ashfordumc.org

Pastor David mentioned a poem called IF by Rudyard Kipling during last Sunday's service.

IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you'd like to read the entire poem or listen to it, visit Valerie's website: Reely's Poetry Pages

Worship Services are generally held at 8:30 a.m. and at 11:00 a.m. every Sunday. Communion is generally celebrated on the first Sunday of each month.

Our 8:30 a.m. service is a contemplative service that is evolving. During Lent 2008, we have celebrated communion every Sunday. We have also been blessed with special readings of the Psalms by Adult Discipleship leader, Cindy Serio.

Our 11:00 a.m. service sometimes will include special events, such as a presentation from the Zion Dancers or the Children's Choir, or feature a soloist from our choir.

The Children's Sermon is a regular feature of the 11:00 a.m. service.

How powerful is prayer?

The power of prayer should not be underestimated. James 5:16-18 declares, "…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops." God most definitely listens to prayers, answers prayers, and moves in response to prayers.

Jesus taught, "…I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20). 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 tells us, "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." The Bible urges us, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18).

Psalm 19, verse 1 reminds us,

"The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

Keep this verse in mind as you view the recent gift from the Earl Montgomery family, as you will see a church steeple on Ashford’s sanctuary silhouetted against the backdrop of the beautiful west Houston sky. Because of the generosity of Stella Montgomery and her family, as well as the tireless efforts of Larry Thyssen, David Miller and Jim Keesling, we will all enjoy this beautiful addition to our church.