Archive June 19, 2022

“Have a blessed day!” or “#blessed!” It’s become common to use these and other sayings like them. However, does this reflect the best understanding of what it means to be blessed by God? Some folks mistakenly believe that blessings are only material things. Others think that being blessed means that God loves them in a way that God doesn’t love others. If these

ideas aren’t correct, then what does it mean to be blessed? Join us this Sunday as we talk about the meaning of blessing and how it is a part of a life of faith. This is a busy Sunday as we’ll be taking a moment to honor Juneteenth and Father’s Day, also. 

We’ll be live on Facebook at 11:00, or you can watch at any time on Facebook or Youtube.  

Here is some information to help you participate if you’re joining us online:

• The response to our interactive opening prayer is, “This blessing lives in the story beneath the story. “
• Today’s songs are “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “Seek Ye First.” Look up the words online, and you can sing along.
•  The scripture reading is Matthew 5:1-12.
• Please let us know how God is moving in your life. You can leave a celebration and/or prayer request in the comment section so that we can celebrate God’s kindness and discern God’s will with you.
• Share an offering in our app in Givelify or send a check to the church.

We’re looking forward to worshipping with you. Have a blessed Lord’s day, everyone!

Pentecost. The Holy Spirit breaks into the world in a way that had never been seen. It transforms a group of devoted followers without a leader into a movement that would change the world. When we think of all the ways that the world needs change at the moment, how open are you to the Spirit’s presence and leading? It’s not a simple question. Letting God lead takes faith, courage, and love. Do you think you’re ready? Join us as we explore the idea of “Breathing Fire.”

We’ll be live on Facebook at 11:00, or you can watch at any time on Facebook or Youtube.  

Here is some information to help you participate if you’re joining us online:

• The response to our interactive opening prayer is, “Jesus promised, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.”
• Today’s songs are “Sweet Sweet Spirit” and “Spirit of the Living God” Look up the words online, and you can sing along.
•  The scripture readings are Acts 2:1-21 and John 16:7-15
• Please let us know how God is moving in your life. You can leave a celebration and/or prayer request in the comment section so that we can celebrate God’s kindness and discern God’s will with you.
• Share an offering in our app in Givelify or send a check to the church.

We’re looking forward to worshipping with you. Have a blessed Lord’s day, everyone!

Announcements for May 30-June 4:

Joys and Concerns for Prayer: 

• • The Uvalde Texas school shooting
• Healing and grief for our city:
  • Families laying loved ones to rest
  • Healing for those wounded
  • Healing comfort for everyone traumatized
  • Strength for those who are working to provide aid
• Medical Healing: Corey R., Jessica (Provy’s cousin’s wife); Paul (Birney’s son).
• Travel: Provy 
• The War in Ukraine 
• The political and social divisions we face as a nation
• That God will keep using us to help those who are struggling to meet their needs during these times of soaring prices and high stress

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Food Pantry: God continues to bless others because of your generosity! 
  • Needs this week: Our primary needs this week are fresh produce, milk, and eggs. 
  •  Consider driving for deliveries. We need more people to share this work. Please consider whether you might be able to give 15-20 minutes after service or any time that’s convenient for you. 

Our church Street Team will be launching soon. The charge of the Street Team is to walk the neighborhood and meet our neighbors. They will listen to our neighbors’ hopes and concerns, share information about our church and events, and pray with and for the community. The team will do walks at least twice a month, but they can go whenever members can go. If you are interested in being a part of this effort to get to know our neighbors, see Pastor Scott or Melissa. 

Important Dates/Events Coming Up: 

• June 12 – Graduation Celebration: if you know someone who is graduating from any level of education, submit their name to have them acknowledged and prayed for during our celebration next week, June 12. Simply see Pastor Scott or email the church at firstchurch@firstumcbuffalo.org. 

• June 21 – Bishop Webb will be hosting a virtual conversation for the laity: This will be a live webinar on Vimeo on Tuesday, June 21 at 6:30 p.m. Bishop Webb will explain some recent developments in the denomination and plans in the annual conference. 

• Save the Date – August 7th – Worship on the lawn and church picnic