First United Methodist Church Andover

Sunday Preview - 1.29.2012

2012-01-27T13:39:00.000-05:00

Calling Disciples,
He Qi , from Art in the Christian Tradition,
a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.

“The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen—just as you desired of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die.’ And the LORD said to me, ‘They are right in what they have spoken. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him. But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.’ And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the LORD has not spoken?’—when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him.

(Deuteronomy 18:15-22 ESV)

This Sunday we will wrap-up the series "Traits of People God Uses" as we look at this passage from Deuteronomy where God promises another prophet like Moses to be sent to Israel. Notice that "like" Moses, this prophet will not be bringing his own personal message but rather bringing the message that God places on his lips.

God looks for people who are willing to speak, do, go, and act based on God's will and purposes in life. It was true for Moses...and it is true for us today. Join us at 9:40 or 11:00 as we examine this passage and identify how we can become ever more usable by God.

What to Watch for @ Andover - 1.27.2012

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday, January 29
9:00 Youth / Children’s Choir Rehearsals
9:40 Worship Service / Sunday School
11:00 Worship Service / Sunday School
5:00 Encounters with God: Romans Small Group Study

Monday - Thursday
9:00 - 12:00 Andover Office Hours

Tuesday, January 31
10:00 Pastor’s Bible Study

Wednesday, February 1
6:00 Youth Group, Downtown campus
6:00 Chapel Service, Downtown (Todd Nelson, teaching)
7:00 Newborns in Need

Thursday, February 2
6:00 Deep Dive
7:00 Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Friday, February 3
7:00 Game Night

Sunday, February 5
9:00 Youth / Children’s Choir Rehearsals
9:40 Worship Service / Sunday School
11:00 Worship Service / Sunday School
11-1:00 Soup-er Bowl lunch, Downtown Fellowship Hall
5:00 Youth Group, Downtown campus
5:00 Encounters with God: Romans Small Group Study

Sunday Night Bible Study

Encounters with God: Romans began on Sunday, January 22. The 8 weeks study is a great opportunity to explore one of Henry Blackaby's excellent studies. Romans is the first in a series of books in the New Testament called an epistle - a formal letter intended to give instruction. If you are interested please e-mail Randy Greenup at rgreenup@aol.com or call me at 859.543.0361.

Deep Dive is Thursday

This month Mike Powers, First Church Senior Pastor, and Barbara Mack, First Church finance chair, will come and share with us. Make plans to come and hear what is happening across the church and to get an in depth update on our finances.

Volunteers in Mission trip to Haiti April 26^th – May 3^rd:

An informational meeting about the upcoming VIM trip to Haiti will be held on February 8^th at 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. This mission includes school/church reconstruction and Vacation Bible School. Consequently, volunteers with an array of spiritual gifts are essential to its success. If you cannot join us at that time, please contact Greg Graf (Gregory.Graf@insightbb.com, 797-2463).

Greg will be in the Fellowship hall from 5-7 that evening.

First Sunday Food Drive

Remember to bring your food items in the blue bag for Embrace on February 5th. Your continued generous support is appreciated!

Devotional for 1.26.2012 - Mark 1:21-24

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

2012 Andover Administrative Team Leaders

2012-01-25T12:00:00.000-05:00

Lay Leader Jan Colbert

WORSHIP Team Leader Vicki Lanham
GROW Team Leader Ed Sims
SERVE Team Leader Marci Mulder

Staff Parish Committee Andover Representative Kit Hornback
Staff Parish Committee Andover Representative Dick Dedic

Finance Committee Andover Representative Randy Greenup

Trustee Committee Andover Representative Don Wells

Lay Leadership (Nominations) Andover Rep Brad Beach
Lay Leadership (Nominations) Andover Rep Linda Hardee

Administrative Council At-large Kathy Edwards
Administrative Council At-large Ray Hornback
Administrative Council At-large Ron Hoffman
Administrative Council At-large John Brown
Administrative Council At-large Brad Rudolph

Andover Delegate to Annual Conference Dick Dedic

A great thanks to these who are willing to serve in these areas. Please keep them in your prayers during 2012.

2012 Budget News

2012-01-25T10:20:00.000-05:00

The Administrative Council passed a budget for 2012 last night during the meeting. If you would like a copy, please email Todd@1stumc.org or pick up a copy at this weekend's worship services.

Devotional for 1.25.2012 - Matthew 12:43-45

2012-01-25T09:30:00.000-05:00

“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.”
(Matthew 12:43-45 ESV)

"We seldom get rid of an evil merely by understanding its causes...and for all our insight, obstinate habits do not disappear until replaced by other habits. " Carl G. Jung from The Practice of Psychotherapy

Why are spiritual disciplines such as prayer, study, and worship so important in our lives? One reason is because they help establish God-like patterns of behavior that pushes out ungodly things. Scripture tells us that we are like containers. What are you filling your container up with? If we are not intentionally filling ourselves with the things of God, then the things of this world will rush into that empty space and begin to take over our life. It is only by a daily draining of this world and filling of God can we overcome the worldly pressures and live in a God-honoring way.

Devotional for 1.24.2012 - Psalm 111

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

1 Praise the LORD!I will thank the LORD with all my heart as I meet with his godly people.

2 How amazing are the deeds of the LORD! All who delight in him should ponder them.

3 Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails.

4 He causes us to remember his wonderful works.

"We human creatures seem to be born to wonder, to love, and to praise. We are born for other things as well, of course. We work, we speak, we create, and we make and keep covenants together. All these things are found in all human communities we know about, and they take central place in our lives as well. But wonder, love, and praise seem different somehow. They are expressions of our deepest being and deepest longing. No matter what happens to us or what we achieve, they point us to something greater, something better that surrounds our lives and makes us glad." Thomas D. Parker

What is it that makes you stop in amazement? A child's smile? A beautiful piece of art? The mountain view or the ocean's endless waves? The things in our life that make us stop and stare in amazement are the things God has placed in this world to remind us of His love for us. May we stop today and literally smell the flowers...for it brings God joy and reminds us that we are loved.

Devotional for 1.23.2012

2012-01-23T09:18:00.000-05:00

"I do not believe in theologians who do not pray, who are not in humble communication of love with God. Neither do I believe in the existence of any human power to pass on authentic knowledge of God.
Only God can speak about himself, and only the Holy Spirit, who is love, can communicate this knowledge to us." from The God Who Comes by Carlo Carretto

My prayer is that we would stop looking for God in our own strength and understanding this week. Rather than our own strength, may we look to the Holy Spirit to guide us. What this means is that we must look to the Holy Spirit's timing and way of speaking. That takes patience and perseverance and a discipline of listening which only can come from God.

Use Psalm 62:5 as our "breath" prayer this week. Memorize it and hold it in your mind as you move through your day and night.

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,

for my hope is from him.

(Psalm 62:5 ESV)

Sermon Quote

2012-01-22T15:18:00.002-05:00

Quote from Henri J.M. Nouwen from The Wounded Healer

But for a person with deep rooted faith in the value and meaning of life, every experience holds a new promise, every encounter carries new insight, and every event brings a new message. But these promises, insights and messages have to be discovered and made visible. A Christian faces the world with eyes full of expectation, with the expertise to take away the veil that covers its hidden potential. We are called to express in service to others that new life can be brought about. It is this service which gives eyes to see the flower breaking through the cracks in the street, ears to hear a word of forgiveness muted by hatred and hostility, and hands to feel new life under the cover of death and destruction

Traits of People God Uses - With A Past

2012-01-22T15:14:00.001-05:00

A sermon from FUMC's Andover Campus
1.22.2012
Todd Nelson, preaching

Sunday Preview

2012-01-20T14:09:00.000-05:00

Depiction of Jonah in a champlevéenamel (1181) by Nicholas of Verdun in the Verduner altar at Klosterneuburg abbey, Austria.

1 Then the LORD spoke to Jonah a second time: 2 “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh, and deliver the message I have given you.” 3 This time Jonah obeyed the LORD’s command and went to Nineveh, a city so large that it took three days to see it all. 4 On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: “Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed! 5 The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.

10 When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.
(Jonah 3:1-5, 10 NLT)

We continue to look at the traits of people God uses this week as we find ourselves in Jonah and discover that God uses people with a past...in Jonah's case a rather disobedient past!

While in this world your past may discredit you from certain types of service, God takes a radically different approach to people with a past. We will see how God used Jonah even after he had done exactly the opposite of what God wanted for him. Hope to see you at either 9:40 or 11:00 this Sunday at Andover.

