On our walk. . . . .                 April 30, 2007

 

Pastor’s Message –

 

Revelation 21: 1-6

 

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his people, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away. And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also, he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.”

 

In Genesis humankind was separated from God, and the whole Bible depicts a story of redemption which is fulfilled through Jesus. Each and every book takes us closer to salvation. This chapter of Revelation finally takes us to the point where we find out what God has in stored for us; a new place where pain and suffering, even death will no longer exist. God will live with us. But, for this to happen we have to change. We have to pass away from the first earth. We have to know what God is looking for. It is all part of the journey to reach the new Jerusalem. It will not be an easy journey, there will be pit falls, but you can achieve it if you are prepared. Preparation is having an open heart, and mind. To be with the Holy Spirit, Jesus, and the Father each and everyday in prayer, worship and communion. To make a commitment to God and not yourself. That is what it will take to make that journey. Are you ready ? 

 

God Bless

 

Upcoming Events – April 23-29

 

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

   Bible Study @ Antioch @ 10:00 AM

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

   Prayer Meeting @ Williams @ 5:45 PM

   Choir Practice @ Williams @ 6:30 PM

Saturday, May 5, 2007

   Men’s Breakfast @ Antioch @ 8:00 AM

 

  

Antioch had a special “Fifth Sunday Singing” during Sunday School on the 29th.  Though, Brenda Napier was ill and could not perform, Brenda Barnes, Barbara Callis and Susan Mosely filled in with a program. Wayne Hendricks and Barbara Callis led the congregation in singing and a great time of fellowship was had by all.  A delicious breakfast was served afterwards.  Please be on the lookout for more of these events as the year progresses.  A special thanks to all who took part in this wonderful event.

 

 

Ladies Tea. Williams’ Ladies held their monthly tea on Saturday, April 28th.  The theme for this month was “In the Garden”.  The fellowship and food were most enjoyable.  There were 13 in attendance and all had a wonderful time. Watch for the date and time of the next “tea”.  I understand it is going to be a bread making occasion.

 

 

Mother’s Day is approaching.  Please help this Mother’s Day to be another huge success as we watch our children grow.  We need children of all ages to participate:  to read scripture, a poem, or a selection of their choice. If there is anyone who has a child or grandchild, or knows of someone that would like to participate in our Mother’s Day program, please call Sarah Stallings at 434-676-6784 or contact her by e-mail at sstallings@earthlink.net

 

 

Sunday School is available each Sunday morning.  There is a class for every age so please plan on joining us to learn more about our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Sunday School at Williams begins at 10:45 AM and at Antioch at 10:00 AM. 

 

 

 

Bible Study. There has been a request that we try to find out if there is any interest in a week night weekly Bible study.  If you would like to take part in such a venture, please send me an email with what day is best and what time would suit you or give me a call or see me after services.

 

 

Confirmation Class.  This week the class met for the last time.  We journeyed into our Methodist past.  We visited an early Methodist college, Randolph Macon, in Boydton, VA; the site of the first conference held in Virginia, Mason’s Chapel, just outside of Valentines, VA;. the home site of one of the early  influential ordained ministers in American Methodism, Edward Droomgoole; and we visited the church that grew from Mason’s and Droomgoole's Chapels, Olive Branch UMC in Gasburg, VA. A special service will be planned for the members of the class and all confirmed members of the Church in May.  I would like to thank all of those who took part in the class.  You have lifted me up with your enthusiasm and love for Jesus Christ and your willingness to renew your faith.

 

Of Special Note:

 

The Rev. Paul Beighley will be retiring this year. There are plans to have a special celebration for him at Rocky Run UMC on the 27 th of May at 3:00 pm. If you would like to attend or would like to send a letter of remembrance to Paul please contact Dorca Beighley by May 12th.  She can be reached at 434-949-6224.

 

The new walk ways at Antioch are beautiful. A special thanks to all who were involved in removing the old sidewalk and  preparing the site for the new walk way.

 

 

The Methodist Way

 

Methodist understand the journey of Christian faith to be a corporate experience. It is not a two- seater sports car (just me and Jesus); it is a BIG bus with ALL kinds of people.

                                    F.Belton Joyner,Jr. “Being Methodist in the Bible Belt

 

 

 

If you cannot reach Rev. Ed at the parsonage, you may call him on his cell phone:  252-532-0952.  He can also be reached via e-mail at revedumc@yahoo.com   

 

 

If you would like to receive e-mail messages from the pastor, please sign up in the Library or send an e-mail to him at revedumc@yahoo.com.

 

 

 

 

Vacation Bible School.  The rumors persist.  A Vacation Bible School this year in the Lunenburg Charge is being planned for early August.  Be watching “On Our Walk” for further information.  I will pass it on as I get it.

 

 

Please keep the following families and friends in your prayers

 

VA Tech Community

David King

Garland Parham

Elsie Pennington

Gayle Grant

Jean Parham

Earl "Chuckie” Barnes

Lona Parham

Willie Doty

Edna & Wilson Bagley

Sara A. Callis

Sheila Cage

“B” & Teewah Hayes

Audrey Smith

Tommy Cage

Christian Sutton

Elijah Taylor

Maria Kay

Frances Hawthorne

Dorothy shields

Thomas Taylor

Family of Dave Barnes

Charles Thomas

Lauren Wright

Bertha Arthur

Alice Wright

Rosa Elliot

Margaret Gregory

Kate Cundiff

Peggy Stone

Marjorie Thompson

Hailey Hayes

Jimmy Chumney

Walter B. Moseley

Isaac Hite

Elizabeth Crowder

Seung-Hui Cho

Mickey Narron

 

If you have anyone who is in need of prayer, please send an e-mail and let us know.

 

In the Library:

 

Prodigal, The  Author: Beverly Lewis

An alarming secret is brought to light in ABRAM'S DAUGHTERS, Book Four. Truth can be thorny, even heartbreaking, yet Leah is required to make another difficult choice. Will this secret of secrets bring further sorrow for Leah, Sadie and the Ebersol family? At its heart, The Prodigal, is a multi-layered mystery and a saga of love, a story of deceit and untangled webs, of disgrace and redemption, encompassed by the merciful threads that knit families together. Never would this family, especially Leah, have expected the return of one more prodigal….

 

Remember:

 

We are called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.

 

Have a blessed week