Announcements
In-Person Worship
In-person worship is held every Sunday at 9:30 AM, and it's a joy to share the Choral Benediction Circle and our after-worship Coffee Hour once again. Sign-up sheets are available for those who would like to bring treats or items to share. We're also delighted to now offer a Welcoming Guest packet for anyone joining us in person for the first time, helping them feel at home from the moment they arrive.
Mark 12:41-44 CEB
"Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on." When I was the pastor in Madera, we had put handbells, like the ones kids use in school, throughout the church in the pews. And when I would announce that it was time to worship God with our morning tithes and offerings, the members would grab a handbell and ring it strongly, fervently, and exuberantly (in other words, they really enjoyed ringing them). Why? Well, we are told that the Lord loves a cheerful giver. That's why we try to make the offering more than just a routine part of the worship service. We try to link the offering of our gifts with the attitude of our hearts. That's why we rang the bells. As God has given so much to us, especially in and through his son Jesus Christ, surely, we can give back to God from glad and joyful hearts!
Several years ago, a Kenyan woman joined a church in Atlanta, Georgia. Her name was Lydia. She told her pastor that she loved their congregation, but she really missed certain aspects of her home church, especially parts of the worship service. He asked her what she missed the most, and she told him something I've never forgotten. She said, "I miss the offering. In Kenya, we would sometimes dance down the aisles during the offering. We didn't have much to give, but what we did have we gave with much joy. What a privilege to give back to God!" she said. For Lydia and for the woman in this Biblical story, giving an offering to God is first and foremost a matter of having a genuine heart for God. Let's be like the widow and Lydia.
We welcome and truly appreciate your gifts, however you choose to get them to the church. You can mail your check to the church at P.O. Box 248, Mariposa, CA 95338. Online Giving is a convenient option, via either the church's website or the GivePlus mobile app.
If you have any questions about how to make an online gift or set up a recurring online gift, please feel free to contact me at 209-742-6131 or glennsutherland@sti.net.
Special Offering for September: Safe Families
Special Offering Report: The July Special Offering for Local Fire Relief raised $80.
Sunday, October 4
Join us at Mariposa United Methodist Church for a special Sunday of worship, fellowship, and celebration as we observe World Communion Sunday, Harvest of Breads, and the Blessing of the Animals.
On World Communion Sunday, we join Christians around the world at the Lord's Table, celebrating the faith and fellowship that unite us as one body in Christ.
Following worship, we'll continue the celebration with a Harvest of Breads feast during Coffee Hour! If you're a bread baker, you're invited to share a favorite yeast bread or batter bread, such as banana or zucchini bread. Spreads such as honey, jelly, and jam are also needed to complete our Harvest.
We'll also celebrate the Blessing of the Animals, giving thanks for God's creation and for the beloved animals that bring companionship and joy to our lives.
Want to contribute to the Harvest of Breads?
Please contact Cyndi McCarthy at 209-769-9105 (text preferred) or gramacyn@gmail.com.
Come worship, celebrate, and share in this special day with the Mariposa UMC family. All are welcome!
Saturday, September 12
Habitat for Humanity Fundraising Dinner in Joe Kidd Hall – 5:00 pm
Saturday, October 3
United Methodist Men – 8:30 am (Steve Sportsmen Café)
Fix-it Team - 9:30
Sunday, October 4
World Communion Sunday/Harvest of Breads/Blessing of the Animals
Monday, October 5
United Methodist Men – 8:30 am (Steve Sportsmen Café)
Fix-it Team-9:30
KIDZ Little Theater – Tues/Thurs 6:00-7:30 pm
GriefShare Support Group
joycemccoy7778@gmail.com
Register: Griefshare.org/findagroup
209.777.9727
The Upper Room
The Upper Room daily devotions are also available online at https://www.upperroom.org/devotionals.
Pioneer Market Receipts
Please remember to save your receipts; these benefit our Youth Programs. You may drop them in the church drop box facing Bullion Street, or mail them with your offering. If you total your receipts, please only total the sub-total amounts (pre-tax).
Women in Faith
Women in Faith (formerly known as UMW). Visit our UWIF web page.
The Upper Room
The Upper Room daily devotions are also available online at https://www.upperroom.org/devotionals.
Weekly
Worship Service, Sundays, 9:30 AM
UM Youth Fellowship, Monday, 3:30 PM (FH)
Chimes Practice, Thursday, 5:30 PM (Sanctuary)
TGIF Club, Friday, 2:30-5:15 PM (during the school year)
Monthly
UMM Breakfast, 1st Saturday, 8 AM
Fix-It Team, 1st Saturday, 9:30 AM
Worship Team Meeting, 1st Wednesday, 4:30 PM (via Zoom)
Homebound Ministry, 3rd Thursday, 1 PM
Faithful Readers, 3rd Thursday, Time TBD
Join us for an exciting journey of learning and growth as we gear up to kick off the Friday afternoon children's program at Mariposa United Methodist Church. Starting right after school on September 6, this engaging program is a wonderful opportunity for children to explore their faith in a nurturing environment.
As we embark on this meaningful endeavor, we're reaching out to our community for support. If you feel called to contribute and be a part of this ministry, we encourage you to connect with Gussie Kidd. Rest assured, no prior experience is required as comprehensive training will be provided to equip you to work effectively with the children.
Let's come together to create a positive impact on the young hearts and minds in our community. Your involvement is not just appreciated - it's transformative.
Visit our TGIF page.
Chimes Choir
Chimes Choir is alive and happening with in-person worship and recording. You are welcome to join. Call Janet Langley at 209-966-4454 (evenings) or email thelangleyco@gmail.com. We chime to glorify the Lord.
Children's Choir
Choir is open to any child who loves music and is currently enrolled in grades 2-6. Children are escorted from MES to MUMC each Tuesday for rehearsals, which go from 3:00 to 5:00 pm in the MUMC Joe Kidd Hall.
Monthly Choir dues of $20.00 are payable on the first rehearsal each month (Scholarships are available).
For more information, contact Gail Vanderslik.
Dream Weavers is Restarting! Dream Weavers are crafters who use their gifts with knitting needles and crochet hooks to craft a variety of items, including prayer shawls, chemo caps, scarves, and hats for the homeless, and caps for premature babies.
We meet on the fourth Thursday of every month at 9:30 am in the second-floor conference room (Joe Kidd Hall).
All crafters are welcome who want to share their skills and make a difference in people's lives. We also welcome donations of yarn for our members to use. If you have a stash that needs a home, bring it to the church. We especially welcome small amounts that can be used in creative shawls and scarves.
Visit our Dream Weavers web page for information and lots of resources.