Dear Friends,
Last week I attended Bishop's Convocation along with other pastors in our Annual Conference. The theme of the retreat was Prayer. One of the guest speakers, Terry Teykl, with great humor, reminded us "Prayer invites the presence of God," and that we need to be "Presence-based churches." Too often the churches have focused on meeting people's tastes or needs to the point of neglecting the primary focus of the Church, on the worship of God. The Presence-based churches seek to focus on meeting and worshipping God through which people are transformed and empowered to serve God in the world. The key to entering the presence of God is prayer and worship. He shared a story after story of how prayer and worship impacted lives and churches.

As the body of Christ, the Church, we desperately need more of the presence of God. We can't do much good without it. My prayer is that we will seek more of God's presence not only one hour on Sunday but everday.

2005 ANNUAL REPORTS are due. All committees and ministries are asked to submit an annual report by 2/15/06. If you have already done so for the Charge Conference, please submit your most updated report.

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING: On Sunday, February 5th, our UMW Teen Circle will be challenging you to contribute to a nationwide effort to raise money for "Hope for the Future". You'll be invited to "vote" for your favorite team by putting a donation into the "soup pot" representing them. So, who will win the "Souper" Bowl? Seattle Seahawks or Pittsburgh Steelers? Please give generously, your donations are greatly appreciated. Campbell's soup will also be available for the Red Bird Mission.

VALENTINE'S DINNER: The UMM will once again host a dinner for men and their significant others. In addition, the widows of former members are invited to attend at no cost. The date will be Monday, February 13th at 7:00pm (snow date Feb. 20th) in Fellowship Hall. The cost is $5.00 for members (must have paid the $10.00 annual dues) and $10.00 for non-members. For tickets, please see Pete Campanella or Jeff James.

UMW will be holding their General Meeting on Tues. Feb. 14th at 7:00pm in Fellowship Hall. Program: "Pledge Card" Service - Mission Giving Ingathering of Pledge Cards. All women and teens are invited. Gold Circle will be our hosts.

BOYS' CHRYSALIS WEEKEND: for grades 10-12 is Feb. 18-20 at the Hicksville UMC. Experience the grace and love of our Lord in a new way. You'll meet new friends, learn new songs and share a weekend with other youth. Applications are available in the So. Transcept. Further info. please see Pat DiMassi or Shanna Wurth.

KIDDIE CORNER VOLUNTEERS: are needed for 2006. This is a perfect opportunity for a single person or family to get to know the young people of our church. Volunteers are assigned a Sunday every two months. You don't have to set up or bring anything - just be willing to serve and clean up after the Church service. Please contact Denise Andrews or the Church Office if you are interested in this ministry.

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC POSITION AVAILABLE: Farmingdale UMC seeks part-time Director of Music. Skilled, creative organist and pianist to direct and accompany two adult choirs, a youth choir and bell choir and to play at Sunday worship service and other special services. Salary range $15K-$22K. Additional income from weddings and funerals is possible. Position open March 1, 2006. Please send resume to Music Search Committee at farmumc@earthlink.net or to 407 Main Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735.

J.C. CAFÉ : Join us on Saturday, March 4th at 7:00pm in Fellowship Hall for an evening of fellowship and contemporary Christian music featuring Joe Guadagno and Paul Paoli. Suggested donation is $5.00, which includes coffee and desserts. See Harry Schwartz for tickets at Coffee Hour.

ADVENT COIN FOLDERS: : If you have not yet returned your coin folders, please either bring them to Church and put in the offering plate or drop them at the Church Office. Envelopes are available at the Welcome Center. Thank you.

ALTAR FLOWER REQUESTS: If you wish to place flowers on the Altar in memory of a loved one, or in honor of someone or a special time in your life, there are flower request forms available in the South Transcept. Next available dates are: 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26.

THE LIVING TREE is a wonderful way to permanently record special moments in your life: Anniversaries, Baptism, Weddings, Confirmation, the passing of a loved one or any other personal or family event. A leaf on the tree is $250 and a rock is $3,000. Brochures are available in the South Transcept by the tree.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! to Mabel Greenidge on the celebration of her 101st birthday on February 4th.

IN NEED OF PRAYERS THIS WEEK: : Hurricane victims and earthquake victims, Helen Harvison, Rev. John Dass, Peggy Lopez, Emily Brown, Kylie Abbinanti, Tom Maldonado, Barbara Simpson, Jayant Singh, Russell Schwartz, Nicole Wurth, Laura Ohler, and our troops in harm's way.
*If you know of someone in the hospital, or someone who wishes a pastoral visit, please call the Church Office.