light joyful journal · meeting mon., march 16 9:00 am – noon krafts & such (room #7) wed.,...

Joyful Journal

| THE JOYFUL JOURNAL winter 2020 |

issue no. 13 - Winter March 2020The

Uplifting, heart-warming, life enriching.

Inspirational & Informational a publication of The Port Royal United Methodist Church


Port Royal United Methodist Church1602 Columbia Avenue, Port Royal, SC 29935

843-524-2005 [email protected]

Office Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday • 9:00 AM to Noon Friday • 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Greetings family!Greetings Port Royal family!This past Sunday we had our first choir practice with St Paul United Methodist Church. Both choirs in the choir loft was an amazing sight to behold! Singers filled the loft completely - and more will be joining us as we go.They sounded even more glorious as we warmed-up and began rehearsing our beautiful Easter music! Please make plans to attend on Palm Sunday evening, April 5 - 5:00 pm - Port Royal UMC. If any would like to help us further in our efforts, join us in Ridgeland - St Paul UMC, on Saturday, April 4 - 5:00 pm. Recep-tions will follow both musical presentations.

Thankfully with love,Betty

Young & Restovus – March MeetingThe Young & Restovus will meet

Thursday, March 26th, at 12:30 PM in Fowler Hall. Please bring a sandwich

(drinks & dessert will be provided). A sign-up sheet will be located in the

Narthex. Contact Pat Ernst at (908) 938-0312

for more information.

LightOn March 7th we’ll “spring ahead” one hour before going to bed. How ironic that we’ll lose an hour on March 8th but gain longer daylight hours that same day. It’s only the loss of 60 minutes, but it seems to take at least 72 hours for my mind and body to adjust to this time change. I’ve commented before that “the days are getting longer” only to be corrected. In reality it’s still the same amount of hours in a day – it’s the hours of daylight that last longer in spring and summer.

Light is peaceful. Sunshine warms our body and soul. Battery operated timer candles and plug-in nightlights illuminate, welcoming us home at night. Flashlights beam light on our paths. Lanterns glow for campers and outdoor lovers. Headlights guide our vehicles when driving in dusk and eve-ning hours. Modern light options are very useful and necessary luxuries of the 21st century. There is, however, a Light not affected by cloud cover, dead batteries, or electrical outages. By the Grace of God we have Jesus Christ to guide our lives and shed His Light on our life’s journey. So, keep your life aglow with this knowledge – what a blessing!

In faith and with gratefulness,Tammy

Faith Anchors: Psalm 119:105, Isaiah 2:5 & Matthew 5:16

LET’S MAKE LENT A 40-DAY CHAIN REACTION OF LOVEAsh Wednesday marks the kick off to 40 days of prayer, fasting, repentance and abstinence.

It’s supposed to honor the time Jesus spent praying and fasting in the desert while tempted by the devil.Unfortunately, most of us are tempted to treat Lent like an endurance test to see how long we can go without pop, candy or beer. Why not

give up something or embrace something more meaningful or lasting, something that will make your life or someone else’s better?The other day I did a small act of love for a stranger. I felt the tug on my heart to pay for the milkshake for the stranger in front of me.

No big deal, no reason, I just felt that tug and went with it.The next day, I got this email from a woman named Diana:

“I was so shocked as that has never happened to me before. You were a perfect stranger. As I was walking out the door, a lady stopped me and told me who you were. I was soooo excited as I have your book, God Never Blinks, and love it. All your words of wisdom are so inspiring. I was getting the milk shake for my husband, who was waiting in the car, as he is recovering from a serious surgery and has lost weight. I am

trying to fatten him up. He just celebrated his 90th birthday and is recovering very well. PRAISE GOD!!!This is the part that made my heart leap:

“Your kind deed made me think of my upcoming Lenten promises. Instead of giving things up for Lent, I am going to do a kind deed every day of Lent. I usually try to do this anyway, but am going to really focus on it. It can be the smallest gesture or something more.”

Commit a small act of kindness every day of Lent. But if you really want to give up something, too, try giving up….

