Women's Bible Study

Last night, seven women gathered for dinner and Bible study in the HUMC fellowship hall. The first DVD session in the 6-week series, entitled "The Greatest of These is Love", was taught by well-known teacher and author, Beth Moore. Following the DVD presentation , the women shared insights gained from the lesson, enjoyed dessert and closed the evening with prayer. It was a wonderful time of feeding both body and spirit.

Although this is a series, each study stands alone and is taught by a different teacher on DVD, so attendance at any or all of the studies is up to the individual. There are no workbooks, no homework and no cost. Child care is provided. Next week--Sunday, Oct. 4--The study is entitled "Walking by Faith" and will be taught by Jennifer Rothschild. All women of the church and community are invited to HUMC on Sundays from 5:30-7:30 P.M. for fellowship, dinner, Bible study, discussion and prayer.

Rally Sunday

Today was Rally Sunday, the resumption of Sunday School and return of the choir to the chancel after the summer break. During the worship service, third graders were presented with Bibles and Sunday School teachers were recognized. Classes began for all ages, including pre-K/1st grade, 2nd/3rd grade, 4th/5th grade, junior high, senior high, and three adult classes. Nursery service is provided. See the Sunday School web page for additional information.

After Sunday School, we all assembled for a potluck dinner, ice cream with homemade toppings, and good fellowship.

Sunday School Update

Today was Rally Sunday at HUMC, the day when Sunday School classes resume after a Summer break. The Odds & Ends class, led by Bruce, reviewed and discussed various Bible study and Sunday School materials. They have decided upon, "One Body, One Spirit : Building Relationships in the Church" published by Fisherman Bible Studies. Study Guides will be ordered this week and hopefully be available by class time next Sunday.

UM Men Work Day

The HUMC United Methodist Men met today, starting early for breakfast and a meeting followed by a busy working morning to complete a number of facility jobs around the church.

The first task completed was the introduction of two marked handicapped parking spaces near the north (main) door of the church. The sidewalk was edged with a blue strip, and a handicapped parking sign was installed just inside the sidewalk. This should ease access to the building for members and visitors.

Drainage around the church building was addressed by adding dry creek beds beneath several of the gutter downspouts. These will move more of the rainwater away from the foundation walls, and blend in nicely with the landscaping. The men were also seen on the roof measuring gutters for future installation of gutter guards.

Finally, audio speakers and volume controls were installed in the nursery and kitchen. This will allow people serving in those locations to be part of activities in the sanctuary, especially during Worship services on Sunday morning.

The UM Men will next meet on October 3 at 7:30am for breakfast and a meeting, and invite all church men to attend. They promise (for that meeting) that tractors are optional!

Church Library/New Materials/September

The following materials have been added to the church library and are ready for check out. They can all be found on the recent acquisition table which is located just outside the door to the adult library room.

African Playground CD by Putumayo Kids
The Angus Buchan Story DVD - Faith in Action
The First Days of Christianity DVD - The History Channel
A Hat for Ivan by Max Lucado
Holy Yoga by Brooke Boon
Kingdom of the Son CD by Gospel Light (songs from 2009 VBS)
Parenting in the Pew by Robbie Castleman
Prayer: Does it Make Any Difference? - DVD Bible Study by Philip Yancey
Prayer: Does it Make Any Difference? - Participant's Guide by Philip Yancey
The Upper Room Chapel DVD
Worship Words by Debra and Ron Reinstra

HUMC Online

A short presentation was made following fellowship time today, covering the ways that Homer United Methodist Church (HUMC) is using email and web sites and services to communicate and inform members of the congregation, as well as to reach out to the community.

Sites and services include:
HUMC Pray (email prayer chain)
HUMC Announce (email announcements and reminders for upcoming activities)
Monthly Newsletter (email distribution by PDF file attachment)
National United Methodist Church "Find-a-Church" service
HUMC web site
HUMC facebook group
HUMC blog
HUMC library "card catalog"

For additional information, including email addresses, see the presentation slides (PDF file, 107 KB).

We are only beginning to discover the ways we can use these, or similar, sites and services to increase communication, build community, and spread the Word. Your participation and, especially, input will make them successful! Let me know if you have questions or comments.

Church Library/New Books/August

This month there have been several generous donations to the church library. The following books have been added to the church library and are ready for check out. They can all be found on the recent acquisition table which is located just outside the door to the adult library room.

Any Minute by Joyce Meyer
Battling Unbelief by John Piper
The Beautiful Story ed. by J.W.Buel
Day by Day by Charles Swindoll
Family Word Finder by Reader's Digest
The Gift of Encouraging Words by Florence Littauer
Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart Songs 4 Worship
God's Best for You by Marilyn Morgan Helleberg
God's Little Promise Book by Word Publisher
Growing as a Christian by Leisure Time
Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets
Irresistible Invitation by Maxie Dunnam
Joy for the Journey by Word Publish
The Lord and His Prayer by N.T. Wright
The Lord's Prayer by Douglas Connelly
Love Adds a Little Chocolate by Medard Laz
Mosquito on an Elephant's Rump by Terry Teykl
Open the Eyes of My Heart Songs 4 Worship
Praying in Color by Sybil MacBeth
Praying in Color: Kid's Edition by Sybil MacBeth
The Principles of Spiritual Growth by Miles Stanford
The Standard Vacation Bible Courses ed. by Florence Waterman
The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary ed. by Merrill Tenney