Mission giving for February
Jim Sorbie
A way for you to help others – Our Mission of the Month for February is. . .
BENZIE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT: Unpaid Lunch Debt Program
Your donation helps to pay off student school lunch debt in Benzie County. The fund affects about 1,000 kids who attend Benzie Central High School, Middle School, and Lake Ann Elementary.
Make your donation by check payable to:
Empire United Methodist Church [PO Box 261, Empire 49630]
with note: Benzie Central School District Unpaid Lunch Debt Program.
Thank you for your consideration.
– Pastor Melody
Monday, Feb. 15 @ 6:30 PM for an Administrative Board meeting
Jim Sorbie
Save the Date!
Monday, Feb. 15 @ 6:30 PM for an Administrative Board meeting –
Fellowship Hall (with masks, social distancing)
On the Agenda:
- Recommendation to Board: purchase of Laptop for office administrator
- MI Conference Grant – apply for ministry funds, volunteer to write grant
- Preparing congregation for General Conference outcome – decisions to make
- Preparing for in-person worship soon (maybe Feb) with masks, social distancing.
- OTHER BUSINESS
Thanks for your support
Sandy Mallory, chair
MERRY CHRISTMAS: Empire UMC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Jim Sorbie
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88144719847?pwd=K3hXRDkwd2lnOUZlMHczUklncmR6dz09
Meeting ID: 881 4471 9847
Passcode: 780069
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,88144719847#,,,,*780069# US (New York)
OR View our Christmas Eve Service on our webpage at:
Advent/Christmas Devotions
Jim Sorbie
Advent/Christmas Devotions for the Church Family
Attached is an Advent devotional that EUMC members created in 2005 and we’d like to share part of it again for this Christmas season. We re-printed the liturgy and prayers for each Sunday of Advent beginning Nov. 29, through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We hope you find it inspirational.

The Tradition: Advent wreaths are circular, representing God’s infinite love, and are usually made of evergreen branches, which “represent the hope of eternal life brought by Jesus Christ”. The candles on the Advent wreath symbolize hope, love, joy, and peace. … [Hope, Love and Peace are purple or royal blue, joy is pink; the Christ Candle in the center of the wreath is white]. Some traditions use a rose-colored candle on the Third Sunday of Advent to represent Mary’s Prayer (Luke 1:46b-55) and joy.
Enjoy!
The EUMC Worship Team
SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR HOLY WEEK
Jim Sorbie
PALM SUNDAY, April 5, 2020
Monday, April 6, 2020
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
HOLY THURSDAY, April 9, 2020
Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19
GOOD FRIDAY, April 10, 2020
EASTER SUNDAY, April 12, 2020
See Pastor Melody’s Sermon Online … Join our virtual service
Jim Sorbie
We’re pleased to present pastor melody’s sermon for this week on our “Sermon” page (under the “Worship” tab).
Click HERE to view This Weeks’ sermon
Due to public health concerns, Empire UMC is cancelling all March worship services
Jim Sorbie
It is with a heavy heart that the Empire UMC is cancelling Sunday Worship, Bible Study, Choir practice, the Coffee Connection, and all other events for the rest of the month of March as Bishop Bard has requested that no Michigan United Methodist Churches meet in person for worship, events, small groups, or otherwise, through the month of March. We all can still be the church together by keeping in touch by phone, emails, facebook etc.
As it stands right now, we are planning to resume worship services and activities April 5th. (we will keep you updated) We encourage you in supporting the church by continuing your tithing by mailing it to the church or contacting Roy Pentilla for on-line giving.
Our church office will continue to be open Mon., Wed., and Thurs. from 9am to 1pm. Please call us with questions. We care about you and we want to know how you are doing and we want to know if you may need any help during this time. Also please let us know if you hear of someone else who may need assistance (grocery shopping, meals, Dr appts. etc.).
Remember to wash your hands frequently (for 20 seconds), refrain from touching your face, stay away from crowds, see your doctor if you feel feverish, and no handshakes – a nod and a smile goes a long way!
Stay safe and well. I will be praying for all of you.
Pastor Melody
The Knowledge You Need to Win With Money … Learn at Empire UMC
Jim Sorbie
Take control of your money with Financial Peace University (FPU)! This nine-lesson course uses biblical wisdom and common sense to help you tackle budgeting, pay off debt, and make your money work for you! FPU includes your member workbook and a year of free online resources through Financial Peace Membership. Join an FPU group today!
Starts Sep 5 and meets on Thursdays @ 6:00PM
Contact Tom Petersen at 231-334-4091 for more info.
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