The Church is the People

Many people recall the finger rhyme, "This is the church." This fun activity we learned as children presents a profound message -- The Church is the people. I am hoping that several folks will be willing to contribute to this blog by writing a memory of one of your favorite Norton United Methodist "people."


This Is The Church
A fingerplay with interlocking fingers
This is the church,
(children hold hands down with fingers interlocked)
This is the steeple.
(Now put up both index fingers in the shape of a steeple)
Look inside.
(children turn hands over)
And see all the people.
(everybody wiggle fingers)

"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling..." Romans 12:13

On August 22 we spent a lot of time on the subject of Radical Hospitality. This video is an exceptional parable lesson on the topic. Take a look:




























"Gracious God, give us a heart that remembers the strangers who may be in our path today and help us share your all-encompassing love with them, just as you have shown love to us."

SUNDAY, AUGUST 29, FIFTH SUNDAY SINGING AND FELLOWSHIP DINNER AT THE CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

The congregation of Norton United Methodist Church will be attending the Fifth Sunday Singing and Fellowship Dinner at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 11:00 am, Sunday, August 29, 2010.

We are looking forward to this great time of singing, worship and fellowship. After the service there will be a fellowship dinner. Our friends from the Church of the Good Shepherd are active partners in our Mt. View Ministry and the pastor refers to them as the church of the "good singers." God is pleased when we fellowship together and enjoy times of worship and friendship with fellow Christians. We hope this will become a regular Fifth Sunday Activity, the folks from the Church of the Good Shepherd will we worshiping with the Norton United Methodist Church on the next Fifth Sunday, October 31st for another Fifth Sunday Singing and Dinner.

REMEMBER YOUR BAPTISM AND BE GLAD

Sunday, August 15, 2010 was a time of great celebration as we observed "Good Shepherd" Sunday and shared in the Baptism of Matthew Rains. This opportunity to participate in God's grace and favor will be remembered for a long time. We all appreciate Matthew for his calm and patient and kind demeanor, but especially for his love of God and others.


As you read the "Blessing of the Water" portion of the Baptismal liturgy, Remember your Baptism and Be Glad.


The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Eternal Father:
When nothing existed but chaos,
you swept across the dark waters
and brought forth light.
In the days of Noah
you saved those on the ark through water.
After the flood you set in the clouds a rainbow.
When you saw your people as slaves in Egypt,
you led them to freedom through the sea.
Their children you brought through the Jordan
to the land which you promised.
Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Tell of God’s mercy each day.
In the fullness of time you sent Jesus,
nurtured in the water of a womb.
He was baptized by John and anointed by your Spirit.
He called his disciples
to share in the baptism of his death and resurrection
and to make disciples of all nations.
Declare his works to the nations,
his glory among all the people.
Pour out your Holy Spirit,
to bless this gift of water and those who receive it,
to wash away their sin
and clothe them in righteousness
throughout their lives,
that, dying and being raised with Christ,
they may share in his final victory.
All praise to you, Eternal Father,
through your Son Jesus Christ,
who with you and the Holy Spirit
lives and reigns for ever. Amen.