When Sorrow and Mourning Turn to Singing and Dancing!

This Sunday!     Let There Be Joy!   

I hope you will be able to join us this Sunday to share in God's Kingdom of Joy!

It's coming...coming...coming in the morning time....JOY!
When you grasp the reality of God's love for you and Jesus' Grace, Joy will bloom in your life!

JOY PROJECTS

• Spring Flowers! This Saturday at 9:00am we are planting spring flower bulbs at the church. Here is how you can help. Go to Home Depot, Loews, Sams, and buy some of your favorite daffodils,  tulip or hyacinth bulbs and bring them by the church Saturday morning. We will plant them for you. 

• Weekend Lunch Program We are getting ready to start a weekend lunch program for the kids we served with the SAKS program this summer. We are looking for volunteers who would be interested in helping put the lunches together on Thursday evenings, and we will need volunteers to help deliver the lunches on Saturday Mornings. If you are interested in helping with this new Joy Project Ministry please contact pastor Kent or Faye Heuchert. We are still in the planning stages with this project and need to find out who would be willing to help support this project. Besides the volunteer help we would be looking for financial sponsors.

Special prayer requests:

Alene Schuette, Healing from open heart surgery.

Dennis Detoye and family in need of a miracle!

Phil Mckinney, healing from cancer.

Stan Rutkowski, healing and also would appreciate visitors.

Connor McAleenan, thanking God for the healing and continued progress!

Brad Heuchert, continued healing of his foot and ankle. 

Mike Rodgers, Back pain.

Krista Kell, Back and leg pain.

Church is a place where we come to learn how to love others in as many ways as possible which allows us to experience God's Peace and Joy!

Hope to see you this Saturday and Sunday!  Love pastor kent and pastor jackie

How You Will Know!

There is one sure fire way to know if a church is getting God's true message deep into their hearts. It's called Joy! Is there Joy in the peoples lives, their speech, their eyes, their smiles, and their activities?

You can't earn Joy, it is the byproduct of understanding and living in God's Grace. It is the fruit of Grace. Joy comes when you let go of all the legalistic and pharisee ways of thinking and living, and step into the warmth and Joy of God's Grace!

Ephesians 2:8-128 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Praise Community Fellowship and Emmanuel Methodist have come together to live in God's Grace and the Joy that comes with it.

The JOY PROJECT MENU!

1.) Spring Flowers. The amazing flower bulb project is on go. This Saturday, November the 14th at 9:00AM you are invited to participate in the planting of the Prayer Garden with hundreds of Daffodils and Tulips. Sally Mclauchlan, Ken Winchester, and Floyd Fisher are spear heading this project. If you want to participate in this Joy project, show up with a shovel, trowel, flower bulbs, potting soil, wheel barrow and let's plant a flower garden so amazing that people will want to stop and take pictures! Why? Flowers bring Joy! I am hoping for at least 1000 bulbs and don't worry I know how to plant a lot of bulbs very efficiently!

2.) Mom and Baby need help! We have a young mother with a 5 week old baby boy who needs help. Walmart gift cards, gas cards and or cash donations will all be a huge help. Contact Pastor Kent or Pastor Jackie if you would like to help with this cause.

3.) We are getting ready to launch a Weekend Lunch Program for the kids we served with the SAKS program this summer. We are looking for volunteers who would be interested in helping put the lunches together on Thursday evenings, and we will need volunteers to help deliver the lunches on Saturday Mornings. If you are interested in helping with this new Joy Project Ministry please contact pastor Kent or Faye Heuchert. We are still in the planning stages with this project and need to find out who would be willing to help support this project. Besides the volunteer help we would be looking for financial sponsors.

Special prayer requests:

Dennis Detoye and family in need of a miracle!

Phil Mckinney, healing from cancer

Stan Rutkowski, healing and also would appreciate visitors.

Connor McAleenan, thanking God for the healing and continued progress!

Brad Heuchert, continued healing of his foot and ankle. 

Mike Rodgers, Back pain

Krista Kell, Back and leg pain

Church is a place where we come to learn how to love others in as many ways as possible!

See you soon! Love pastor kent and pastor jackie

Project "Joy!"

Who could use more Joy in their life? I have an idea for our church that I am going to call the JOY PROJECT! It has everything to do with allowing God's love to flow through us so that we may bring a taste of God's Kingdom to people around us.

Here is what I have on the menu as of today, more to come.You may choose to participate in any capacity that God leads you but remember this, the more you get involved, the more Joy you will receive along with the Joy you will be giving. That's just the way God's Kingdom works.

I will be updating the projects regularly. If you have a suggestion for a JOY PROJECT let me know and we will discuss it.

The JOY PROJECT MENU!