What to Watch for @ Andover - 1.20.2012

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday, January 22
9:00 Youth / Children’s Choir Rehearsals
  9:40 Worship Service / Sunday School
11:00 Worship Service / Sunday School
  5:00 Youth Group, downtown campus
  5:00 Encounters with God: Romans Small Group Study

Monday - Thursday
9:00 - 12:00 Andover Office Hours

Tuesday, January 24
10:00 Pastor’s Bible Study
6:00 Administrative Council Meeting, Downtown West Chapel

Wednesday, January 25
6:00 Youth Group, Downtown campus
6:00 Chapel Service, Downtown (Todd Nelson, teaching)

Thursday, January 26
7:00 Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Sunday, January 29
9:00 Youth / Children’s Choir Rehearsals
9:40 Worship Service / Sunday School
11:00 Worship Service / Sunday School
5:00 Youth Group, Downtown campus
5:00 Encounters with God: Romans Small Group Study

Sunday Night Bible Study Begins this Week

A Sunday night Bible study, Encounters with God: Romans, a Small Group Study, will begin on Sunday, January 22, meeting at 5:00, for approximately 1 1/2 hours or less. The study will last for 8 weeks is a great opportunity to explore one of Henry Blackaby's excellent small group studies. Romans is the first in a series of books in the New Testament called an epistle - a formal letter intended to give instruction. If you are interested please e-mail Randy Greenup at rgreenup@aol.com or call me at 859.543.0361.

Deep Dive Thursday for February

Our next Deep Dive is Thursday, February 2 from 6pm-7pm.

This month Dr. Mike Powers, First Church Senior Pastor, and Barbara Mack, First Church finance chair, will come and share with us. Make plans to come and hear what is happening across the church and to get an in depth update on our finances.

Devotional for 1.19.2012 - Psalm 62

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

11 God has spoken plainly,

and I have heard it many times:

Power, O God, belongs to you;

12 unfailing love, O Lord, is yours.

I have been unable to escape this Psalm this week. It has a deep and abiding peace about it through its tone and language.

God is our rock.
God is our salvation.

We have heard it time and again and yet God does not grow weary of displaying his power. We have heard it time and again and yet God does not grow tired of faithfully meeting us in the midst of our struggles and failures to offer forgiveness, mercy and hope. We have heard it time and again and yet God remains firmly for us...who or what can be against us?

May we live in the quiet confidence created by being in God's shadow. May we live as a people who are "more than conquerors." May we live unafraid for our future. May we truly live as God's people.

Devotional for 1.18.2012 - Mark 1:16-20

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Net fishing on the Sea of Galilee

Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.
(Mark 1:16-20 ESV)

Jesus wasted no time in assembling a group of people around him to do life with, minister with, and to teach about the ways of God. He asked them to leave family, vocation, and a lifestyle they had grown accustom and to come and follow him. And here is the amazing thing....they did!

Let me cut right to the chase today...you and I are called in the same way as those first disciples (ie. followers of Jesus.) We are called to put Jesus and the kingdom of heaven above and beyond any other priority in our life. And he tells us that this type of attitude is not about neglecting our earthly duties and responsibilities but rather re-prioritizing them in a way that God can make the most of our lives and the lives of those around us.

Have your priorities gotten mixed around by your life's circumstances? Have you gotten things out of place due to not being focused on the ways of God? If so, at the beginning of the year is a great time to refocus and re-prioritize things. What you will find is that God is most patient and kind and is waiting to embrace us instead of pointing a finger and condemning us.

Follow me Jesus tells us today...and he will bring abundance of life in the way of peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control.

Devotional for 1.17.2012 - Matthew 5:16

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
(Matthew 5:16 ESV)

George MacDonald asked the question, "if religion one thing and daily life another" for you? We are called to let our light shine in such a way that points people to God in heaven and not his people on earth. But if our outward shining does not match our inward reality, then we live in a state of hypocrisy which will eventually turn people away from God instead of leading them to him.

It is most important to have a regular time of prayer and testing of your actions, words, and motives. Pray that God would through the Holy Spirit point out anything that may be preventing you from being the person you were created to be. Our true light of Christ shines through the soul whose inward brightness cannot be contained. Don't worry about creating a false shine. Create a life that is in harmony with God's purposes and your light will shine so brightly it will be impossible to miss it.

Psalm 51 is a great pray for us who seek to be light in the dark world?

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
(Psalm 51:10-12 ESV)

Quote from Sermon about Silence

2012-01-16T09:56:00.000-05:00

"If this experience (silence) persists - it means that something of the greatest importance is happening. It means that God is inviting me to discover him no longer as another alongside me but as my own deepest and truest self. He is calling me from the experience of meeting him to the experience of finding my identity in him. I cannot see him because his is my eyes. I cannot hear him because he is my ears. I cannot walk to him because he is my feet. And if apparently I am alone and he is not there that is because he will not separate his presence from my own. If he is not anything at all, if he is nothing, that is because he is no longer another. I must find him in what I am or not at all."

from Tensions by H.A. Williams

Devotional for 1.16.2012 - Psalm 62:5-8

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,

for my hope is from him.

He only is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

On God rests my salvation and my glory;

my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

Trust in him at all times, O people;

pour out your heart before him;

God is a refuge for us.

(Psalm 62:5-8 ESV)

God places us securely in the "cleft" of the rock when storms come and winds blow. With our trust being in God we do not have to worry that our circumstances will steal our joy or destroy our peace. God, and God alone, is the only one who can provide this for us.

This week you and I have a choice to make. Will we place our hope in God and wait on him or will we place it in ourselves and/or our situation?

Traits of People God Uses - Listeners

2012-01-15T21:23:00.001-05:00

A sermon from FUMC's Andover Campus
1.15.2012
Todd Nelson, preaching

Weather Update

2012-01-14T16:59:00.002-05:00

See you at 9:40 or 11:00 this morning. Most roads are treated and dry, but there are some slick spots remaining. Be careful and please don't get out if you are uncomfortable.

Sunday Preview

2012-01-13T12:00:00.000-05:00

Calling Disciples,
He Qi , from Art in the Christian Tradition,
a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.

We begin a new sermon series this week entitled "Traits of People God Uses" in which we will spend the next few weeks looking at what it was about people like Samuel, Jonah and others that made them usable by God. We hope to answer the question as to how can we go about developing our lives in a way that makes us more and more usable by God.

This weekend's message comes from 1 Samuel 3:1-10.

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. 2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” 5 and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. 6 And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”

Whether you are being called to serve in your family, your neighborhood or around the world, we must realize that the beginning of our serving is being available and willing. Both of these traits are visible if we are a person who "listens"...truly listens and not simply just hears what we want to hear. We will look at the prophet Samuel this weekend and see how he listened to God which was the beginning of him being used powerfully by God.

What to watch for @ Andover - 1.13.2012

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday, January 15

9:00 Youth / Children’s Choir Rehearsals

9:40 Worship Service / Sunday School

11:00 Worship Service / Sunday School

5:00 Youth Group, downtown campus

6:00 Encounters with God: Romans Small Group Study

Tuesday - Thursday

9:00 - 12:00 Andover Office Hours

Tuesday, January 17

10:00 Pastor’s Bible Study

Wednesday, January 18

6:00 Youth Group, Downtown campus

6:00 Chapel Service, Downtown (Todd Nelson, teaching)

Thursday, January 19

6:00 SIS Circle Meeting Rescheduled
7:00 Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Sunday, January 22

9:00 Youth / Children’s Choir Rehearsals

9:40 Worship Service / Sunday School

11:00 Worship Service / Sunday School

5:00 Youth Group, Downtown campus

6:00 Encounters with God: Romans Small Group Study

DOWNTOWN NEWS - Blood Drive

First Church Blood Drive next Sunday, January 22 at our Downtown Campus, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Give the gift of life, be a donor! Thank you.

Weather Update

2012-01-12T18:31:00.001-05:00

SIS Women's Circle and the Chancel Choir rehearsal are cancelled tonight. Stay safe and warm!

Community Needs Assessment Update

2012-01-12T14:00:00.000-05:00

The Community Needs Committee is continuing to assess what resources are lacking in the 40509 community, and how our church campus at Andover could be a part in addressing these needs. We conducted a needs assessment last fall and spoke with key informants in the community. We also spoke with many of the members of our congregation about what needs they saw in our immediate community and how we, as a church body, could help. We are grateful for all the suggestions and comments thus far. Through this process, we have identified a few key areas that many people feel are lacking in the community, including more programming for children and teens, specifically after-school programming, extracurricular activities, and recreational opportunities. Moreover, many people feel like more recreational opportunities for all ages would be beneficial. We also have heard people suggest opportunities for seniors. Other popular suggestions include offering specific types of classes (e.g., cooking, arts) for all ages.