Plastic: No more straws, coffee stirrers, plastic bags, six pack rings clogging up the oceans and strangling our wildlife.Facebook: No more scrolling and posting during dinner or in bed when the person you love is longing to spoon or snuggle.

Those cat videos can wait.A resentment: You know which one. The big kahuna. The ex-husband. The ex-wife. Your dad. Your mom. The daughter who hasn’t spoken

to you in years. Set the captives free. For 40 days, pray every day for that person’s perfect good. God knows what that is, you don’t need to. Pray that they know how much God loves them, even if you don’t feel any love for them. God’s love will get to them. And to you.

Fear: Find the whopper that keeps you stuck. Success? Failure? Growing old? Surrender it once and for all.Shame: It’s that darkness inside that makes you feel rotten to the core no matter how much good you do in the world. You were made good.

You were made holy. You were made beautiful. Shame on you? No, shame off you.A bad habit: Being late. Gossiping. Complaining about the weather, the Browns, the Cavs, the Indians. Pick your worst habit and stop doing it.

Stuff: The clothes you don’t wear belong to people who need them. Donate.Flogging: No more beating yourself up over your weight, your age, your choices. Once and for all, forgive yourself for everything.

Other people’s opinions of you: God’s opinion is the only one that matters, and God already loves you, as is.These words: You always...You never...Whatever.

Multitasking: Try doing one thing with your full presence. Start by eating a clementine and tasting every bite. See what you’re missing?Or, you could always take 40 days to embrace...

The life you have: The income. The kids. The home that is your personal money pit. The dog that eats every right shoe. Bless the mess that is your life.

The person right in front of you: That person is always the most important person in your life. Be present. Look them in the eye. Use their name. People love to hear their name spoken.

God: Not just any God, but a God who loves you more than your grandma does. No more bogey-man God. God is not armed. God already loves you. Accept it and live happily ever after.

Solitude: Spend some time alone with God. Rest is a holy gift to give yourself. It teaches you to have more faith in God than in your own doing.

The gift givers: Make a quick list of 40 people who have blessed your life. Call or send a note every day in Lent to thank the teachers, neighbors, family and friends who shaped you.

These words: You were right...I am sorry...I love you...thank you.Praise: Use it generously on your spouse, your kids, your co-workers.

Your talents: Sit down at your piano, pick up your pen, putter with your paintbrush. Help: God already sent a savior. Newsflash: It wasn’t you. You don’t have to go it alone. Ask for help.

The person in the mirror: Decide to love yourself. For 40 days, ask yourself this: What would people who loved themselves do? Then go do it.Because in the end, Easter is a love story.

Cover text reprinted from:Regina Brett Blog


I GAVE HIM MY LIFEDear Lord, I have not always been what you wanted me to be; I lived a life that was filled with only thoughts of me.The hurts and pains that I have felt have been so very real; I could not turn them loose, dear Lord, as I struggled up each hill.Then one day I stopped and looked beyond my cares; I realized, Lord, that You were there through all my tears.I called upon you, Lord, to come into my life; Your love turned my heart around; I let go of all the strife.You helped me forgive and love, as You knew I should; Your grace has allowed me to live the way You knew I could.So, thank you, Lord, for all your love and for the help you give; My life is Yours, my every care for as long as I may live.You came into my life; your grace has set me free; Thank you, Lord, for it is Your love that truly amazes me! . . . Ann Bridgers


PRUMC WORSHIP & MINISTRY

OPPORTUNITIESMARCH 2020

Sun., March 11st Sunday in Lent

9:30 AM Sunday School(Fowler Hall)

11:00 AM Worship Service with Holy Communion (Sanctuary)

Wed., March 45:45 PM – 7:00 PM Light Meal/Bible Study (Fowler

Hall)6:15 PM – 7:00 PM

Kids for Christ(Zoller Room)

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Choir Practice (Sanctuary)

Sat., March 79:00 AM – Noon

Krafts & Such (Room #7)

