SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4TH - THE SECOND ADVENT

"The Baptizer Comes"

"Watch closely: I'm sending my preacher ahead of you; He'll make the road smooth for you. Thunder in the desert! Prepare for God's arrival! Make the road smooth and straight!

John the Baptizer appeared in the wild, preaching a baptism of life-change that leads to forgiveness of sins."

Mark 1:2-4

SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT

DECEMBER 4, 2011

"A SUNDAY TO HONOR PEACE"

AND JOHN WHO PREPARED THE WAY

FOR

"THE PRINCE OF PEACE"

PEACE FROM THE PRINCE OF PEACE
JESUS SAID

Joh 14:27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

AND PAUL ADDED in Philippians 4:7-9

Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Php 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

I. PEACE WITH ONE ANOTHER

Paul tells us that we need to be considerate about & at peace with one another.
But that’s not the attitude of a lot of people today. They’re convinced that if you don’t gripe & complain & argue & fight for everything you want in life, you’ll never get it.

II. PEACE WITHIN

Paul also talks about peace within.

"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer & petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts & your minds in Christ Jesus."

III. PEACE WITH GOD

Finally, Paul mentions peace with God.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH - FIRST ADENT

ST PAUL’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

AND

UNION UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Centre Square

10:30 am St Paul’s - Bridgeport

 OUR Vision is to make disciples for Jesus by proclaiming the Good News of God’s Grace and thus seeking the fulfillment of God’s reign and realm in the world

                             THOSE SERVING IN MINISTRY TODAY

The faithful congregations of Union and St. Paul’s UMCs.

Acolytes and Worship Assistants at Union UMC

THE MISERO FAMILY

Lay Reader at St Paul’s UMC

                                              PAM CRINITE

 OUR HOPE

"If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied. But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep."

I Corinthians 15:10-20 (NASV)

SPECIAL SPEAKER -

FORMER PASTOR DIANE SMITH

FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

November 27, 2011

"A SUNDAY FOR HOPE"

                                 "WE REMEMBER THE PROPHETS OF OLD"

Welcome to the faith communities of

St Paul United Methodist Church of Bridgeport and

Union United Methodist Church of Centre Square

New Jersey

Reverend G. Mel Dunn - Pastor

Keyboards (Union)- Carolyn Baker

                                           Keyboards (St Paul’s)- Matt Dunn

(Painting "Winter Snows" by Zelda Henderson Dunn)

FRIENDSHIP SUNDAY - AUGUST 7, 2011

COME ON TO CHURCH SUNDAY AND "BRING A FRIEND!".  WORSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER AND COMMUNE TOGETHER"

Pastor Mel

"Come Ahead!"

"He said, "Come ahead."

Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, "Master, save me!"
Matthew 14:29-39
(The Message)

"Eighth Sunday After Pentecost"

August 7, 2011

"Communion Sunday"

"Friendship Sunday"

Welcome to the faith communities of

St Paul United Methodist Church of Bridgeport and

Union United Methodist Church of Centre Square

New Jersey

Reverend G. Mel Dunn - Pastor

Pianist/Organist (Union) - Carolyn Baker
Pianist (St. Paul’s) - Michael Crinite

SUNDAY, JULY 31ST - JOY AND SHARING

COME JOIN US THIS SUNDAY

NO SERMON

ONLY

SINGING, WORSHIPING

AND

SHARING

"SING"

‘Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Eph 5:18-20

"Seventh Sunday After Pentecost"

July 31, 2011

"Singing, Sharing"

and

"Praising"

Welcome to the faith communities of

Union United Methodist Church of Centre Square

New Jersey

Reverend G. Mel Dunn - Pastor

Pianist/Organist (Union) - Carolyn Baker

Pianist (St. Paul’s) - Michael Crinite

A TIME TO ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE

"Give Thanks"

"O give thanks to the LORD, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples."

Psalm 105:1

"Sixth Sunday After Pentecost"

July 24, 2011

"Praise His Name"

"Look on His Face"

Welcome to the faith communities of

St Paul United Methodist Church of Bridgeport and

Union United Methodist Church of Centre Square

New Jersey

  Reverend G. Mel Dunn - Pastor

Pianist/Organist (Union) - Carolyn Baker

               Pianist (St Paul's) - Michael Crinite         

WHEAT OR WEEDS - JULY 17TH

"LET THEM GROW TOGETHER"

"Let them grow together until harvest time. Then I'll instruct the harvesters to pull up the thistles and tie them in bundles for the fire, then gather the wheat and put it in the barn.'"

