1020 S 10th Ave, Safford, AZ 85546, US
Ponderings of the Pastor
October 2023
Confirmation For Teens underway NOW! Drop us a line for more information.
It’s Back to Church Sunday, October 1st! I Love Back to Church Sunday! BTCS not only gets our people praying for our friends and family, but it inspires us to take action and extend a heart, hand and an invitation. It is a day to engage our members and maximize our outreach to new families in our community. It is an opportunity to listen for ways to encourage people to join our mission to “Reach out in God’s love and bring people to faith.” We will share a number of creative ways to celebrate our faith in Jesus, our love for each other and our desire to bring others into our faithful family. Being a part of a faith Family is a powerful testimony to the power of Christ within us. We can impact our neighborhood and revitalize each other with hope and joy for our future. 1. We Pray for our people and community members to reach out to friends and neighbors who do not yet know the blessings a relationship with Jesus and build joy-filled relationships with other people of faith. 2. Our Prayers connect us to our creator God, our forgiving Saviour Jesus and our Holy Spirit who leads and guides us throughout our lives. 3. Praying provides a practical way to live in mission with Jesus who hears our prayers for blessings upon the burdened, the poor and the lost. Jesus encourages us to find those who are in spiritual need and invite them to join us. 4. Prayer focuses our entire church body in one direction, toward Joyful faith-filled relationships When everyone is involved as it creates an atmosphere of expectation. 5. Yes, the Church can be messy, because the Church is made up of imperfect people seeking to follow Jesus. But the Church is also beautiful… it is the local expression of the Body of Christ. The Church is a place where we can worship God, encourage one another, grow in our faith, and serve those in need. It also helps us remember, and remind others, that the Church is a blessing. Let’s help bring others to a faith that they can celebrate for a lifetime and pass on to others what it’s like to feel our life change when we accepted God and commit ourselves to be followers of Jesus. Let’s light a spark to revitalize this Holy House and see each other as instruments in the hands of God. Please plan to take an opportunity to share “Why the Church is a blessing and an FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1020 S. 10TH Avenue Safford, AZ 85546 (928) 428-4211 Email: fumcsafford@gmail.com October 2023 A Courageous Church: Loving Like Jesus, Acting For Justice, United In Hope invaluable part of your discipleship journey” in the Sundays to come.
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Pastor will be on a retreat at Mingus Mountain Monday October 9th - Friday October 13th . Pray for a relaxing yet stimulating encounter with other clergy and Jesus!
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Gretchen Lofgren will lead worship on Charge Conference Sunday, October 15th . Our District Superintendent Reverend Matt Ashley will be leading us in celebration of what we have accomplished in this last year, and encourage us in our ministry for the future. Brunch will be provided after! Everyone interested is invited to attend.
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Pastor Corby will be away on Sunday, October 22nd through 27th . She will be attending “A Mile in My Shoes”, Immigration and the Bible at the Redemptorist Retreat Center in Tucson.
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Remember our “Sidewalk Sunday School” is collecting pop tops to take to the Ronald McDonald House in Tucson. The tabs are an important part of funding families who have children who are ill and in need of medical care, and their families who need to be close to them during these painful and scary times.
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We have a 5th Sunday this month! Please bring canned veggies and meats to worship this entire month and we will bless our Neighbors Food Pantry with your donations!
Blessings upon you, Pastor Corby Jo