Based on these identified needs, we have begun to look more specifically about what would be feasible for our church to provide. We look forward to communicating more specific information when we can and sharing different ways that our church can choose to address unmet needs in the community.

Georgeann Brown, chair of CNA Team

Devotional for 1 12 2012 - 1 Samuel 3:1-10

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

Devotion for 1.11.2012 - John 1:43-51

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49 Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

"I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you" Jesus said to Nathanael. I saw you before you even had a hint that I existed. I saw you before you even knew your life was somehow incomplete without me. I saw you and I now call you to follow me.

God sees us all well before God calls us. Our time on this earth is full of God's grace working in our lives to draw, woo, invite, and prepare us for the day when we are called. Faith is built in that moment when we realize and finally accept God's call on our lives. But faith is not based upon accepting what God wants us to do, but what Jesus has already done. That is the seed of faith which then grows into the tree of our life filled with the fruit of abundant living.

Are we more concerned with "what" God's purpose is for our lives or "who" God truly is in our life? If so, I encourage you to lay down your need for control and your need for "purpose" and take up God's very presence instead. For it is God's presence that leads to everything else.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
(Matthew 6:33 ESV)

Devotion for 1.10.2012 - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

2012-01-10T08:09:00.001-05:00

19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own?

20 For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.

We hear it all the time. Our bodies are a gift from God and a temple for the Holy Spirit. What we do for our physical well-being has a direct effect upon our emotional and spiritual. While we are still in the beginning of this year, why not be intentional about some level of physical development to go along with your spiritual and emotional? One this I have learned from experience, start with small goals and go from there. Find a friend who will exercise with you at least once per week if not more. Do not worry about what others are doing. Do not become discouraged when it become difficult for it surely will.

Grace Drenched Baptism

2012-01-09T12:21:00.001-05:00

A sermon from FUMC's Andover Campus
1.8.2012
Todd Nelson, preaching

Devotional for 1.9.2012 - Psalm 139

2012-01-09T10:06:00.001-05:00

1 O LORD, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.

2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.

3 You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.

4 You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, LORD.

5 You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.

No better way to start a new week than to be reminded that you do not start this week alone. God knows you and your needs. God cares for you and never leaves. You can be certain of who holds this week even when you have no idea what this week will hold for you.

Remember That You Are Baptized Service

2012-01-09T10:02:00.002-05:00

For those of you who would like a copy of the service or were away and want to see what happened, here is a copy of the liturgy for the service from yesterday.

Remember That You Are Baptized Service

Introduction
Sisters and brothers in Christ: through the sacrament of baptism God's Spirit has been poured out upon water, water poured over and immersing us, water that flows freely for all who will receive it, water from the streams of God's saving power and justice, water that brings hope to all who thirst for righteousness, water that refreshes life, nurtures growth, and offers new birth. Today we come to the waters to renew our commitments in each other's presence to Christ who has raised us, the Spirit who has birthed us, and the Creator who is making all things new.

Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith
And so I ask you, will you turn away from the powers of sin and death?
   We renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness,
Reject the evil powers of this world,
And repent of our sin!

Will you let the Spirit use you as prophets to the powers that be?
   We accept the freedom and power God gives us
To resist evil, injustice, and oppression
In whatever forms they present themselves!

Will you proclaim the good news and live as disciples of Jesus Christ, his body on earth?
   We confess Jesus Christ as our Savior,
put our whole trust in his grace,
and promise to serve him as our Lord,
in union with the church which Christ has opened
to people of all ages, nations, and races!

Will you be living witnesses to the gospel, individually and together, wherever you are, and in all that you do?
   We will remain faithful members of Christ's holy church
And serve as Christ's representatives in the world.

Will you receive and profess the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments?
   We affirm and teach the faith of the whole church
as we put our trust
in God, the Father Almighty.
in Jesus Christ, his only Son.
and in the Holy Spirit,
one God now and forever.

Thanksgiving Over the Water
The Spirit of the Lord is with us.
Even so, come Lord Jesus!

Let us pray.
Almighty God, the life you birthed in us by baptism into Jesus Christ will never die.
Your justice never fails. Your mercy is everlasting.
Your healing river flows. Your Spirit blows where you will. We cannot stop you, God!

But sometimes we try. We try to block the flow, we redirect the winds of the Spirit, or we walk so far away from the life-giving Stream that we do not hear its sound, and we forget its power. We parch ourselves.
We are dry and thirsty, O God. Come, refresh us!

Come upon us, Holy Spirit!
Come upon us, Holy Spirit!

Come upon these waters.
Come upon these waters.

Let these waters be to us drops of your mercy.
Let these waters remind us of your righteousness and justice.

Let these waters renew in us the resurrection power of Jesus.
Let these waters make us long for your coming reign.

Most Holy God, Abba, Father!
Glory to you!

Jesus Christ, Savior, Lord!
Glory to you!

Spirit of fire, Spirit over the waters, Spirit of holiness!
Glory to you!

Eternal God, One in Three and Three in One!
All glory is yours, now and forever. Amen!

Remember that you are baptized, and rejoice!

Sunday Preview

2012-01-06T11:01:00.001-05:00

Master of the Saint Bartholomew Altar
The Baptism of Christ, c. 1485/1500
Samuel H. Kress Collection

"In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

(Mark 1:9-11 ESV)

Baptism is one of those easy to misunderstand things we do in the life of the church. It is sweet to see a baby baptized and very moving to see an adult profess faith in Christ and be baptized. But what difference does a little water sprinkled, poured, or even a lot of water used to immerse really have in the life of the one being baptized?

What we will learn this weekend is that baptism is the bedrock foundation of our experience with Christ. Baptism identifies who we are, whose we are, and our purpose on this planet.

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend if not before!

What To Watch for @ Andover - 1.6.2012

2012-01-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

We are starting something new on Friday's here at the blog! We will attempt to give you a list of activities, events, and "nice to know"s. This will give you a single place and day to look for updates. If you would like for something to be added on Friday, please email the church office at 1stumc.andover@gmail.com by Thursday at 11:00am and we will do our best to get it included.

Sunday, January 8

9:00 Youth / Children’s Choir Rehearsals

9:40 Worship Service / Sunday School

11:00 Worship Service / Sunday School

5:00 Youth Group, downtown campus

Tuesday, January 10

10:00 Pastor’s Bible Study

Wednesday, January 11

6:00 Youth Group, Downtown campus

6:00 Chapel Service, Downtown (Todd Nelson, teaching)

Thursday, January 12

6:00 SIS Women’s Circle @ Andover

7:00 Chancel Choir Rehearsal

NEW SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITY

A Sunday night Bible study, Encounters with God: Romans, a Small Group Study, will begin on Sunday, January 15, meeting at 5:00, for approximately 1 1/2 hours or less. The study will last for 8 weeks is a great opportunity to explore one of Henry Blackaby's excellent small group studies. Romans is the first in a series of books in the New Testament called an epistle - a formal letter intended to give instruction. If you are interested please e-mail Randy Greenup at rgreenup@aol.com or call me at 859.543.0361. PLEASE COME AND JOIN US FOR A GREAT BIBLE STUDY!

Devotional for 1.5.2012

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Devotional for 1.4.2012

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And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. There were about twelve men in all.

(Acts 19:1-7 ESV)

An encounter with God is never singular in its purpose. What I mean by this is that God has something for you that God wants you to pass along to others. Always. Our gifts, talents, passions, past experiences and calling by God are always, always, intended to not stop with our hands and heart. Rather, God gives to us good gifts in order for us to be more usable in God's Kingdom.

As 2012 begins, take a few minutes to assess the gifts God has given you. And now pray boldly that God will give you ample opportunities to be used and the courage to do so.

Devotional for 1.3.2012

2012-01-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

Psalm 29
1 Honor the LORD, you heavenly beings;
honor the LORD for his glory and strength.

2 Honor the LORD for the glory of his name.
Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

3 The voice of the LORD echoes above the sea.
The God of glory thunders.
The LORD thunders over the mighty sea.

4 The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.

5 The voice of the LORD splits the mighty cedars;
the LORD shatters the cedars of Lebanon.

6 He makes Lebanon’s mountains skip like a calf;
he makes Mount Hermon leap like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of the LORD strikes
with bolts of lightning.

