From church to church, AMEN!

AMEN to First UMC, La Feria, for an active Prayer Shawl ministry that has given away 25 prayer shawls. The groups meet many times a month to pray, knit and crochet and to learn new techniques.
AMEN to the McAllen District for celebrating the history of Scott’s Chapel UMC and transferring the property to the St. Paul AME Church with an exciting processional from the AME Church to Scott’s Chapel. At least 80 people were filling the pews in Scott’s Chapel for the transfer worship service March 9.
AMEN to First UMC, San Benito, for following through with the knowledge and inspiration they gained from a Spiritual Expressions workshop presented at our district’s Celebration of Ministry event. They provided a series of Taize services during Lent.
AMEN to Port Isabel UMC for their chili supper-auction and their pancake and sausage breakfast in support of their 2008 apportionments. Each local United Methodist Church participates in missions around the world through apportionments. As the Port Isabel newsletter said, “Think of it this way: ‘portion-ment’ to help others in the name of Christ.”
AMEN to First UMC, Alice, for continuing their Ponder with the Pastor small group meetings. Their pastor says, “…I am very encouraged by the conversation this year as we have moved from what some would consider to be an inwardly focused church—what makes me comfortable, what do I like/don’t like—to more of an outwardly focused body of Christ—what am I as a member of this church and what are we as a congregation doing to invite and gain persons into our fellowship—especially youth, young people and families.”
AMEN to Weslaco for continuing with their Boy Scout Program. They have been chartered since 1934 and have produced more than 50 Eagle Scouts.
AMEN to Trinity UMC for sponsoring Upward Soccer. One hundred sixteen children signed up and have been divided into 20 teams.
AMEN to Valley Praise of First UMC, Harlingen, for working at being intentionally invitational and welcoming. More than 200 were present to welcome eight new members, two by baptism, on Palm Sunday.
AMEN to First UMC, Harlingen, for continuing with small group ministries with user friendly scheduling and locations.
AMEN to First UMC, Mission, for continuing their English as a Second Language program. The program has grown in size and community interest. Two levels of study and free babysitting are provided.
AMEN to our district churches for including youth. Wesley UMC uses youth to lead liturgy, act as ushers, and greet people. Los Fresnos youth put on a dinner and show to earn money for missions. Raymondville is including their confirmation class as lay readers. Brownsville youth conducted their Easter Sunrise Service.
AMEN to Brownsville for paying their sanctuary remodel loan in full. They celebrated March 30 by burning the note and dedicating the sanctuary to the glory of God.

 

Do you have an AMEN to share for next month’s edition? If so, contact Mary Howard at (956) 421-3630 or yard23@aol.com.