We are the risk takers, the change makers, the Adventurers of life! Welcome to 2017! By now you should know we are on a great adventure as Christians. This means we do not shy away from challenges, we do not hunker down in fear or play the blame game. We are called, we choose, and […]
I think it is important to capture, and where appropriate celebrate, the state of the flood relief effort as of Monday, July 20, 2015. Almost immediately following the flood on Sunday evening July 12, WV UM Disaster Response Team called me to make plans for the delivery of flood buckets and emergency supplies to the […]
My apologies for getting this out so late, but I tried to send THREE times yesterday and each time just prior to sending the power went out so I gave up until today. Here what I had intended to send yesterday. Well the adventure continues. Yesterday, 2.21.15, we visited Joseph and Martine’s home which is […]
Here is a brief update and the journey and the adventure that is our spiritual walk in Haiti. Last night, while under the star, Heather asked if there was a Scripture verse I could think of that spoke of the stars and of God’s majesty. I remembered and thank God He brought it to mind, […]
My Mission: To make a difference in this world in light of the next. People often give me a rather curious look when they hear my story about changing careers from being a research chemist to spend my life teaching and preaching about God’s love and grace. After all, where does faith fit in […]
2014 Garage Sale Handout Each year we collect our excess, our unwanted trinkets and our overpriced treasures and offer them to be sold for God’s Kingdom and for God’s Glory. This year we raised over $4,700 to touch our community, our nation and our world with the love and Grace of Jesus Christ. Let’s join […]
This started out as an exciting day even though it was to be our last full day in Haiti. We had lots of plans. The main event was to take the boys to a beach for a little play time. How we would get there, where we would go, and how we would get back […]
There’s always more stories to tell. At the risk of boring you with mountains of details which may or may not have significance to you, I will try and summarize as the days events the best I can recall. There is a church in a place called Fon Chwal (deep horse) which is about 45 […]
I suppose one of the unintended outcomes from any mission experience no matter how well or how poorly it is organized is how it moves you beyond your comfort zone and into the Kingdom as Jesus described it. Beyond the boundaries of the ordinary, you are challenged get to know other people, learn to adapt […]
I have mentioned that in previous trips we encountered a woman of unusual vision, spirituality and conviction. Denise Saint Fleur has had a powerful impact on us in previous years and especially on the team last year. [Check out last years post] So Naturally we were eager to reconnect with her, see what had become […]
Dear Reader and fellow Mission-travellers, I apologize for not keeping you, our readers and supporters, up to date on the journey on which you sent us, but it was not for lack of trying. The internet connection (3G through Natcom) was not working for reasons known only to God and the Haitian communication team. Although […]
“Sympathy is no substitute for action” David Livingstone I opened the cards people sent to us and I received the following Quote: “You have to leave the city of your comfort and Go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover will be yourself” – Alan Alda I […]
“A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.” Mahatma Gandhi I personally thought that was a pretty impressive quote to start this trip. I consider you, the reader as an integral part of our ‘small body of determined spirits…” We would certainly not be […]
Today started with great expectations, lots to do and adventures yet to be realized. We started the day with devotionals by talking about the experiences we all had at DBR and what it meant for our relationship to God, to the Church (the body of Christ) and to others. There is still a lot of […]
We’re back, safe and sound at the orphanage at Port-au-Prince. We’ve travelled long and saw many things and experienced even more. We left Da Bois Rouge this afternoon at 2:20 pm and arrived here at 8:20pm. It’s been a long day. We left the mountains but we’re still talking about the trip we plan to […]
What Specific events have helped inspire you to participate in this mission trip? Previous mission trips. The greatest growth in my understanding of God’s global mission of healing and reconciliation of humanity has come through my journeys to Haiti and my support of a small boy’s orphanage on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince. Working in community, […]
The Adventures of the FUMC Mission Team… One of the great advantages of sleeping on the roof, is looking up at the stars as you go to sleep with gratitude and awe, feeling the cool Caribbean breeze all night and NO mosquitoes. One of the down sides is listening to the thousands upon thousands of […]
