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Dear Suamico UMC congregation,
Before I arrived at Suamico church, I heard that there was tension among church members with regard to the old sanctuary building. From what I heard, some wanted to keep the old church building making the most use out of it. Some others wanted to tear it down because they felt that Suamico congregation couldn’t afford maintaining two church buildings. Fortunately, we have successfully built our new sanctuary and have been managing two church buildings. At the present moment, we can’t afford the cost of demolishing the old church building and youth group and the Boy Scouts occasionally make use of our old church building. It is my hope that we make the best use of our old sanctuary until it is obvious that we simply can’t afford maintaining it. We often sing the old hymn, “The church is not a building. The church is people.” A church building without people is an empty shell. Maintaining a happy and loving congregation is more important than dealing with the building itself. The mission statement of the United Methodist Church is “making people disciples of Jesus for the transformation of the world.” Different pastors may interpret the meaning of “disciples of Jesus” differently. I would like to interpret “disciples of Jesus” as “good people.” The world is fed up with religious people who are narrow-minded, dogmatic, judgmental, hateful and violent. The world is in short supply of good people who are humble, kind, wise and courageous. I want our church to produce good people for the good of our society. Let us be kind to one another! Your servant-leader, Pastor Jerry Cho  SUMC Spiritual Vitamins (8-11-2020)
“The naïve believes everything, But the prudent man considers his steps.” - Proverbs 14:15 Gullible people believe everything. They believe sweet talk of frauds, scammers, and con artists. Wise people don’t believe everything. They think, raise questions, and discern the truthfulness of what they hear. Things aren’t always what they seem. All that glitters is not gold. Today’s prayer: Dear Lord, give us wisdom to tell the difference between truth and lies in this confusing world. Amen. 1. Modest doubt is called the beacon of the wise. – William Shakespeare 2. I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do, because I notice it always coincides with their own desires. - Susan B. Anthony 3. You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time. – Abraham Lincoln  SUMC Spiritual Vitamins (8-10-2020)
“The house of the wicked will be destroyed, But the tent of the upright will flourish.” -Proverbs 14: 11 A young man went to a bookstore and asked a clerk, “Where can I find a book, “How To Get Rich Quick”? The clerk nonchalantly said, “You can find it right next to the book “How To Enjoy Prison Life.” Evil, dishonesty, and arrogance will lead us to destruction. Diligence, honesty, and humility will lead us to prosperity. We may fool people but we can never fool God. God’s mill grinds slow but sure. Today’s prayer: Dear Lord, we pray for a society where honest, hard-working, and humble people will enjoy success and prosperity. Help us to avoid the sins of lies, selfishness, and arrogance. Amen. 1. The sovereign cure for worry is prayer. – William James 2. Great men are like eagles, and build their nests on some lofty solitude. – Arthur Schopenhauer 3. Biblical orthodoxy without compassion is surely the ugliest thing in the world. – Francis Schaffer SUMC Spiritual Vitamins (8-7-2020)
“Whoever seeks to keep his life shall lose it, and whoever loses his life shall preserve it.” - Luke 17:33 Some say, “Nice guys finish last.” But Jesus says, “The meek will inherit the earth.” Some say, “To survive, we need to be selfish, greedy and hateful.” But Jesus teaches us that we need to be selfless, generous, and loving. The truth is that we live our best life when we are good to one another. Today’s prayer: Dear Lord, please save us from our greed, selfishness, and hatred. Help us to find a true life by sacrificing our lives for the good of fellow human beings. Amen. 1. Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves. -Confucius 2. Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong. -James Bryce 3. Look for what Jesus himself taught instead of being satisfied with what has been taught about him. – Geza Vermes  SUMC Spiritual Vitamins (8-5-2020)
“The tongue of the wise brings healing.” - Proverbs 12:18 There are so many lies, hurtful words, and empty words in our society. Let us use words that are wise, kind, and gentle. St. Paul said, “Speak the truth in love.” It would be wise for us to ask these three questions before we speak: Is it necessary? Is it truthful? Is it kind?” John Wayne said, “Talk low. Talk slow. And don’t talk too much.” Today’s prayer: Dear Lord, we repent that we have used angry, cold, and sharp words. Help our tongues to utter healing words to the wounded hearts around us. Amen. 1. Truth, like surgery, may hurt, but it cures. -Han Suyin 2. Every great advance in natural knowledge has involved the absolute rejection of authority. – Thomas Henry Huxley 3. Dogs don’t bite when a growl will do. – anonymous  SUMC Spiritual Vitamins (8-4-2020)
“My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart.” – Psalm 7:10 A Hebrew poet found peace of mind by putting his trust in God who saves those who are honest and trustworthy. I wouldn’t worship a God who would save people who are dishonest, selfish, and greedy. But I would worship a God who would save people who repent their dishonesty, selfishness, and greed. God brings arrogant people down but God raises humble people up. Today’s prayer: Dear Lord, we know that we are not perfect. And yet, you accept us as we are. Help us to grow in wisdom and in love. Amen 1. When I do good I feel good, when I do bad I feel bad, and that’s my religion. – Abraham Lincoln 2. The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide. – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 3. Keep your face to the sun and you cannot see a shadow. – Helen Keller |
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Suamico United Methodist Church
3266 Lakeview Drive P.O. Box 323 Suamico, WI 54173 920-434-1168 office@suamicoumc.org |
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