Sunday, December 29, 2019
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Sunday, December 22, 2019
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Sunday, November 3, 2019
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Sunday, September 1, 2019
Sunday, August 25, 2019
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Sunday, August 18, 2019
Monday, August 12, 2019
Bible Study Every Wednesday 10 am
A chance encounter with a
reproduction of Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son catapulted
Henri Nouwen on a long spiritual adventure. In his book he shares the deeply
personal and resonant meditation that led him to discover the place within
where God has chosen to dwell. This well-known parable takes on a new
depth and connection with us as we put ourselves in the painting as Nouwen did
and reflect on our place with the Father.
This 6-week small group will
discuss the book chapter by chapter, integrating the lessons and our
open-dialog reflections into our daily lives of prayer and action. Join us on
Wednesday mornings at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. Questions: contact Pastor
Sarah revsarahmerchant@gmail.com
Sunday, August 11, 2019
Thursday, August 8, 2019
Pastor Sarah's Theme for Sunday, August 11th
This week takes us into Jesus’ complex and even challenging
teachings about the nature of Jesus’ trust and our response to God’s abundance
through seeking peace and justice. Sometimes in love, we are asked to
wait. Sometimes in care, we are asked to give through a relationship even when
it’s tricky. Sometimes in growth, we have to get off the couch and engage in
the messy and flourishing life around us. We can take assurance that even if
“security” looks different from Jesus’ perspective, he knows that a heart after
God will thrive and find peace.
Sunday, August 4, 2019
https://youtu.be/Pj23PozL0lA Summer Music with Nilda Bishop, Carol Goffe and Julie Ludington for August 4th.
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Pastor Sarah's Theme for Sunday, July 28th
Pastor Sarah's Theme for this Sunday, July 28th
Jesus promised he would build his church with us, God’s people as the unlikely
materials. The church is the fulcrum on which the formation and
transformation of the world takes place. This comes to pass through the
unusual methods of work, witness and worship.
When we witness to Jesus,
we tell the story made real in healing, justice, death and new life.
Stories, especially the good ones, shouldn’t stay in a book or the tip of our
tongue. They inspire and shape people when we share them, and the story of
Jesus is like any other.
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Friday, July 19, 2019
🌻 UMW Picnic- Saturday, July 20th - 1:00 pm
Molly & Ellyn's
1384 Meridian Rd. Victor
Molly & Ellyn's
1384 Meridian Rd. Victor
Turn off route 93 f miles south of Victor,
At Sheafman Creek Rd.
Drive a quarter of a mile towards the mountains.
Turn right at the first crossroad onto Meridian.
Drive a quarter of a mile to the house on the right.
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Pastor Sarah's Theme for this Sunday:
Jesus promised he would build his church. Jesus was the incarnation
of God that could make such a claim. And then he chose unlikely materials for
that church. Now, through the church and with Christ’s vision and power,
we are called to the unusual methods that make God’s message and
presence real in the world. Work of mission and compassion is the first way we
partner with God in cultivating peace and healing in the world.
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Meetings & Events this Week
Tues. 7/16 Home Gathering 7pm, Victor
Molly Hackett/Ellyn Jones' home
1384 Meridian Rd., Victor
Wed. 7/17 Bible Study, 10am at church
Topic: The Prodigal Son
Thurs. 7/18 Ad Council 7pm at church
Sat. 7/20 Memorial for Martha Burgett
11am Whitesitt Funeral Home
UMW Picnic 1:00 pm
Molly Hackett/ Ellyn Jones' Home
1384 Meridian Rd., Victor
Sunday, July 14, 2019
Friday, July 12, 2019
Theme for This Sunday's Worship
When Jesus said, “I will
build my church," he chose unlikely materials. Such materials
include you and me and the many other souls that are flawed, dismissed,
outcast, from the wrong tribe, or simply a human. But Jesus did not just use
these materials because he ran out of better choices. He chose with
intentionality to enable God’s people to be a blessing, recognize the real
purpose of God, and claim their inheritance and God’s beloved children.
That's Pastor Sarah's Theme for this Sunday's Worship Service. See you there!
Sunday, July 7, 2019
Thursday, July 4, 2019
A prayer for Independence Day
Lord God Almighty, You have made all the peoples of
the earth for Your glory, to serve You in freedom and in peace: Give to
the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of
forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with Your
gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
(Book of Common Prayer, p. 258, public domain)
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
Founding Fathers on Religion - Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry
Ratifier of the U.S. Constitution
"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here."
--The Trumpet Voice of Freedom: Patrick Henry of Virginia, p. iii.
--The Trumpet Voice of Freedom: Patrick Henry of Virginia, p. iii.