8 The voice of the LORD makes the barren wilderness quake;
the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

9 The voice of the LORD twists mighty oaks
and strips the forests bare.
In his Temple everyone shouts, “Glory!”

10 The LORD rules over the floodwaters.
The LORD reigns as king forever.

11 The LORD gives his people strength.
The LORD blesses them with peace.

Have we put God into a neat and tidy box? Do we truly hold the view that God is almighty? That his voice is powerful and majestic? Do we acknowledge God's rule over not only all of creation but our very lives as well?

As 2012 begins, may it begin with the walls of our "God" box taken down. Release God from having to work only as you understand or can see or are able to imagine. Free God to move and work in your life and the lives of your neighbors and friends anyway God wants to work. For God is almighty and brings his people strength and clothes them with peace. Will we allow God to do these things in our life?

Newborns In Need Update

2012-01-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Years!

We won’t be having a meeting this month, our next meeting will be Wednesday February 1 at 7:00 p.m.

Here is our most recent blog post: http://lexingtonnewbornsinneed.com/2011/12/30/holiday-givings-and-meeting/ with meeting information and more!

Thanks so much!

Abby

Abigail Bernd

Director Lexington Chapter of Newborns in Need

http://lexingtonnewbornsinneed.com/

January - Time for New Beginnings

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The new year is a great time to begin new patterns to deepen your faith journey. Here are a few things you might consider as you set your path for the new year.

1) Join a Sunday School class. We have classes during the 9:40 and 11:00 hours each Sunday. This is a great way to get to know people at Andover in an environment of study, sharing, and caring.

2) Attend the 7-week Tuesday morning Pastor's Bible Study entitled "The Patriarchs - A Look at Our Family Tree" at 10:00a.m. beginning January 3rd. This small group will meet weekly through February 14th. If you are not available Tuesday mornings but would like to attend, Todd will teach the same class on Wednesday evenings at the downtown campus from January 11-February 15th.

3) Become a part of a United Methodist Women's Circle. We have two Circle's that meet monthly and are active in ministries at Andover and beyond. The Rachel Circle meets the first Wednesday of the month April - December in the morning. And the SIS Circle meets the second Thursday of each month in the evening.

4) Begin a daily regimen of devotions. We will be helping you with this by providing a daily devotion on the website Monday - Friday. You will find a Scripture passage, a quick thought or reflection, and a prayer guide to help you begin your day in God's Word.

Please contact the church office at 263-3602 or 1stumc.andover@gmail.com for more information.

Devotional for 1.2.2012

2012-01-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.”
And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day.

Quote from Richard Boyce:
This creation story is a way of holding onto hope when all signs of order in our lives have been destroyed and we must look out for signs of the creative work of God beyond our control. If God is still creating order out of chaos in the succession of day and night, maybe God will one day create order once more out of chaos in the lives of God's people. Hold on, and do not lose hope.

Things begin when God speaks and brings light into the darkness. Notice that even the day is set to a pattern that moves from darkness to daylight. As 2012 dawns, two truths will govern those of us who put our faith in God.

1) God will be speaking and making things happen in this world. What began in Genesis 1 continues right up until this generation. May we pay attention to where and how God is working in the world and move quickly to join in.

2) Our personal darkness / chaos is the fertile ground from which God can and will move. It will be God's Word that we should look toward to define our new existence and bring light into our lives.

Covenant Renewal Service

2012-01-01T21:17:00.000-05:00

Here is a copy of the renewal service from Andover's service this morning. If you would like a copy we would be happy to email or send you a hardcopy.

In 1663 Richard Alleine, a Puritan, published Vindiciae Pietatis: or, A Vindication of Godliness in the Greater Strictness and Spirituality of It. In 1753, it was again published in John Wesley's A Christian Library. Wesley used one chapter, "The Application of the Whole," on Monday, August 11, 1755, in what probably was the first real celebration of the Covenant Service in the Methodist movement.

PROCLAMATION
Brothers and sisters in Christ, the Christian life is redeemed from sin and consecrated to God. Through baptism, we have entered this life and have been admitted into the new covenant of which Jesus Christ is the Mediator. He sealed it with his own blood, that it might last for ever. On the one side, God promises to give us new life in Christ, the Source and Perfecter of our faith.
On the other side, we are pledged to live no more for ourselves but only for Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us. From time to time we renew our covenant with God, especially when we reaffirm the Baptismal Covenant and gather at the Lord's table. Today, however, we meet, as the generations before us have met, to renew the covenant that binds us to God.

Let us make this covenant of God our own.

INVITATION
Commit yourselves to Christ as his servants. Give yourselves to him, that you may belong to him. Christ has many services to be done. Some are more easy and honorable, others are more difficult and disgraceful. Some are suitable to our inclinations and interests, others are contrary to both.

In some we may please Christ and please ourselves. But then there are other works where we cannot please Christ except by denying ourselves. It is necessary, therefore, that we consider what it means to be a servant of Christ. Let us, therefore, go to Christ, and pray:

Let me be your servant, under your command. I will no longer be my own. I will give up myself to your will in all things.

Be satisfied that Christ shall give you your place and work.

Lord, make me what you will. I put myself fully into your hands: put me to doing, put me to suffering, let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you, let me be full, let me be empty, let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and with a willing heart give it all to your pleasure and disposal.

Christ will be the Savior of none but his servants. He is the source of all salvation to those who obey. Christ will have no servants except by consent; Christ will not accept anything except full consent to all that he requires. Christ will be all in all, or he will be nothing. Confirm this by a holy covenant. To make this covenant a reality in your life, listen to these admonitions:

First, set apart some time, more than once, to be spent alone before the Lord; in seeking earnestly God's special assistance and gracious acceptance of you; in carefully thinking through all the conditions of the covenant; in searching your hearts whether you have already freely given your life to Christ. Consider what your sins are. Consider the laws of Christ, how holy, strict, and spiritual they are, and whether you, after having carefully considered them, are willing to choose them all. Be sure you are clear in these matters, see that you do not lie to God. Second, be serious and in a spirit of holy awe and reverence.

Third, claim God's covenant, rely upon God's promise of giving grace and strength, so you can keep your promise. Trust not your own strength and power.

Fourth, resolve to be faithful. You have given to the Lord your hearts, you have opened your mouths to the Lord, and you have dedicated yourself to God. With God's power, never go back.

And last, be then prepared to renew your covenant with the Lord. Fall down on your knees, lift your hands toward heaven, open your hearts to the Lord, as we pray:

COVENANT PRAYER
O righteous God, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, see me as I fall down before you. Forgive my unfaithfulness in not having done your will, for you have promised mercy to me if I turn to you with my whole heart.

God requires that you shall put away all your idols.

I here from the bottom of my heart renounce them all, covenanting with you that no known sin shall be allowed in my life. Against your will, I have turned my love toward the world. In your power I will watch all temptations that will lead me away from you. For my own righteousness is riddled with sin, unable to stand before you.

Through Christ, God has offered to be your God again if you would let him.

Before all heaven and earth, I here acknowledge you as my Lord and God. I take you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for my portion, and vow to give up myself, body and soul, as your servant, to serve you in holiness and righteousness all the days of my life. God has given the Lord Jesus Christ as the only way and means of coming to God. Jesus, I do here on bended knees accept Christ as the only new and living Way, and sincerely join myself in a covenant with him. O blessed Jesus, I come to you, hungry, sinful, miserable, blind, and naked, unworthy even to wash the feet of your servants. I do here, with all my power, accept you as my Lord and Head. I renounce my own worthiness, and vow that you are the Lord, my righteousness. I renounce my own wisdom, and take you for my only guide. I renounce my own will, and take your will as my law.

Christ has told you that you must suffer with him.

I do here covenant with you, O Christ, to take my lot with you as it may fall. Through your grace I promise that neither life nor death shall part me from you.

God has given holy laws as the rule of your life.

I do here willingly put my neck under your yoke, to carry your burden. All your laws are holy, just, and good. I therefore take them as the rule for my words, thoughts, and actions, promising that I will strive to order my whole life according to your direction, and not allow myself to neglect anything I know to be my duty.

The almighty God searches and knows your heart.

O God, you know that I make this covenant with you today without guile or reservation. If any falsehood should be in it, guide me and help me to set it aright. And now, glory be to you, O God the Father, whom I from this day forward shall look upon as my God and Father. Glory be to you, O God the Son, who have loved me and washed me from my sins in your own blood, and now is my Savior and Redeemer. Glory be to you, O God the Holy Spirit, who by your almighty power have turned my heart from sin to God. O mighty God, the Lord Omnipotent, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you have now become my Covenant Friend. And I, through your infinite grace, have become your covenant servant. So be it. And let the covenant I have made on earth be ratified in heaven. Amen.

