"Looking Toward Sunday" for November 9

"Here I Am"

Servant Ministry Sunday

November 9, 2014

This year at Annual Conference, Bishop Devadhar called on every pastor serving in the New England Conference to tell their call story in worship this fall. His hope is that each person in the pews will be invited to listen to the ways that God may be calling them to servant ministry - whether as a layperson or clergy person. So, this week Pastor Arlene and Pastor Jeff will be sharing their stories about how they were called into vocational ministry. 

Our scripture for the day will be the call of the prophet Samuel. (You can read it here.) The call of young Samuel is a reminder that God calls each of us - lay and clergy, young and old, cradle Christians and new believers - to use our gifts in mission and ministry.

In addition to hearing our pastors' call stories, Bishop Devadhar is also inviting congregations to make a special offering to support the Ministerial Education Fund - our Conference fund, administered by the Board of Ordained Ministry, to provide opportunities for ongoing spiritual nurture and continuing education for clergy as well as those on the journey of discernment toward ordination. 

We hope you'll join us as we listen to Arlene and Jeff's stories and consider how God might be calling us to respond, as Samuel did. "Here I Am."

See you on Sunday!

"Looking Toward Sunday" for November 2

"Glowing Halos and Broken Windows"

All Saints Sunday

November 2, 2014

This week we'll begin our worship service with a time of remembrance for loved ones who've gone on to the "Church Triumphant" since last All Saints Day. As each name is read a candle will be lit and a moment of silence observed. We'll then turn to our reading from The Revelation to John. The scene depicts John of Patmos' vision of heaven and the multitude of white-robed saints worshiping at the throne of God. (You can read it here.)

Just how do we define "saints"? Are they the heroes of the faith that we read about in the Bible and in Church history? Are they those who were martyred for their religious convictions? Are they extraordinarily righteous and pious Christians? Or are they simply everyday people who let God's light shine through them like a stained glass window?

Join us as we celebrate "all the saints who from their labors rest" and reflect on what it means to be a saint.

See you on Sunday!

"Looking Toward Sunday" for September 28 through October 26

New Sermon Series:

 “The Book of Psalms – Playlist for Life”

Athanasius of Alexandria (4^th C) declared that “most of scripture speaks to us, while the psalms speak for us”.  Over the next five weeks our worship will revolve around the rich collection of songs known as The Psalms.  Join us as we explore how the “hymnal” of the Hebrew Scriptures can give voice to our pleas and thanksgiving, woes and joys, doubts and trust. 

"Looking Toward Sunday" for September 21

"Envy or Gratitude?"

15th Sunday after Pentecost

September 21, 2014

This week we'll be taking a look at the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. (You can read it by clicking here.) A landowner hired laborers at intervals throughout the day and agreed to pay them the customary daily wage of one denarius. Those hired at 6 AM became angry when they were paid the same as those hired at the end of the day (in spite of agreeing to work for the same one denarius).Their initial happiness about finding work that day immediately dissipated when they saw the good fortune of the last-hired workers. Seeing this, the landowner told them to take their money and go, adding "Are you envious because I am generous?"

Envy is a destructive emotion - no wonder it's listed among the "Seven Deadly Sins"! So, how do we prevent it from damaging us and our relationships? How do we avoid or cure envy? Join us as we reflect on the insidious nature of envy - and on its remedy.   

See you on Sunday!

 

Spirit Weekend is Coming!

SPIRIT WEEKEND

September 27 and 28, 2014

The First United Methodist Church of Bangor

703 Essex Street is pleased to announce

Special Guest

 Roosevelt André Credit

“Joe” in Showboat 

Porgy and Bess on Broadway

               

White House Cantata at Carnegie Hall

                                                

Come experience familiar and rousing gospel songs presented by a soulful, rich baritone voice. The ‘Ol Time’ Spiritual Concert is at 6:30 pm Saturday with no admission charged. (A free-will offering is available at the end of concert.)

Saturday also offers the popular Healthy Heart Bean Supper at 5 pm ($7 Adults / $3 Children under 12 years) prior to the concert.

Sunday morning Roosevelt joins us for worship with more music at 10:30.

We hope to see you there!

To learn more about Roosevelt’s resume and recordings please visit his website by clicking here.