Mountain Valley United Parish

“And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our Spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

Romans 8:15b-17

Scripture says, in the book of Ephesians 5:25a; “Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Scripture also says in Colossians 3:19, “Husbands love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” In God’s divine order, of the Christian home, Christ is the head of the home. The Christian husband is the head of his wife under Christ and therefore needs to give Christ like love.

This is illustrated with the following diagram from a publication called, The Christian Family:

God’s Order for the Family

“Divine order” is an order of authority and responsibility, which is spelled out in the Bible;

“The head of every man is Christ,

the head of a woman is her husband,

and the head of Christ is God.”

1 Corinthians 11:3.

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord” Colossians 3:20

God has ordered the family according to the principle of headship. Each member of the family lives under authority of the ‘head’ whom God has appointed.

Text Box:

2003

CHRIST, the ‘Head’ of the

husband: Lord of the family

HUSBAND, the ‘head’

Of the wife: chief authority over the children

WIFE, the helpmate to the husband (Genesis 2:18): secondary authority over the children

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CHILDREN, obedient to parents

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The husband lives under the authority of Christ and is responsible to Christ for the leadership and care of the family. The wife lives under the authority of her husband, and is responsible to him for the way she orders the household and cares for the children. The children live under the authority of both parents. The authority over the children, however, remains essentially one. She exercises authority over the children on behalf of an in the place of her husband. This has great practical significance for relationship between mother and children.

Thus God has structured the family along clear-cut lines of authority and responsibility. It is important to recognize this structure at the outset, for it is so little understood in our day, still less practiced. Yet God has made the well being and happiness of the family absolutely dependent upon the observance of His divinely appointed order.

Any change from that which His will has ordered only brings forth a misshapen form, for which there is no cure except a return to God’s original order.

Christian husbands and those that are dads, we have an awesome Christ given responsibility. May Father’s Day remind us and encourage us to be the Christ like example for our families. Dads may we not quench the Spirits power by not being faithful to this Christ given responsibility. May we set a Christ-like example for the next generation.

“The Responsibilities of a Man”

as given by Ellyn B. Davis in her book

1) To be a visible representative of God and His

nature.

2) To provide for his household.

3) To love and understand his wife

4) To raise his children in the ways of God

5) To provide leadership in his home and

community.

6) To participate fully in the Church of Jesus Christ

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

In Christ’s love and service,

Pastor Neil and Jen

Let Us Pray

Read Mark 11; 1-24

“My house shall be called

a house of prayer

for all nations.”

“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest.” The roar of the crowd rose and fell as the young colt made its descent towards the city of Jerusalem. Slowly and deliberately the colt labored under the burden of its gentle passenger. The disciples followed in amazement as they joined in the cheers of “Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest!” Jesus, His face set towards Jerusalem, knew in His heart what lay ahead;

it had all been prepared by His Father. The cross, the grave, the victory, but first there was to be much suffering.

A pathway of palm braches and coats lay before Him paving His way to His destiny at the cross. The cries of “praise God” rang in His ears, yet He could hear the echoes of crucify Him, which would come from this same crowd only a few days later.

Jerusalem was now upon Him as He entered the city gates surrounded by a great procession of hopeful followers. They were looking for a conquering King who would lead them out from under Roman domination. Now here He was, but He came not as a warring king, but as a peaceful king on a donkey’s colt just as Zechariah had prophesied. He was bringing peace, humility, love, and a willingness to lay down His life for them. Would they receive Him? Would this people embrace His offering, His sacrifice? It seemed like they would, after all they were shouting “Hosanna” and “Blessed be the name of the Lord!” If only they would.

Just then His attention turned to the Temple as it loomed before Him, majestic and with an appearance of Holiness. He entered it quietly and looked around very carefully at everything inside. Without a word he examined closely the place where worship of God took place. The things He saw in the great temple saddened his heart. The hour was getting late and as quickly as He had come, He and His disciples left the Temple to lodge overnight in Bethany.

