Pastor

Rev. Rhonda Kouterick

First United Methodist Church in Horseheads

1034 W. Broad St.

Horseheads, N. Y.  14845

Telephone: (607) 739-1943

Email:  hhdsfirstUMC@stny.rr.com

Pastor’s Corner 

In this year’s Confirmation Class we learned about the Shema, the Great Commandment found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9; and how God’s people are to ever keep these words uppermost in their lives. It reads:

Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.

You shall love the Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul,

and with all of your might.

Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart.

Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and

when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise.

                                                                                                                 Deut. 6:4-7 NRSV

            This commandment is major! Moses tells them to put it on your hand and on your forehead; to write it on your door posts and on your gate. Now I’m not suggesting tattoos or signs on your garage door, but I am asking: “What are your reminders to put God first, to give thanks, and to keep kindness, justice, mercy and humility uppermost in everyday living?” Doing this makes all the difference in our attitude and the strength we find for living.

            So, here is a list of possible memory joggers: a Bible on the coffee table, a cross on the wall, a copy of a great religious painting, saying grace, making it a habit to give thanks upon rising and to review the day before retiring, a coffee mug with a religious saying to hold your toothbrush, Christian themed bric-a-brac, a current copy of The Upper Room, an item on your desk, a pen with the church name on it, a scripture token in your pocket or handbag, a key chain.

Do the things you need to do, to help keep your focus and have reminders that God is with you, hears your every prayer, and loves you unconditionally. In this second year of pandemic caution and isolation, may you know the blessed assurance that Jesus is near, ready to listen, and lend His strength.

Hoping to see you in worship, in person or on-line.  

Pastor Rhonda