I welcome you to First United Methodist Church (FUMC). I pray that our worship leads you to an awareness of God’s presence in your life and among us.
If you are looking for a Church home, I hope you find First UMC to be that place. Our Church doors and communion table are open to you.
Sincerely in Christ’s love,
Rev. Mark B. McFadden
Pastor
(Sunday Missal)
Let us pray for the faith to recognize God’s presence in our world: God our Father, open our eyes to see your hand at work in the splendor of creation, in the beauty of human life. Touched by your hand our world is holy. May we cherish the gifts that surround us, to share your blessings with others, and to experience the joy of life in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer is at the very heart of the ecumenical movement. Jesus prayed that we – his followers – may all be one. When we pray with and for one another, we can feel God’s gift of unity.
Matthew 15:1-20
Jesus identifies the true source of corruption and defilement as an "evil heart." Each individual possesses inherent weaknesses that may lead to self-defilement and cause harm to others. Evil originates within the human heart and can result in mistreatment or injury toward others. If another person has attempted to make you feel defiled through their behavior, it is ultimately they who have defiled themselves. We should strive to prevent evil thoughts from influencing our words, actions, or behaviors, thereby avoiding harm to individuals or groups. Regular self-examination of the heart is essential to prevent self-defilement.
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