We learned today that Imelda Ramos and her new husband, Bob Woolf, vacationing in Imelda’s home country of the Philippines, were prevented from leaving the Philippines due to a visa problem. They spent a very frustrating day and were told this could take months. The Annual Conference staff is working at providing necessary paperwork.
Please hold Bob and Imelda in your prayers.
Every once in a while, I get a nice card or letter from folks across our denomination who are lifting up the mission work in Alaska. I thought I would share one that came today via email. It is a wonderful example of the connectional ministry of the United Methodist Church and the way we support one another through prayer and financial support:
Rev Perry,
I’m writing on behalf of the women of the Mannsville United Methodist CHurch in Mannsville Kentucky USA to let you know that we are lifting up your ministry in prayer and remember your efforts in Christ’s service. We thank you for giving of yourself and for your tireless work to bring the love of Christ to others.
Our small rural United Methodist Women unit strives to find ways to connect with our farming community, both natives and the Mexican immigrant population. The economy here is in a down-turn and women and children in particular are suffering the effects of lost jobs and higher food and medical expenses within the family. Our mid week youth programs are very popular and the meals and services we provide for children in the community seem very much appreciated.
We appreciate you and the work you are doing. May God continue to bless your service to Him.
Karen Prince, on behalf of the women of the Mannsville United Methodist Church, in Mannsville, Kentucky USA
Karen, it is my privilege to serve the congregations of Moose Pass and Seward. Together with you and all of our churches we are doing our best to let the world know of God’s love in Jesus Christ! Thank you for your prayers on our behalf, and we will lift up your ministries here when we gather for worship here in Alaska!
The Moose Pass congregation is featured on the General Board of Discipleship “Church of the Week” site! Check out the photo and paragraph about our Moose Pass congregation at http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=48539
A Communion Meditation, February 7, 2010
Seward, Alaska, Rev. Peter K. Perry
Epiphany 5C, Luke 5:1-11
Listen to this week’s message…
He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. (Luke 5:3)
I’ve heard this story since I was a child… Jesus, escaping from the crowds, gets into the boat with Simon. They push off a ways from shore and in my mind’s eye, I see Jesus standing in the prow, teaching the crowds on the shore, the fisherman in the boats mending nets, while listening to the prophet speak. Then, of course, after he is done teaching and preaching, Jesus tells Simon to go out to the deep waters and throw out their nets. Simon tells him, “That’s not the way we fishermen do it, carpenter!” But Jesus tells them to do it anyway, they do, and … Yowza!… they bring in the biggest catch of fish they’ve ever laid their fishermen eyes on! And they realize in that moment, that this passenger, this prophet who tags along for the ride through their work-a-day world, is in fact One who will change them… in ways that they might not understand, and ways they might not want… and so they say, “Go away! Leave us alone, because we are sinners. We are afraid.” More… »