October 19th, 2016

Advice for a Difficult Election

I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them
1. To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy
2. To speak no evil of the person they voted against, and
3. To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side.
- John Wesley, founder of Methodism, from his journal on October 6, 1774

It is no secret that this year's election campaign is one of the most divisive and ugliest in recent memory if not in our lifetimes. With so many accusations flying in every direction and a fixation on things other than the issues we face, it would be easy for us to join in rhetoric or to simply give up and hope for the best in another four years. In such a time as this, it is helpful to remember the words that John Wesley recorded in his journal on an October day 242 years ago of his advice to those preparing for election day. These words may be more relevant to the Methodists of our day than they were to those he originally spoke them to. Wesley first advised that we vote according to our conscience for the one we judge most worthy of the office they seek. That part perhaps is not too challenging but the next two bits of advice may seem downright impossible for us today. Wesley further charges us to speak no evil of the ones we do not support and to be careful not to treat those who vote differently unkindly. For Wesley, this is as much about how we treat others as it is about what anger and hatred we allow to take refuge in our souls. If we succumb to the temptation to speak evil of those we do not support or to see those we disagree with in a negative light simply because of who they support, then we do harm not only to them but to ourselves. We become less the children of God (and brothers and sisters in Christ) that we are called to be. May we guard our hearts, our tongues, and our souls in the midst of all the animosity that surrounds us that on November 9th we may still be brothers and sisters with all those who follow Christ no matter what happens.

Blessings on the journey, Jim

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Walking with God

Having faith in Jesus is what distinguishes us as Christians. But what does having faith mean? How are our lives different if we have faith? What do we do differently? Join us this Sunday as we "Walk with God!"

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Living in Community

Congratulations to Angela on her baptism! Welcome to the family of God!

Thank you to Linda, the praise band, and our talented musicians who made
our Music Ministry Sunday a wonderful worship experience!

This Week at Port Church

Wednesday, October 19
9:30 - 2:00 - Office Hours
6:00 pm - Wednesday at the Port
​Menu includes spiral ham and potato casserole!
7:30 - Choir Practice

Thursday, October 20
10 am - Sunshine Seniors

​Sunday, October 23
9:30 am - Worship - "Walking with God"
Please return your pledge form for blessing as a part of our service
11:00 am - Sunday School
2:00 pm - Football at Town Park
​6:00 pm - Charge Conference

Looking Ahead

Fill the Field (Homelessness Awareness Youth Event) - November 5
Operation Christmas Child Packing Party - November 6
Chick-fil-A Spirit Week - November 7-11
MORE Worship led by PRUMC Youth - November 13
Drive-thru Nativity - December 9 & 10
Christmas Musical Program - December 18