1.) Spring Flowers. The amazing flower bulb project is on go. Saturday, November the 14th at 9:00AM you are invited to participate in the planting of the Prayer Garden with hundreds of Daffodils and Tulips. Sally Mclauchlan, Ken Winchester, and Floyd Fisher are spear heading this project. If you want to participate in this Joy project, show up with a shovel, trowel, flower bulbs, potting soil, wheel barrow and let's plant a flower garden so amazing that people will want to stop and take pictures! Why? Flowers bring Joy! I am hoping for at least 1000 bulbs and don't worry I know how to plant a lot of bulbs very efficiently!

2.) Mom and Baby need help! We have a young mother with a 5 week old baby boy who needs help. Walmart gift cards, gas cards and or cash donations will all be a huge help. Jenny Baugher will be collecting these items Sunday. 

More to come. Stay tuned. 

Special prayer requests:

Dennis Detoye and family in need of a miracle!

Phil Mckinney, healing from cancer

Stan Rutkowski, healing and also would appreciate visitors.

Connor McAleenan, thanking God for the healing and continued progress!

Brad Heuchert, continued healing of his foot and ankle. 

Mike Rodgers, Back pain

Krista Kell, Back and leg pain

Church is a place where we come to learn how to love others in as many ways as possible!

See you soon! Love pastor kent and pastor jackie

Impossible!....

This past Sunday we read the story of Jesus feeding the 5000. I used the book of Matthew 14:13-21. There were four main points to that story that I find very instructive.

1.) We all have the opportunity to bring God's Kingdom to people in this world.

2.) You know it has to be God when a situation looks impossible, yet you hear God prompting you to get involved or participate in the solution.

3.) No matter how overwhelming the situation looks, bring whatever little time, talent, or asset you think you have to God so He can bless it.

4.) Finally "Do" whatever  He leads you to do with faith, and then watch how He can bless the situation.

Read the Story! There is a reason these stories are in the bible. They instruct us how to participate in "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven!"  What's stopping you from participating in the Kingdom?  Too little time? Not enough expertise?  Not enough whatever? I only have enough for me?

How would this story have turned out if the disciples would have said, "Jesus, there is no way we can feed 5000 people with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish!" We need to eat what we have so that we have the strength to work with you tomorrow. If we give what little we have away, we will all loose! We will collapse of hunger and the meager 12 or 15 people we will feed won't put a dent in the situation anyway! What would be the point?

Human reasoning. It sounds perfectly logical. What does the bible say?

Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Praise Community Fellowship, Come participate with us and Immanuel Methodist as we work to "Bring God's Kingdom to earth as it is in heaven!" 

See you soon! Love pastor kent

I Give Myself Away!

When life has hit you hard. When sadness has filled your heart, when you find yourself discouraged, let down, frustrated, maybe it's time to "Give Yourself Away!"

This Sunday's message was inspired by William Mcdowell's song, "I Give Myself Away" which we will be playing. It is a beautiful, powerful song that speaks to so many of us who need God's touch.  The PCF singers are awesome on this song!

We will be sharing Holy Communion, honoring loved ones who have left this world this past year and sharing a moving, yet uplifting service.

I hope you will join us this Sunday. Bring that friend that needs to have God's love restored into their life.

Important Announcements:

1.) This Saturday is the Halloween Free Hotdog giveaway at the parade. I know the weather is iffy so we are monitoring that situation but Brad Joiner assures me he will have a tent and plans on making it happen. This will take place at Barb Joiners Law office located at 116 West Street. There is limited parking so plan on coming early and find parking spot and walk to the office. Set up time is at 4:30.

2.) We will be participating in the "Shoeman" project again this year. We have containers at the church to bring old shoes. These shoes are then sold and used to drill wells for water in 3rd world countries. Look through your closets and bring in those old shoes and put them to good use. If you have questions see Sally McLachlan. Say has also run with the flower bulb planting at the prayer garden. I will keep you posted on when this is going to take place. But to get ready for it, if you get a chance go buy some bulbs to plant so we can have an awesome display this coming spring. Let's go for 1,000 bulbs! Thanks Sally!

3.) I am looking for volunteer chaperones for the new youth bible study, "Double-Edged" which meets every other Saturday. The next meeting is on November 7th at 6:00PM and I already have a volunteer signed up for that date. Chaperone does not participate in the study so there is no preparation required other than to bring a 12 pack of Mountain Dew and a 12 pack of Dr. Pepper. Chaperone will also order and pay for Pizza depending on how many kids show up. You will be re-imbursed by the church for these expenses. I will have sign up sheet Sunday.

4.) Get your friends and family on our Blog. Let's get the word out that we are a wonderful church that wants to make life changing impact on peoples lives by demonstrating the love of Jesus to those who come to us.

