This kind of help cannot be separated from individual evangelism. Jesus did not separate them. He boldly met physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Likewise, Streetlights serves people holistically. Wherever and whenever the Lord provides..
Rick shows Rev. Bobbi his “place” Streetlights of Bethany PO Box 432; Riverdale, MD 20738 Phone 301-793-7953 Rev. Bobbi Troyer streetlights@verizon.net
It's necessary to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29b)
Bethel UMC supports this ministry. The Voice of the Martyrs helps, loves, & encourages Christians who are or have been, persecuted for their involvement in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, providing bibles, medical assistance, food, clothing, and all forms of aid. Bethel has helped Christians get bibles in China (one page at a time)!. Widows like Luz gets help for her babies after her husband was killed in Columbia by guerrillas. Five year old Benjamin Marijali’s entire family was murdered for being Christian. After being hospitalized 6 months for burns, Benjamin got help from this ministry. He turned to his persecutors with forgiveness! He aspires to be an artist & prays that Nigeria will stop religious riots.
Volume 3, Issue 1
Dear Lord God help us not to be afraid any longer, but grant us the strength to go on speaking, not silent, for we KNOW you are with us. Amen (Taken from Acts 18:9-10)
Page 7
Service and Mission: Faith in Action!
And as they continued along on the way, they came to some water, and the eunuch exclaimed, See, [here is] water! What is to hinder my being baptized? And Philip said, If you believe with all your heart [if you have [b]a conviction, full of joyful trust, that Jesus is the Messiah and accept Him as the Author of your salvation in the kingdom of God, giving Him your obedience, then] you may. And he replied, I do believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. (Acts 8:36-38 Amplified Bible)
Looking for a sign from God? This may be it!
Stamp 16101 Swanson Road Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 301 627-4515 Email: bethelum@verizon.net www.hisbethel.org
·Sunday School 9:15AM ·Sunday Worship 10:30AM ·Pastor’s Study Tuesdays 6PM ·Scouts (call the office for time) ·AA (call the office for time) ·Young Adults / Youth on Saturdays (call the office ) ·Bowling @ Crofton Lanes Mondays 1:30PM ·Intercessory Prayer Tuesdays 9:30AM ·Lunch Bunch Bible/Book Study Wednesdays 11:30AM ·Choir Rehearsal Thursdays 5PM ·Evangelism Service, 2nd Sunday after worship ·Prayer Breakfast Saturday March 26 (call the office for time)
Address: