Bulletin Information Easter, 4/4/2021 

CLICK HERE  7 am, Sunrise Service

  CLICK HERE   9:30 am, Easter Service 

 CLICK HERE   Lilies on Altar

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CLICK HERE

for 4/11/2021 Bulletin Information 

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           LENTEN DEVOTIONALS

              FOR HOLY WEEK

“The Palm Cross Necklaces”
It was Lent in 2002 and I was in my final round of chemotherapy treatments. Unable to attend church services or sing in choir, I needed something to fill the void in my heart not being able to worship with my church family. (No live streaming back then) My dear friend, Pam, suggested I make Palm Cross Necklaces that are given to the congregation on Palm Sunday. Perfect idea! She brought me all the necessary supplies and showed me how to make one. I reflected on the meaning of the palms and cross with Christ’s entry into Jerusalem and Holy Week ahead as I put them together. Being connected to my church family on Palm Sunday, 2002 with a Palm Cross Necklace is one I will always hold special in my heart.  -Connie G. 

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 “Gratitude is an Attitude” was the theme of the worship service that the UMW lead at the end of January.  Each day I am reminded of those words as I go through the day.  I am thankful to Pastor Rhonda for giving us the Sunday for this worship. I am thankful for the UMW team to come up with the theme and a task group to put the service together.  It was a blessing to have David Peckham here this year.  And it was great of Jan Aiello to lead the hymns and for the Crystal Chords quartet, Zest, to offer their inspirational songs. Pam Fluent’s idea of a blessing basket is so appropriate for Lent – adding a blessing each day.  And Margaret Cooper’s message reminded us of God’s nearness during times of trial.  We also honored Alan Ryder, Dennis Tubbs and Bob Aiello for what they do to keep our church a vital place for worship.  I reread the verses in Matthew 4:1-11 where Jesus goes away for 40 days and is tempted.  His final words were to “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”   We can do this by being Grateful for all we have and for all we can do to keep God in our hearts, to serve him and our neighbors.      -Cindy E. 

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We all need a security blanket 

We start out as little children carrying a blanket around with us that makes us feel safe and warm and loved. 

Then as we outgrow the blanket (or it totally falls apart) we replace it with our Mother's love which makes us feel safe and warm and loved.  Even if she cares for many other people.  

Then we grow spiritually, we find another security blanket called God who makes us feel safe and warm and totally loved even if He is taking care of the whole world.  

And then God just embraces me with His love and I know my world is safe and warm and loved.  -Karen  

(Today's Devotion taken from Lenten Booklet 2000)

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A crusty loaf sits here upon this table -- broken and torn apart by many hands each reaching out to feed a hunger difficult to put in words.  Each fragment from the loaf a blessing.  Each crumb a feast to feed a hungry soul;  A strong enabling force, a sacred flowing prayer beside the cup of wine. 

My soul sits here beside this self-same table, searching for food to fill my needy self.  I seek to be at one with this brown broken loaf.  So let my minutes - fragments of my life, find ways to serve, becoming once again a crusty whole.       -Lesley B.  

(Taken from Lenten Devotional Booklet, 2001)

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Every now and then, my life seems to start spinning out of control; the things to do the things not done, worrying about the things coming up next week.  My natural reaction to all of this is to work harder and longer.  The next thing I know, I'm working from 6 am to 11 pm only to be facing the same thing the next day.  This is the start of a slide down a slippery slope towards letting my life and stress get in the way of my God. 

Fortunately, my Lord Jesus has told me that there would be times like this and what to do about them. 

"So do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  Matthew 6:31-34 (NIV)  

I need only to trust in God, that He is in control, and that He will take care of me.  Putting Him first, and trusting in Him, results in my stress level going away, gives me a positive can-do attitude about the day, and makes life enjoyable!   -Chuck H.   

(Taken from Lenten booklet 2000)

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34^th ANNUAL CASOWASCO FLOWER SALE

We will be taking orders during April. Please make your check payable to “First United Methodist Church” and indicate Casowasco flower sale in memo. Flowers will be available for pick up on Saturday, May 15^th from 9am-12pm. Extra order forms will be available in the Narthex. PLEASE SEND ORDER TO CAROL CRANDELL (address below). ALL ORDERS AND MONEY NEED TO BE TURNED IN BY APRIL 26^TH.  

CLICK HERE for Flower Sale Order Form

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CLICK HERE

for Fair Trade Sale Order Form

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