Matthew 13:30

(MSG)

"Fifth Sunday After Pentecost"

July 17, 2011

"Let Them Grow!!"

"Wheat or Weed?"

"Can You Tell the Difference?"

Welcome to the faith communities of

St Paul United Methodist Church of Bridgeport and

Union United Methodist Church of Centre Square

New Jersey

Reverend G. Mel Dunn - Pastor

MESSAGE FOR JUNE 26TH "A CUP OF WATER"

“A Cup of Cold Water”
 “And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward."
  Matthew 10:42


“Second Sunday After Pentecost”
JUNE 26, 2010
“Cool Clear Water”

“A New Well in Sudan”
Welcome to the faith communities of
St Paul United Methodist Church of Bridgeport and
Union United Methodist Church of Centre Square
 New Jersey
          Reverend G. Mel Dunn - Pastor
Pianist/Organist (Union) - Carolyn Baker
Pianist (St. Paul’s)  -  Michael Crinite

A MESSAGE FOR FATHERS DAY 2011

WHAT DOES A GOD CHOSEN FATHER LOOK LIKE???

COME AND JOIN US AND WE WILL FIND OUT!!!

“TRINITY SUNDAY”
JUNE 19, 2010
“FATHER’S DAY”

“JOSEPH - CHOSEN BY GOD”

Welcome to the faith communities of
St Paul United Methodist Church of Bridgeport and
Union United Methodist Church of Centre Square

 New Jersey

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

PASTOR MEL

ST PAUL'S AND UNION

MESSAGE FOR JUNE 5TH - REPORT FROM CONFERENCE

“A People Called Methodist”

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.

2nd Chronicles 7:14-15

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

June 5, 2011

“Communion and Conference”

“THE BISHOP LEADS AND THE WORK AND WORSHIP GO ON”

Welcome to the faith communities of

St Paul United Methodist Church of Bridgeport and

Union United Methodist Church of Centre Square

New Jersey

Reverend G. Mel Dunn - Pastor

Pianist (Union) - Carolyn Baker

Pianist (St. Paul’s) - Michael Crinite

MAY 1, 2011 - THOMAS - DOUBTER OR NOT??

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A DOUBT???

COME BY  SUNDAY

AND WE'LL TALK ABOUT IT!!!

Pastor Mel

“The other disciples therefore said to him, We have seen the Lord. But he said to them, Unless I shall see the print of the nails in His hands, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe!”

JOHN 20:25

“SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER”

MAY 1, 2011

“THOMAS THE TWIN!”

                

    “DOUBTER OR FEARFUL??”

Welcome to the faith communities of

St Paul United Methodist Church of Bridgeport and

Union United Methodist Church of Centre Square

 New Jersey

Reverend G. Mel Dunn,  Pastor
Pianist/Organist (Union) - Carolyn Baker
Pianist (St. Paul’s)  -  Michael Crinite

COME CELEBRATE A NEW AND WONDEROUS LIFE

“The first of the sabbaths Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, darkness still being on it, and she saw the stone taken away from the tomb.   Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”
John 20:1-2

“EASTER SUNDAY”
 April 24,  2011
“HE  IS  RISEN!!”


                     “He is Risen Indeed!!”
Welcome to the faith communities of
St Paul United Methodist Church of Bridgeport and
Union United Methodist Church of Centre Square
 New Jersey

Reverend G. Mel Dunn,  Pastor
Pianist/Organist (Union) - Carolyn Baker
Pianist (St. Paul’s)  -  Michael Crinite

COME AND JOIN US FOR PALM SUNDAY

“Nearly all the people in the crowd threw their garments down on the road, giving him a royal welcome. Others cut branches from the trees and threw them down as a welcome mat.”
Matthew 21:8

PALM SUNDAY
April 17, 2011
“A PARADE IN JERUSALEM"

“PALM WAVERS, COAT FLINGERS,
 PARADE MARCHERS”
Welcome to the faith communities of
St Paul United Methodist Church of Bridgeport and
Union United Methodist Church of Centre Square
New Jersey

