On Ash Wednesday, February 6, Lent begins. During this 40-day period, Christians reevaluate their spiritual lives. It's a time for us to have a spiritual check-up and to strive to live the Christian life more faithfully and more intentionally.

One might go on a spiritual retreat, for example, spending time with a prayer warrior, Bible expert or theologian. During Lent, attending the various church services and study opportunities can help people grow spiritually and become more informed about the Christian faith.

Our pilgrimage through Lent should inspire us to serve God more faithfully in our daily lives.

Activities for Lent at Garfield

--Submitted by Rev Randy

The Lenten season begins February 6 and we begin to prepare ourselves for the events and celebration of Holy Week and Easter. To prepare, the following activities are offered:

Ash Wednesday service February 6, including the placing of the ashes for those who desire. The service will be held at Garfield, at 7:30. Plan to come for this holy time.

The Monday evening Bible study will begin looking at the passion and resurrection of Christ by paralleling the gospels through this time of Jesus life. The study will begin February 4 and continue at Garfield, 7:00. 

A day time study will be held through the Lenten season with a light lunch provided. This soup and study will use Max Lucado’s study ‘3:16’ and will be held at Garfield on Wednesday afternoons, 12:30, beginning February 6. Bring a friend.

 

--Submitted by Pastor Katie

Women’s Retreat, February 8-9^th at Mt. Aetna Camp in Smithsburg

Join us for the 2008 Women’s Retreat! We will bloom in faith and friendship, as we take time to study God’s word, worship together, serve our community through mission, and fellowship with one another. Women can either spend the night at the camp or come for the day.

Accommodations are far from rustic! Double and single beds make up a beautiful cabin that sits at the center of the camp. (Electricity, running water and a full service kitchen!) Trails and lakes fill the camp and a nature center is open for our enjoyment.

For more information and to register, please contact Pastor Katie (301-846-4098 or pastorkatiebishop@yahoo.com. Childcare is available for Saturday. Friends and neighbors are welcome.

 

 

The pastors are meeting with those interested in becoming members of our church later this spring.  If you would like to become a member, please let a pastor know and we will make a time to get with you. 

Also, confirmation classes will be offered for children beginning in February. If you would like your child to participate, please let a pastor know so dates can be set.

 

In early March, church members will be cleaning up the cemetery.  Prior to Easter, all unsightly items and items not in accordance with existing rules, will be removed from the cemetery.

The Trustees have approved the purchase of 2 waterproof brochure boxes which will be placed near the front and the back of the cemetery.  Copies of The Cemetery Rules & Regulations will be placed in the boxes as well as copies of the following letter which includes information that is important to all interested parties.

Dear Friends of the Garfield United Methodist Church Cemetery,

It has been observed by the Trustees of the Garfield United Methodist Cemetery that some of our graves are being honored by placing objects around the monuments such as decorations and in-ground plants. Some of the articles being placed there are obstructing our mowers.

It is recognized that not all family members are familiar with the regulations which were presented to individuals buying lots in the cemetery.  That is the purpose of this letter.

As per the Cemetery Rules and Regulations, it is within the purview of the Trustees to remove any object from a grave which hinders the mowing process or detracts from the overall beauty of the cemetery.

The Trustees and members of the Garfield United Methodist Church feel that our cemetery is one of the most beautiful and well-maintained in the community. It is because of our regulations that this is possible.

Please help us by maintaining your loved ones graves in a manner which will not only show your respect and love for them, but will also help the church with mowing, trimming, and maintaining the overall beauty of the cemetery.

Thank you and God Bless,

 

 

--Submitted by Pastor Katie

Did you know that we send out mailings to our college students every couple of weeks? Notes of encouragement, little things like magnets, or drawings from our children help to encourage our college students (at home or away) as they journey with Christ.

If you (or your college student) has not been receiving our mailings, please pass along their address to Pastor Katie. And, if you happen to see something you would like to send our college kids (a card, a little something, or even just want to share a note), please leave them on Pastor Katie’s desk.

 

Youth and Young Adult Mission Trip - July 20th to 26th

Join us this July as we travel to Berkley Springs , WV to help work on a house for a family in need. We will be camping in tents, working during the day, and enjoying worship and Bible Study every evening.

If you are interested in attending (for the whole week or just half) please see Pastor Katie ASAP!