Prayers:

1.) Brad Heuchert as he continues his recover from for and ankle surgery.
2.) Mike Rodgers, Lori's husband who is having severe back pain and issues from surgery.
3.) Phil Mckiney who has been diagnosed with cancer.
4.) Connor Mcaleenan, Mary and Lee Knapp's grandson, critical condition from head trauma.
5.) Stan Rutkowski dealing with compression wounds again.
6.) Alice Gallina as she adjusts to life without Paul who passed away this past week.

There is so much we can do together when we learn to Give ourselves away!
See you Sunday, 9:00 AM 800 North main St. Edwardsville.
Love, pastor kent and pastor Jackie

Why Do I Do it?

Why do I continue to preach and talk about God with people?
For me the number one reason is so that people can experience God's Peace!  I know some of you are probably saying wait a minute, shouldn't a pastors number one priority be to bring people to Jesus? Yes, my answer and bringing them to know Jesus are completely tied together. Need more peace in your life?

Important announcements for this coming week

1.) We will be celebrating "All Saints Day" this Sunday. We will be honoring and remembering loved ones that have passed away this past year. If you have a love one you would like to be included, please call or email Anita in the church office with the name. Her email is edw8iumc@sbcglobal.net or her phone is: 618-656-4648. Names must be in by Thursday!

2.) The Halloween Parade Free Hotdog giveaway and social event will be held this Saturday starting about 6:00PM at Barb Joiners law Office located at 116 West Street. Brad Joiner is looking for help to set up about 4:30 if you can make it then. There will be tables but lawn chairs will be needed. He suggests you stop by and drop them by early so you don't have to carry them. There is not enough parking so please park close and walk to the office. Last year was a blast handing out free drinks and hot dogs to the parade goers.

3.) Looking for chaperone volunteers for the new youth bible study that kicked off this past Saturday. This group will meet twice a month for now. Chaperone will supply soda and order pizza for the group. This group is self directed and the chaperone is only there for adult presence. There is no need to participate in the group. I told the group that it will not be hindered by an adult! You will be reimbursed by the church for the pizza and soda. I was with the group this past Saturday and they are an amazing group of young adults!  This group will meet from 6:00 until about 8:30. I will have a sign up sheet at church for those who would like to help out with this ministry.

4.) Communion this Sunday!

I will be giving the message and the PCF Praise choir has several new songs that will be introduced. This will be a very upbeat service of celebration! Bring a friend that needs a lift!

See you soon! Love, pastor kent and pastor jackie

I Don't Think God Loves Me!

Have you ever thought that?  I know I have. You find yourself distant, not thinking of God very often, not praying very often, never opening your bible, saying and doing things that God would probably disapprove of. But life goes on. 

Could it be that God has turned His back on you? That you have broken the relationship for good?

Some of you reading this are parents and grandparents. It is going to be easier for you to understand my answer because you have children of your own. We are all created in God's own image. He gave us  many attributes of Himself such as the ability to create other little humans. Isn't that amazing? We can create another person. Not in the same way God did but we were designed to be able to create a person by loving another person.  We can create children and we can experience love for our children just like the love God experiences with all of us. 

So as a child grows, sometimes they get involved in things that we do  not approve of. Do we stop loving them? NO  Sometimes they move away and do not stay in touch very often. Do we stop loving them? NO It seems that we never give up on our children no matter what. We love them because we created them!

We as parents are not perfect. Our children that we created are not perfect. Therefore, neither our love or our children's love is perfect. Therefore our relationships will not be perfect. God is perfect and His love is perfect. 

Feeling distant from God? He is there waiting to hear from you. Open up a conversation with Him. He loves you and wants a close relationship. He is there to guide you through this complicated life. 

Need someone to talk to about all this? Contact me or pastor Jackie and we will help you reconnect.

Immanuel Methodist and Praise Community Fellowship. We are reaching out into the community to be Jesus to people outside the church. Don't go through life alone. You are a child of the creator of the universe. You have an amazing inheritance waiting for you.

Events:

This Saturday 6:00 PM High School Bible Study "Double - Edged" Starts. Youth will meet in the lower level.

Saturday the 31st  All church members are invited to come to Barb Joiners law office 116 West Street to be part of the annual Free Hotdog and drink give away at the Halloween Parade. 

In Need Of Prayer:

Stan Rutkowski is dealing with compression wounds again.

Phil Mckinney has been diagnosed with cancer.

Paul Gallina battling cancer.

Mary Knapp's grandson Connor Mcaleenan in critical condition with head trauma.

Brad Heuchert recovering from foot and ankle surgery.

Hope to see you all Sunday, 9:00 AM. 800 North main Edwardsville. 

Love, pastor kent and pastor jackie.