Shalom! To all who may read this letter I extend God’s peace and warmest greeting: Shalom! As we move into a new school year and begin our planning for next year within this church (including gathering together all of the necessary forms for our Annual Charge Conference) may we pause and reflect on how far we have come, thus far, in the year 2022. We have seen participation in “in person” worship increase and also an increase in those participating in all of the activities here at Somerville First UMC. We have started back our 8:30am Worship Service and our Wednesday activities are to resume on September 7th. We will have our dinner at 5:30 pm followed by a 6 pm Bible Study. Our initial study will be dealing with the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew Chapter 5 through 7. I am excited to get back to our Wednesday night gatherings and hope many new people will join us for this Bible Study.
We have transitioned from the old phone system to our new system and all seems to be going fine. We may still have some issues as we learn all of the features of the new system. Thank you for your patience. Due to happenings around our country, we are leaving the door to the office area locked during the business week. If you want to enter please push the bell or tap lightly on the door. Lane can see you and will buzz you in. We wish we did not need to do this but feel compelled to maintain the safety of our workspace. As you hold meeting in the facilities, please let Lane know that you are going to be here and how many participants you anticipate will attend. Again, thanks for your understanding.
Starting September 4, 2022 I will be preaching a series on the Apostles Creed. I am calling the series “It Really Does Matter What You Believe”. Each week we recite this creed and many of us know it by heart. My intention is to cover the rationale behind the statements that we make in the creed. I hope that you will tune in, either on-line or in person. As we walk through this important statement of our belief, if you have any questions, please feel free to bring them to my attention. This is not a “Methodist” statement, but rather, a statement by the early church to establish some basic truths.
To reiterate my emphasis from last month, as we proceed with the business of being the Church here in Somerville, Tennessee may we endeavor to extend Christ’s love to all of our community, providing the same grace that God continues to provide to us, each and every day. And may the peace of God bless your hearts and minds as we live through these trying times.
Glory to God
Bro Don VanVoorhis
