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Four keys to a hopeful future for the United Methodist Church: · Compelling worship; · Raising 2,000 gifted young clergy to reach their generation; · Starting 2,000 new faith communities; · Engaging in ministry to our communities and world.
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Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing food relief and financial support to communities throughout the United States. The program began in 1994 with 34 families in Monroe, Georgia (between Atlanta and Athens), and has grown to serve hundreds of thousands of families every month across 44 states. Angel Food Ministries crosses denominational lines and has spread the good news of the gospel of Christ through salvation tracts that are placed in each food order. In this area, the Manahawkin United Methodist Church is the host for this ministry. The food is “restaurant grade” meats, frozen vegetables, fruits, dairy products, etc. which we acquire through our involvement with only the best producers/vendors of high quality, “name brand” foods. Never “seconds” or “day old” type products are involved. Blessings by the box Angel Food is available in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $30 per unit. Each month's menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $60. Comparison shopping has been done across the country in various communities using a wide range of retail grocery stores and has resulted in the same food items costing from between $42 and $78. Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. The food is all the same high quality one could purchase at a grocery store. There are no second-hand items, no damaged or out-dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day-old breads and no produce that is almost too ripe. Also offered are specialty boxes such as steaks, chicken and pork. Many participants in this bonus program appreciate the expanded choices. Additionally, there is no limit to the number of units or bonus foods an individual can receive, and there are no applications to complete or qualifications to which participants must adhere. Angel Food Ministries also participates in the U.S. Food Stamp program, using the Off-Line Food Stamp Voucher system. It's both a Bargain and a Blessing!
Sample Menu: 4 lb. IQF Leg Quarters 4 oz. Beef Back Ribs 1 lb. 80/20 Lean Ground Beef 2 lb. Breaded Chicken Tenders 1.5 lb. Bone in Pork Chops (4 x 6oz.) 1 lb. Ground Turkey 18 oz. Stuffed Manicotti (Cheese) 12 oz. Smoked Sausage Betty Crocker Seasoned Potatoes 7 oz. Cheeseburger Dinner 16 oz. Green Beans 16 oz. Baby Carrots 2 lb. Onions 1 lb. Pinto Beans 1 lb. Rice 7 oz. Blueberry Muffin Mix 10 ct. Home-style Waffles Dessert Item |
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What is “Angel Food Ministries?”— Where in my area? |
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Marian and Gray Whetstone
Gray and I had a wonderful time spending your money on holiday missions. We delivered over 40 toys to the Stafford Police’s Toy Drive (remember our Christmas in July mission?). What an amazing set up they had. They took over a municipal court room and organized the toys on tables everywhere. We scouted the place out first and found out their needs and came back with bags of Barbie dolls, footballs, soccer balls, basketballs, game boards, etc. We purchased some really neat “stuff” with great sale prices and were able to spread the wealth. We also used some of the mission donations to purchase the “Gift of Warmth” clothing through |
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the Saint Francis Community Center’s Christmas tree tags. We took 12 tags and bought jeans, as requested, for the children. Through your donations to our scarves, mittens and hat tree we sent off 45 items to the Neighborhood Center in Camden and through our Card Tree we sent $170 to the Ronald McDonald House. The UMW also experienced the joys of mission as they purchased 13 pairs of boots for the Alaska Children Services (ACS) children. This was a joint effort with our church, and the Kynett and Manahawkin churches. I received the following message from Kelli Williams a Director at ACS: “The girls LOVE their new boots! They all got together to do the can-can to model them!” J As always thank you for your support!! |
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What’s happening with Missions?? |
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Flotsam and Jetsam |
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A church youth group in Arizona went to New Mexico to fix up homes for low-income Native-Americans. When they returned, one of the teenage boys spoke during a worship service. He told the congregation about the good the group had done, but he also told about a unique spiritual experience that he’d had. The group had held vespers outdoors each day as the sun set. One day as dusk approached, he noticed a dead bush that seemed to demand his attention. He was fascinated because the bush glowed as though it had a large glistening ruby in its branches. For him it was an epiphany, a unique memorable revelation of the presence of God. It was a spiritual event that burned deeply into his spirit. From a burning bush, God once summoned Moses to do his bidding. Like Moses, this boy experienced something special. His heart and mind were open to the call. Are we prepared to notice burning bushes along life’s way?
Words of Wisdom A society will be judged on how it treats those in the dawn of life, those in the twilight of life and those in the shadow of life.
The Declaration of Independence … gave liberty not alone to the people of this country, but hope to all the world, for all future time. Good manners make any person a pleasure to meet and to know. —Anonymous People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things. |
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A few ways of praying Put your hands together and make a bowl-like vessel of them. Ask God to fill your entire being with the Holy Spirit. Expect to feel a powerful presence within yourself. . Pray in “radar” mode. Recall how radar works? A radar transmitter sends out electronic waves. When the waves hit an object, such as a boat, a building or a vehicle, they bounce back and appear on a monitor. So, try praying by letting your mind/spirit send forth loving thoughts toward God and others. When you sense that there is a response within yourself, sit silently and enjoy what you feel. 3. As you travel in your car or go on a walk, look around to see what God may be trying to show you. A beggar, a handicapped person or children at play, for example. Send an arrow prayer toward God and say, “Heavenly Father, please let those people feel your presence and your power. And help me to do the loving thing toward them.” If you are walking in or near gardens or woods, look at the captivating beauty of flowers or trees or a flowing stream. Offer a prayer to God for the blessings of nature which lift up the human spirit. The more we appreciate the wonders of our fascinating world, the more we will sense the presence of God. 4. Spend time thinking about God’s purpose for you. What do you think God’s will for you is? Pray for empowerment and guidance in doing the will of God.