I am incredibly excited about our trip to Haiti! The ironic thing is that when I attended our first “missions team” meeting about six months ago I had no intentions of being anything more than a supporting member of the group who helped from behind the scenes. In fact, had it not been for Erin’s interest […]
Describe what you hope to gain from this international mission experiences 1. Finding a lost soul and giving them Christ 2. Blessing the children with our presence and prayers. 3. Work with the boys to bring them some sunshine (Sonshine) in their lives. 4. Heeding the call of going into the whole world (even though […]
The Adventure Continues… Yesterday our day was marked by two major events. One was the time we spend with a woman I met on my first trip to Haiti in 2011, Denise DeLafleur. She is typical of many of the people we’ve met and certainly the reason I return. She has a deep power faith […]
What Specific events have helped inspire you to participate in this mission trip? When Steve came back from Haiti last year and told his story, I immediately felt connected to the boys! I know it sounds crazy, considering I’ve never met them, but I really feel like the Lord is leading me on a new […]
An update from Bon Repo, Haiti. I thought I would take this opportunity to give our families and friends an update of our adventures in Haiti. I cannot express our deepest gratitude to our prayer partners and supported that gave their out of their generosity that we might represent you here. I personally am amazed […]
What Specific events have helped inspire you to participate in this mission trip? Over the last several years, I’ve developed a passion for international mission. Pastor Steve’s accounts of his Haiti experiences and my own experience as a missionary in Ghana have inspired me to participate in this trip. Why do you feel called to […]
Haiti Team, That is a great answer to prayer! I will happily ride in a dump truck. Never done it before–I think Haiti will add more new “firsts” for me. I am getting more excited about the trip as it gets closer. I found a great free app for my phone: Brainscape French Creole. Apparently it […]
Sojourn: To dwell for a time; to dwell or live in a place as a temporary resident or as a stranger, not considering the place as a permanent habitation; to delay; to tarry. I believe we all have a deep ache in our hearts to change lives and make a lasting, positive difference, to leave our […]
Two Weeks from Today! I leave for ten days with five other people on a journey to Haiti, not just a different country, but a different world. Although I can’t take you all with me, I’d still like you to be part of the experience (if you want). Here’s How… On February 16, our team […]
I have a vision of a Generous Church… gen·er·ous 1. Liberal in giving or sharing. 2. Characterized by nobility 3. Marked by abundance; ample 2. free from pettiness in character and thought, 3. full or plentiful Generous in their praise of God and care of others. Generous with their resources to fulfill a mission that is challenging, inspiring, and […]
This coming February 16th a team from FUMC will be travelling to Port-au-Prince, Haiti to meet, connect and share our faith with our brothers and sister in Haiti. The red arrow point to the location in a place called Bon Repo, Haiti. If you follow this link you’ll be able to see the surrounding area […]
“I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that other country and to help others to do the same.” C.S. […]
Inspiration God wants our devotion even in the little things of life. Tomorrow is Monday morning again. We could wake up depressed at the thought of another working week, or we could wake up thinking about how we might bring glory to God through the way we live, the way we speak, the way we […]
Temptation bait without a hook, choice without consequences, motion without meaning. Each day we are tempted by the choices we’re offered and by the choices we avoid. Remember no decision is still a decision. Each Sunday we pray “Deliver us from temptation…” but do we look for it or expect it to come Monday Morning. […]
Charles Schulz has managed to amuse and bridge generations with his characters, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Pig Pen, and the gang. With their own special brand of charm, wit and wisdom, they challenge us to see ourselves through the lens of humor as Lucy constantly doles out unsolicited advice. You may remember the strip […]
A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented April 22, 2012 by Jean Pickering Slides: Centennial April […]
Soccer isn’t a diversion from life. Soccer is flow, finesse, focus and fair-play. Life in 90 minutes or less. For the last couple of years I’ve been more intentional about getting outside the church instead of looking at the world through stained glass window and polished brass. If you haven’t gathered my now, most of […]
Ephesians 1. This book has had a profound impact on my life: Who I understand God to be; all that he has accomplished for me in Christ; how I view myself as a result; what I value and live for; how I view others inside the Church; outside the Church; how the Gospel transforms my […]
