Announcements

ANNOUNCEMENTS

From Jim’s Cluttered Desk

November 3, 2020

Love Your Neighbor Day

Fruitland United Methodist Church

Payette United Methodist Church

“‘Teacher, which command in God’s Law is the most important?’ Jesus said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence. That is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.’” (Matthew 22:36-40 – The Message)

I hear that something is happening on November 3, 2020. Something about counting ballots?

Since many have already voted let’s try something. How about reducing the tension and friction by finding some ways to show a little kindness and love?

So, let’s try this:

        Do something for someone in your neighborhood that shows some love

        Find a way to thank or honor someone who has enriched your life or the life of someone you love

        Wear your mask

        Vote

It’s pretty simple. It will really help.

Jesus is right. This is important.

P.S. – That picture shows what Pam has prepared for our neighbors. I’d like to see or hear what you have planned.

Grocery Gift Card Project was initiated early in the spring. A grant from the Conference, combined with contributions from the congregation made it possible for our church to present 82- $25 grocery cards to be distributed through the school district’s food service. As we have continued to take contributions, money from this fund has been designated for a small supply of grocery cards and gas cards to be given at the pastor’s discretion; and $200 has been sent to West Valley Church, whose food pantry is offering support to Fruitland families with food emergencies during the summer. Please continue supporting this community service project with your donations.

GIVING TO YOUR COMMUNITY

Also, in the interest of our community, a grant is being submitted to offer a free community preschool, 3 afternoons per week, for prekindergarteners whose parents are not able to afford preschool. Sometimes, those children start kindergarten in the fall, and have not had the same readiness experiences as the other children in their class. We are hoping to level the playing ﬁeld. This would involve turning our basement into a temporary classroom and play area. (We’ve done it before.) If we receive the grant, the preschool will not open until January, but it will be a wonderful mission opportunity for our congregation!

In Our Prayers . . . We pray for our loved ones who are still locked down for the protection of their health. Remind us, Lord, to connect with them.

We pray for those recovering from medical procedures and health issues.

We pray with those who grieve at the loss of a family member or friend.

We pray for parents and children, wondering when they’ll be able to return to school, and how that will be accomplished.

We pray for all who face housing or food emergencies, and that they will be served as neighbors. At this time of year, we pray for all who work outdoors, in construction, on farms, and providing many services. As the daytime temperatures rise, Lord, keep them safe.

We pray for wisdom at all levels of leadership, national, state, local, and congregational, as we grapple with the problems of these times.

Most merciful God, We come to you in our weakness.

We come to you in our fear.

We come to you with trust For you alone are our hope.

We place before you the disease present in our world.

We turn to you in our time of need.

Bring wisdom to doctors.

Give understanding to scientists.

Endow caregivers with compassion and generosity.

Bring healing to those who are ill.

Protect those who are most at risk.

Give comfort to those who have lost a loved one.

Welcome those who have died into your eternal home.

Stabilize our communities.

Unite us in our compassion.

Remove all fear from our hearts.

Fill us with conﬁdence in your care.

We trust in you, Lord.

Amen