Traces of Grace
Thoughts from Pastor Scott
This morning my heart is still grieving over the news of the shooting in a school in Uvalde, Texas. Shootings like this are not the only sign of the evil and brokenness of the world in which we live but, when they stack up the way they have in recent days, they can feel oppressive and overwhelming. It can be hard to even know what to pray in the face of such devastation, so I find myself praying simply, “Come, Lord Jesus,” knowing that he hears the words I cannot find to pray.
”Come, Lord Jesus, and comfort the broken-hearted.”
”Come, Lord Jesus, and heal the pain.”
”Come, Lord Jesus, and bring justice for those who have been wronged.”
”Come, Lord Jesus, and set right all that has gone wrong in your world.”
And, in the midst of all that is going on around us, we recognize with the Church Universal that today is Ascension Day. This is the day we celebrate the Risen Christ’s ascension into the heavenly realm. Not only did He die for us. Not only was He raised to life to give us life and victory. He ascended and has been seated at the right hand of God the Almighty Father.
Today, we remember that Christ will come again in glory one day. When He does, there will be no more pain, or sorrow, or death. All things will be set right and made new.
Today we remember, that because Christ ascended, the Holy Spirit was sent to dwell in us and empower us to live holy and godly lives. Because of the Spirit’s presence in our lives, Christ dwells in us and we can bear His image to the world.
Today, the lyrics of this song keep running through my mind and I want to share it with you:
He is still worthy.
Grace & Peace,
-Pastor Scott
Current Sermon Series
Normally, when people think about dominos, they think about one domino knocking into the next which knocks into the next, etc., etc. But there's another domino effect, similar to the butterfly effect, that exists because one domino can knock over a second domino that is one-and-a-half times larger than the preceding domino. That means a 2-inch domino can knock over a 3-inch domino which can knock over a 4.5-inch domino, etc. At that rate of increase,
- Domino #23 is taller than the Eiffel Tower,
- #42 is taller than Mt. Everest,
- and #63 could reach to the moon!
The book of Colossians is full of spiritual truths that, when taken together cumulatively, are able to topple spiritual strongholds that loom large in the world. From Easter, through Ascension day, until Pentecost we are going to look at what it means for Jesus Christ to be at the core of who we are and all that we do.
New Nursery and Kid's Club
Praise the Lord that the two new nurseries are now in full use! You may have sorted and cleaned the toys and furniture, mopped, washed the windows or carried the toys and furniture from the old room to the new ones. Maybe you painted, gave advice, hung up pictures or wall stickers or put the toys and books on shelves. Perhaps you worked more behind the scenes by making up the plans or advocating for the nurseries. Whatever your part was in getting the new nurseries ready, I want to convey a BIG heartfelt thank you to each of you! I appreciated your help so much and couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks so much!
-Kathy Boswell
Caring Ministry - Stuffed Animals
Please feel free to take one of the stuffed animals in the Narthex (back of church) to give to anyone who is sick or needs some
T.L.C.. They have been prayed over and tagged by the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Thank you!
May Fair Volunteers Needed
The Borough of Collingswood has reached out to FUMC looking for volunteers who are willing to serve on May 28th, from 6am-10am. They are in need of people to serve as Zone Captains (directing set up) and on the Set Up Crew. If you are able to help us serve our community, sign up on the events page or talk to Pastor Scott.
2022-2023 Scholarship Applications
Applications to apply for a small FUMC Scholarship are currently available online through the FUMC website or in the church office. All students who are currently attending a college or university and are a part of our church family are welcome to apply. The application deadline is Sunday, June 5th and applications can be sent via email (office@fumccollingswood.org), regular mail (201 Dayton Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108), or dropped off in the church office.
Recognizing our Graduates
On June 12th, we will be recognizing our graduates. If there is someone in your family that is graduating from 8th thru 12th grade or college and beyond, let us know on the connect card in the Sunday bulletin or by contacting the church office @ 856-858-1186 or office@fumccollingswood.org. Thank you.
Celebrating the Zook's Ministry
Save the Date! Also, on June 12th, there will be a celebration of the Faithful Ministry of Shawn, Nicole, and family; 10am combined service, lunch reception to follow. Sign up using your connect card in the bulletin or call Marie in the church office. Let us know how many will attend and if you wish to contribute a potato salad or pasta salad.
In addition, the SPRC would like to extend the opportunity for you to give toward a love-gift that will be given to the Zooks. Gifts (non-tax deductible) can be made by sending a check to the church office with “Zook Love Gift” in the memo line or by giving online through fumccollingswood.org/giving, select “Zook Love Gift” option.
Young Adult Progressive Dinner
Young Adults Progressive Dinner, June 18th. We will visit three homes of people from our congregation; one serving salad/appetizers, a second serving a main course, and the last serving dessert. Yum! So, young adults, mark your calendars, you won’t want to miss this!
And, for those who are not young adults but want in on the fun, would you consider hosting one course? If you are interested, contact Meg Rambo 856-994-2058.
Vacation Bible School
Mark your calendar for 9:30-11:30am on the following VBS days:
- Thursday, June 30
- Wednesday, July 13
- Wednesday, July 27
- Thursday, August 4
- Thursday, August 25
We're back on track this year to do a form of Vacation Bible School. If you are interested in helping, please contact Pat Gunning by email at pagunning@yahoo.com or note your interest on the Connect Card attached to the Sunday bulletin. Thank you.