The story of Jesus healing the paralytic in Mark 2:1-14 is more than just another example of Jesus’ power of healing and restoration, it is also the dedication and compassion of a group that brought this paralytic to Jesus. It is not enough to know the truth if you never do anything with it. It […]
A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented April 22, 2012 by Jean Pickering Slides: Centennial April […]
A Gift from God an Affirmation of Faith A Promise Forever! “People need to be reminded more often than they need to be instructed.” ~ C.S. Lewis Life is a series of Remembrances (1) What you’ve learned – know to be true (tests & trials) “I once was lost, but now I found, was blind but […]
A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented March 25, 2012 by George Fenton Slides: Centennial March […]
A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented March 18, 2012 Slides: Centennial March 18, 2012 Centennial […]
A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented March 11, 2012 Slides: Centennial March 11 Centennial Audio […]
I had to take my car into the garage last week for a tune-up. It was running very rough and wouldn’t even idle when in gear, which meant I had to put it in neutral every time I came to a stoplight or traffic slowed down. What a pain! I think it was actually misfiring […]
A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented March 4, 2012 Slides: Centennial March 4 2012 […]
Surprised by Haiti It has been my experience that God usually delivers more than I ask for, better than I hope for and in ways I never expect. Of course when my view of the world is too small, or my heart grown too cold, anything God does will be bigger, better and […]
A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented February 26, 2012 Slides: Centennial feb 26 Late Service: […]
A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented February 19, 2012 speaker: Jean Pickering Early Service […]
A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented February 12, 2012 Centennial Feb 12 Related posts: […]
A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented February 5, 2012 centennial – Feb 5 Related […]
A series of weekly presentations reviewing the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides of our legacy with gratitude for those whose faith, vision and commitment to the Cause of Christ inspired and guided a generation to live […]
A look at the faithfulness, generosity and gratitude of First United Methodist Church Williamstown, West Virginia Making Disciples ~ Making a Difference 2011 Annual Report FUMC Homepage Related posts: Centennial Moment II Centennial Moment XIII Centennial Moment XV Centennial Moment I
A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Centennial Countdown 1.22 Related posts: Centennial Moment II Centennial […]
A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. January 15, 2012 centennial – jan 15 Related […]
A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Centennial – jan 8 Related posts: Centennial Moment II […]
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson As we step into the flow of God’s story, I feel there is a growing excitement that God is moving us, shaping and equipping us to live beyond the ordinary. We are, after […]
What exactly does that mean? Is it just another slogan “filled with sound and fury, signifying nothing” [Macbeth]? Well I certainly hope not, but I do think it probably needs some further discussion. I believe we all have a purpose in life, something that God is calling us be, and the church is no different. […]
Over-Achievers: The dictionary defines an overachiever as someone who achieves success over and above the standard or expected level. The lives of overachievers are marked by an uncanny ability to achieve success despite times of uncertainty or when facing what seem to be insurmountable odds. They seem to have little or no fear of failure and […]
“…and Jesus grew in Wisdom, Stature and Favor with God and Man.” Luke 2:52 We want every child to grow up to learn the value of … Wisdom – “I need to make wise choices.” So I will… Trust and follow God’s design Spend time getting to know God Do whatever God says Discover God’s […]
Every year about this time our church becomes a buzz of activity. People from all over converge like salmon to do their part in a ritual that goes back to before I was born. Walls that were once bare, cold and empty are virtually blossom with color, action and above all life. Of course I’m […]
For Them – Every Child deserves a chance to experience, explore and embrace God’s love in and among God’s people. When children see real life men and women living as disciples, they are encouraged to learn about God’s dream for their lives too. They deserve to have a place where people give generously of the time, talents and […]
Dear family, I want to take a moment and share with you about a project that the Live Wires Class is involved with this summer. It is called Read to Raise the Roof. I subscribe to a Christian magazine for children published by Focus on the Family called Club House. In the June edition, […]
“I will say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be Free!'” Isaiah 49:9 The highest aim of mission-minded people is not self-protection but self sacrifice, to empty themselves of themselves in order to be used by God and filled with the Spirit of God. They know first hand what addictions […]