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Friday, June 28, 2019
Wesley Heritage Tour 2020 with Bishop Karen Oliveto
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| Wesley Chapel - London |
"I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist either in Europe or America. But I am afraid lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having form of religion without the power.” - John Wesley
Bishop Karen Oliveto invites all lay and clergy on a journey to explore our Wesleyan Heritage. The trip will take place April 13-21, 2020. During these anxious times for those of us called United Methodists there is no better way to respond than returning to our roots and deeply immersing ourselves in the rich history of our movement. Tour historic places like the York Minster (Cathedral), Epworth, Christ College (in Oxford), and the New Room (in Bristol). Time in London will lead you to Aldersgate Street, where you too may have a heartwarming experience, and to Wesley Chapel, the mother church of world Methodism.
Come celebrate and learn about our unique Wesleyan Heritage and the people called Methodists. Learn more
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Pastor Sarah is on her way
Once we leave Colorado this week, we’ll take our
time enjoying family and the sites. Plus Elmo and his musical friends will need
a break from looping in the car CD player. Our first stop is Casper, WY. My
parents live there and visits at “Mimi” and “Grandpa’s” house are cherished
moments. Their huge back yard and raspberry pancakes are just some of the
highlights. This trip will be especially important we’ll increase the
geographical distance between us from 4 hours living in CO to 10 hours living
in MT.
Our next stop is Billings, MT where we’ll stay with
a cousin. This will be the first time to Montana for Spencer and Lydia so we’ll
have to celebrate in some way. Maybe
we’ll put on cowboy boots at go to the park! After a good night’s rest, we’ll
come the rest of the way to our new home.
I can’t wait for Lydia to see her big bright room and for Spencer to
play in the
green grass in the backyard. The moving
truck is a little more unpredictable, but eventually we’ll have an “un-packing
party” and meet new friends and neighbors.
We might splurge on Huckleberry shakes as a family to begin the new
adventure in Stevensville.
...More from Pastor Sarah
My Family:
Mac uplifts others and brings generosity of spirit to each
arena of life including his family, work, music, and community. Mac is a professional collaborative pianist,
accompanying choirs, vocalists, and musical theatre groups at all stages of
skill. In 2017 Mac earned his Masters of
Collaborative Piano from University of Colorado. We met at a church in Spokane,
where as the pianist for the groups I led, he always made me look good and
helped everyone have fun while making great music. He brings humor and
gentleness to the world. Mac was born in
Redlands, CA and grew up in Wenatchee, WA where his mother still lives.
Lydia Grace (3) fills the world with spunk, sweetness,
boundless energy, and curiosity. From an
early age, Lydia has enjoyed looking at and reading books. She also likes
creative outlets like coloring, Play-do, puzzles, and games. The summer is a
favorite season since her birthday at the end of May seems to say, “It’s time
to play and explore.” The park, bike rides, swimming, little bugs, throwing
rocks in the creek, swings, and running all delight her. She is a bit slow to warm to people, but once
she studies a person, friendship is close to follow. One of her new favorite
activities is making her baby brother laugh…not to difficult!
Spencer James (8 months) radiates a gentle, calm and sweet
spirit that thrives with people. Yes, he
drools, but his real gift is smiling, something he offers so generously as
people look into his piercing blue eyes.
He finds his sister to be a great source of fun and comfort, ever
curious to watch or follow her every move including dancing and swimming. This October pumpkin continues to take in the
world around him, ever glad to do it with others.
Friday, June 21, 2019
A final thought from Pastor Charles
 |
| From the series finale from M*A*S*H* |
I want to thank all of you for the many ways you allowed me to be your pastor. As the years go by, I will look back fondly on our time together; I pray the same will be true for you.
On our website, we have a list of the pastors who have served since 1880, in the Methodist churches of Stevensville. Of the forty-nine pastors who preceded me, only two stayed longer than I have (two others were here the same amount of time). I wonder about the experience of those pastors who preceded me. What did the passion of those pastors for God look like? I wonder about the generations of disciples they served.
In six years, I’ve watched children grow up. I’ve baptized; performed marriages; conducted too many funerals. I’ve visited those in hospitals and shut-ins. I’ve welcomed dozens of new members and said goodbye to others. Together, we realized a few dreams, lived through some challenges, and by the grace of God, we thrived.
While I am leaving you, there is one who remains constant: God. God has been active among the people of this valley from the beginning, and He will be with you for the rest of time and beyond. If the making of disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world begins in the heart of each participant in the ministries of this congregation, if you allow God to guide the work of the congregation, it will always have a mission. The church in the future may not look like the church we have today. There may be challenges to come which require hard choices to be made. But a passion for God will see you through all your future challenges. This passion guided previous generations here at Stevi UMC, a passion which allowed them to navigate their own challenges. They managed and flourished; so can you.
I pray that you have a blessed future. I hope that you will welcome the Rev. Sarah Merchant and her family as you welcomed Belinda and me six years ago.
May John Wesley’s three simple rules guide you and the ministries of this congregation in the years to come: “Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God.”
Finally, thank you for making Belinda’s and my time in the Bitterroot Valley such a blessing; we will never forget this congregation.
The LORD bless you and protect you.
The LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The LORD lift up His face to you and grant you peace.