Get to know Jeremy & Rebecca Andrade
Jeremy Andrade will officially begin his role as our new Assistant Pastor on July 1st, but that doesn’t mean we have to wait until then to get to know one another. Please feel free to email him at jeremy@fumccollingswood.org and introduce yourself. You could even include a photo so Jeremy and Rebecca can continue to put names and faces together. This will be a great help to them as they transition into their role as part of the First Methodist family.
Baby Bottle Benefit
Baby bottle collection will benefit Options for Women in Cherry Hill. The bottles are available and will be collected on Father's Day. Since change is short and filled bottles are heavy,
you can place a check in an envelope and return it, or you can make an on line donation at optionsnj.org and go to donation options. Contact is Judy Boswell. Thank you!
Baby Shower - Thank you!
Thank you so much for donating to the Neighborhood Center baby shower. It was very successful with many families being served. Photos are on the Neighborhood Center Facebook page.
Upcoming Events
Volunteers needed for May Fair! The Borough of Collingswood has reached out to FUMC looking for volunteers who are willing to serve on May 28th, from 6am-10am. They are in need of people to serve as Zone Captains (directing set up) and on the Set Up Crew.
Our Traditional Sunday Morning Worship Service begins at 9am in our sanctuary. This service incorporates the great hymns of our faith, creeds, responsive readings, prayers, Scripture readings, and a sermon, among other things.
During the 9:00 hour, we also have Sunday school available for children, youth, and adults.
Access our Digital Bulletin - Online Giving -
Our Contemporary Sunday Morning Worship Service begins at 10:30am in our sanctuary. This service incorporates new and old songs, most often led on guitar, as well as Scripture readings, prayers, and other worship elements. Nursery is available during the 10:30 service for children birth-Kindergarten and all children are welcome in the worship service.
There is also an adult Sunday school class that meets in the parlor during the 10:30 time slot.
Our 10:30 service will also be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in-person. Anyone can access this livestream, but if you'd like to chat with others throughout the service, you must have a Faithlife account and become of member of our Faithlife Group. If you aren't already a member of our group, and would like to become one, please email the church office at office@fumccollingswood.org and we will reply with an invitation.
Here are all the links you'll need for the full Sunday Morning experience...
Join our Live Stream Service - https://www.faithlife.com/fumccollingswood/livestream
Access our Digital Bulletin - https://fumccollingswood.org/bulletins
Online Giving - https://fumccollingswood.org/giving
All of our past morning worship services can be viewed on our website by visiting https://fumccollingswood.org. You can also view the services on our YouTube Channel.
Verse of the Month
Praises!
We praise God and thank Him for all the prayers that have been answered throughout this challenging time and also:
- For all God is doing, even in the smallest of details!
- For our freedom to worship together in person.
- For members of our church family who have recovered from surgeries, treatments and illnesses.
Prayer Requests
-Mark 11:24
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
"Prayers in the Parlor" is a time to gather and pray over the requests of our congregation and happens every Monday through Thursday, beginning at 9:00am. Feel free to come and join us!
Please continue to pray for...our homebound members; our church members who are in need of spiritual, emotional and financial care; any families and relationships that have been strained during this time, our Troops and our Missionaries. The list is long, but God is BIG!
Please pray for the following:
- Pastor Scott & Meg - for the Lord's guidance & direction in all matters and decisions.
- The Zook Family as they make settlement on their new home and prepare for their new ministry.
- Gary and Kathy McGuarn - daughter Jenny DePaul - medical issues
- Kathy McGaurn - Medical issues
- Sherry Rappe - Medical tests
- Joyce Cluelow - Mom is sick with Covid
- Carol Harding - home from the hospital
- Merry MacGlaughlin's sister Dean - hospitalized with seizures
- Dotti Escuti's friend Peggy Imms & family - family is going through many serious issues
- Linda Adam's sister Lois - Medical issues
- Connie Cline's longtime friend has cancer/is steps from eternity and needs to get into a relationship with God.
- Joan Stecher's friends Denise Young and Danielle Catling
- Karen Kline and family in the passing of her son Craig
- The Berryhill's friend Melinda Johnson
- The Cluelow's friend Liz
- Mike Molloy's mother making much progress
- Dave Cahilly - health issues
- Kay Shannon - recovering from foot surgery
- Dave Hammond - recovering at home
- Ella Patterson's brother - seizures
- Dick, Peggy and Janel Esher
- Jaime Frost, daughter of Harry & Linda Rameriz - serious health issues
- Mary Emily Cameron - recovering from a broken bone in her neck
- Gus Mondatsos - recovering from successful hip surgery
- Susan Dallegro - friend Jennifer sick on ventilator and her mother Maryann
- Dick McCloy - permanent remission from 6 months of chemo treatments
- Mary Ann McCloy - double vision and extreme dizziness
- Dave Schmid - Retired Missionary
- Our Missionaries
If you have any other prayer concerns or ways we can serve you please let us know. We desire to journey with you.
Remember, you are loved!
In His Grace,
The FUMC Staff