The next day Jesus and His disciples traveled back to Jerusalem. Once again He entered the Temple and He began to drive out the people who were buying and selling within the courts of the Temple. He overturned tables as moneychangers had set up to accommodate those who had come for the Passover celebrations. Merchants who sold doves were driven out of the Temple as Jesus was filled with righteous indignation over the ungodly activity within His Father’s house. When the Temple was cleared, Jesus began to teach the people. He asked them, “Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations? But you have made it a den of thieves.”

The story is a familiar one to us. Of course liberty was taken in retelling it here, but the major events are accurate and it is not too hard to imagine what it would have been like if we were with Jesus that day. The message was pertinent to Israel as a nation then and it is pertinent to us as “the Church” today. There is a danger for us to become, even as Israel had, fruitful in appearance but in reality spiritually barren. The Temple that day looked religious and Holy but in truth it had moved far from what God had intended for His people and His House.

Jesus had earlier that day encountered a fig tree that was full of leaves but had no fruit. Because of its lack of fruit and His desire to eat, He had cursed the tree, which later dried up from the roots. Fig trees in that region yield a great amount of fruit twice a year, in late spring and in early autumn. This incident occurred in early spring when the leaves were beginning to bud. The figs normally grow as the leaves fill out, but this tree, though full of leaves, had none, the tree looked promising but offered no fruit. Israel was in just such a condition. Full of potential full of promise but unfortunately nothing but leaves were evident. There was no spiritual fruit.

We as a Body need to be constantly looking at ourselves. Are we to be found by Jesus to be spiritually barren? Is the Temple in need of clearing and the priority of prayer and faith to be restored? “My House shall be called a House of prayer for all the nations.” What kind of activities have we set as a priority for our churches, our parish? Is prayer the activity that our House would be described as? If it is not, then why don’t we begin? Let us gather together, let us huddle together, and let us agree together in prayer. It is then and only then that the Spirit of God will unite us together with a love for one another, that is willing to lay down one’s life for the other.

Will you meet me there? Will you meet me in the House of Prayer?

In His love and service,

Pastor Bob

THE HOUSE OF PRAYER

Parish Prayer

Tuesday Evenings

6:00 P.M.

In the building that was formerly the North Blenheim Health Center

Kyra Wehmeyer 1st

Anna Bulka 1st

Lisa Simmons 1st

Doris Crapser 2nd

Thomas Slicer 4th

George Ruland 5th

George Danforth 7th

Carol Daugherty 9th

Walter Ruland 12th

Matt Pardy 12th

Myrtle Keene 13th

Suzanne Worden King 15th

Janice Hamm 17th

Gerald Sutton, Jr. 19th

Cathy Los 20th

Sarah Meadowcroft 21st

Brian Goodfellow 21st

Lorraine Bivona 22nd

Donna Ferris 22nd

Paul Moller 24th

Jessica Gage 24th

Mildred King 25th

Marie Churchill 26th

Benjaman Foote 26th

David Ferris 26th

John Miller 28th

Marie Irwin Gram 29th

Jeffrey Foote 30th

Andrew & Gray Mason 2nd

Carl & Carol Miller 7th

John & Cheryl Hubbard 7th

Jay & Phyllis Day 10th

Don & Margie Carney 17th

Chris & Carmella Evers 18th

Greg & Amanda Marshall 23rd

Ed & Janet Foote 25th

Dennis & Susan Duffy 30th

Paul & Mary Bonhote 30th

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY AND ALWAYS.

Thank you for all your help and support at the North Blenheim

Fritter Supper you helped make our day a success and for that

we are grateful.

Pastor Neil and Jen

Heart for Missions

“Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:34-40

This passage of scripture describes acts of mercy we all can do everyday. These acts of mercy are freely given and freely received. They do not depend on our own wealth, our own ability or our own intelligence. We have no excuses to neglect those who have deep needs. Jesus demands our personal involvement in caring for others needs.