You are advised to make this covenant not only in your heart, but in word; not only in word, but in writing. Therefore, with all reverence, lay the service before the Lord as your act and deed. And when you have done this, sign it. Then keep it as a reminder of the holy agreement between God and you that you may remember it during doubts and temptations.

Thank you!

2011-12-26T14:56:00.001-05:00

Thank you everyone for a great Advent season leading up to Christmas weekend. So much hard work went into decorating, getting ready for music Sunday, as well as this past weekend's services. Hope everyone has a relaxing week and we will see everyone back on Sunday, January 1st. Remember we will have one service only at 11:00am.

Advent Devotional 12 23 2011

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Advent Devotion: 12.22.2011

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley, California, USA

Hebrews 1:1-4
1Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. 3He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

How fitting that Christmas follows on the heals of the shortest day of the year. For it is in the season of daylight beginning to again overtake darkness. That is exactly what God did by sending Jesus in the "fullness of time" to begin the pendulum swinging back toward light and away from darkness...away from evil toward goodness.

Jesus is the "exact" imprint of God's very being. You want to know what God "looks" like...read about Jesus and get to know his life, his word, and his passion. You want to know what it looks like for light to overtake darkness? Look at Jesus' life of healing, teaching, and sacrifice and you see exactly.

We chase after the darkness in hopes of finding some semblance of peace and purpose in life. But all we find is greater darkness and hopelessness. The dawn broke 2,000 years ago and the light grows stronger each day as Jesus' witness is carried to the entire world through his people. May we be light bearers this day and show the world what it means to be followers of Christ.

Advent Devotion: 12.21.2011

2011-12-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Titus 2: 11 God's readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation's available for everyone!12 We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now,13 and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears.14 He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.

"It is not enough to hear the glorious music of this holy day and retell the Christmas story. God calls us to be transformed by the grace and wonder. The divine love that God pours out to us expands as it is shared with others. We seek to do what is good because of God's goodness."

from Daily Feast by Cathy F. Young

Advent Devotional: 12.20.2011

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Advent Devotional: 12.19.2011

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Psalm 96:1 Sing to the LORD a new song;

Sing to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Sing to the LORD, bless His name;

Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.

3 Tell of His glory among the nations,

His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.

One of the most powerful things about this upcoming week is the unabashed opportunity we have to witness to our faith! It seems that the entire world is preparing for the upcoming holiday that is inescapably Christian at its core. This is the week that many of our friends and neighbors will be looking for a place to worship on Christmas Eve. And we are called to proclaim good tidings and to tell of his glorious deeds. That very well may mean inviting a co-worker or neighbor to join you for a Christmas Eve worship service.

Go ahead and begin praying and planning.

Go ahead and begin singing the song that is not only beautiful but also brings hope!

Do Not Be Afraid

2011-12-18T13:04:00.001-05:00

A sermon from FUMC's Andover Campus
12.18.2011
Todd Nelson, preaching

Magnificat: Mary's Song of Praise

2011-12-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

THE MAGNIFICAT: Mary's Song of Praise

Luke 1:46 Mary responded,
“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.

47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!

48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
and from now on all generations will call me blessed.

49 For the Mighty One is holy,
and he has done great things for me.

50 He shows mercy from generation to generation
to all who fear him.

51 His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.

52 He has brought down princes from their thrones
and exalted the humble.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away with empty hands.

54 He has helped his servant Israel
and remembered to be merciful.

55 For he made this promise to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his children forever.”

Advent Devotion: 12.16.2011

2011-12-16T08:58:00.000-05:00

God is not real to most of us because of the condition of our consciousness. He is closer to our minds every moment than our own thoughts. He is nearer to our heart than our own feelings. He is more intimate with our wills than our most vigorous decisions. If we are NOT aware of him, it is not because he is not with us. It is, in part, because our consciousness is so under the sway of other interests that it cannot turn to him with the loving attention which might soon discern him.

from Discipline and Discover by Albert Edward Day

What is distracting you from God? Problems? Anxiety? Busyness? Overwhelmed with your to-do list? Good things? The list can go on and on. Whatever it is...and only you know...it is the very thing that God wants you to lay down in order to take up His desired life and calling for you.

What to Watch For @ Andover: December 16, 2011

2011-12-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Live! at First Concert Series - Downtown Campus

2011-12-15T12:00:00.000-05:00

Be sure to join us on Friday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. for our annual Christmas Concert at the downtown campus located at 200 West High Street. The First UMC downtown choir and orchestra will present Gustav Holst's "Christmas Day", selections from J.S. Bach's "Christmas Oratorio", Vivaldi's "Gloria" and Handel's "Messiah" along with plenty of familiar Christmas carols and an audience sing-along!

The Andover Youth choir is also singing at this concert! We would love to see you downtown Friday.

Advent Devotional: 12.15.2011

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Romans 16:25 Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time. 26 But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him.

The Good News, Paul says, has come to the Gentiles who have up to this point been on the outside looking in. This inclusion is important to celebrate and even more important to realize "why" it happened. It was God's heart all along to include all people in the divine plan. The Gentiles had not reached some "point" level to be included as so many of our frequent flyer programs do. They had not made enough sacrifices or done enough good deeds to earn God's favor. No...this is a clear sign of God's grace (undeserved gift) being offered to all people.

The Good News about Advent is that God has broken into our realm and is remaking all of creation in the perfect image it was originally intended. And this includes your life and mine. And the greatest news of all is that it is a free gift based on God's faithfulness and love for us.

So stop trying to earn God's favor...you cannot and need not. That is the Good News.

Advent Devotional: 12.14.2011

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Western Temple Wall in Jerusalem.
Dome of the Rock (the third holiest Muslim site sits in the background)

2 Samuel 7:1 After the king was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, 2 he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.” 3 Nathan replied to the king, “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you.” 4 But that night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying: 5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in? 6 I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling. 7 Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”

8 “Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel.9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth.10 And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning

"We may not be kings, but we too are tempted to make our plans without God, even on a holiday that celebrates God taking flesh. We need the history lesson as much as David. We too need to be reminded where God found us and what we would be without God's grace. We too need to be reminded that God saved more than just us, but is reconciling the world to God's self." by Beth Laneel Tanner

Do it yourself is all the rage today. But when it comes to our faith journey, do it yourself is a recipe for disaster. Have you been taking matters into your own hands during this Advent season? Or have you waited up God and God's perfect timing and complete answer?

An Advent Prayer

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

God -
Why is it that I think I must get somewhere, assume some position, be gathered together, or separated apart in the quiet of my study to pray?

Why is it that I feel that I have to go somewhere or do some particular act to find you, reach you, and talk with you?

Your presence is here -

In the city - on the busy bus, in the factory, in the cockpit of the airplane; in the hospital - in the patients' rooms, in the ICU, in the waiting room; in the home - at dinner, in the bedroom, in the family room, at my workbench; in the car - in the parking lot, at the stoplight.

Lord, reveal your presence to me everywhere, and help me become aware of your presence each moment of the day.

May your presence fill the non answers, empty glances and lonely times of my life. Amen

from A Thirty-Day Experiment in Prayer by Robert Wood

Advent Music Sunday Images

2011-12-12T09:31:00.001-05:00

Here is a gallery link, and normal instructions for using it. Thank you is not enough to express our gratitude for Ernie Stamper who is always ready to capture these moments within the life of First Church.

http://ernieshots.smugmug.com/Other/December-Music-Sunday/20548942_Nv6xTn

The Gallery is not password protected, but is hidden from searches. The images have my copyright to protect against misuse. The instructions for using these SmugMug galleries are as follows:

You can use the gallery to watch a slide show by selecting the Slideshow button at the top right of the screen. Click Esc or the Return to Gallery button to end the slide show and go back to the initial page. There you can click on any thumbnail photo to see a larger image. To see the various size options for downloading a photo, place the cursor on the right edge of the enlarged image, and left click on the size you want to download, then right-click to get the option to Save or download. You can also click on the Save Photo icon. In each case be sure that the Preview Document size file is not enabled for the Save. For a full screen view of a single photo double click on the enlarged image. If a screen saver activates during the slideshow, it may reset and the slideshow may need to be launched again.

The gallery is setup to allow free downloading, as well as viewing. The "Buy" button only refers to buying prints from the site host, but those prints will be quite good if anyone wants to use that feature. Via the Share button, you can get links to specific images.

What To Watch For @ Andover - December 9

2011-12-09T13:40:00.001-05:00

We are starting something new on Friday's here at the blog! We will attempt to give you a list of activities, events, and "nice to know"s. This will give you a single place and day to look for updates. Thanks for Lisa Michelle for all her compilation work! If you would like for something to be added on Friday, please email the church office at 1stumc.andover@gmail.com by Thursday at 11:00am and we will do our best to get it included.

