World Communion Sunday - 2010

World Communion
Celebrated the first Sunday in October -- is one of the most venerable of "Special Sundays." The day has taken on new relevancy and depth of meaning in a world where globalization often has undermined peace and justice -- and in a time when fear divides the peoples of God's earth. On this day we celebrate our oneness in Christ, the Prince of Peace, in the midst of the world we are called to serve -- a world ever more in need of peacemaking.

October 3, 2010: World Communion Sunday is a time to be in communion with Christians all over the world and to enable us to "press on toward the goal" of serving God in life-changing ministries.

To Partaking Of The Feast -

●The Bread
Floaves represent the four corners of the world; five: the inhabited continents; six: all the continents; seven: the days of creation; ten: the Hebrew Ten Commandments; twelve: the disciples.

●The Fruits
Fruits is celebrated to acknowledge the early crops as a peace offering, offerings was to be eaten by the worshiper. The scriptural notices of these are to be found in Le 20,23:40a; Nu 13:20b; Deu 1:25 etc. establishes communion between God and man."

1st United Methodist Church College Station
1125 Wellborn Road College Station TX 77840
Phone 979.690.8415
http://1stcollegestation.org/

Q & A : What Is All Saints’ Day?

What is All Saints' Day about? Those of us who are Protestant can sometimes get stuck in the assumption that the "saints" are all ancient Catholics, wearing haloes, beatific smiles, and the blood of martyrdom. It can be hard to remember the line of reasoning that makes any old bunch of Protestants into saints. Even before they're dead. Even if they're not particularly poor, chaste, or obedient. Even if their theological constructs are wobbly, they don't tithe, and they badmouth the contemporary service.

Gertrud Mueller Nelson explains it this way: "All Saints Day is the celebration of those who have contributed successfully to the creation of the kingdom. The saints were not perfect, but they were whole, holy, and they were certainly human. They lived their unique fate with creativity and participated in the evolution of human consciousness" (To Dance with God, by Gertrud Mueller Nelson [Paulist Press, 1987], 223).

That opens things up! Saints are just people who are trying to listen to God's word and live God's call. This is "the communion of saints" that we speak of in the Apostle's Creed -- that fellowship of believers that reaches beyond time and place, even beyond death. Remembering the saints who have helped extend and enliven God's kingdom is what All Saints Day is about. http://www.upperroom.org/

Remembrance Prayer

Leader: We remember the saints who have gone home this past year.

People: We give thanks for the lives who have blessed ours. May their lights continue to shine in our hearts, even after their passing. Amen.

Leader: As a congregation, let us express our support of those who mourn for their loved ones.

People: Sit on the mourner's bench as long as you need to weep. We, your friends and family in Christ, commit to sit with you, to remember with you, and to wipe away your tears. Pour out your Spirit, Lord, on your people so that we may all feel your peace. In Jesus' name, Amen. www.gbod.org

Altar Call Chant: Hear our prayer, O Lord, incline thine ear to us and grant us thy peace. Amen.

Community health and safety fair raises awareness, offers services

Health care. For many people, especially college students or parents of low-income households, there are no two words more feared or despised. But for those without the resources to get tested or receive expensive care, health fairs are excellent venues of information and free services.

Christ United Methodist Church put on a Community Health and Safety Fair in south College Station, Saturday. Christ Church partnered with Millican United Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church, the Texas A&M University Health Science Center, the College Station Medical Center, College Station Fire Department and A&M Consolidated High School in offering the community-wide event.

"Our purpose is to raise awareness about the resources available [for improved health]," said Reverend Tommy Myrick, pastor of Christ United Methodist Church and a coordinator for the event.

A variety of organizations set up booths for the fair. The American Red Cross had a representative available to answer questions about donating blood and organizing blood drives, while several personal fitness groups, such as Innovative Fitness, marketed their programs. A catering service called D'Vine Cuisine LLC offered healthy catering options.

"We are also offering free flu shots," Myrick said. Participants who visited at least 10 booths could take their signed card to the back and receive the shot.

Members of A&M Consolidated High School's after-school club, Health Occupations Students of America, also had a set-up at the fair. The students took blood pressure and measured height and weight. They even calculated your height-to-weight ratio for you, which measured whether you were at risk for weight-related diseases.

"Most of us [students] hope to go into health or the medical field someday or just enjoy medicine," said Mona Reddy, one of the student members of Health Occupations Students of America. "We are trained in the basics and [as volunteers] help out and get practice using our skills."

The College Station Medical Center, also known as The MED, was represented at the health fair. Joe Brown, director of marketing for the MED, answered questions and directed attendees to the center's body mass index and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease screening stations.

Brown discussed the center's role in the fair and what they do to improve health in the community.

"We do a lot of marketing, through ads and commercials and things like that, but nothing beats one-on-one interaction. [The health fair] is an opportunity to meet with people face-to-face, to answer their questions and get feedback [on the MED's health programs]," Brown said. "We also offer screenings as a preventative health practice. Some people come in not even aware that they have health problems, but after they get screened, they're informed about the condition and know how to prevent it if they're at risk or treat it if they have one."

The College Station Fire Department had several vehicles on-site for demonstrations. A passenger-restraint display was also set up to encourage child-passenger safety practices and warn about the consequences of not wearing seat belts.

"Our desire is to improve community health and safety," Myrick said.

By Tim Bardin
The Battalion

A Prayer for the Leaders of the Nations

O God our heavenly Father,
whose love sets no boundaries
and whose strength is in service;
grant to the leaders of the nations
wisdom, courage and insight at this time of darkness and fear.

Give to all who exercise authority
determination to defend the principles of freedom, love and tolerance,
strength to protect and safeguard the innocent
and clarity of vision to guide the world into the paths of justice and peace.
This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Praise Party October 2nd 2010

The praise party held on October 2nd was truly a blessing. This praise party was for everyone to lift up the name of Jesus through praise, worship and dances. We would like to give a special thank you to Christ Holy Praise Dancers, Voices of Praise of TAMU, First United Methodist Youth Choir, Brandon Collins, Mrs. Barbara Riggins, Jerry Sims, PSP as well as all of the family and friends who attended this praise party. We had a chance to experience the presence of God, which was an awesome experience. PSP would like to thank each of you for all of your prayers and support.