A Word from the Pastor

Friends,

One of the most important lessons we can learn in life is perseverance. In large part, our ability to succeed in anything is not so much a matter of skill or ability but rather simply, the deep commitment to the task. We succeed by not giving up. Think about Edison's light bulb. Or the Wright Brothers' airplane. Think about great artistic works, or massive construction projects, vaccines against dangerous diseases, the long-term works of peace and justice, or the restoration of broken relationships. Nothing worth doing comes easy. There are plenty of times when it's very tempting to give up and walk away. Successful people never do.

Faith is a key component of perseverance. There are so many days when I don't have enough left in the tank to do what must be done - as a pastor or a person. And just when my own strength is failing, when I want to say, "I'm done," God shows up. It might be in a moment of inspiration when I feel like I have nothing to say. It might be in a moment of connection when I feel alone. It might be in a moment of understanding when I feel lost. God shows up.

This Sunday - come hear this good news: "we're knocked down, but we're not knocked out." See you at 9:30 on Facebook Live.

Peace, 
Pastor Joe 

Pray for Your Church

Despite the troubles we've all encountered over the last several months, Medford UMC has been successfully creative in its continued service to both the congregation and the community. The best way to celebrate these achievements and to encourage future success is through prayer. On Tuesday, February 9, we are asking you to spend fifteen minutes in prayer for Medford UMC:

• Giving thanks to God for the vital work done throughout the pandemic especially in the creativity of online worship opportunities;
• Interceding for God to energize our congregation; and that the Holy Spirit continues to help us discern where God is calling us in this season of ministry;
• Asking God to continue raising up generous servant leaders in our congregation who will help us live into the vision God has called us to; and
• Seeking God's guidance for our Children & Youth Ministry leaders as they continue to innovate ways to bring our young people closer to God and to one another.

Throughout the day on February 9, the Captial District Prayer Team will also be offering these same prayers on our behalf. Let us join our voices together in prayer! 

Opportunities to Serve & Give

Thank You for Your Financial Support: Thank you for your faithful financial support. We are in the process of compiling giving statements and will mail them to all our givers by the end of January. If you are not already enrolled in online giving, make it your New Year's resolution to check it out! Visit our app or the website at medfordumc.org/give. Thank you! 

Small Groups & Spiritual Growth

Children & Youth Ministries: Our Children & Youth Ministry Programs will meet each Sunday by Zoom. Sunday School lesson videos for your family's use are released each Saturday morning at 8:00 am. Make sure you get the latest and most detailed information in the weekly Children & Youth Newsletter. Email Bethany Carl to subscribe. 

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