Friday 12-9: Family Game and Movie Night 6-8pm. Pizza & Snacks $5.00

Saturday 12-10: Reindeer Ramble at Keeneland, contact Todd Nelson if you would like to run the 5k and Lisa Michelle if you would like to walk the 5k. Check in at 8:30am at Keeneland. Race is at 9am. We will go to breakfast at Frisch's afterwards.

Sunday 12-11: Music Sunday at Andover. Children and Youth Choirs are participating along with the Chancel Choir and soloists.

Thursday 12-15: Chancel Choir Christmas Party at Alex and Georgeann Brown's house at 7:00pm.

Friday 12-16: Christmas Concert Downtown 7:30pm- Andover youth will be singing in the concert.

Sunday 12-18: Road Less Traveled Sunday School Brunch at the House's Home after church.

Sunday 12-18: Youth Christmas Party that evening 5-7pm downtown. Please bring a white elephant gift and a gift card for the Methodist Children's Home. Bring a snack to share for the party.

Wednesday 12-21: Children and Youth Choirs Christmas Caroling and Party. Starting at 5pm.

Saturday 12-24: Christmas Eve Service at Andover Campus 4pm

Sunday 12-25: Christmas Day: One Worship Service at 11am. No Sunday school or nursery. Everyone welcome to join us for a Christmas Worship Service.

Sunday 1-1: New Year's Day: Once Worship Service at 11am. No Sunday school.

Advent Devotional: 12.8.2011

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

1 Thessalonians 5:23 May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

Paul speaks warmly to the people of Thessalonica as he encourages them to allow God to work through them completely. Paul calls them to be as the prophet says "clay in the hands of the potter." As Advent marches forward, how are you being shaped by God's hand? Are you growing closer to the image of Christ (ie. sanctified)? How are you going about waiting for God? Is it making a difference?

If you find yourself stuck at this point, perhaps it is time to wet the clay a bit and allow God to have his way with the direction in your life? We all too often want God to work as long as it is how, when, what we want! But that is not the entrance to joy, peace, patience and kindness. The entrance to the fruits of the spirit is an abandonment of our will and a relinquishing of our "rights" for a God's higher and better way.

Are you trying too hard to make this season the perfect time and losing yourself in the midst of it? If so, take today to focus on God and not your task list. Take today to lose yourself in the One who loves you and cares for you unconditionally instead of losing yourself in chasing your own dream that seems to be elusive at best and destructive at its worst.

Advent Sermon Series "Waiting" - Listening

2011-12-06T10:20:00.001-05:00

A sermon from FUMC's Andover Campus
12.4.2011
Todd Nelson, preaching

Advent Devotional: 12.6.2011

2011-12-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

Psalm 126: 5 Those who sow with tears

will reap with songs of joy.

6 Those who go out weeping,

carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy,

carrying sheaves with them.

The weeping sowers weep because they are afraid. They are putting seed into the ground under quite unpromising circumstances, not knowing what to expect. God will turn their tears to laughter not because they have been properly penitent or properly diligent, nor because they have grown spiritually through adversity, but because they are needy creatures and because God is God. from Charles M. Wood

Advent Devotional: 12.5.2011

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,

2 to proclaim the year of the Lord ’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called mighty oaks,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.

7 Instead of your shame
you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours.

Why wait? Why hope?

These verses give us the reason. Blessings and inheritance instead of shame and disgrace. Everlasting joy instead of eternal anxiety. As we begin a new week and enjoy the season as it unfolds before us, may we look to the One who is able and willing to create beauty from ashes. For we live in the year of the Lord's favor and will continue to do so forever.

Reindeer Ramble Next Weekend!

2011-12-04T21:23:00.001-05:00

The Annual Reindeer Ramble to support the Y's Campaign for Kids is this coming Saturday, December 10 at 9AM at Keeneland. Andover is fielding both a running and walking team this year. Contact Lisa Michelle (lisa@1stumc.org) or Todd (todd@1stumc.org) for more information or to sign-up. $12-$15 per person depending on the number of team members. We will go to Frisch's immediately following the event for breakfast!

What To Watch for Friday

2011-12-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

We are starting something new on Friday's here at the blog! We will attempt to give you a list of activities, events, and "nice to know"s. This will give you a single place and day to look for updates. Thanks for Lisa Michelle for all her compilation work! If you would like for something to be added on Friday, please email the church office at 1stumc.andover@gmail.com by Thursday at 11:00am and we will do our best to get it included.

Sunday 12-4: 1st Sunday Food Drive

Tuesday 12-6: Church Charge Conference 6pm. (at Andover)

Wednesday 12-7: Rachel Circle Christmas Party at Betty Hornback's house at 6:00pm.

Thursday 12-8: SIS Circle Meeting at Susie Smith's House 6:30pm.

Friday 12-9: Family Game and Movie Night 6-8pm. Pizza & Snacks $5.00

Saturday 12-10: Reindeer Ramble at Keeneland, contact Todd Nelson if you would like to run the 5k and Lisa Michelle if you would like to walk the 5k. Check in at 8:30am at Keeneland. Race is at 9am. We will go to breakfast at Frisch's afterwards.

Sunday 12-11: Music Sunday at Andover.

Thursday 12-15: Chancel Choir Christmas Party at Alex and Georgeann Brown's house at 7:00pm

Friday 12-16: Christmas Concert Downtown 7:30pm- Andover youth will be singing in the concert.

Sunday 12-18: Road Less Traveled Sunday School Brunch at the House's Home after church.

Sunday 12-18: Youth Christmas Party that evening 5-7pm downtown. Please bring a white elephant gift and a gift card for the Methodist Children's Home. Bring a snack to share for the party.

Wednesday 12-21: Children and Youth Choirs Christmas Caroling and Party. Starting at 5pm.

Saturday 12-24: Christmas Eve Service at Andover Campus 4pm

Sunday 12-25: Christmas Day: One Worship Service at 11am. No Sunday school or nursery. Everyone welcome to join us for a Christmas Worship Service.

Advent Devotional: 12.2.2011

2011-12-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Mark 1:1 This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.

2 It began just as the prophet Isaiah had written:
“Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
and he will prepare your way.

3 He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming!
Clear the road for him!’

Have you ever tried to travel any distance in the woods without a trail? Or have you ever driven in a rainstorm down a road that was unpaved or poorly maintained? You then know how important it is to have a clear path and a smooth way.

John the Baptist's calling was to prepare the way for Jesus' coming. He was to prick the conscience of the people of the day by reminding them of God's promise for a Messiah and letting them know he was right around the corner.

We too are God's road crew! He sends us into life's most difficult places to prepare a way for his message of love and acceptance to travel. We do this by our actions as well as our deeds each day.

Who in your life has God called you to prepare the way?

Pray right now that your day would be a productive one of clearing, leveling, and paving the way for them to know the love of Christ.

Advent Devotional: 12.1.2011

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

attribuito a Dosso Dossi (Ferrara c. 1490 - 1541/1542)

Ascensione di Cristo (venduto)

2 Peter 3:8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.

9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.

14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.

15 And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.

And remember dear friends...God is not slow... God is patient.

Patiently waiting for those who have chosen to go their own way to see the err of their actions and turn around (ie. repent).

Patiently waiting for lives to be given over to His purposes.

Patiently waiting for you and for me to realize the gift of forgiveness is offered without strings and without the need for getting everything cleaned up and fixed up before it is offered.

Patiently waiting.

Did you get that? God is experiencing a season of advent as well! Waiting anxiously for his people, his family, his glorious inheritance to come home.

Embrace UMC Food Pantry Collection Reminder

2011-11-30T20:33:00.001-05:00

This Sunday, December 4, 2011 is our 1st Sunday Food Drive at the Andover Campus of First United Methodist Church of Lexington.

On the 1st Sunday of each month, we collect non perishable food items for the Embrace Church in Lexington. They have a Monday night meal and worship service at their church for those who are physically and spiritually hungry. They also have a food pantry available for families in need of food and toiletry items. There is also a small room for clothing items. The donations from our 1st Sunday Food Drive help us to support their ministry.

The ongoing pantry needs are: Spaghetti Sauce, Pasta, Rice, Beans, Canned Meat, Canned veggies, Mac N Cheese and canned fruit.

Thank you for your support of this ministry.