- Numbers 6:24-26 (Common English Bible)
Every blessing,
Pastor Charles
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Passing of George Cunningham
There are currently no plans for a funeral service for George.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
The Fellowship Hall is filling up with Bargains!
You still have time to donate items for Saturday's big Yard Sale at the church.
You can bring your items during the following hours:
Wed. 9am - 1pm and 4pm - 7pm
Thurs. 9am - 1pm
Friday morning before noon.
Monday, June 17, 2019
Hello from Pastor Sarah!
Let me introduce myself by answering these questions:
Where are you from? I am a Rocky Mountain girl, born and raised in Casper, WY. My folks still live there in a beautiful downtown home that my dad grew up in. Anne, my mom teaches 4th grade, and Ken, my dad, is a retired attorney and burgeoning filmmaker. My one brother, Daniel, lives in Houston, TX, working as an engineer and playing baseball.
Where are you from? I am a Rocky Mountain girl, born and raised in Casper, WY. My folks still live there in a beautiful downtown home that my dad grew up in. Anne, my mom teaches 4th grade, and Ken, my dad, is a retired attorney and burgeoning filmmaker. My one brother, Daniel, lives in Houston, TX, working as an engineer and playing baseball.
I ventured out of the Cowboy state to attend Whitworth
University in Spokane, WA. After earning degrees in theology and theatre, I
joined the African Children’s Choir as a chaperon. We toured North America for nearly two years
before I returned to Spokane to be the worship & children’s ministry
coordinator at Covenant UMC. I met Mac
as my pianist and after to sweeping me off my feet with a wild glissando, we
got married 7 years ago. Since we’ve finished more school, move 6 times, bore 2
children, and traveled all over.
Favorite food: fruit especially berries, watermelon and
peaches, pizza, homemade mac & cheese, green tea lattes, Junior Mints and
cookies ‘n cream ice cream
Hobbies: running (a ½ marathon is my farthest jaunt thus
far), reading non-fiction, playing with my kiddos, attending theatre with my
husband, yoga, traveling, watercolor painting, writing poetry, crafting photo
books
Sports: I run. I also like soccer, racquetball, swimming,
biking and hiking. Sledding is awesome,
too, as long as the prize is a mug of hot chocolate. Teams…hmm. Which ever team my brother or kids
are playing on.
Movies: Waking Ned Devine (an Irish flick that continues to
make my spirit dance), Happy Go Lucky, Intouchables, Wall-E, While You Were
Sleeping (a Christmas tradition), Shakespeare in Love, Amazing Grace,
Authors: Richard Rohr, Brené Brown,
Brian McLaren, Mary Oliver, Henri Nouwen, Krista Tippett, Barbara Brown Taylor,
comic Zits
This week @ Stevi UMC
Wednesday:
8:00 am, WIC
10:00 am, Luke study
10:30 am, Worship
11:30 am, Fellowship
8:00 am, WIC
10:00 am, Luke study
Saturday:
9:00 am - 2:00 pm, Yard Sale
Sunday:
10:15 am, Praise singing10:30 am, Worship
11:30 am, Fellowship
Sunday, June 16, 2019
Annual Conference: Day 4
 |
| Clergy line up for the opening procession |
 |
| Retirees are recognized |
 |
| Bishop Karen shares a vision for the church |
 |
| Communion is shared |
 |
| Brother Van looks out on the Annual Conference |
Twelve members of the Conference were recognized on the occasion of their retirement. Seeing the hundreds of years of experience standing in front of the Annual Conference is always inspiring.
Three persons were presented to receive their license to serve their communities as local pastors. Ten candidates reached an important step in their vocation, being commissioned as Provisional Elders and members of the Conference. Two others were commissioned as Provisional Deacons.
For one, today marked the culmination of her journey to ordination as a Deacon and member of the Annual Conference. Seven others were ordained as Elders and full members of the Annual Conference.
Pastor Charles took part in the service, joining other members of the Board of Ordained Ministry in praying with people answering a call to ministry this morning and an invitation from Bishop Oliveto to come forward.
The Annual Conference will gather next year in Gillette, Wyoming, June 18-21.
Trinity Sunday @ SUMC
Trinity Sunday June 16th
A wonderful service today! Bev Schneider provided an inspiring message. Bill Gragg was the Liturgist and read a Dr. Seuss classic to the Children. Mike McCarthy shared a Bob Dylan gospel song with the congregation. We were all glad to see Hazel Smith back at the organ after a long vacation, and the sun shone bright on the colorful altar flowers!
Father's Day Prayer
Strength of a Mountain
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad
- Author Unknown
Peace with Justice Sunday
When you give on Peace with Justice Sunday, your gift makes possible our critical kingdom work in the world. Because you give:
- Methodists spearhead a peace ministry uniting Arizona border communities
- United Methodists in Liberia are being equipped to implement the denomination’s Social Principles to address social-justice issue
- Pennsylvania students are educating their community about sex-trafficking at home and abroad
These initiatives, and hundreds of other ones, are possible because you give.
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