Electric Heights UMC News

Thanks to Sharon for sending this picture to a bunch of people. There are countless stories about a boy and his dog but this cute picture of a dog at bedside prayers with his boy is great. I think the dog may actually know what he’s doing in this picture.

Scott Adams, of Dilbert fame, has written a couple of somewhat unconventional religious/philosophical books. The first, God’s Debris, is available to download for free. This is a rather short book that is easy to read online (I tend to need actual paper and binding, but this is OK.). I think you’ll really enjoy the way this book makes you think about your faith.

Follow this link to download the PDF version of the book.

Follow this link to download Adobe Acrobat Reader if you do not have it on your computer.

This article comes from body+soul magazine, which magically appears in my mailbox every couple of months.

Think in terms of sharing, rather than simply giving, and everyone will benefit.

Steps to a generous life: Take what you receive in life — money, good health, happiness — and turn it into an opportunity to share. When you share what you receive, everyone profits. Consider tithing, contributing 10 percent of your income to causes in which you believe. An excellent introductory book is The Ten Percent Solution by Marc Allen. Expand your generosity to include such everyday activities as listening to a friend, smiling at a stranger, or giving your dog an extra lap around the park. Let the process come full circle by accepting others’ generosity with graciousness and gratitude.

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Karen Burns, a member of the Port Vue UMC who was with me on the mission trip to Uganda, recently shared this story. It touched my heart and thought it might be interesting to all of you:

This past summer I had the opportunity to be at the Elizabeth UMC to help them with Bible School, which their theme was “Missions Around the World.” And of course, what an opportunity to be a part of. I had four evenings and approximately 20 minutes with each age group. Each day I showed some slides -dwelling on mostly Humble Place - Food, clothing, sleeping arrangements, hospital surroundings ,etc etc. What an experience, to be with these children and watching their faces and answering the questions they had . But there was one little boy , I would say he is around 6 or 7 years old that God was and is still working in his heart regarding the childrens situation at Humble Place. This little boy started a lemonade stand and raised a few hundred dollars during the rest of the summer to donate to Humble Place, and just recently he had gone before his church and requested this Christmas that the church would get together and buy shoes for the children. I am so amazed of what God is doing. I was given a check for almost $900 from the heart of this child and the children from the ELizabeth UMC, to be donated to Humble Place, and I must say my heart is still overwhelmed. Blessings still continue and God is still at work in all situations. And may God continue to use and Bless this little boy.

We will be hosting a Christmas concert on Friday, December 9th at 7:30pm to benefit the Cheryl Nelis Scholarship Fund. The concert will feature the inspirational piano stylings of our associate pastor, Janet Lord. It will be held in the main sanctuary.

All are welcome to attend. There is no admission fee but there will be a voluntary donation taken to benefit the Cheryl Nelis Scholarship Fund. The fund will be used to provide scholarships to local high school seniors whose lives have been affected by cancer.

If you would like more information about the scholarship fund, the concert, or our church please contact us at this address or call 412-824-3303 (our secretary and pastors’ office hours are limited so please leave a message if no one answers).

For planning purposes, if you would like to attend the concert please R.S.V.P. at this address or call 412-824-3303 to let us know how many will be attending.

Thank you in advance for your interest.

On the Glenn Beck radio program on Thursday, September 22, his friend who is a radio host in Houston shared the words to a hymn that I had known well, but had forgotten until I heard him read it. The hymn is based on the Scripture account found in
Mark 4: 35-41. I hope that these timely words, written long ago, touch your heart as they did mine during these unusual times:

“Master, the Tempest is Raging” (by Mary A. Baker and H.R. Palmer)

Master, the tempest is raging! The billows are tossing high!
The sky is o’ershadowed with blackness, no shelter or help is nigh;
“Carest Thou not that we perish?” How canst Thou lie asleep,
When each moment so madly is threatening a grave in the angry deep?

“The winds and the waves shall obey my will. Peace, be still!”
Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea,
Or demons, or men, or whatever it be,
No water can swallow the ship where lies
The Master of ocean and earth and skies;
They all shall sweetly obey My will;
Peace, be still! Peace, be still!
They all shall sweetly obey My will;
Peace, be still!

Master, the terror is over, the elements sweetly rest;
Earth’s sun in the calm lake is mirrored, and heaven’s within my breast.
Linger, O blessed Redeemer, leave me alone no more;
And with joy I shall make the blest harbor, and rest on the blissful shore.