THE PLOWSHARES

November 2018
James 1:2-4
“Count it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you meet trials of various kinds, for
you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness
have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Count It All Joy
Try to place yourself in the shoes of a 1st century Christian. The average person
who survived childhood lived to around age 48. The early Christians faced
persecutions and trials and tribulations. They were cutoff from their families as they
accepted the truth of Jesus and rejected their pagan or Jewish heritage. They were the
pariahs of their communities not because they behaved badly but because of the truths
they lived and preached. Therefore, the early Christians focused their attention on
persevering through their struggles by expressing constant gratitude to God.
Despite their challenges they were able to remain grateful to God as they looked
back at their life and saw all that God had already done. It was possible as they looked
to the future and considered the hope they had in resurrection through Jesus Christ.
It was possible for them in the present as they recognized that they were called by God
for such a time as this. They also had a healthy understanding that life is hard but
hardships, with God’s help, can be used for good. Hardships can be a source of growth
and endurance. In effect, trials can perfect our faith as we learn to rely more and more
on God and less and less on ourselves.
In this season of our lives, what trials and tribulations and hardships do we need
to count as joy? We may not suffer as much as 1st century Christians, but we have our
own challenges: chronic pain as we age, drugs devastating our families, loss of loved
ones, financial challenges, cancer diagnosis, depression and anxiety. James doesn’t
challenge us to count some of those things as joy. He tells us to count it ALL joy.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change any of the challenges I’ve faced. I might change
how I dealt with those challenges, but those challenges and sufferings formed me into
the person I am today. What’s more challenging, however, is to be thankful in the
midst of the challenges. But this is the season of thanksgiving so search your heart
and strive to point your heart towards God in gratitude for all that he has done.
-Pastor Eric
 SUDLERSVILLE FOOD PANTRY
Community Food Drive
Sponsored by the Sudlersville Youth Group

We are collecting any of the following for Thanksgiving:

1, 10-15 lb. Turkey 2 Boxes of Stuffing
2 Jars/Cans of Turkey Gravy 1 Box Mashed Potato
2 Cans of Sweet Potatoes 2 Cans of Green Beans
1 Can of Cranberry Sauce 1 Pie – Apple or Pumpkin

Year Round the Food Pantry also needs:

Peanut Butter Jelly Canned Tuna Canned Soups
Canned Chili Beef Stew Canned Pasta Meals Pancake Mix
Rice Pasta Canned Fruits Canned Veggies

The pantry serves local families year-round.

In the winter months the participation increases dramatically.
This food drive is critical to supplying the food pantry for several months.
Any amount of these items or any food items are WELCOME!

Drop off time & place:

Saturday, November 17, 2018 from 10 AM until Noon
Calvary-Asbury UMC, 103 North Church Street, Sudlersville, MD

Cash donations will be gladly accepted. Make checks payable to “Sudlersville Food
Pantry” and mail to: PO Box 202, Sudlersville, MD 21668. All donations are tax
deductible.
 Calvary-Asbury Fall Supper
Friday, November 16, 2018
Eat In 4:00 pm-7:00 pm
Carry Out 3:00 pm-6:00 pm
Menu:
Ham, Chicken Salad, Parsley Potatoes, Green Beans, Turnips, Coleslaw,
Applesauce, Rolls & Desserts

Tickets can be purchased at the SUMC office from 9:00 am –1:00 pm Monday
through Thursday or by calling 410-438-3816
All Adult & Carry Out Tickets - $10.00
Eat In- Children Ages 5-12 $5.00 Children Under 5– Free

First Responder Sunday

Combined Worship Service & Luncheon
Sudlersville Fire House
10:30 am

Meat & Beverages Provided

Last Names Beginning with Letters A-K ~Please provide a side dish.
Last Names Beginning with Letters L-Z ~Please provide a dessert.

Shine Light on the Opioid Epidemic Worship

On November 17, 2018, from 9:00 am to noon, Rev. Dr. Barry Steiner Ball will lead
a free workshop to help churches be part of the solution in a huge problem facing
our communities. The workshop will be held at Orchard UMC, 39 E. Main St.,
Magnolia, DE.

We all know that the Opioid Epidemic continues to grow, even on the Delmarva
Peninsula. Most families in our churches have experienced overdose-related
deaths, either of family members or close friends. 2016 and 2017 saw a 105%
increase in opioid overdoses. A Maryland Behavioral Risk survey showed that 7.5%
of high school students have used heroin.

To Register: HTTPS://PENDELREG.BRTAPP.COM/SHINELIGHTONTHEOPIOIDEPIDEMIC
 SPLASH
The SPLASH group will meet at 7:00 pm on November 12, 2018. Kay Nickolson will
host the group.

4-H & Sunday School Help The Food Pantry

Blessings Baskets were prepared by the Sudlersville Superstars 4-H

group for larger families for the October Food Pantry.

Thank you Sudlersville Superstars 4-H!

Calvary-Asbury Sunday School got in on the SUMC Food Pantry sorting action!
Thank you Sunday School!!
 St. Paul’s Baptism
On October 14, 2018, St. Paul’s welcomed Claire Marie Cronshaw
in Holy Infant Baptism. Claire is the daughter of Josh and Abby Cronshaw.

Sarah Brown-Missionary Update

Sarah Brown who is a Sudlersville UMC supported missionary has a new update. This is the
section of her update where she talks about her praises and requests for prayer support.
If you would like to read her full update please contact the church office.

Praise
~Nathan and Olivia are at 61% of their budget and have the green light from Ethnos360 to move
out to Bakersfield!
~The website for our nonprofit is nearly finished and we will get to begin operating under that
company soon.
~I've been steadily learning the Punjabi language and culture and making improvements while
building great friendships.
Pray
~For wisdom as we plan for Nathan and Olivia to join us in Bakersfield. Since they are new they
will need to make friends to build inroads in the community.
~For a healthy delivery for Nathan and Olivia's daughter next month and a quick adjustment to
being a family of five.
~For Nathan and Olivia and I to all reach 100% of our monthly budgets.
~That we will figure out how to be a part of this nonprofit and successfully help the Punjabi
community in a practical way and show them the love of Christ as we prepare to be able to
present the Gospel one day.
~For us all to continue to trust God and rest in His goodness and grace.
 Sudlersville UMC

Pastor Eric Warner

EMAIL: pastoreric@sudlersvilleumc.org

PHONE: 937-681-1131

Church Office:
PO Box 202
103 North Church Street
Sudlersville, MD 21668
Office Phone: 410-438-3816

Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday 9:00 am– 1:00 pm
Email: office@sudlersvilleumc.org
Facebook.com/sudlersvilleumc
Website: www.sudlersvilleUMC.org

Sign up for Text Message Reminders:

For Calvary Asbury:

Text the message: @4cal
To the number: 81010

For St. Paul’s:

Text the message: @4stp
To the number: 81010