We seek to encounter the Divine and experience the power of the Holy Spirit through faithful prayer,learning, and active worship.
HUMC MISSION STATEMENT
The Hawley United Methodist Church is a Christian community sent by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Kingdom of God. We seek to make faithful disciples of Jesus Christ by being open to change, willing to risk, and ready to serve
Rev. Martin L. Cox
THE PASTOR'S MESSAGE
With Lent nearly upon us, the members and friends of this church are being asked to accept a rather unique challenge.
Usually, when we speak about Lenten disciplines, we think about giving up something. During this Lenten season, however, we are being challenged to give rather than give up.
As a result of conversations with the Administrative Council and the Finance Committee, we are called to move closer to a tithe beginning February 21 and continuing for the next five Sundays. There are a few reasons for this conversation and challenge.
1. The church is entering 2010 with a deficit of over $35,000 – most of which is for annual conference apportionments. For the past three years now, we have failed to pay our full apportionments of $30,000. These ministry shares as apportionments are now called support a variety of ministries, the majority of which goes toward foreign missions. Funds are also allocated for the education of future clergy, and salaries for administrative personnel on both the district and conference level.
2. Although we are living in some difficult times, we are not a poor church. But we have hardly tapped into the resources, both financial and spiritual, found within this parish. Are we willing to dig down and start taking seriously the work of being the church?
3. God’s promise to his people is that he will take care of us. Jesus reminded his followers that if God cares for the birds of the air He would certainly care for the needs of those who are created in his own image. The question, then, is whether or not we are willing to trust God to provide for us.
4. The tithe was God’s way of meeting the needs of the Temple and its ministry to all of her people. Is it not possible for us to live on 90% of what we earn? This five-week tithing might prove to be a time to reexamine how we spend our money and that, in and of itself, might be an interesting Lenten discipline.
The belief of the church leadership is that God will be faithful. The Church Council is so convinced of that truth that if moving toward tithing proves to be too much of a hardship, funds will be returned to the giver.
Are you willing to give this a try for only five Sundays? It will be interesting to see what happens for those who are willing to take the risk.
Click on the photo below to travel along with Marty and Rich on their trip to Jerusalem. It is a wonderful journey.
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES
- INFORMAL SERVICE
- TRADITIONAL SERVICE
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP We shall again be offering two Christmas Eve services, both of which shall have Holy Communion. The 5:00 p.m. service is our family worship which highlights our children’s choir and our Sunday School Christmas play. This service is oriented toward the younger members of the family.
The second service at 7:30 p.m. is our traditional Candlelight Service. Both our Joyful Ringers and Chancel Choir will be providing music for this service.
We hope that you can be with us at one of these services and please bring along a family or friend who might not be able to attend worship on this holy night.
Evgenia Celia Oikonomou's Christening
Church Policy on Evening Meetings:
When school is dismissed early evening meetings are canceled. The only exception to this is the choir rehearsals which are called by the directors of the respective choirs.
When school is canceled due to weather evening meetings are also canceled, the exception is the same as stated above.
Opportunities for Learning
BIBLE STUDY GROUPS Emmaus Study Group Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. Disciples Breakfast & Bible Study Wednesdays, 7:15 a.m.
