|
“Running the Race to Victory”
In January, the Houston Marathon is an annual event. Sometimes the weather is bitter cold, or rainy but this year it was beautiful. The 26.2 mile course is laid out around the area where we live. We can hear the helicopters flying over our house two hours after the race has started as the frontrunners are passing within two blocks of our house. The frontrunners get a lot of attention and press. But what warms my heart is to watch the runners coming two hours later with 17 miles behind them and with a look of determination to finish the race. They aren’t the fastest, sleekest, or big money or title winners. But they are winners because they entered the race and are determined to finish the goals they set for themselves, to press on to the finish line. All along the 26.2 mile course, there are crowds of people standing on the sidelines cheering the runners. People call out the runner’s names written on their T-shirts, some hand them water, some applaud, but all the spectators are wanting to do their part to help them finish their race.
We, too, are in a race! Paul says it best in Philippians 3:13-14 “I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us.
In Celebration, we believe in you! We are cheering you on to be all God created you to be. We know you will finish your race in victory! Jesus loves you and so do we. He has a plan for your life, a race for you to run. Go Girl!
Celebrating Him,
Judy
jaghouston@aol.comWith Special thanks to CELEBRATION….
Something that seemed impossible is happening in La Porte, thanks to Celebration and their donation of Beth Moore Bible studies to the Methodist Conference Library.
A non-denominational women's Bible study in La Porte rotates meetings among several churches in town. It is our turn, La Porte FUMC, to host the study.
I was approached to lead/facilitate a Beth Moore Bible study, "Beloved Disciple" for this group. Later I was told we would have to select something else, they couldn't locate the materials for the study. This group doesn't have funds to purchase materials. They borrow from the local Episcopal church, which didn't have this particular study. A search was made of Episcopal churches within a large radius and the materials for the “Beloved Disciple” were not available for our use.
God is good!!! My Celebration newsletter arrived just a couple of days earlier, the one with the picture and article about the Celebration donation. And, Beloved Disciple was one of them!! Well, I called Ann at the Conference Library, and we picked up the study materials. Yesterday, Feb. 11, was the first class. The members asked me to express their heartfelt gratitude to Celebration for providing the study. We had 35 women and 2 men register and I've received calls from several who will join us next week. Also, we are sharing these materials with the Episcopal women who are conducting a night time study also.
In His love and service,
Roberta Martin
Thank you, Roberta for this wonderful testimony !
These tapes are in the Conference Library for your use – contact the audio/visual library at 713-521-9383 to borrow these materials.
|
UPCOMING EVENTS: |
June 1, 2004
Kick Off Your Summer With Our
2004 “Celebration Island” Getaway Luncheon!
When was the last time you felt the beckoning of some far away island and wished you could be there listening to the waves rolling in, relaxing and enjoying yourself with friends in a tropical paradise? If this kind of getaway sounds intriguing to you, then make plans to attend our “Celebration Island Luncheon” set for 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 1, 2004!
This year’s event, which is held yearly during Annual Conference, offers delegates and attendees of the conference an opportunity to take a break from the meetings and refresh themselves in the Lord with a great lunch, praise/worship and a time of true celebration! Of course, all ladies in our area chapters are encouraged to come share with the newcomers the flavor and excitement of what Celebration women’s ministry is all about.
This year’s “Celebration Island” event will be held at Massey Tucker Fellowship Hall located at Grace Presbyterian Church, 10221 Ella Lee, conveniently located 1.1 miles from 1st UMC West Campus at the northeast corner of Westheimer and Beltway 8.
Hurry and pack your bags now, as tickets and reservations for the luncheon must be made by May 21st. The cost is only $15, and to order your luncheon tickets, please send checks made payable to “Celebration” to: Cathy Busa, 13302 Nevermore, Cypress, Texas 77429. For further details regarding joining us on “Celebration Island, “ contact Cathy via e-mail, cmbusa@ev1.net or by phone evenings, 281.890.2466 (and don’t forget the sunscreen!!).