Newsletters - First United Methodist Church (Collingswood, NJ)

My thoughts go to my time away the last two weeks on vacation, where I spent time along the Northeast coast. Lisa and I were able to see some tremendously high rocky beaches and other places with simple flat sandy beaches, all unique in their creation, that form along the dunes. Yet each has their own beauty as they nestle around the stunning blue water that flows in and out in an amazing rhythm each day. As we observe and take in the beauty and the power of God’s creation, how can we forget him, our God the creator, today.

Today is September 11th, a day we pause and reflect on what happened 19 years ago. So many lives were lost, and many of those lives were sacrificed for others, yet still, God brought us through and we saw what happens when people come together in those tragic moments. This year we have seen different challenges emerge with the pandemic of 2020, a hurricane that has destroyed communities, wildfires, and political and racial tensions that have caused a deep concern for all. This week I've been focusing some of my quiet time on this scripture from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians as we continue our series Simple Prayers ...Faithful God! This Sunday we will continue with part 2 of “A Prayer of Hope”. Shawn began looking at how the Apostle Paul prayed for the church last week. This week we are looking at how Paul was helping the church to understand how to better unify their hearts and lives in Christ as he painted this incredible picture of Christ. I love how Paul paints the need for Christ in our lives.

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. - Colossians 1:16-20

What a great reminder of God as creator, over heaven and earth, things we see and don't see. God is in charge of all who lead, rulers, powers, and authorities. And in Him all things hold together...I love that thought. In Him, no matter what we are dealing with in our lives, our hopes for the future, broken dreams, flaws, sins, disappointments or possibilities that lie ahead, God has it in his grasp. For in and through Christ and the Holy Spirit, God provides for us and cares for us in every situation because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross. Whenever we feel like life is pulling us in different directions, allow the cross and the power of that cross to keep us centered in Him. Now that's something to remember! In fact, that's why we are taking communion this Sunday... to remember what Jesus told us not to forget and be thankful for his love and amazing grace.

If you have any prayer concerns or ways we can serve you, please let us know. We desire to journey with you even through these days of social distancing. Remember, you are loved!

In His Grace,

Pastor Sam and the Staff

Traces of Grace

Online Worship This Sunday

Thought For Today