 

 

 

Eden Elizabeth ’s Baptism

You are invited to attend the baptism of Eden Elizabeth Bishop, on February 2^nd at 5:00 pm. The service will be held at Middletown United Methodist Church . Reverend Terri Rae Chattin will preside, with Revs. Randy Reid and Susan Halse assisting.  There will be a reception to follow in the social hall.

As an important part of Eden ’s life, we would be blessed to have you attend.

Grace and Peace, Katie and Chris Bishop

 

 

 

Love Heaven Style

Well, here we are with Christmas wrapped up for another year, New Year’s all of a sudden isn’t so new, and we are rolling into February and Valentine’s Day. I like Valentine’s. It brings back good memories, it challenges me to think of a new thing of how to celebrate for this year, and it causes me to think of my true loves, in particular Eileen and the kids. It makes me think about love, and all that it means to the world today. It means a lot of different things to people, and sometimes not all that good a thing. Give you an example.

Do you remember the old TV show ‘Love American Style’? I was just a kid when this show was on, but even then I knew there wasn’t something quite right about the ‘love’ that show displayed. By today’s standards it wasn’t that bad at all. It was mostly a lot of kissing and chasing and that sort of thing, but it was a hodge podge of people who seemed to change every time I saw the show who was ‘in love’ with whom. It was mostly to be comedy, but it was a bit confusing for a kid, and probably played a part in starting all the confusion that exists around love today. But despite that sort of thing, there is a love that hasn’t changed since forever, is not confused about what love is, and unfortunately does not come from the American style. It’s called love Heaven style, and comes from the God who not only offers to us His great love, but IS love. And so he knows exactly what love is and how it should be. So then, what does love Heaven style look like? To prepare for Valentine’s Day, let’s take a look.

In 1^st Corinthians 13, Paul talks about this greatest of gifts, love. First he says if we don’t have Godly love for others, we have nothing, we are nothing, and we will never be anything without love toward one another. He then goes on to say true love is this: it is patient and kind. It doesn’t envy, it doesn’t boast, it is not proud. Love is not rude, it’s not self-seeking, and it’s not easily angered. Love keeps no record of wrongs; it doesn’t delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth. Love always protects its lover, love always hopes and offers hope to the one it loves, and it always perseveres. When this love is put into practice and offered to others, Paul says it will never fail. He goes on to say this kind of love will last forever, and it the greatest gift a person can ever have or experience. Wow! Don’t see that on a Hallmark card too often. But just because you can’t buy it on a card doesn’t mean we shouldn’t practice it with the ones we love. So how does your love life look now? American style or Heaven style?

That’s a lot of hard work to love Heaven style, isn’t it? But it is surely worth it to love like that, because the bible says it’s the greatest thing we can ever know. Of course we don’t always get it right trying to live in this style. The only one who ever got it completely right was Jesus himself. So the standard is high. In fact, Jesus set the standard of love even higher when he died on the cross for us, because he loves us! Paul goes on to say later that because of that standard Jesus set, there is no greater love than to lay down your life, to give up your life, for another. Now that’s love, that’s love Heaven’s style! And it’s the love we are called to practice with everyone if we are going to be like Jesus and experience what true love really is. 

This love requires us to forgive when forgiveness doesn’t feel like the right thing to do. It requires us to hold back snide remarks and replies even when that seems like the fair thing to do. It requires us to let things go and not seek to get even, even when we are in the right. It requires us to be willing to put ourselves behind another and let others be first, have their way, and be happy about it. It requires us to be willing to give up our own lives for the ones we love. That is love Heavens style. So then, how will you celebrate this great day of love this year? Here are a few suggestions.

For the ones you care most about, do they want most for the day. If it be go out to dinner, or stay home and do nothing for the evening, do what the other person wants. For those around you, be it coworkers, church family, or friends, go out of your way for the day to give words of encouragement, gives smiles graciously, offer a hand, and let others know that you do love them and appreciate them. For strangers that come by you, give a smile and a simple hello. Ask how they are and take time to listen to their reply. Be nice, be kind, be like Jesus. Love people Heavens style, and make a difference this Valentines Day. And while you’re at it, why let it stop after just one day. Lets make it this whole year to love like Jesus does. Lets love the world Heaven style!

 

Handle With Care

Then little children were brought to Jesus

for him to place his hands on them and pray for them.

But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,

for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Matthew 19:13-14

When I got home from visiting a few families yesterday, I found a package sitting on my front step. The box was mangled, obviously tossed to the front door. (Our UPS lady is terrified of our dog. Every time she drops off a package, the dog pops up at the door and scares the be-gabbers out of her). It looked like it could have been mashed in transit. As I balanced the baby and the package and juggled my keys to open the door, I noticed that the package had red words written all over it, that read “Handle With Care.”

