“A Christian”

I read this story many years ago and the truths that it points out are as valid today as they were back then. Therefore I am sharing this with you.

“A Christian”

Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston, Texas. Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, ‘You’d better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.’ Then he thought, ‘Oh, forget it, it’s only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a ‘gift from God’ and keep quiet.’

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, ‘Here, you gave me too much change.’ The driver, with a smile, replied, ‘Aren’t you the new preacher in town?’ ‘Yes’ he replied. ‘Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I’ll see you at church on Sunday.’

When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, ‘Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter.’

Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians, and will put us to the test! Always be on guard — and remember — You carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself ‘Christian.’

Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny…

-Author Unknown-

Grace & Peace, Pastor Bob

Finance information:

We are once again meeting for Worship but the church is strongly recommending that you still mail your donations into the church due to the Covid19 virus restrictions there will be no offertory during worship but we will dedicate your gifts to God. If you bring your offering into church with you, the usher will direct you to the offering basket.
   * Monday’s of every week we will collect, record and deposit any pledges, Donations and Loose Funds.                 Please mail to the church at: 1st UMC of Chenango Bridge, PO Box 501, Chenango Bridge, 13745.
    * Bank Accounts and Expenses will be reviewed weekly to ensure Bills are paid in a timely manner.
    * Any financial questions should be directed to David Lewis at 607.727.0250.
    * Search for any potential financial opportunities that will provide additional income to meet the continue          operation expenses through this unknown period.
God Bless & Stay Safe, FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, CHENANGO BRIDGE-CHURCH COUNCIL   

Small Groups

Pastor’s Study & Prayer Group: Sunday mornings 11:30 AM (Online Only). Everyone is welcome to join. Questions contact Pastor Bob (910) 260-0551 or 648-4326 or rclark@nccumc.org. 

Ladies Monday Night Book Study (In-Person & Online): Monday evenings 6:15—8:15 PM, Room B6 (Christian Education Room). All ladies are welcome! Contact Karen at 845-729-0857 or karen.m.mackenzie13@gmail.com for password for Zoom online study or join them in-person (see Covid19 instructions or contact Karen for more information.)

Note: If you need further information, please contact the church office at chenbridgeumc@outlook.com or 607-648-4339.

Mission Update- “Good Deeds with Good News.”

With the changed environment in 2020, we have had a change in how we are delivering Missions to our local community.  Thank you to ALL who have supported the Missions- both your prayers and with your gifts.  

October Mission! 

For the month of October, the Church will be supporting the Red Bird Mission. Red Bird Mission is for support for rural Kentucky ministries in the Appalachian Mountains region since 1921. There are 2 options to support this worthwhile cause:

1. They are accepting the traditional shoeboxes.  The items should be placed in clear plastic shoebox sized storage containers with lids, Please do not wrap the boxes, mark adult or child, male or female.   

-Items needed for the adult shoe boxes include a comb/brush, shampoo, hand lotion, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, Chapstick, full-size bar of bath soap, washcloth, disposable razors, shaving cream, nail care supplies, mittens, scarf, hat, socks, and work gloves.

-Items for the children’s shoe boxes include two or three small toys, two or three school items, bar soap, children’s toothbrush, children’s toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, washcloth, comb/brush, Chapstick, mittens, hat, socks, and small flashlight. 

2. During this time of COVID-19, if you chose not to shop, we are very supportive. You may make a nominal donation. (Checks to the FUMC- Chenango Bridge that state “Red Bird Mission” in the memo line.) The donations will be compiled, and new bedding will be purchased for transport to KY.  

November1st is the deadline. If someone needs a socially distanced pick up, they can call Karen MacKenzie: 845-729-0857. If you are dropping off items to the church put them in the choir room (B37). Thank you.

Fundraiser for Chenango Bridge Methodist: Barnes & Noble will be partnering with us again this year for a fund raiser. November 10-14, if you shop on line or in person at Barnes & Noble (link for online shoppers: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/, your Sales will go toward a percent for the church.  Time to start your Christmas shopping!! 

November Mission

Once again will be helping the needy for thanksgiving with our Thanksgiving bags. Below is the information for the Thanksgiving bags. Thanksgiving Baskets and Money is due to the church office by November 15, 2020. If you would like a socially distanced pick up, please call Karen at 845-729-0857.  If you will be donating Money please use the slip below or mark your check in the memo line that the donation is for the Thanksgiving bags.

If you will be dropping off your donations in-person please put them in the choir room (B37). Thank you for your help & support with all of our missions!!

Items for Thanksgiving Bags: 1 box of Instant Potatoes ___; 1 box/bag stuffing mix ___;  1 can/pkg. Gravy ___; 2 cans Vegetables ___; 1 can Cranberry sauce ___; 1 mix/pkg Pie Crust non-perishable ___; 1 can Pumpkin or Apple Pie Filling. ___; 1 Hot chocolate or powdered milk ___; 1 can/bottle of Juice ___. NO GLASS CONTAINERS. ALL ITEMS MUST BE NON-PERISHABLE. Feeds 4 to 6. Due By November 15, 2020

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Thanksgiving Bag Gift Card

Use this slip to let the office know this money is for the Thanksgiving Basket drive. Gift cards are in multiples of ten only. Place in offering during service or mail into the church office: Chenango Bridge UMC, PO Box 501, Chenango Bridge, NY 13745.

Name__________________________________________ Amount __________________

Please mark your check memo as Thanksgiving Baskets. Due By November 15, 2020

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We have resumed Food Collection for the 4th Sunday of the Month for CHOW. Please call Karen MacKenzie to register for food pick up. We will be collecting food the 4th Sunday of the month from 8-10am. Please leave on the front porch and we will pick up. There will also be a collection bin as you enter Fellowship Hall as well. Thank you! Continue reading →