1 John 3:17-18 says, “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

The envelope enclosed in this month’s newsletter is specifically designed for the missions fund and all the money collected goes directly to the person/family in need!

May the Lord bless you as you serve Him.

The Missions Committee

Summer Camp - the dates have been reserved, and we will be back at the beautiful facility of Huntersfield Christian Training Center on

July 22nd, 23rd, and 24th. For more information please contact

Bob and Sue Kliza at 588-7998 or

Steve and Hillary Eklund at 652-4798.

The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:

"Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty,

Who was and is and is to come!"
Revelation 4:8

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Summit

News

Be of the same mind towards one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Romans 12:16

EASTER SUNDAY

Pastor Bob Leisy preached on “Beyond The Resurrection”. The choir sang; “Come Ye Faithful Rise and Sing” and Steve Gullestad sang; “I’m Gonna sing, sing, sing.” It was a beautiful day.

FELLOWSHIP

Each Sunday we enjoy a fellowship time after the worship service. Thanks to all of you who are faithful hosting this special time serving coffee and goodies.

On April 27^th, a covered dish luncheon was held in honor of Doris Crapser for her many years of service as treasurer on the Summit Board of Council. Doris was presented with gifts and a bouquet of flowers. 18 friends and family members attended the celebration. Thank you Doris for being so faithful to God and the Summit Church body. We love and appreciate you very much.

BIBLE CLASSES

We have finished chapter one in our studies. We have learned the “Keys to Consistent Obedience” and “The Practice of Obedient Living”. Our studies remind us we are not immune from temptation and sin.

All the paths of the Lord are Mercy and Truth, to such as keeps His covenant and His Testimonies.

Psalm 25:10

PRAYERS

Please keep these folks in prayer;

1. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart for the loss of their beloved son Keith.

2. Carl Miller for a speedy recovery after major surgery.

3. Rosemary Carlson for receiving treatment for cancer.

4. Sandra Upton for severe back problems.

May the Lord keep them in His loving care.

PRAYER SERVICE

Our Wednesday prayer service continues each week with Pastor Bob. We enjoy this time of praying together, sharing life situations, praising God and singing hymns. If you wish to join us, the time is 9:30 to 12:00 each Wednesday morning.

Hope to see you soon!

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.

MOTHER’S DAY SERVICE

On May 11^th, we honored our Mother’s. Pastor Bob preached on “The Virtues of Abbigail”. Patricia Oles read, “The Lord Calls To Samuel” from 1 Samuel 3:1-10. Carol Miller sang; “Master Speak Thy Servant Heareth” 1 Samuel 3:1-10

Sue Duffy read; “He Shall Hear My Voice” Psalm 53:17 Marguerite Brown read a poem called “My Mother” by Helen Steiner Rice and Steve Gullestad read the poem MOTHER. At the end of the service each mother was given a pink carnation. Thank you Pastor Bob and Marge for the lovely flowers.

WELCOME HOME SNOWBIRDS

Elaine Speed

Elsie Clausen

Otto and Ruth Endresen

It is always a joy for us to see our snowbirds returning safely home. We missed you all while you were away. Praise God for your safe return.

To walk safely in the woods at night we need a light so we don’t trip over tree roots or fall into holes. In this life we walk through a dark forest of evil. But the Bible can be our light to show us the way ahead so we won’t stumble as we walk. It reveals the entangling roots of false values and philosophies. Study the Bible so you will be able to see your way clear enough to stay on the right path.

In the love of Jesus

Patricia Oles

God Is My Strength

The laundry basket was extra heavy on my hip that morning. My left hand gripped the railing as if it were my lifeline as my feet found each wooden step on the way down.

A light breeze was rustling the new leaves on the trees as the sun peeked through here and there making tiny images on the ground. The birds were singing and the sun shone warmly on my shoulders.

I didn’t notice any of this; even the smell of newly cut lawn didn’t awaken any feelings.

God had done His best, but I wasn’t paying any attention. As usual, I was hurting; I just wanted to get thru my chores and go sit down somewhere.

