WARNING: This Study is Dangerous

It is only for the person wanting an uprising: a revolution of the soul.
It is only for those who want something more.
Turn your ordinary life into extraordinary.

Join us on Wednesdays beginning September 2 from 6:30-8pm for 8 weeks of an incredible soul searching journey. RSVP palmyraumc@insightbb.com or 812-364-9049 Book cost $4.50.
Class will be held and hosted by Mark Blessinger in his home. (across from the church in bedford stone house)
See www.erwinmcmanus.com/uprising/

Motorcycle Ministry

A Christ-Centered Motorcycle Fellowship

Motorcycling can be fun. But it is more fun with a group of other motorcyle riders. Join PUMC's new ministry for a great time of fellowship.

812-364-9049
palmyraumc@insightbb.com

The Missy Project

PUMC, I feel like I’ve been on an Emmaus walk as a new pilgrim- but all I’ve done is read a book. The warm and fuzzy feeling I’ve had now for several days just won’t leave and I welcome it. I guess you could say I’m on a “spiritual high”.


I feel compelled to blog today about this wonderful, life changing book I just recently finished. Yes it is fiction, but the message is loud and clear to all of us. The book tells us of a God that is awesome, wonderful, almighty, and sovereign, among other things.


The Shack has to be one of the best books I’ve read to date. It has been on the book shelves and best seller list for a while but I am just discovering it and so glad I did. My brother in law, Max, is the first to introduce this book to me and others. One person in our congregation has already purchased and given out 20 copies of this book.


I encourage you to read it. Although, not everyone has the same reaction to the book I’ve had. Most do, some don’t. So, realize this is a personal opinion from me.


I do WARN You. This is a very intense story and someone who has lost a person to a tragedy may have trouble getting through some of this material. If you can get past chapter 4, you will find the book turns to a life changing encounter you will not soon forget.
If you do read The Shack, I want to hear from you and your opinion. I think it will open us up for some great fellowship and sharing time.

http://www.theshackbook.com/

Mary Jane

Ichthus is coming in June

Ichthus 2009 - The Summer of Peace, Love and Loud Music
Ichthus Festival is a Christian Music Festival happening in Wilmore, Kentucky from June 10-13 2009. Tens of thousands of people from all over the country will be coming to see the biggest bands in the world playing on 7 stages across 111 acres.
This summer is Ichthus's 40th year anniversary. Ichthus was founded as a Christian response to the famed Woodstock of 1969. This year will be a summer of peace, love and really loud music. All of the experiences of Ichthus are centered around our mission of providing students with an environment where they can have life-changing encounters with the true lover and peace giver, Jesus Christ.

The New Albany District youth will be camping in an 111 acre field. Registrations are due May 15th. Contact PUMC if you are interesed in attending. This is an event you don't want to miss!

Matthew 25: 36.
"I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."

I JUST GOT OUT OF JAIL.... and it was awesome!
Many workers on the Harrison County REC #12 stepped out of their "comfort zones" and ministered to 10 "hungry for God" ladies last weekend (March 13-15). Several workers were from PUMC!
Words can not describe the feeling of the presence of God over the weekend. The residents were engaged in conversation at the tables immediately with their leaders on Friday afternoon. The Lord showed up in a mighty way on Saturday night as the ladies gave their hearts to Him, one by one. Sunday was filled with fun and great music as we ended our time with the residents.
Even though a few workers fell ill Sunday, it didn't stop our Lord and Savior from showing up in mighty ways.
Nothing went on time- it didn't matter. God was in control. He had the agenda, we didn't.
The speakers testamony's were just what the ladies needed, even if they were not "on time" or at the right "time". God was in control.

It made me think again about how we miss the Lord's blessings.
Do we miss them because of Fear? "Oh, I could never work in the Jail, that is just not for me".
Do we miss them because of our own Agenda? "I have a schedule here and I can't deviate from it."
Do we miss them because we don't Trust God or ourselves? "I could never lead someone to Christ, that's someone else's job."

