Family Promise of the Palouse
Moscow First United Methodist Church opens its doors to provide shelter to homeless families in our community. Read more...
Worship Service begins at 10:30 AM
Third & Adams Street, PO Box 9774, Moscow, Idaho USA | (208) 882-3715
Welcome To Our Church!
Moscow First United Methodist Church is a wonderful church community. It is known for the sound of choirs and congregants raising their voices in praise to God, with bells ringing and the historic clock chiming the hours. During the COVID-19 pandemic we have worked hard to move our ministries online so that we can connect with folks near and far. Online worship is available through Facebook livestream at www.facebook.com/Moscowfirstumc We also offer Sunday school, virtual coffee hour, and Thursday morning prayer through various formats. We know that living through a pandemic is nothing any of us thought we would need to consider. We also know that it is emotionally and spiritually challenging. We believe our faith and community can help sustain us in these uncertain times. Wherever you are, we hope you know God loves you and cares about your life. We also hope that you will explore and connect with us virtually until we are safely able to meet again in person.
Debbie Sperry, Pastor
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Pastor Debbie's E-Spire - April 1, 2020
- Details
- Created: Thursday, 04 September 2014 09:00
Last night, Rick and I were talking about going to bed early. Joking back Ruth told us we weren’t allowed. We didn’t need sleep. I immediately pushed back and said, “Rest is our first defense. Our bodies do most of their restorative work while we’re sleeping.” (reference)
Rest is essential to our well-being--physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And yet, it's ironic, in this season, how many of us are working over-time to learn new technology, modify our routines, revamp all our "norms", and even educate our kids.
For many our stress is high, and rest is elusive. Which only makes it that much more necessary. Our bodies, minds, and spirits need time and space to rest and be restored. For some of us that may actually mean sleep, for others of us that might be more active sabbath practices.
What have you done this week that has fed your soul? Nourished your being? Helped you feel whole?
I know the demands are high. They are for me too. My body feels like it's on high alert and my mind is always spinning trying to riddle out the newest issue or change. And...my sabbath practices of the past tell me just how necessary it is to rest.
The other day it was like my body and brain were protesting my constant busyness. They just stopped. I could do basic things, but not much beyond that. I was completely exhausted and I couldn't force my brain to do more. So I rested. I knew I needed it, but before that, I couldn't slow things down enough for it to happen. Then as I rested my body begged for more, but this time, the restorative kind...the life-giving, soul-tending rest (which for me often means creating...some form of art, or cooking, or creating).
Like you, I'm trying to find a new schedule that works for all the demands and trying to organize what needs to be organized. I'm trying to be intentional (now) to make sure I schedule in rest--enough that my mind will actually slow down and let me truly rest.
I hope and pray you can do the same. From all I've read, it looks like we're in this for the long haul, so let's pace ourselves.
“This is the time to be slow,
Lie low to the wall
Until the bitter weather passes.
Try, as best you can, not to let
The wire brush of doubt
Scrape from your heart
All sense of yourself
And your hesitant light.
If you remain generous,
Time will come good;
And you will find your feet
Again on fresh pastures of promise,
Where the air will be kind
And blushed with blessing.”
John O’Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings
In Christ
Pastor Debbie
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Sunday morning parking at the church is available in the high school parking lot on Third Street across from the church and in the city lots west of the church. These lots are available only on Sunday mornings. A small lot for handicapped parking is available just off of Adams Street on the north side of the church, with an accessible entrance directly into the sanctuary. A lift operates between the Fellowship Hall (3rd Street level) and the Sanctuary. William Sound System Receivers and Headsets are available to assist with hearing problems.
322 East Third Street
Moscow, ID 83843
Church Mission
The First United Methodist Church of Moscow, Idaho takes as our mission to be the body of Jesus Christ, ministering to a community which draws strength from its diversity. Our mission centers on the worship of God, expressed through varied forms of prayer, preaching, music, and ritual. See more...