Welcome!
April, 2009
UMW March Meeting
The Shiloh United Methodist Women met in the home of Ruth B., our hostess, on March 14, 2009 at 2 p.m.
Lucy presented a most inspiring program, beginning with reading A Litany of Praise. Other members present read when appropriate. She also shared an article by Norman Vincent Peele, "Know that God Loves You." I am not alone because God loves me. We are told that God is love. He takes note of every sparrow that falls and even the hairs of our head are numbered. This means that the least among us is very important to God. God is described as a forgiving, loving Father. Every day say aloud, "I am a child of God. God is interested in every detail of my life."
No matter how dark it gets, how lonely you feel or how you may express rejection you are never alone whenever difficulties come. Every night say, "I am not alone because God loves me and God is with me and God loves me." You can have confidence that if you live His way to the best of your ability and put your trust in Him, then you will discover how to withstand ever shock in this life. Thank God, always, for protecting you and your family. Lucy closed with scripture reading from Psalm 135 vs. 18, 1st Peter vs 6 & 7, Psalm 139 vs. 9 & 10. Evelyn closed with prayer.
Ree shared the Response Moments entitled "Release to the Captives." This article tells about the captivity, exile, and imprisonment throughout the Bible ; also in our country today and how the United Methodist Women are helping incarcerated women to arrange visits between women and their children. Also providing a place for women with no place to go after being released from prison. They can use this home while they transition back into society and can take advantage of the many educational programs offered.
The prayer Breakfast was discussed. Also the next UMW meeting will be April 18 at 11:30 a.m. at the Church with a pot luck lunch. Barbara Hart, President of the district UMW will be our special guest. She will bring another UMW officer with her.
Everyone enjoyed the delicious refreshments served by our hostess, Ruth, and guest, Bonnie H.
Article by Thelia H.
UMM Breakfast Meetings
Sunday, March 1, many of the regulars who attend this monthly event braved the ice and imminent snow to attend the best breakfast in town. Following breakfast, they discovered the snow had begun in earnest and Sunday School and services were cancelled. Your editor had been unable to attend, as across the Virginia state line there was considerably more ice and snow than in Sparta.
The Shiloh United Methodist Men meet on the First Sunday of each month to share fellowship and breakfast that is way too good to miss. I encourage anyone who has not yet attended one of these breakfasts to come and join us. I personally have rarely had a breakfast anywhere near as good as these are. I look forward to attending with this congenial and warm group.
Article by Frank B.
Melissa Fender Installed as President of Shiloh UMW
Sunday, March 22, the congregation of Shiloh UMC witnessed the installation of Melissa Fender as the new president of the Shiloh United Methodist Women. Evelyn H. officiated, Thelia H. and Ree E. assisted.
Article by Frank B.
Ree Edwards Honored
March 22 saw a second exciting event as Ree Edwards was presented a Gift to Missions Pin and framed certificate in recognition of her diligent service to Shiloh UMW and its Mission work.
Thelia H. presented the pin and certificate as the congregation witnessed this happy event.
Judy Mitchell Serves as Lay Speaker
Sunday, March 15, 2009, Judy Mitchell served as Lay Speaker while Pastor Pete was away. She spoke powerfully using 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 as the foundation of her talk. She emphasized that knowledge is not wisdom; rather wisdom is making wise decisions. We should all consider how our decisions affect those in our community.
She also spoke about John Wesley's vision of Christian perfection as he emphasized the character of a Methodist. He said that a Methodist is always rejoicing, gives thanks in everything, blesses the Lord's name, praised without ceasing, that their purpose is to do the Will of God, tried to keep all the commandments, lives in peace and good will, and does not speak evil or unkind words. He wrote these things in 1725. She also made reference to Romans 8:26 and James chapter one.
Children's Church Takes Special Collection
During the Children's service on March 8, 2009, Evelyn H. talked about how our church was designated a "Juice Church" by the Food Closet. Our church supplies juice to the Food Closet, which distributes it to those in need.
The Youth donated $65 to support this cause, which purchased about 30 cans of juice. We received a thank-you from the Food Closet, which was read by Madison. Our youth took up the birthday collection, which may also go toward our supporting the Food Closet with juice.
Soup Distributed
Evelyn H. reported on March 8 that fifty-two quarts of delicious vegetable soup were distributed and expressed gratitude to all those who participated by providing ingredients, laboring over the hot stove, packing soup, and distributing it to those in need.
Many look forward to this annual event and are grateful for the gift of nutritious soup.
Article by Frank B.