Kingdom Focus “Love each other with genuine affection,and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans 12:10 The Kingdom is our true home, the place we most long to be and the place where Christ in all and through all and above all. In the Kingdom of God people experience life differently than they do in this […]
Christ Centered ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ Acts 17:28 Jesus is the starting point for our story. What came before this is insignificant compared to what comes after it. We are captivated by Christ, by His life, His message and His mission. They resonate within us and we feel […]
Week of July 3, 2011 As Christians we have an obligation to pass on those values and beliefs to the next generation. As a church I hope we can pass along to our children these key values Christ Centered / Kingdom Focused / Mission Minded. Scripture Verse Deuteronomy 6:20-25 Sermon Slides worship 07.03.11 Christian Independence […]
Beginning Friday morning at 8:00 am, members and friends of the First United Methodist Church Family will come together to fast and pray for all those who suffer and die from hunger and hunger related diseases. We do this as an act of submission, trusting God to work within us a passion to do all […]
THE POWER OF C-H-A-N-G-E Part 1 – Connect I’ve always heard that religion is about reformation. But Christianity is about transformation. Those two things are not the same. The former is about what a person can do to make self-improvements – Ladder People. The latter is about a person totally yielding to the Person of […]
THE POWER OF C-H-A-N-G-E Part 1 – Connect Part 2 – Help Others I’ve always heard that religion is about reformation. But Christianity is about transformation. Those two things are not the same. The former is about what a person can do to make self-improvements – Ladder People. The latter is about a person totally […]
Six Habits of a Transformed Life The Six Habits of a Transformed Life are at the heart of our Christian Journey. Nobody gets very far in life without some effort, commitment and follow through. They are ancient disciplines that Christ followers have practiced for centuries and all are proven effective in transforming the mundane and […]
a great commercial I did when I returned from my Trip to Haiti, February 1-9, 2011 [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9j0Bgn9TVY] Related posts: 2012 Haiti Video Expectations of a Haiti Mission Trip Expectations of a Haiti Mission Team II 2012 Mission Initiative – Haiti
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 If you had an opportunity to follow Jesus, would you do it? Sounds like an easy one to answer, until you think about it. And that’s the problem isn’t it, we don’t think about it. Most of us think of […]
“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” John 12:26 Every time I read this statement by Jesus I have to stop and wonder whether he’s talking directly to me. There are times I feel I’ve lost the sound […]
“a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Luke 13:11-12 This passage is part of a bigger discussion […]
Sermon Notes for July 25, 2010, see www.sermon.net/First_Church Igniting a Passion for Christ and His Church n Prayer plows the Hard Ground of a contented Parched – a crisis leave us dry, barren and alone. Weed-infested – the pace of life grows things we never intended Fallow – without use, we can forget that our […]
We reach out to people and welcome them into the church We have a direct responsibility for people of the “world” around our church, the community in which we study, work, shop, play, and so forth. In this world are people with many hurts, doubts, and questions. There are some who are new in the […]
This past Saturday our church hosted a Chili-Cook off to benefit God’s people in Haiti. It was an amazing success and I’ve been reflecting on why. I’ve come to some conclusion that I would like to share, so take it for what it’s worth. (1) I was focused on a clear purpose that was not […]
By George Bullard What does it take to become a missional congregation? Not to co-opt the name and claim that is who you are, but to truly become a missional congregation. As a popular name or designation in many places, missional as a concept is being watered down. First, let’s start with a definition. Another […]
Life is a story, not a task, not a script, not a competition, but a love story GOD God is the author of life’s story. The greatest commandment of all is to love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. The best, most enduring joy is found in Him. He is our greatest […]
Thinking about critical issues for churches today, I started making a list of questions churches should be able to answer. It seems to me that all churches, regardless of size, need to be able to offer compelling responses to these questions. Here they are: Meaning: How do we see life and our place in it? […]
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.” 1Chronicles 4:10 Imagine you went to your mother and asked for more chores […]