May God bless your generosity,

Rev. Lisa Michelle Wilson
859-797-2651
lisa@1stumc.org

Advent Devotional: 11.30.2011

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Matthew 85:1 "LORD, you poured out blessings on your land! You restored the fortunes of Israel. 2 You forgave the guilt of your people—yes, you covered all their sins."

"Salvation never happens in a vacuum; it is always salvation from something" Charles L Aaron Jr.

God rescued Israel time and again from the clenches of its enemies and the desires of its own heart. God restored the people in a way that could only point toward the power and faithfulness of God. And God forgave, yes forgave and freed the people from their sins into a place where obedience was possible.

Advent- a time of waiting - must be by definition a time where we admit that we are incomplete. There is something missing that we are hoping will spring forth at a time in the future. And so we wait. For we realize that uur desires are dead-end roads. Our enemies are destructive to the body, soul, and spirit. Our attempt to restore our life is forever coming up short.

And so God being faithful, kind, and patient comes to us and offers salvation.

What in your life is in need of salvation?

That is the question that Advent begs us to not only ask, but to rely on God for the answer.

Advent Devotional: 11.29.2011

2011-11-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

1 “Comfort, comfort my people,”
says your God.

2 “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem.
Tell her that her sad days are gone
and her sins are pardoned.
Yes, the LORD has punished her twice over
for all her sins.”

3 Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting,
“Clear the way through the wilderness
for the LORD!
Make a straight highway through the wasteland
for our God!

4 Fill in the valleys,
and level the mountains and hills.
Straighten the curves,
and smooth out the rough places.

5 Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
The LORD has spoken!”t

6 A voice said, “Shout!”
I asked, “What should I shout?”
“Shout that people are like the grass.
Their beauty fades as quickly
as the flowers in a field.

7 The grass withers and the flowers fade
beneath the breath of the LORD.
And so it is with people.

8 The grass withers and the flowers fade,
but the word of our God stands forever.”

9 O Zion, messenger of good news,
shout from the mountaintops!
Shout it louder, O Jerusalem.t
Shout, and do not be afraid.
Tell the towns of Judah,
“Your God is coming!”

10 Yes, the Sovereign LORD is coming in power.
He will rule with a powerful arm.
See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.

11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will carry the lambs in his arms,
holding them close to his heart.
He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

For those who find themselves in exile (health, financial, relational, and many other times), these words of God's power and God's love are a place to seek comfort and hope. While we wait they bring assurance that God does care and is capable of resolving our time of trial.

Waiting Thought

2011-11-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

"All holy desires heighten in intensity with the delay of fulfillment, and desires which fade with delay were never holy desires at all." St Gregory

Advent Devotional: 11.28.2011

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

From the Global Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church

"Advent is one tough season, and for good reason. It is not designed to get us ready for the babe in the manger, someone we can hold and love and let sleep in our laps. It is designed and has been designed from its beginnings to get us ready for the Second Advent, the coming of the Lord in glory to judge the living and the dead, and after that, the new creation. It is not designed to get us ready for something we can see clearly now, but for something that seems impossible to see, and perhaps something that inspires more awe than "heavenly peace."

We need to celebrate both Advent (the culmination of all things in Jesus) and Christmas (the mystery of the Incarnation of God in Jesus) fully and well. The end and the beginning of our story in Jesus matters deeply. Let us not move too quickly from one to the other. May we actively wait through this period of time and cherish the memories being made.

Angel Tree Gift Update

2011-11-27T21:17:00.001-05:00

Thanks to everyone for helping in our annual Angel Tree gift program for families at the High Street Neighborhood Center and Embrace UMC. We only have two more gift tags left! Email Todd (todd@1stumc.org) if you would like to help out by purchasing a gift for one of the two children left on our list.

Parent's Shopping Day - Downtown

2011-11-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

Parents Christmas Shopping Day - Need a free afternoon to finish your Christmas shopping? The youth are providing activities such as crafts, singing, Veggie Tales movies, and games to keep your kids entertained in order to give you time to finish your shopping! Childcare will be provided at the downtown campus on Saturday, December 3 between 1:00-5:00 PM. Though the cost is free, we do ask that you please consider making a donation - large or small - to the youth summer mission trips. Please R.S.V.P. to jonathan@1stumc.org

Advent Devotion: 11.25.2011

2011-11-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

1 Corinthians 1:3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 4 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus.5 Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. 6 This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. 7 Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns.
9 God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Paul acknowledges that the Corinthians are eagerly awaiting the return of Jesus. They were looking for Jesus to come back any day and set-up his kingdom and free them from all injustice, persecution, and suffering. Also notice that "WHILE THEY WAIT" God has given them some gifts to occupy their time and help them! Our waiting is not a passive looking at the window hoping for something to happen. Our waiting is an active moving forward in the world. Our waiting is going ahead and setting up as much of the kingdom as possible, with Christ's help, even before he returns in final victory.

A Thanksgiving Prayer - Benediction this past Sunday

2011-11-23T17:00:00.000-05:00

A Thanksgiving Prayer
(written by Joe Sherer pastor of the Mount Joy Mennonite Church and shared as the benediction at a community Thanksgiving Eve service)

May the Lord bless you and keep you, May He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.

May the broad expanse of God’s love and the abundance of His riches in glory, shape your perspective on your own life and needs, including those things which disappoint you.

May the eyes of your heart be open to all the blessings which surround you; may this awareness produce a harvest of generosity in your spirit.

May thankfulness rise up within you, not just during this short season, but day after day, from the early morning watch until you retire for the night.

May your prayers reflect gratitude, while also acknowledging the needs of others whose situations are so drastically different.

May thoughts of Jesus fill your mind, and hunger for God drive your soul, and love for Lord guide your speech and your actions.

And finally, may the grace, peace, and love of the triune God, protect, defend, and empower you to run with perseverance the race marked out for you.

Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Advent Devotional: 11.23.2011

2011-11-23T05:00:00.000-05:00

1 Please listen, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph’s descendants like a flock. O God, enthroned above the cherubim, display your radiant glory to Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh.Show us your mighty power. Come to rescue us!3 Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.

4 O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies, how long will you be angry with our prayers?5 You have fed us with sorrow and made us drink tears by the bucketful.6 You have made us the scornt of neighboring nations.Our enemies treat us as a joke.7 Turn us again to yourself, O God of Heaven’s Armies. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.

17 Strengthen the man you love, the son of your choice.18 Then we will never abandon you again. Revive us so we can call on your name once more.19 Turn us again to yourself, O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.

Three times in a short amount of verses the Psalmist pleads with God to shine down upon the people and save them. Advent is time when we acknowledge our lowly state and lift our voices for the Saviour to come and change everything. And He will come...always has, always will.

"His coming is bound to his promise, not to our works or virtue. We have not earned a meeting with God because we have served him faithfully or because we have heaped up such a pile of virtue as to shine before Heaven. God is thrust forward by his love, not attracted by our beauty."

from The God Who Comes by Carlo Carretto

Advent Devotional: 11.22.2011

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 64: 1 Oh, that you would burst from the heavens and come down! How the mountains would quake in your presence! 2 As fire causes wood to burn and water to boil, your coming would make the nations tremble. Then your enemies would learn the reason for your fame! 3 When you came down long ago, you did awesome deeds beyond our highest expectations. And oh, how the mountains quaked! 4 For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!

Do you notice all the !s (exclamation points) in the above passage? The prophet is excitedly yelling for God to burst from the heavens and set everything right once more. But don't go too fast or you will miss "who" this God in heaven meets here on earth. Those who WAIT FOR HIM!

Advent is defined as waiting for the arrival of something or someone important. During Advent, we await the coming Savior who will forever change this world and our lives as a result.

For the next five weeks, we will be observing Advent and reading together here on the blog the lectionary texts that draw our attention to Jesus' coming. Check back often for new updates or send us your email address and we will be happy to email you when an update occurs.

2011 Advent Devotional: 11.21.2011

2011-11-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

"To have found God, to have experienced him in the intimacy of our being, to have lived even for one hour in the fire of his Trinity and the bliss of his Unity clearly makes us say: "Now I understand. You alone are enough for me." Carlo Carretto from The God Who Comes

May we search for and find the God who is ever ready to receive us into his arms during this Advent season.

His Glorious Inheritance

2011-11-20T14:57:00.001-05:00

A sermon from FUMC's Andover Campus
11.20.2011
Todd Nelson, preaching

Last Sunday of the Year! Christian Year that is...

2011-11-18T10:12:00.001-05:00

Christ the King/Reign of Christ Sunday marks the close of the Christian liturgical year. Throughout the year, Christ has been the focus of our theological reflections. This Sunday is a time to look both backward and forward in Christ. We look backward to the incarnation, the life, and the death of Christ; and we look forward to the Second Coming and final reign of Christ. excerpt from the website: gbod.org.