A prayer for spiritual growth When my spiritual vision is foggy, help me to find my way. When my understanding is incomplete, open my mind and increase my patience. When my indifference blocks my senses, touch my heart. When worry or fear raise their voices, speak to my faith. Let your Spirit permeate my longings as well as my living and my loving. Amen. —Peggy Ferrell,
Saint Theresa's Prayer
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There are no qualifications, minimums, income restrictions, or applications. Everyone is encouraged to participate. Some churches even encourage participants to apply the money they saved to help someone else in need. Orders and distribution are handled by church host sites. Orders are collected by the host sites during the first part of each month. These orders are then turned in to the Angel Food main office in Monroe, Georgia, on a predetermined date. Several days later, in the same month, the host site either picks up the food from Angel Food's 160,000 square feet warehouse to fill the orders on Distribution Day or, because this ministry is growing nationwide, food is delivered to the host site by a pre-arranged delivery mode. In most cases, as long as there is a truck headed in the direction of a community who wants this program and sees its ministry influence, there are no extra transportation costs. |
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Crossroads in Mission |
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Angel Food Ministry at Manahawkin United Methodist Church Address:116 Stafford Avenue Manahawkin, NJ 08050 Phone:609.597.7666 Fax: Contact:Kirsten Mosher
Do you want to pay $30 for a month’s worth of groceries? Angel Food Ministries (AFM) is a non-denominational organization started in 1994 as a small outreach ministry serving a rural Georgia community. Today AFM can be found in over 3,200 communities, 35 states and helps feed over 500,000 families a month. One food order is worth about $60-$80 retail costs only $30. Feed a family of 4 (two adults and two school age children) for about a week and a single person for about a month. All food is “restaurant grade”, high-quality food. No second-hand or out-dated food. |
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Great Deal! |
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Coming Up:
February—Souper Sunday March— One Great Hour Of Sharing April— International Heifer Month May— Methodist Homes June—”Undie” Sunday July—- Christmas in July— toys & games for tots August— TBA September—School supplies October— Atlantic City Rescue Mission November—Interfaith Health and Support Services December— Camp Scholarships January— Blanket Month On-going Collection of food and health supplies for the Long Beach Island and Ocean County |
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Prayers and Poems A prayer for humility Lord, I know that Jesus was humble and stooped to serve those in need, even washing his disciples’ feet. Please keep me from being so prideful and self-centered that I fail to be a humble servant of Christ. Pierce my spirit until I am deflated of all sinful pride and the desire for others to serve me instead of exercising loving service in Christ’s name. Amen.
Happy Country! James Wilson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, gave a 4th of July talk in Philadelphia in 1788. Selected portions of his speech follow:
“The commencement of our Government has been eminently glorious. … What an enrapturing prospect opens [before us]. … Lowing herds adorn our valleys. Bleating flocks spread o’er our hills. Verdant meadows, enameled pastures, yellow harvests, bending orchards, rise in rapid succession from east to west. PLENTY, with her copious horn, sits easy-smiling, and … enjoys and presides over the scenes. ... “The rivers, lakes and seas are crowded with ships. Their shores covered with cities. The cities are filled with inhabitants. The ARTS … appear in beautiful variety. … INDUSTRY beholds honest labors flourishing and secure. PEACE walks serene and unalarmed over all the unmolested regions, while LIBERTY, VIRTUE and RELIGION go hand in hand harmoniously protecting, enlivening and exalting all! HAPPY COUNTRY! MAY THY HAPPINESS BE PERPETUAL!” Researched and provided by James R. Heintze, American University, Washington, D.C. |
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The Newsletter ON LINE |
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Requests for Our Troops in Afghanistan
One of our church friends received a letter from her son stationed in Afghanistan with a request from his unit for coffee, sugar, creamer (powdered), snacks and drink mixes. A previous request included baby wipes and solar showers etc The American Legion is sending supplies and has requested (or cash to offset shipping which is $11.95 a box)? Here is the info for the American Legion: American Legion Auxiliary Post 493 420 Radio Road Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087 Person in charge: Denise Jackob, President
They are running a drive for the next mailing which will take place in soon. They desperately need funds to mail the packages to the servicemen & women in combat zones. It is $11.95 to mail 1 package. They just mailed approx 50 —55 packages at a total of $637. and change, leaving them nothing for the next mailing. Donations can be made in care of “Troops”, First United Methodist Church; or Kynett United Methodist Church. See address in HOME link. |
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Our Troops Need Us— Please Respond |
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Date: Fall 2011 |
