From the Desk of Pastor Kim
March 22,2022
Greetings in the name of Christ~
Hi church family! I feel as though I am way past due with this newsletter and have sat down several times to write it, yet haven’t seemed to be able to formulate my thoughts. This is nothing new for me, especially these past couple years. Trying to wrap my brain around all that there is to say and at the same time not knowing how to put any of it into words. This for me is the reminder of how great God is and how even more amazing it is that He chooses us to be a part of His magnificent plans.
For those of you who have been joining in our Wednesday evening Lent book study: He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado, you’ve heard Apostle Paul’s words to the Ephesians. I invite you to read Ephesians chapter 1 sometime. Verse 11 says: “We were already chosen to be God’s own children by Christ. This was done just like the plan He had.”
Whether it be for the last two years or other times throughout our lifetime, we plan, and life gets in the way. There is an old Yiddish proverb that says; “We plan, God laughs”.
Our plans, those of humankind, are nothing like God’s plans. Though it may take us some time to realize this, I hope you have discovered as I have that no matter my intentions, no matter what I do, God's plans are so much greater than that which I place so much value upon. Lent is a season that calls us back into the awareness of all that God has done to draw us into a relationship. We are urged to clear away that which separates us from God, those things that lead us astray and to set our sights on the cross. Even when the days are troubling we have the promises of God and the hope for brighter days!
Spring has arrived and I am so excited for the plans that we are making at Branchport United Methodist Church for the upcoming months, especially after the last couple years of cancellations, distancing and separation!
Mark your calendars and please join us when you are able!
*Easter Worship ~ Sunday, April 17th at 10:45am (In-person and via ZOOM)
*Memorial Day Weekend Chicken BBQ ~ Saturday, May 28th
*July 4th ~ The Red, White & Blue 5k is returning after 2 years!
*Ice cream socials on the Church lawn in the summer months (Dates to be announced)
We are so excited to be planning these events to connect with people we haven’t seen in a while and to continue making connections with our neighbors. It will be wonderful to welcome people into our gazebo for fellowship!
The congregation has been busy with missions during the winter months. We held a “Soap”er Bowl Collection in February and sent many cleaning supplies to The Living Well. We also provide lunch for their Grab and Go lunches on the first Monday of each month. We continually collect snack items for the Penn Yan School district and keep the Blessing Cupboard stocked outside of the church. During March we are supporting Pet Partner Connections by gathering pet food, treats and supplies to help keep pets in people's homes. Together we can make a big difference!
Along with being the hands and feet of Jesus and doing our best to care for the needy and reach out to those who are sick or alone we have a beautiful building to take care of. As I walk through the fellowship hall I can’t help but envision it being full of activity once again and the stage to be put to good use (not just for storage!). Hopefully we can do it justice come fall and create some new memories.
Thank you for your continued love and support of Branchport UMC. Please continue to discern how you best can support our church and the work we do. I am so grateful that God has brought us together in His great vision. He has great plans for each and every one of us and to be able to be in ministry together is truly an honor. Thank you for being such an important part and I pray that you know how special you are.
There are many ways to stay connected:
*Sunday morning worship at 10:45am in-person or via ZOOM
*Email (please contact me if you would like to be added to the email list) AND we have a new email address for the church: bumc2022@gmail.com
*Website: www.branchportumc.org
*Facebook: Branchport United Methodist Church
*Address: 3376 Guyanoga Road, Branchport 14418
*Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2, Keuka Park, 14478
Please help us spread the word about Branchport UMC and invite someone to church!
May you take some time to breathe in the fresh air of spring, take time to find the flowers poking out of the ground or the robins in your yard!
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will— to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”
Ephesians 1:3-10
Blessings to you and your family,
Pastor Kim
