Service Highlights or Announcements for this Sunday
This coming Sunday is All Saints Day, one of the most sacred days of Anaheim UMC’s year in worship. Thankfully, we will be blessed to have both video worship for the whole church and also an in-person service Sunday morning for pre-registered family members of those who have died over the past year.
Come check out our virtual Gather(ing) via Zoom on Wednesdays at 7 pm. We would LOVE to see you there. Come ready to discuss our scripture passage and raise our voices in song! If you would like the Zoom link, please sign up here.
Reflection of the Week
Especially during these times when we cannot hold conventional funeral services, it’s vital that we come together in creative ways. The Beatitudes, Jesus’ words of blessing preached from a mountain, are the focus of Sunday’s worship and are spoken especially to those who feel stuck in their grief and mourning. The Good News is that, with God and one another, we don’t have to stay stuck, but can gradually lift our eyes to a future which will grow brighter.
For those who will be here in person, our prayers of condolence for your loss. And, to all who can attend via the Sunday video, join us in a beautiful Communion service prepared by our Worship Team, with a candle lit for each church member who has passed away this year. Thanks as always to the gifted musicians who have provided inspiring music on the organ, piano, flute, and voice!
See you Sunday!
Peace and Health,
Pastor James
Scripture Passages of the Week
Matthew 5:1-12
The Beatitudes
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
