The mission of OFUMC is equipping Christian disciples
for ministries of worship, teaching, community building, and service.

Our mission statement leads us all to take seriously the call to be disciples of Christ and to carry the gospel message that God loves and cares for whomever comes seeking to be in a positive relationship with God.

All are welcome,
no matter what background or identity.

Gracious God,

How many times have we stubbornly refused to listen?
How many times have we shut you out, vainly pursuing pointless pursuits?

When possibilities flow at a low ebb,
your love is dependable still: restoring; renewing; refreshing.

Why think of us?
Why bother?
Why love at any cost, especially when it hurts?

You seem vulnerable, and yet strong ...

Inspired by Christ’s calling, the Thessalonians responded in faith, evidently leading to periods of great suffering.  Paul writes to believers there, highlighting the energetic nature of the Spirit revealed through their loving actions among the local community and beyond.  “The message about the Lord rang out from you…”

“From Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy. To the Thessalonians’ church that is in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace to all of you. We always thank God for all of you when we mention you constantly in our prayers. This is because we remember your work that comes from faith, your effort that comes from love, and your perseverance that comes from hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father. Brothers and sisters, you are loved by God, and we know that he has chosen you. We know this because our good news didn’t come to you just in speech but also with power and the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know as well as we do what kind of people we were when we were with you, which was for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord when you accepted the message that came from the Holy Spirit with joy in spite of great suffering. As a result you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The message about the Lord rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia but in every place. The news about your faithfulness to God has spread so that we don’t even need to mention it. People tell us about what sort of welcome we had from you and how you turned to God from idols. As a result, you are serving the living and true God, and you are waiting for his Son from heaven. His Son is Jesus, who is the one he raised from the dead and who is the one who will rescue us from the coming wrath.” (1 Thessalonians 1:1–10, CEB)


Pastor Rich Wagner

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October 18, 2020       Twentieth Sunday of Pentecost
 

Scripture Readings

Exodus 33:12–23
1 Thessalonians 1:1–10

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Olympia Fields United Methodist Church

20301 Western Avenue

Olympia Fields, IL 60461

708-481-5928

olyfldsumc@sbcglobal.net

ofumc.com