We had worship on Sunday at the 11:00 service. A 150 plus were present and we webcast it bringing in an additional 151 households. The Lord’s Day was a day of rejoicing. Rick Clayton
Hayes Barton UMC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_lZiypXcdc

Welcome to Winter! As I carefully made my way to the church this afternoon, I was convinced that canceling all Sunday activities was the right call. I am usually the one who says, “Come on, all you brave hearts!” However, this time, we feel it is best to email you the PDF version of the bulletin so that you might read your scriptures and spend time in prayer in the safety and warmth of your own homes. For you really good
Methodists who have the UM Hymnal, find the chosen hymns and lift your voice up in praise!

Foy Biggers (our Trustee Chairperson) was able to resurrect our News Channel 14 cancellation notice – the WRAL site wasn’t as cooperative.

Thank you for calling anyone you know who does not have or do not regularly use their email.

Tomorrow is still the Lord’s day, so celebrate the means of Grace called, “Christian Conversation” – after you read and pray over the scripture lessons, call your brothers and sisters in the faith and tell them what the Lord said to you through His
living Word!

Peace,
Hunter

Avent Ferry UMC,

Hope you are all having a fun and safe snowy weekend. It would not be safe or wise of us to try to gather at the church tomorrow for any services or activities, so they are all cancelled. Instead, we’ll be having a VIRTUAL WORSHIP SERVICE on our church’s Facebook page: AFUMC Facebook Page [was linked here] at 11AM Sunday morning, for about 15 to 20 minutes. Seventy-seven of you are registered on that page now, so if you’re not registered, go there this evening and sign in so you can participate. Then come back tomorrow morning at 11AM. I will guide us through some Scripture, a Devotion, and Prayer. And anyone can “comment” in with a prayer request or reflection or just an “Amen”.

Of course, this is all presupposing that we’ll have power and internet tomorrow (our internet was out all day until just recently here at the parsonage).

Additionally, please call me at 851-3057 if you are having a pastoral emergency or a weather-related urgent need (heat, food, etc.). We’ll try to mobilize whomever may be able to help you.

See you tomorrow morning on our “Avent Ferry United Methodist Church” Facebook page!

In Christ,
Pastor Taylor

Sunday Services and Activities Canceled – Worship Moved Online
All activities are cancelled tomorrow at church. Underneath the snow and sleet there is a layer of ice on the steps and sidewalk.

However, you are invited to take part in an online time of sharing, praying, and studying. This will take place on our Facebook page…

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=2300013835&topic=13564

I will be online all morning as long as we have power.

So, stay at home. Have a nice cup of coffee, or cider, or chocolate, and join us as study the first chapter of Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians as part of your morning worship time.

God bless you,

Alan

What we’re doing instead is “virtual church.” I have a message and prayers that I’m e-mailing to our webmaster. He’s going to post them, along with some embedded music videos, and anyone going to our website can have a worship experience in their own home. Who knows? Maybe we’ll start doing this all the time in addition to our “live church.”

BTW, the title of my message for tomorrow is “Soul on Ice.”

Be safe and stay warm!

Grace and peace to you through our Lord Jesus Christ! The snowy weather gives us an opportunity to try something different this Sunday morning. Here are some creative possibilities for worshiping God at home:

Read scripture* inside (or outside), and then take a “prayer walk” with the intent of seeing God through the beauty of creation. As you walk, you might pray silently for situations that come to mind or you may pray for your neighbors, particularly those going through difficult situations. You might especially lift up those neighbors who do not have a church home. If you are walking on your own, you might play Christian and talk with God about what the music brings to mind.

Or, you may decide to gather your family for a time of worship inside. Read scripture together, and re-read it, reflecting on how God may be speaking to you. Enjoy a time of silence (as much as you can if you have young children!) as you listen to God. You might bring out crayons and markers and draw your reflections on scripture.

For more ideas, go to http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/ and check out the column on the left for “weekly groups,” or “prayer workshop.” Another online devotion that includes music as well as reflective reading of scripture is http://www.pray-as-you-go.org.

* Here are some verses from Psalms that mention the word snow. Read a few verses before and following to get an idea of the context, and listen for God’s word to you.

Psalm 51:7

Psalm 147:16

Psalm 148:8

The local weather forecast suggests we may some snow and/or ice this weekend.

Any changes in worship services will be posted on WRAL, channel 5. These postings can also be viewed on their website…
http://www.wral.com/weather/closings/

We will also post this information on our own website…
http://hornememorial.org
(assuming power and phone works)

Generally speaking, I will cancel ALL services if the roads are covered with ice.
If there is just snow on the ground we may only have the 11:00 worship service.
If the roads are cleared will will likely have all three services.

NOTE: Please don’t take any risks in getting to church. If you believe the roads from your home to the church are not cleared stay at home. Have a nice cup of coffee, or cider, or chocolate, and read Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians as part of your morning worship time.

God bless you,
Alan