Harmony Notes Oct 2010: Miscellaneous

Operation Overland a Roaring Success

108 volunteers from five congregations gathered on Saturday, September 11 for Operation Overland. Beginning with instructions at Harmony, they dispersed in twelve teams to serve throughout our community. Some installed smoke alarms and new light bulbs in the homes of seniors. Some passed out quarters at area Laundromats. Still others visited and sang for seniors in area nursing homes. Others picked up trash in downtown Overland and along the interstate highways. Another group transformed two yards of disabled seniors from neglect status to manicured beauty. Returning to Harmony, all ate a hearty meal together and ended with worship.

Participating congregations were Harmony UMC, Overland Baptist, Calvary UCC, Our Redeemer Lutheran, and Westside General Baptist. Special thanks is due to Rev. David J. for planning and coordinating the event, and to Jean G. and her crew for preparing and serving the meal.

We plan to do it again in the spring, inviting more congregations to join us.

“The devil is easy to identify. He appears when you’re terribly tired and makes a very reasonable request which you know you shouldn’t grant.”

– Fiorello La Guardia

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

– Jeremiah 29:11

All Is Forgiven

In his short story “The Capital of the World”, Ernest Hemingway writes of a young man named Paco who had been kicked out of his home. Paco was wandering Madrid’s streets, hoping to become a bullfighter.

Paco’s father, desperate to mend the rift between them, resorted to putting an ad in the local newspaper. It said, “Paco, meet me at the Hotel Montana at noon on Tuesday. All is forgiven!”

On Tuesday, 800 young men named Paco showed up at that hotel, longing for restoration and forgiveness.

Like Paco’s dad, our heavenly Father takes the first step. He invites us prodigal sons and daughters to meet him at the empty tomb. God won’t turn away or disappoint anyone. He offers total forgiveness, without conditions, to all.

Harmony Notes Oct 2010: Upcoming Events

Special points of interest:

• Harmony parade & barbecue, Oct. 16th
• Youth Halloween event, Oct. 30th
• New worship service each Sunday at 8:30 a.m.
• Children and Youth programs each Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m.
• Mid-Week Faith Lift each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

Harmony on Parade October 16th

We will be “parading” in the neighborhood. Letting our neighbors see us and to invite them to come to our church home. Each group and organization will have a “float” in our parade. (This includes Sunday school classes!) After we have the parade we will be hosting a barbecue on the front lawn of the church. Again, inviting the neighbors to come share a hot dog with us and to fellowship.

See you on October 16th!

Mozambique Sunday: October 17

Rev. Mary F. Harvey to preach October 31

Yes, it is Halloween. So we have a TREAT, not a trick! Rev. Mary Frances Harvey will preach at Harmony a sermon she calls “Enough“, based on Rev. Adam Hamilton’s popular stewardship reflection series. Rev. Mark Harvey will preach that day at Arlington UMC, on Extravagant Generosity.

Youth Halloween Event October 30th, starting at 6:30 p.m. An evening of fellowship, fun, and food.

Acolyte Training

Children in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades are invited to learn about serving as an Acolyte at Harmony UMC on Wednesday evening 6:30 – 7:30 October 20. Parents and adults are welcome to attend. For more information contact Helen H. A training booklet will be provided.

Bible Study classes

• Young Adults class: Nathan H. invites you who are in your 20s, 30s, or 40s to join him and his wife, Katy, upstairs for Bible study every Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
• Children: During Sunday School our children will study the themes: God knows what is in our hearts, who we are, and what we can do; God shows how to help others and be friends; God helps us do difficult things and helps us know right and wrong; and God keeps promises. Through the stories of David as shepherd boy, musician, friend, and king, children will know David as being culturally significant (as much as Spiderman at least).
• Fellowship, Wesleyan, and Crusader Classes: These will continue the Fall 2010 study of Exodus and Psalms. The focus is on the nature of God as the first person of the Trinity through our study of Old Testament texts from the Exodus narrative and from the poetry of the book of Psalms. During October, the lessons in “God Sustains” will focus on Psalms 8, 19, 46, 47, and 63. The lessons are titled: “God’s Majesty and Human Dignity”, “God’s Law Sustains”, “God Provides Refuge”, “God is in Charge”, and “God’s Presence Comforts and Assures”.