Most Encouraging Kentuckian...Ernie Peel!

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Fan or Follower? Decisions

2011-11-15T17:29:00.001-05:00

A sermon from FUMC's Andover Campus
11.13.2011
Todd Nelson, preaching

Our Next Step...2012 Stewardship Campaign

2011-11-15T16:35:00.001-05:00

Dinner on the Grounds (or in the building) Update

2011-11-14T20:27:00.001-05:00

We will be celebrating another Fall of ministry and end to the Christian year this Sunday with a special dinner after the 11:00 Worship Service / Sunday School hour. All are invited to attend this catered meal. Please bring either cookies or brownies to share! You can RSVP to the church office at 263-3602 or via email at 1stumc.andover@gmail.com.

Fan or Follower? Making Decisions

2011-11-11T18:16:00.001-05:00

Do followers of Christ make decisions differently than other people? Is there a way that we can know and tap into God's will? On Sunday we will discuss the importance and the process we can go through to deal with life's most pressing decisions. Hope to see you at either 9:40 or 11:00.

Andover: The Movie Re-posted

2011-11-10T14:10:00.000-05:00

We ran across this video in the archives and thought it would be worthwhile to re-post. Many at Andover today have not seen the "before" pictures. Enjoy.

A Thought for Wednesday

2011-11-09T09:32:00.001-05:00

1 Thessalonians says, "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances..."

Want a mantra for your life? Then take these three short phrases and put them in your head, on your heart, and into practice.

Monday Devotional Thought

2011-11-07T11:23:00.001-05:00

Psalm 16:8 says, "I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."

Not sure what you have planned for the week...

Not sure what might happen positively or negatively this week...

But one thing we can know is that God is waiting to walk with us whatever this week has for us. To be steadfast people of God we must take the Psalm above to heart. Place the Lord continually (always, without ceasing) before you is how it always begins.

Before we get too far into this week, take just a moment to breathe and thank God for something in your life....Now, re-read the above Psalm slowly as a prayer...Now continue your day with this same mindset and get ready to grow and not be shaken.

Resurrection Hope

2011-11-06T13:37:00.001-05:00

A sermon from FUMC's Andover Campus
11.6.2011
Todd Nelson, preaching

Pictorial Directory Info

2011-11-03T14:57:00.000-04:00

If you still need to get your picture taken for the pictorial directory please call 1-877-896-9667 ext 325 and sign up for an appointment today! Next set of dates are November 10-12 at our Andover campus.

The Week Ahead

2011-10-31T09:35:00.001-04:00

In case you missed yesterday and didn't get a bulletin to put on your icebox, here is a quick rundown for the week!

1) UMW Rachel Circle to Red Bird Mission on Wednesday. Meet at Andover at 9:00am and plan on being gone for the day as we travel to Red Bird via church bus, have lunch, and tour the area. RSVP's can be sent to the church office at 1stumc.andover@gmail.com or by calling 263-3602 from 9:00-Noon Monday or Tuesday.

2) Deep Dive Wednesday meets at 6:00pm. Come and explore current topics with Todd.

3) Newborn in Need meets at 7:00pm. We will be making fleece blankets for newborns. All are welcome!

Fan or Follower: Disciplines

2011-10-30T13:50:00.001-04:00

A sermon from FUMC's Andover Campus
10.30.2011
Todd Nelson, preaching

Newborns In Need Ministry Update

2011-10-26T13:13:00.002-04:00

We are having our next meeting on Wednesday November 2^nd and I hope to see you all there! We will be making fleece blankets. Here is a link to our blog post about helping the Ronald McDonald House: http://lexingtonnewbornsinneed.com/2011/10/25/helping-the-ronald-mcdonald-house-in-lexington/

Thanks and have a great week!

Abby

Abigail Bernd

Director Lexington Chapter of Newborns in Need

http://lexingtonnewbornsinneed.com/

Rachel Circle to Red Bird Mission

2011-10-26T10:07:00.000-04:00

In case you weren't at church on Sunday or missed the bulletin announcement, Just a reminder that our Rachel Circle (NEW NAME) is going to Red Bird Mission for our November meeting, Wed. Nov 2. We will be taking the church bus and need to leave the church at 9AM. There will be a lunch served. The cost is $5. If you have any questions please call Mary Smith at 264-8342. We need to know how many will be going to let Red Bird know how many lunches to make. If you signed up at the October meeting, don't worry we have you down. If you weren't at the Oct meeting and would like to go please call Mary and let her know.

Love to all!

Vicki

Fan or Follower? Part 2

2011-10-25T09:32:00.001-04:00

A sermon from FUMC's Andover Campus
10.23.2011
Todd Nelson, preaching

Fall Festival 2011 In the Books!

2011-10-24T09:24:00.002-04:00

Thanks to so many of who helped make yesterday's Fall Festival a great success!

Thanks to Ernie Stamper for capturing the scenes and the excitement and providing a great photo album.

More photos at the following link.

Humility Quote from Sermon Yesterday

2011-10-24T09:22:00.003-04:00

Many of you asked if I would put the quote up on the website. Here you go!

Anthony Bloom from Living Prayer

Basically humility is the attitude of one who stands constantly under the judgment of God. It is the attitude of one who is like the soil. Humility comes from the Latin word humus, fertile ground. The fertile ground is there, unnoticed, taken for granted, always there to be trodden upon. It is silent, inconspicuous, dark and yet it is always ready to receive any seed, ready to give it substance and life. The more lowly, the more fruitful, because it becomes really fertile when it accepts all the refuse of the earth. It is so low that nothing can soil it, abase it, humiliate it; it has accepted the last place and cannot go any lower. In that position nothing can shatter the soul’s serenity, its peace and joy.

Fall Festival Time at Andover

2011-10-17T12:23:00.003-04:00

Join us for our Annual Fall Festival and Corn Maze on Sunday October 23rd. 4-6pm. Dinner will be served at 5pm. There is no cost for this event. All children 12 and under will receive a free Corn Maze (until we run out).

We will have pumpkin painting, face painting, winding corn maze, good food and lots of fun for the whole family.

Contact Lisa Michelle Wilson (lisa@1stumc.org) for more information.

Fan or Follower?

2011-10-16T17:35:00.001-04:00

A sermon from FUMC's Andover Campus
10.16.2011
Todd Nelson, preaching

Quote to Ponder

2011-10-14T09:05:00.002-04:00

"Our spiritual life is his affair; because contrary to what we might think, it is created by his steady attraction, and our humble and self-forgetful response to it. It consists of our being drawn, at his pace and in his way, to the place he wants us to be and not the place we fancied for ourselves."

The Spiritual Life by Evelyn Underhill

Deep Dive Tonight at 6:00pm

2011-10-12T09:00:00.004-04:00

Have you ever wondered how the Bible was put together? Where did it come from ? Who decided what was in it? Have you struggled at times with reading the Bible? Are there times it seems like a foreign language and you get nothing out of it?

We will be addressing these questions and many others tonight during Deep Dive Wednesday.

Monday Reflections

2011-10-10T21:19:00.001-04:00

There have been times in the past that a certain day or event has defined Andover and marked the progress toward being a place that Invites, Equips, and Deploys Faithful Followers of Jesus Christ. The first Maundy Thursday service was one such time as we grew together preparing for the Lord's Supper re-enactment and ended up becoming a community. Last year's fall festival and the large crowds that came to the Andover campus was another milestone in our pilgrimage.

And this past Sunday was the third in my mind.

Something powerful happened as the children and youth led us in worship. I am still unable to describe it in words, but my heart has no problem realizing what took place. You have begun to raise up a group of young people who love God and are willing to serve and willing to lead. That my friends is one of our highest callings. It means that throughout the Andover Campus, people are committed to discipleship and providing resources (time, talent, money, etc.) that make the most of every Sunday morning opportunity in both Sunday School, worship and Children's Church. And it is Sunday's like this past that we can visibly see that it is working!

Thank you for being committed to what God has called us to be and do.

Isaiah 10 says,"and a child shall lead them." We were led yesterday not by the church of tomorrow but by the church of today.

PRAISE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Images of Children and Youth Sabbath

2011-10-10T10:52:00.000-04:00

We owe a great thanks to Ernie Stamper who took these pictures and so quickly made them available. A great day that was captured with these images.

More pictures available here.

Faithful

2011-10-10T09:52:00.001-04:00

A sermon from FUMC's Andover Campus
10.2.2011
Todd Nelson, preaching
sermon starts at the 3:37 mark