As I sat my basket down, I nearly put it on a small patch of yellow flowers. I wondered how they had somehow been missed when the lawn was mowed.

When I had the laundry hung, I stood back and watched it blowing in the wind. I always feel better when I am able to do my work without too much discomfort.

I picked the yellow flowers, put them in the empty basket and went back inside.

When I got inside, I left both on the kitchen table. Going over to the sink, I started doing the breakfast dishes. When I turned around to wipe off the table, there were my flowers, limp and wilting.

Grabbing a mason jar from the drainer, I put water and flowers in the jar and in no time they were perky and new again.

That’s the way it is with you and me. When we are sad and forlorn and we turn to the Lord. His love gives us what we need to renew our body and soul. What more could we ask. Philippians 4:13 says:

‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’

In His love,

Carol Miller

Unity Sunday

The first Sunday of each month, the Jefferson UMC will be having a Parish wide “Dish to Pass”

following the service at 12:30 P.M.

Please mark your calendars to come and fellowship in Unity with your brothers and sisters in Christ while sharing a meal together.

“If any have any encouragement

from being united with Christ,

if any comfort from his love,

of any fellowship with the Spirit,

if any tenderness and compassion,

then make my joy complete by being

like-minded, having the same love,

being one in spirit and purpose.”

Philippians 2:1-2

For the past several months we have been having a “Ladies Night Out” within the Parish and beyond. We have gone to many restaurants and have had a wonderful time of fellowship. We are going to continue this “Ladies Night Out” in the spirit of Philippians 2:1-2 as we as Christians are all united in Christ! Please join us the last Friday of each month as we fellowship in love and in Spirit. We meet at the Jefferson UMC at 6:00 p.m. and ride share to the restaurant chosen. In June, we will be meeting Friday, June 27^th at 6:00 P.M. and will be dining at Friendly’s in Oneonta. Please mark this on your calendar and invite a friend.

Please R.S.V.P. to Sheri Luce at

(607) 652-7249.

Hope to see you soon.

UMW REPORT

We have some pretty busy days ahead of us. We've been asked by the Bicentennial committee to sell desserts on Saturday, July 19th, the day of the celebration. Considering that we are expecting over a thousand people to be in town on that day, we're asking that everyone make several pies. It might be helpful to make the pies, freeze them, and then bake them the day before the Bicentennial. You can bring your pies to the church on Friday, July 18th or on Saturday morning. Our booth will open at 11:00 am in front of the church.

On Saturday, June 14th at 10:00 am we are going to have apple pie day in the church kitchen. So come on down. Bring your paring knives, rolling pins, and pie fixins. We'll supply the pie tins. Even if you're not a pie baker, you can help cut up the apples. Bring along a bag lunch. We'll provide the beverage. It should prove to be a day of good fellowship and productivity.

In addition to the pie, we will be offering, brownies, lemon bars, cookies, chocolate cake and ice cream. We would happily accept any donations of these items.

We're also asking for people to sign up to work a two-hour shift in our booth. It would be great to have some men sign up as well as the ladies. We still need people for the following shifts:

1PM to 3PM

3PM to 5PM

5PM to 7PM

7PM to 9PM

Please consider signing up to serve at one of these times. We certainly would appreciate it.

We are also making some crafts to sell at our booth. We are working on our "Angels" every Thursday at the Grange Hall (which, by the way, now belongs to the church, and will henceforth be known as the Jefferson United Methodist Community Center) at 1:00 pm. Anyone wanting to help will be more than welcome.

The next Men's Fellowship Breakfast will be on June 14th at 8AM. We begin preparing at 6:30. Any ladies who would like to help are welcome any time after that. The menu this month will be...Eggs, French toast, sausages, coffee and juice.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday, June 12th at noon. Come for lunch.

Our July meeting will be our annual trip down to Hobart for their Luncheon and Craft Fair. Our August meeting will be our annual picnic. All ladies are cordially invited.

Janet Demsen, President