Let God have your Fear, your Agenda, and your Trust and see what He can do with it. I saw it first hand this weekend. HE IS A MIGHTY MIGHTY LORD!
Mary Jane

Summer Camps

HEY kids and parents!
You don't want to miss this great opportunity this summer. The UM district and conference posted the 2009 summer camp listings. Be sure to look these over and sign your kids up (or yourself!) for summer camp.
These camps provide great spiritual growth and lots of fun. Many of our kids from PUMC went last year and had a great time.
Click on the links below to find the camp brochures.
http://www.sicumc.org/outdoorministries/page3/page41/page41.html

http://www.sicumc.org/outdoorministries/

Don't Miss a Blessing

A couple of weeks ago, Sharon from our prayer blanket ministry, invited me to go with her to deliver a prayer blanket. It was going to someone that was in close proximity to the church office, so I said yes. I thought, why not, it won't take long and it is right near here. It was close to time for me to leave the office and I had things to do after I got off work. It won't take long, I thought...
I got in the car with Sharon and off we went for the delivery. I knew the person we were delivering to but still didn't know what to expect. I had never been on an "official" prayer blanket delivery before with the leader of the blanket ministry team.
We arrived to a warm welcome into the household. Sharon was a professional and I sat on the person's couch amazed at how she presented the blanket, explained the ministry and placed the blanket open on the person. She prayed for the person eloquently. I teared up and couldn't speak. I really don't know who was blessed more, me or the person who actually got the blanket. I forgot all about the "time" and immersed myself in the moment. I was so thankful I said yes and accompanied Sharon that day. I was truly blessed. Nothing else I did that day mattered but that.
How many times have I been "too busy" or "not involved" with things to miss a blessing like I could have missed that day. It taught me a valuable lesson again, not to pass up something that could be a very meaningful moment. I only need to take the time and do it. God will show up, every time.
Let your "yes" come more frequent to those things that might "take a little time" but could make your day all the more blessed. We never know what God has in store for us.

PLUG FOR THE BLANKET MINISTRY:
The prayer blanket ministry could use more volunteers, sewers and such. The demand is high and these ladies work very hard to touch so many with the ministry. I've seen the results first hand. The stories they can tell are amazing. See Sharon if you can help them. It is an awesome ministry of PUMC and God blessed!
Mary Jane

Lent Challenge

As I've been thinking about the upcoming Lent season (Lent is a forty-day period before Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday. We skip Sundays when we count the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the Resurrection. Lent begins on 25 February 2009 and ends on 11 April 2009, which is the day before Easter.) and it's meaning, I think about my spiritual growth and what I need to do to enhance or change my habits. As my walk as a Christian continues to grow and develop, I need to continue to stay connected with Christ, His followers and the resources out there to help me along. I began to think about what I may sacrifice (or give up) for Lent or to develop a period of fasting. None of that really appealed to me and especially the FASTING part! (ha)
Spiritual Growth is something we all need to keep us connected with Christ and to become more like Him. As I thought about my spiritual growth, I realized that one way to grow is by reading good Christian material (and the Bible). Which I do often.
Instead of fasting or giving something up this Lent, I plan to read a good book about Christian growth and discipleship during the Lent season of 2009. In essence, I am giving up my time for Christ to be a better person for Him.
Won't you join me this Lent and grow closer to Christ as we reflect on what He did for us on the Cross?
I am taking orders for "Compelled by Love" by Ed Stetzer, Philip Nation :
Understand what it means to be compelled by love. Look at love within the context of God, the church, and the lives of individual believers. Learn what it means to love like Jesus and the calling to love others. Look at the love of God; begin to truly understand what is at the center of the church’s foundation, commission, and direction; but most importantly, understand your role within the mission of God.
Books are $12.00 each.
Email me, call or something so that I can get you on the list for your book! Join me in a season of spiritual growth this lent!
Mary Jane