Worship
9am Live Stream Worship - www.facebook.com/hawleyumc
What is Compassion? What does it mean to you? The dictionary say as a noun compassion is a “feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering”. As a verb, it is “to have compassion for…” or be “compassionate”. These just seem like a bunch of words for an enormous feeling we are supposed to have. Then when we have that feeling, how do we act compassionate?
All these things and more were discussed this week in our Virtual VBS program called Compassion Camp. We discussed, in our live Zoom sessions at 1pm, that compassion starts in our heads, but must be felt in our hearts. Each day reinforcing that message while learning about stories from the Bible and how God’s words helped Jesus show compassion to us, and how now we are the compassion bearers for others.
Each session has a different message on how to show and act compassionate. Starting “At the Table”, in our homes and discussing topics around the table at meals. Can we notice if someone needs rest at our tables? If we are upset with them will we give them rest at our table? These were hard questions, but the children showed compassion through the discussion that was led. Learning that being able to welcome family members and friends back to the table even when they may have upset you is compassionate and kind. They were able to see how important it is to give people in our life forgiveness, and welcoming arms, releasing anger and judgement as we welcome them to our table.
As we move on throughout the week, we learn how to be compassionate to our neighbors, to ourselves, to our friends, and how we can share our compassion with the world. Each session builds on the next with fun Bible stories and activities (some activities include Kindness Hug, Yoga, Compassion Poster, etc.) to reinforce each message. Although we are unable to be in person, it brings interaction among our youth and volunteers in a way we have not done before. This program can be done at any time and does not need to be completed in a week. It is very flexible for families with busy households, and we tried to make it as kid friendly as possible (with little adult supervision needed).
Children have the capability of joining the live Zoom meeting and responding to questions or commenting on them after they are posted. Children also can post their own work if they choose, and comment on their friends work. Many church members volunteered their time to make videos that accompany each session. This has opened a new door and allowed youth to experience more of our church members and discuss their videos with them if they choose as well.
If you have missed the originally announcement, or if you know someone who would like this program for their youth, or even to learn how to be more compassionate to yourself so you can be compassionate with others, please contact the HUMC at hawleymc@verizon.net.
We may have to be apart during this program, but we are not alone, and we can get through this together. Compassion starts in our heads and is felt in our hearts. God Bless! Joanna Broughton.
It’s Possible:
Miracles, Dreams and Fairytales Lectionary Year A
August 2, 9, & 16, 2020
As children, we believed in the impossible. We didn’t question how Peter Pan could fly, how Jack’s beanstalk grew into the clouds, or how Cinderella’s pumpkin turned into a golden carriage. We just heard the fairy tales and believed they were possible. Of course, as we grow up we start looking for the science behind everything. We learn that some things are just impossible; just dreams and fairy tales that live in our imaginations. Even Jesus’ miracles seem impossible to our rational 21st century brains. And yet, Jesus’ followers watched watched with awe and wonder as he multiplied food, walked on water, and healed the multitudes. Just imagine watching these miracles in person! They seem impossible, but even with a child-like faith we can believe and imagine that anything is possible. Sometimes impossible dreams do happen. Sometimes our fairy tales do come true. Sometimes God does work miracles.
August 9, 2020
Matthew 14:22-33
“Walking and Flying”
“He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus." Matthew 14:29
Peter Pan is famous for flying off to Never Never Land. All it takes is a little pixie dust and some happy thoughts. Of course, this is just a fairy tale, but the child within us wants to believe it is true. Perhaps flying out a window isn’t all that different from walking on water. I had to laugh when I realized there was a connection between these two Peters. The disciple, Peter, needs faith to walk on the water. He needs to believe. The moment he doubts the impossible he begins to sink. Miracles are about believing in the impossible. Keep those “happy” thoughts focused and you can walk on water just as easily as Peter Pan flies through the air.
August 16, 2020
Matthew 15:21-28
“Crumbs and Cinders”
He answered, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Matthew 15:26-27
We all know the classic tale of a girl who finds solace in her little corner by the fireplace. Her Fairy Godmother dusts off the cinders from the fire to reveal a beautiful princess. Everyone gets the chance to marry a prince, even the girl who is covered in soot. There are a few moments in Jesus’ life when he needs a reminder that everyone gets a chance to be healed. We would never take food from a child to feed the dog, but the dog is always there to catch the crumbs when they fall. Everyone has the chance to eat from Jesus’ table.
Altar Flowers
If you would like to donate alter flowers in honor or remembrance of someone special in your life, please contact the church office at 570-226-3875 or email .