Reverend G. Mel Dunn - Pastor
Pianist (Union)- Carolyn Baker
Pianist (St Paul’s) - Michael Crinite

MESSAGE FOR 4-10-2011

One of the disciples--it was Andrew, brother to Simon Peter--said,

"There's a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But that's a drop in the bucket for a crowd like this."
JOHN 6:8-8 (The Message)

FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT
April 10, 2011
“FEEDING THE 5000"

“A LITTLE BOY’S LUNCH”
Welcome to the faith communities of
St Paul United Methodist Church of Bridgeport and
Union United Methodist Church of Centre Square
New Jersey

Reverend G. Mel Dunn - Pastor
Pianist (Union)- Carolyn Baker
Pianist (St Paul’s) - Michael Crinite

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2011

“but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst, but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”
John 4:14

THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT
March 27, 2011
“THE WOMAN AT THE WELL”

“A SPRING OF LIVING WATER”

Welcome to the faith communities of

St Paul United Methodist Church of Bridgeport and

Union United Methodist Church of Centre Square

New Jersey

Reverend G. Mel Dunn - Pastor

Pianist (Union)- Matt Dunn

Pianist (St Paul’s) - Michael Crinite

SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2011 MESSAGE "BORN AGAIN"

“YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN”
“But even as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up”
JOHN 3:14

SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT
March 20, 2011

“A RULER ONCE CAME TO JESUS BY NIGHT”

Welcome to the faith communities of
St Paul United Methodist Church of Bridgeport and
Union United Methodist Church of Centre Square
New Jersey

Reverend G. Mel Dunn - Pastor
Pianist (Union)- Carolyn Baker
Pianist (St Paul’s - Michael Crinite

AN INVITATION TO WORSHIP WITH US

“Then the Devil left him. And behold, angels came and ministered to Him.”
Matthew 4:11


FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT
March 13, 2011
- LED BY THE SPIRIT - TEMPTED BY SATAN -

- MINISTERED TO BY ANGELS -

Welcome to the faith communities of
St Paul United Methodist Church of Bridgeport and
Union United Methodist Church of Centre Square
New Jersey

Reverend G. Mel Dunn - Pastor
Pianist (Union)- Carolyn Baker
Pianist (St Paul’s - Michael Crinite

ASH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2011

JOIN US WEDNESDAY TO BEGIN THE SEASON OF LENT TOGETHER



    ASH WEDNESDAY
SERVICE OF WORSHIP AND ASHES
ST PAUL’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
BRIDGEPORT, NJ
MARCH 9, 2011
7 PM

 

"REMEMBER WHAT JESUS DID FOR YOU"

DRAW NEAR GOD DURING THESE FORTY DAYS

BEGIN AT THE ALTAR ON "ASH WEDNESDAY"

Pastor: Reverend G. Mel Dunn
 Pianist: Matt Dunn
Lay Reader: Janet Ladner
 Altar Assistant : Shannon White

 

"THANKSGIVING OVER THE ASHES"
    Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth.  Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, so that we may remember that only by your gracious gift are we given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior.  Amen.
IMPOSITION OF THE ASHES
    All who are called to do so are invited to come forward.  Pastor Mel will mark each person’s forehead with ashes as a sign of sincere desire to turn toward God throughout this Lenten season and will be handed a nail to hold to remember how He suffered for us.

 
We end our service quietly.  You are invited to remain in prayer for as long as the Spirit calls you to do so.  You may come to the altar rail or remain in your pew.  As we leave, let us leave in silence honoring this holy place of prayer.

SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAN YOU BE PERFECT??

IS GOD CAPABLE OF PERFECTING YOU??

IS GOD STILL WORKING ON YOU??

Meet me at Union UMC or St Paul's UMC - 

Bridgeport, NJ

Let's Talk about it !!

Pastor Mel Dunn

 

“MARK FOUR” OF A METHODIST
“SANCTIFYING POWER”
Christian Perfection
The Holy Spirit gives power to do what the Christian could not do alone
I.  POWER TO LOVE GOD AND NEIGHBOR MORE FULLY
This love would mean, first of all, that a believer's motives, rather than being self-centred, would be guided by the deep desire to please God.

