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Well, what to say about Advent that hasn't already been said, many times? The surprise is, as always, that God is full of surprises! I just want to share with all my readers (all 2 of you) that I've been reminded, again, just what a privilege it is to be a pastor, and specifically YOUR pastor at CFUMC.

As I shared in my sermon this morning (and which you can read on another page of our website here), God opened my eyes to a new insight as I prepared the message. I  admit that I often preach to myself, and this was another one of those occasions. I get so caught up in the preparations for the coming of the Christ Child during Advent, trying to get every service just so, obtain the perfect gift for each person on my list, decorate the house beautifully, etc. etc. that I forget what all the preparation is for. I'm obsessing about "me" stuff and losing sight of the Babe in the manger. Forgive me, Lord.

It's more than just spending extra time in prayer and meditation; it's a way of life that I yearn for--spending each moment in prayer and recognition of God's presence with me. And that means past Advent and Christmas and Epiphany--that means, for all time! Advent is a perfect time to "practice the presence," won't you join me?

Blessings and JOY,
Pastor Paula

This is Harper Adelle Morris, born to Carla and Christopher Nov. 20, 2011. Bear with me; she is my first grandchild, and I fear I am turning into one of those obnoxious grandmas who shows pictures at the drop of a hat (or less!).

Anyway, as I held Harper in my arms when she was only a couple of hours old, I was overwhelmed with awe at the miracles God brings. When I fell in love with my husband, Carl, all those years ago, who knew what joy would come from our relationship, and how that joy would continue and grow in all different sorts of ways. Harper is the newest reminder of the hope we have because God loves us so much. How else to explain the process by which a mother gives birth?? Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made--and here is a brand new example. Thank you God, for my family, and for the reminder of how much you love your children.

I am a list-maker, and my lists have gotten out of control! Since Carl and I are leaving on the trip of a lifetime in a little over a week, there are lots of last-minute details to take care of, and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. Worship plans, pastoral coverage, pet care, packing, exchanging money, cameras with extra memory, visits to parishioners, final copies of Chrysalis talk and paperwork for Board of Ordained Ministry, etc. etc. make it seem as if I'll never get it all done in time.

But I know that this "Lands of the Bible" trip is a God-thing, and so I trust that what God wants me to accomplish before we leave, God will direct me to finish. I do ask for your prayers, however, as I tie up loose ends and prepare to travel. I look forward to walking where Jesus walked, to learning more about the history of the Christian faith, and also to just basking in God's love, resting and relaxing.

As we look forward to the next few months here at church, you might be feeling overwhelmed as well. Trunk or Treat, which seemed SO far away when we began to plan, is coming up fast. The next Coffee Connection is also rapidly approaching. And then, ADVENT! Christmas! Where are the months going??

All the more reason, as we see days rapidly flying by, to immerse ourselves in the spiritual disciplines and to make sure our relationship with our Creator is what it should be. Drink in the scriptures, set aside time for prayer, and don't forget to attend worship! We don't know the hour or the day--and I want to spend eternity with God and with you! Invite Christ into your heart NOW! Live that lifestyle pleasing to your heavenly Father--don't wait another day. (don't even wait until you finish crossing off everything on your list--do it now!)
Blessings and JOY,
Pastor Paula

This is one busy church!! When announcements take up more than 10 minutes of our pre-worship time, you know there is a lot going on. It does my heart good to see us being so active.

Sometimes things miss getting put into the bulletin or on the newsletter calendar, so communication is crucial. Please don't forget to check our website calendar--whenever I schedule a meeting or some activity, I almost always immediately put it on the church calendar via my DROID. I sometimes forget to get the message to Sheila to include it in our printed announcements, so please keep checking the website calendar. And, of course, if you have questions call the office or me!

On a related topic, we are rapidly approaching our Church Conference (October 11). Don't forget we are hosting a chili supper that evening at 5 p.m. Chili and corn bread will be provided; you bring salad and/or dessert to share. At 6 pm the SPRC will consult with the District Superintendent, and then at 7 we'll have worship and our Church Conference. Everyone is invited and welcome to attend.

There are many many other activities going on as well, but this is not the venue to discuss them--it was just on my mind as I finish paperwork for Church Conference that I should promote that important time in the life of our church.

My hope and prayer is that you feel the Holy Spirit moving here, and will respond as you feel called. Each of us has important work to do for the Kingdom! I look forward to the coming days as we build disciples, grow in faith, and serve in Christ's name by reaching out in Christian love.

We are so blessed, here at CFUMC, for a number of reason, and this morning during both our chapel service and our sanctuary service, I was reminded of just one of our blessings. We have some gifted musicians in our family, and Suzanne Horvath, pictured here at the piano, and Sally Bricker, singing, are just two of them. Sally's selection reminded us that Jesus is our Cornerstone, and that message complemented the sermon quite nicely. I'd like to issue a BIG public thank you to both of you for so willingly sharing your musical gifts.

Today's sermon is titled "Satisfied," and the text is Matthew 14.13-21. (The text of the sermon may be found by clicking the Sermon and Scripture tab at the top of this page) This basket filled with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish (well, pictures of fish, since I didn't think real fish would lend themselves well to an attractive altar arrangement) was a visual aid I put together. It looks really nice--that basket is huge, and the loaves of fresh bread really filled it up! But, when you put it into the perspective of feeding 5,000 (plus women and children, of which there were surely MORE than 5,000), it is mind-boggling. Yes, and remember that there were 12 baskets of leftovers! Truly, a miracle. You'll have to read my sermon to see how God told the story through me today.

If anyone is following this blog, you are aware that it has been neglected for weeks. The author has such good intentions! But, sometimes life gets in the way, and priorities are re-arranged. I apologize to any of you followers who get excited about a new post here, because this is not going to contain any words of wisdom.

What it is, is a request for prayer. Our prayer group meets weekly on Tuesday morning at 9, and the timing excludes many folks, I realize. I set it up at that time for a selfish reason; it starts off my work week. (yes, Sunday is a work day, but Monday is my day of Sabbath, and so it seems like Tuesday starts my week) At any rate, these Tuesday morning prayer times are powerful and energizing. But the next two weeks I will miss being here around the table for prayer. Next week is Annual Conference, in Lakeside, and the week following Carl and I will be taking vacation.

So, I ask for your prayers. For Annual Conference and all the traveling going on around East Ohio Conference as pastors and lay members gather, for the decisions we'll be making there, for the worship services and all the other activities that take place there.

I also ask specifically for prayer for our church and our community. Times are changing, and we must discern where we need to change as well. God has a plan, and it is a most excellent one. Help me as we listen, together, to see where God is leading!
Blessings and JOY,
Pastor Paula

Aren't you glad God keeps God's promises?? I sure am. I know that I am not always able to follow through on promises I have made to my family, friends, or church members, and it is good to know that God always does. The bright sun today, the daffodils and crocuses poking through with their colorful blooms, and the birds making more noise remind me that SPRING is coming. And that is another reminder that God always follows through.

This morning during our worship services I was reminded yet again of the promise Jesus made before his crucifixion; that the Advocate would come and be with the disciples when Jesus himself could no longer be with them physically. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, is certainly present with us here at Columbiana First United Methodist Church! I am excited to see what the future brings as we plan new Christian Education activities, reach out with a more mission-oriented goal, and as new faces appear in our worship services.

Please join me in prayer for our church and our community as together, we "build disciples, grow in faith, and serve in Christ's name by reaching out in Christian love."