Sun., March 82nd Sunday in Lent

9:30 AM Sunday School (Fowler Hall)

11:00 AM Worship Service (Sanctuary)

Wed., March 115:45 PM – 7:00 PM Light Meal/

Bible Study (Fowler Hall)6:15 PM – 7:00 PM Kids for

Christ (Zoller Room)7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Choir Practice (Sanctuary)

Sun., March 15 3rd Sunday in Lent



12:30 PM Church Council Meeting

Mon., March 169:00 AM – Noon

Krafts & Such (Room #7)

Wed., March 185:45 PM – 7:00 PM

Light Meal/Bible Study(Fowler Hall)

6:15 PM – 7:00 PMKids for Christ (Zoller Room)

7:00 PM – 8:30 PMChoir Practice (Sanctuary)

Sun., March 224th Sunday in Lent



Wed., March 255:45 PM – 7:00 PM

Bring a Sack Meal night (Drinks will be provided to go with meal you bring for your family.)Bible Study (Fowler

Hall)6:15 PM – 7:00 PM

Kids for Christ (Zoller Room)7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Choir Practice (Sanctuary)

Sun., March 295th Sunday in Lent

9:30 AM Sunday School(Fowler Hall)

11:00 AM Fifth Sunday Hymn Sing (Sanctuary)

12:30 PM Fifth Sunday Lunch (Fowler Hall)

CHURCH COUNCIL“Always in HIS presence”

On January 25th PRUMC held its first Church Council Retreat off campus. The theme “Always in HIS presence” will be carried out through 2020. The retreat was well attended by the leaders of this church with 16 in attendance. God was the center and focus of the retreat and will always be the center of all council meetings. Pastor Ann and I worked closely on the planning and schedule for the events of the day. After socializing around the breakfast table, we called the retreat to order at 9:00 a.m. Pastor Ann led us in prayer and God’s word through scripture during the day. The retreat was a workshop to bring spiritual unity among our leaders and to help everyone understand what their leadership role is. They were equipped with tangible items, such as spiral notebooks, composition books, zipper document bags to name a few. John Wells was the man with the knowledge. As our presenter for the retreat, John spent almost three hours (with interaction from the attendees) explaining everyone’s role and responsibilities as a member of church council. His resources were The Book of Discipline, 2016 and Guidelines for Leading your Congregation , 2016-2020.

Music was interspersed throughout the day by none other than Beth Brittman and John O’Neill. You should have seen your leaders participating in “If you are Happy – clap your hands, stomp your feet”, etc. That was needed after an amazing lunch provided by team retreat!

Communication was stressed throughout the workshop. Leaders were encouraged to engage and empower their teams, as well as getting

others involved. I used John O’Neill (Trustees chair) as a great example of how to conduct a meeting and engage/empower his team by delegating. Leaders are also encouraged to communicate with written articles for the monthly newsletter. Wes Tinsley was the photographer of the day!

As 2:00 p.m fast approached, time was running out. Participants were given a spiritual gifts assessment form to complete at home. The business of the day was wrapped up and we concluded with Holy Communion and “Blest be the Tie that Binds”. We were dismissed with prayer to go and serve by Pastor Ann.

As a reminder to our council chairs, please remember to do a written report to be given to Tammy after you have given it verbally for the March 8th council meeting . This will make recording a little easier for her and move the meetings along. I know how precious everyone’s time is!

The success of this retreat was a team effort! At the risk of forgetting some, I must sincerely thank from the bottom of my heart Pastor Ann, John Wells, Beth Brittman, John, O’Neill, Delane Wells, Tammy Szucs, Wes Tinsley, and last but not least, every participant who made the commitment to give up a day to attend the retreat. Thank you to all, and may God continue to bless each of you as He has blessed me!

“Always in HIS presence”Vicki Young

FYIFrom all the written feedback there will be a 2021 retreat!

Vicki

Church Council Retreat 2020

light joyful journal · meeting mon., march 16 9:00 am – noon krafts & such (room #7) wed.,...

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