MENDOTA ZION UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Come, Share, Grow!

It doesn't have an official name yet.  "Just Friends" was suggested as a possible way to describe the proposed group.  Women of all ages are invited to consider coming together, just to visit and have fun getting to know one another outside the sanctuary.

A good time to start might be in spring when weather is nicer.  meanwhile we have lots of time to plan.  Anyone else who thinks this is worthwhile can talk to Dixie Archer, who came up with this clever idea.  Shae your thoughts and vision for things this group of women might do & places to go.  Will it sometimes take on a service project ?  Or just be a social Coffee Klatch group ?  It's up to YOU !   Dixie Archer 815/539-5520

Feb. 2 Martha McLaughlin & Minnie Tolley

Feb. 9  Dick Eckert

Feb. 10  Bonnie Patterson

Feb. 14  Taylor McLaughlin & Elizabeth Gleim:D

Feb. 22 Ruth Rodefer

Feb. 25 Isaac Piller

Feb. 29  Dane Doyle

Happy Anniversary on Feb. 27th to Randy & Yvonne Smith

During the month of February I will be preaching a 4 part Sermon series on Matthew 5: 3-12 the Sermon on the Mount also known as the “Beatitudes” or “Blessings.” During this sermon Jesus turned the world on its head telling many who thought they were unloved and unknown by God: the poor, the mourning, the humble, the hungry, the merciful, the pure of heart, and those who are persecuted that they were the beloved and blessed of God. At the time that Jesus preached this radical sermon it was considered a sign of God’s disfavor if bad things happened to you, so if you were poor: then God hated you. If you were hungry: God was withholding God’s blessings from you and so on.

To have Jesus preach the opposite; that God particularly blessed the poor and the hungry and all those who were oppressed and persecuted, undermined many of the long held belief systems of that day, and, I believe, in many ways challenges our belief systems today. How many times do we tell ourselves or each other: “If God loves us then, “Why does good stuff happen to bad people and bad happen to good people?” “Why can’t I catch a break when other less deserving people do?” I’m sure you have heard your friends, family, or co-workers say similar statements and most likely have said something similar at some time in your lives yourself.

It is difficult to believe we are blessed when we struggle, it is hard to feel blessed when we suffer. It is easy to feel blessed when we rejoice and celebrate victories. God, however, does not give out blessings as awards but as God’s love and grace in our lives and it is when we are struggling and suffering and dealing with turmoil that God’s blessings are needed the most. It is also when we turn away from what the world believes is important and do what is right in the eyes of God such as showing mercy, working for peace, and being persecuted that God blesses us for bearing the weight of living the life of the just rather than the popular in a secular world.

God does celebrate with us when our lives are joyous, but God also loves us and blesses us when our lives are difficult; this is the gift taught to us by Christ that day on the Mount. The gift of God’s Blessings throughout our lives, even if the world turns it back on us – God never will. Amen.

March Mission project selected by Zion Mission committee supports UMCOR, The United Methodist Committee on Relief.  The impact of 13 million United Methodists, in 136 countries is phenomenal.  Together we're witnessing the love that Jesus Christ has for a hurting world and are transforming lives and communities in his name.  Through United Methodist giving we're prepared to respond to crises, develop innovative solutions to challenges facing communities, advocate for justice, peace and so much more.

UMCOR cares for survivors recovering from earthquakes, floods and storms; the most effective solutions are implemented to fight diseases like Malaria; the next generation is equipped to lead the church and society, and in all this, we share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Your generous gift provides immediate assistance in the wake of conflict like the current one in Syria and supports ongoing ministries of food, shelter, health and peace. With your support UMCOR can respond anywhere in the world.  More information at www.umcgiving.org

On Palm Sunday, March 29, we'll enjoy a visit from professional Christian storyteller, Kay Price.

Kay has been telling stories for nearly 20 years & loves to share a tale with audiences of all ages. She is a member of the Peoria Prairie Storytellers & has worked with the Peoria Historical Society. From Bible stories coming alive to stories of everyday events taking place with God's guidance, Kay brings her farm-grown humor and flavor to enhance each story.

This special Palm Sunday event has been planned &  sponsored by the Evangelism Committee &  is open to everyone who enjoys a good story; come  & stay for the brunch that follows in Fellowship Hall.