A Word From the Pastor
Dear Friends,
There is an old story that I first read in a book of meditations by Anthony de Mello entitled Taking Flight. Some of you may have read it, too. It is about an atheist who fell off a cliff. As he tumbled downward, he caught hold of a branch on a small tree. There he hung between heaven above and the rocks a thousand feet below, knowing he wasn't going to be able to hold on much longer.
It was then an idea came to him. "God!" he shouted with all his might. But there was no response. So, he shouted again. "God! If you exist, save me and I promise I shall believe in you and teach others to believe, too."
He hung there for a moment in complete silence. Then he almost let go of the branch in shock when he heard a Voice booming across the canyon. "That's what they all say when they are in trouble."
"No, God, no!" he shouted. "I'm not like the others. Why, I have already begun to believe! Now all you have to do is save me and I shall proclaim your name to the ends of the earth."
"Very well," said the Voice. "I shall save you. Let go of the branch."
"Let go the branch?" yelled the distraught man. "Do you think I'm crazy?"
As the man had yet to learn, sometimes the only way out of a dilemma is to let go and trust God. The problem, of course, is that it is far easier to continue holding onto the hurt, anger, fear, or confusion that often accompanies those unsettling moments in our lives. The problem, of course, is that none of those feelings solve anything! They simply serve to keep our emotions on "high alert."
And, yes, Jesus understands exactly how we feel when life seems to cave in on us. When the disciples learned that John the Baptist had been beheaded, they began to worry about their future. Do you remember how Jesus responded? "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
The disciples had a decision to make. Would they allow their worry and concerns to influence the ministry they were being called to? Or would they trust God's call on their lives and move forward in faith?
The decision was theirs to make. It is the same decision we must make, too.
See You in Church,
Rev. Kathleen
The Youth Activity Schedule
The Lowman youth meet each Sunday afternoon at 4:00 pm. All regular meetings include opening worship, a lesson, and games & refreshments. The schedule for January activities include:
Jan. 22: "I Have a Dream"
Jan. 29: Fun Day
See the complete schedule through April 30 here.
January is Lowman's Month!
Once again it's time for the Lowman congregation to collect food for Doorstep's food bank. We will pray for nice weather on Sundays! Items needed are:
January 1 - cereals (hot & cold)
January 8 - spaghetti, macaroni & cheese, beans
January 15 - canned fruits & vegetables
January 22 - peanut butter & jelly
January 29 - soup & crackers
Leave your groceries on the hallway tables and we'll take them to Doorstep at the end of the month. Any food you bring will be appreciated!
Disciple Bible Study
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD TESTAMENT, (An eight-week study beginning JANUARY 25, 2012, 7:30-8:30 pm. Reserve your book by calling the church office, 272-8921
Lowman United Methodist Women
The January schedule of events for the Lowman United Methodist Women is posted. Check it out here.
God & Politics: A Sermon Series
Please join us in our worship services as we explore the topic God and Politics. The following is the list of Scriptures and topics that we will discuss.
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Date
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Scripture
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Sermon
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January 8
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Romans 12:9-21 & Mark 12:28-34
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"The Greatest Commandment"
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January 15
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Genesis 4:1-16 & Matthew 20:1-16
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"On Being My Brother's Keeper"
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January 22
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Deut. 24:19-22 & Matt. 7:21-29
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"Share and Share Alike"
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If you miss any of these sermons on Sunday you can listen to them any time here on the website.
Teachers Needed
"I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord!" Psalm 122:1
Start the new year out by resolving to share your faith by teaching. Teaching children and youth at Lowman isn't hard because our groups are small. Our kids have great big hearts to share and smart, curious minds. We need adults to teach from 7:15 - 8:00 pm on Wednesdays and someone to lead between 2 - 5 students on Sunday mornings during Sunday School time. Our curriculum tells you what to say and do. You'll be amazed at how much your faith will grow when you study the stories of the Bible with children and youth.
Please call Lauri Wright (232-5267) to chat about how you can become involved in a teaching and leading ministry at Lowman.
Help Serve a Meal at Lowman
We need cooks, servers and dishwashers for the months of February and March. Dinner is served from 5:30-6:30 and on average we serve 40-50 people. Meals should be nutritious and simple. Click the "more..." button for details. Sign up in the office for a Wednesday of your choice. You will be reimbursed for your expenses. Thanks so much for serving our church in this important way! 
Welcome to Adventures in Learning at Shepherd's Center
Over 55? These could be the best years of your life - a time to learn new things, to experience new places, to meet new people. Our program is designed especially for YOU, to meet YOUR mental, physical, spiritual and social needs.
Shepherd's Center of Topeka offers four "Adventures in Learning" sessions per year in February, April, August and October. Lowman is one of the sponsoring congregations. We are hosted by the First Baptist Church which is at the corner of 30th & MacVicar. Enter through the double doors on the west side adjacent to the large parking lot.
Classes are held each Friday, beginning at 8:30 with a healthy gym walk and 30 minute exercise class, followed by two 50 minute classes at 9:10 and 10:40. Participants may choose from four different classes being offered in each time slot. Class choices are offered in health, religion, news & current events, people & places, community, the arts, library wisdom, and "back by popular demand." Our speakers are very knowledgeable and include college professors, physicians, clergy, business professionals, authors, artists, lawyers, and other devoted individuals.
At 11:30, a musical performance is given in the sanctuary and a lunch buffet is served from 12:15-1:00 pm, compliments of one of our community partners. The cost is $25.00 per session. So for $25, a person receives a fitness option, eight different classes of their choosing, four musical performances and four brunch buffets. Now that's a bargain! Call 267-0248 to register now for Winter 2012 sessions on February 3, 10, 17 and 24.
Guest Policy: First time guests may attend one Friday session for free. Please call the office, 267-0248, by the Tuesday before the Friday attending. If guests enjoy it and would like to come again that session, they must pay the $25 session fee. Since Shepherd's Center is a ministry, however, scholarships may be available for those with a financial need. Please visit with the SCT Director or the pastor of your church.
Lowman Ministry Teams Meeting Schedule
The Lowman Ministry Teams meet on the Second Sunday of each month except for April & May
when they will be on the third Sunday.
Do you have a recipe you'd like to share? See how to submit one for publication here on the website.
Recipes, Anyone?
These recipes from recent Lowman events were requested by several people. Why don't you try one or two at your next gathering?