This Valentine’s Day, I have been thinking about the idea of “Handling with Care.” Our Father handles us with the most care, giving us the gift of life through Christ Jesus even though we don’t deserve it. Yet, often we are unable to carefully handle those in our midst. We, like those who handled my fragile package, choose to toss, trample, or mash those around us. Instead of thinking of others first, we choose to think of only ourselves.

In Matthew, Jesus welcomes the little children. But the disciples decided not to handle these precious children with care. Rebuking those who brought them, they tried to push them away. But Jesus had different plans, telling all those who would hear Him that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those like the little children. Jesus handles people with care. From the little children He welcomed, to the sick, blind and needy, Jesus handles people with care. Opening his arms to welcome all people, He handles people with care.

We take care of each other on Valentine’s Day. We might bring a bouquet of flowers home or take our spouse out to dinner. We send valentines to school, a special note for our child’s teacher, or perhaps we take time to tell those around us that we love them. But Jesus takes care of us everyday. And He calls us to handle each other with care everyday.

May this Valentine’s Day be a day you realize the love of our Father, and may it begin the time in your life when you handle each other with care.

Grace and Peace, Pastor Katie  

 

Fun for the Whole Family -- Handle With Care Fudge

To help teach your teens and children about handling each other with care, try this at home.

Supplies: a chocolate graham cracker, a resealable plastic sandwich bag, chocolate syrup, a teaspoon, and napkins.

What to Do: Place one whole chocolate graham cracker inside a resealable plastic bag. Release the excess air; then seal the bag. Crush the graham cracker into fine crumbs with your hands. Open the bag, and add two teaspoons of chocolate syrup. Seal the bag. "Handle with care" as you knead the ingredients in the bag until they form a ball of "fudge." Open the bag, and enjoy your Handle-With-Care Fudge.

What to Say: When everyone has made a bag of fudge, read aloud Matthew 19:13-14. Ask: Why did Jesus want children to come to him? How can you handle others with care this week?

 

 

The church is looking to make a new address directory.  In order to have the most accurate information, we are asking that you review your label and verify your address.  Also at the church during Sunday Services, Sylvia will have a list of all the address as maintained by the communications committee.  We ask that you review that for your information and any family members who may not be getting the newsletter but should be or want to receive it.

Look for the new address directory this spring.

 

 

Valentine's Day, a time when thoughts turn to love. But what is love? Is it a box of chocolates, or a pretty valentine? Is it a red rose, or maybe a dozen? Is it a peck on the cheek, a fond embrace, or a big bear hug?

Well, sometimes love is known in those ways. But love, real love, is how we relate to God and to one another if life is what it ought to be - beautiful!

With these thoughts on Valentine’s Day in mind you are invited to a Valentine’s Social.  A time to fellowship with other Christians, have a little food for nourishment and a little “Valentine” atmosphere.  Come join us on February 16^th at 7:00 p.m. at the church

 

 

Sing praises unto the Lord.  This is what is written. When you are happy and joyful before the Lord you want to sing, it is by design from Him.

There is no better way to sing praises to the Lord, fellowship with other Christians and just lift your spirits than to be a part of a choir.

The adult choir will resume practice on February 13^th at 7:30 p.m. at the church.

 

 

Income	2006	2007
Month	11101	9169
YTD	113038	110961
Expenses	2006	2007
Month	8928	8442
YTD	97108	109741
Sunday School/Missions	2006	2007
Sunday school	295	253
YTD	2677	2329
Missions	1218	676
YTD	7927	6951
Attendance	2006	2007
Worship	575	384
YTD	4971	4217
Sunday School	154	95
YTD	1349	1033

 

 

The Village Theater of Gettysburg proudly presents the musical Godspell.  The musical will be presented weekends beginning February 9^th and continue through March.  If you would like more information or tickets please call 800-570-4590 or go to www.getthreatre.org.

  

 

 

 

 

 

What did Jesus say about the proper way to pray? Choose the correct answer below:

A. Go to a public place and witness by praying where others can hear you.

B. Go to a private place such as your room, shut the door and spend quiet time with God.

C. Diligently prepare ahead of time the words you wish to use in prayer, write them out and then read them to God.

The answer is in Matthew 6:5-6, NRSV.