The Tragedy in Haiti has captured hearts and headlines over the two weeks. Everyone is trying to figure out ways in which they might offer assistance to countless numbers in need. The United Methodist Church has a long standing practice of being the hands and feet of Jesus in difficult situations through the work of UMCOR, volunteers on location and local congregation. Here’s the recent letter from Bishop Goodpaster which provides good information on where we are in our response.
Out with the Old . . .
January 7th, 2010
Ringing out the old, ringing in the new . . .
Many of us have been busy this week, tying up loose ends as the old year ends, planning parties to ring in the New Year. The holiday decorations are beginning to look a bit tarnished, and they will soon, for most of us, be safely tucked away until next year. Throughout the seasons of Advent and Christmas I have read once again from Ann Weems’ work entitled Kneeling in Bethlehem. As we go forward into the new year and as those in church planning look towards the coming of Lent and Easter, I have found this poem to be most fitting. May it help to guide us in the days ahead.
A Story of Apples
November 9th, 2009
Once upon a time there was a man who had nothing. God gave him ten apples. God gave the first three apples to eat. God gave him three more apples to trade for shelter from the heat in the summer and the cold in the winter. Then God gave the man three more apples to trade for clothing to wear. The last apple God gave so the man might have something to give back to God to express his great gladness and gratitude at such divine provision. But this tenth apple looked so luscious, and the man reasoned that God owned all the other apples in the world and how could God miss this one measly apple, so he ate the tenth apple, and gave back to God the core. During the remainder of November we are exploring in worship what it means to be good stewards of God’s created. Read More
Homecoming 2009
October 14th, 2009
On Sunday, October 18, we will once again celebrate homecoming. There are many stories in Scripture about homecomings. The most famous is probably found in the 15th chapter of Luke. I love this chapter of lost things, lost sheep, lost coins, a lost son.
Robert Schnase in his devotion on the Lukan parables of lost things, writes about how we end up getting lost. Sometimes we are like coins, seemingly small and overlooked. Sometimes we are like sheep who nibble themselves lost one bite at a time, and who before they know it are away from the flock, vulnerable and alone. Read More
Faith in Action Wrap-Up
October 14th, 2009
Thanks to everyone who helped with our Faith in Action workday on October 3rd. Between sixty and seventy people worked to serve God and neighbor throughout the day on Saturday. In the end, we were able to Read More
About the Pastor
Sherri Barnes
revsebarnes@gmail.com
Sherri has her undergraduate degree from Youngstown State University in Business Administration. She earned her Master's in Divinity degree from The Divinity School at Duke University. In her third appointment with the Western North Carolina Conference, she is blessed to call Marshville home. Sherri and her husband Jeff, are blessed with one son, Patrick. Since coming to Marshville, she has found the church and its members to be a warm and welcoming family whose passion for sharing the love of Christ doesn't stop at the front door nor with each other. It is our hope that our home might become a home for you and your family.