September 15, 2024 – Dirty Hands, Clean Hearts


Have you ever thought, “I’ll do it, but my heart isn’t in it”? When we go through the motions of a thing without any genuine motivation behind it, that’s genuine self-awareness. What if we are going through motions, unaware? Would you like to know? This Sunday’s message is “Dirty Hands and Clean Hearts”. After Pharisees take Jesus to task over his disciples eating with dirty hands, Jesus takes the Pharisees to task about religious traditions vs. the heart of Scripture. Jesus quotes Isaiah 29:13 regarding the problem of “religious performance”. What is at stake if we are practicing faith for appearance’s sake, rather than to find God’s purpose for our life? Might we stay busy, yet miss the heart of what God desires for us?

This week’s Order of Worship

Watch today’s worship recorded at Trinity UMC, Woodward
Watch today’s worship recorded at St. James UMC, Coburn
Watch today’s worship recorded at Sprucetown UMC, Spring Mills

Watch the pastor’s pre-recorded message at the bottom of the page.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: ** Indicates last minute change

SAVE THE DATE: October 29 – Our Charge Conference will be held starting at 6:30pm at Faith UMC, 107 Two Steeples Lane, Spring Mills. All are welcome to attend. Full members have voting privileges. Arrive early to look through the conferencing material. Additional information is available on the flyer on the church bulletin board or by asking Pastor Theresa.

September 16 – Trinity Trustees & Ad Board meeting 7pm

September 17 – Historic Paradise Church Cemetery Assn meeting 7pm at St. James

September 18 – PV Charge 3rd Quarter Staff Parish Relations Committee meeting 7pm at Trinity in Woodward. 2025 Pastoral compensation and charge conference forms will be discussed.

September 19 – Ladies Coffee & Conversation begins at 9:30am at St. James UMC, Coburn. Ladies from the valley are invited to chat and have a wonderful time. You do not have to belong to this or any church.

September 22 – Paradise Church Cemetery Sunday, learn why it was designated an historic landmark 50 years ago by the United Methodist Church; recognition of the Historical Paradise Church Cemetery Assn members and cemetery work day volunteers at St. James service. Invite any you know with a family connection to the location!

September 22 – “Hands to the Plow” District Conference at 3pm at Mt. Nittany UMC. Registration is required, click here to register. Full church members have full voting privileges. Learn more by clicking here.

September 25 – Homecoming Parade Soup Veggie Chopping – To volunteer, contact Paula Smith.

September 26 – St. James Homecoming Parade Soup Sale.  Volunteers, contact Paula Smith.

September 29 – Trinity Woodward Church Fall Hayride and Picnic, loading wagons at 3pm, bring a covered dish to share for the picnic at 5pm. (Raindate is the following Sunday)

October 3 – Ladies Coffee & Conversation for all ladies in the valley 9:30am at St. James in Coburn

October 6 – Homecoming & World Communion Sunday; Guest Speaker Pastor Michael Stine at Trinity and St. James, Pastor Jim Jacobs at Sprucetown with a roast turkey potluck lunch to follow. All are invited!

Scripture and pre-recorded message from the pastor’s office: