Claudine is sixteen years old and visually impaired. After losing her parents, she found a home with Mama Arlene Brown and Hope Made Real. She dreams of becoming a doctor. In this photo, Rev. Rebecca and her husband, Jeff, stand with mama Arlene Brown. Mama Arlene Brown is originally from Pennsylvania. She started an orphanage… Continue reading Altoona District UMC Churches Purchase Lifechanging Device for Visually Impaired Teenager in Africa
A prayer for personal devotions or for use in corporate worship. The trees have their autumn colors here in PA! Introduction and General Life Update: Happy Fall, Everyone! The leaves here in Pennsylvania are beautiful and there is a chill in the air. I love Fall-- and I especially love all things Pumpkin Spice. For… Continue reading A Prayer for the Changing of the Seasons
A prayer written in remembrance of the twentieth anniversary of the tragedy of September 11th.
After unexpected good news from a cornea specialist, I want to take time to give thanks to God for an unexpected healing. I believe in the power of every day miracles. Bible Verse: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin… Continue reading His Encouragement: Giving Thanks for Unexpected Healing
Please feel free to use this prayer in any way you find useful for your own worship planning or personal devotions.
If you're a pack rat like me, Christian Minimalism will give you a lot to think about. It is perfect for fellow pack rats, fans of Marie Kondo, or anyone who wants to free themselves from life's excesses so that they can focus on what is truly important.
I was the only one short enough to fit into the tiny crawl space. All the random items reminded me of the futility of storing up earthly treasures. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”… Continue reading Devotion: Spring Cleaning of the Heart (His Encouragement)
I thought my Christmas cactus was dead, but it bloomed unexpectedly. My Christmas cactus became an Easter cactus! Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.John 20:18, NIV I thought my cactus was dead-- but I was mistaken. Good… Continue reading What can a cactus teach us about the resurrection? The Christmas-Easter Cactus (His Encouragement)
A towel and some dirty water. These humble objects are the symbolic signs of what it means to serve Christ and love one another. --Mary Louise Bringle, Feasting on the Word, Year B Can you think of a time in your life when you were sick and needed someone to take care of you? Can… Continue reading Failure and Forgiveness: What Can Holy Thursday Teach Us?
Did you know that Mary Magdalene was one of the first people to preach about the resurrection? Her story inspires me. Scripture: Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her. John 20:18, NIVJohn 20:18, NIV Image shows a person… Continue reading Fun Facts About Women of the Bible (His Encouragement)
Rev. Rebecca Writes 