1Cor  2:9  But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him" 

 

 

II.  POWER TO AVOID INTENTIONAL SIN
One would be able to keep from committing what Wesley called, "sin rightly so-called." By this he meant a conscious or intentional breach of God's will or laws. A person could still be able to sin, but intentional or willful sin could be avoided.
Rom 7:18  For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it.
 
 

III.  POWER TO GO ON TO PERFECTION -
Wesley did not contend for "sinless perfection"; rather, he contended that a Christian could be made "perfect in love".
Heb 6:1  Therefore let us go on toward perfection, leaving behind the basic teaching about Christ, and not laying again the foundation: repentance from dead works and faith toward God

THE THIRD MARK OF A METHODIST "WITNESSING SPIRIT"

COME JOIN US SUNDAY AS WE CONTINUE TO REVIEW THE

FOUR MARKS OF A METHODIST

1.  AMAZING GRACE

2.  BLESSED ASSURANCE

3.  WITNESSING SPIRIT

4.  SANCTIFYING POWER

“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.”
John 15:10


EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
February 27, 2011
- THE THIRD MARK OF A METHODIST -

                  “THE WITNESSING SPIRIT - LOVE”
            THE WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT TO THE WORLD

Welcome to the faith communities of
St Paul United Methodist Church of Bridgeport and
Union United Methodist Church of Centre Square
New Jersey
Reverend G. Mel Dunn - Pastor
Pianist (Union)- Carolyn Baker
Pianist (St Paul’s)- Matt Dunn

A MESSAGE FOR SUNDAY FEBRUARY 20TH 2011

Do You Know That You’ve Been Born Again?

Do you know that you’ve been born again?
Do you know that you’ve been born again?
Does the Spirit dwell within?
Bearing witness that you’ve been,
Cleansed from every sin and stain?

Are you ready if the Lord should come?
Or today your soul should claim?
Can you face eternal years..
Without doubt or dread or tears?
Do you know…without a shadow of a doubt, know that you’ve been born again?

COME ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH
                                                  9 AM UNION UMC
                                                10:30 AM ST PAUL'S UMC - BRIDGEPORT
AND FIND THE ANSWER JOHN AND CHARLES WESLEY FOUND IN
MAY 1738

BLESSED ASSURANCE
“THE SPIRIT BEARS WITNESS”
THE DISAGREEMENT  - THE QUESTION
“DO YOU - CAN YOU - KNOW YOU’VE BEEN BORN AGAIN?”
“I DON’T KNOW ABOUT TOMORROW”
John 3:1  And there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
John 3:2  He came to Jesus by night and said to Him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles which you do unless God is with him.
John 3:3  Jesus answered and said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.   

THE FEAR -
DEATH WITHOUT SALVATION
“ETERNITY - HEAVEN OR HELL”
Matthew 25:45  Then He shall answer them, saying, Truly I say to you, Inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.
Matthew 25:46  And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into everlasting life.





THE ANSWER
“ARE YOU LED BY THE SPIRIT?”
Romans 8:13  For if you live according to the flesh, you shall die. But if you through the Spirit mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live.
Romans 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Romans 8:15  For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption by which we cry, Abba, Father!

Does the Spirit dwell within?
Bearing witness that you’ve been,
Cleansed from every sin and stain?

“REDEEMED - HOW I LOVE TO PROCLAIM IT!!!!”

PASTOR MEL DUNN

FEBRUARY 13, 2011

“Thus is his grace free in all; that is, no way depending on any power or merit in man, but on God alone, who freely gave us his own Son, and "with him freely giveth us all things.“
John Wesley - Sermon 128
 

SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
February 13, 2011
- THE FIRST MARK -

“AMAZING GRACE”
FREE NOT CHEAP

Welcome to the faith communities of
St Paul United Methodist Church of Bridgeport and
Union United Methodist Church of Centre Square
New Jersey
Reverend G. Mel Dunn - Pastor
Pianist (Union)- Carolyn Baker
Pianist (St Paul’s)- Michael Crinite

"TO BE A METHODIST" JANUARY 23RD

JOIN US ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 23RD

AND

LEARN WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A METHODIST

"A  PEOPLE GIFTED BY GOD"

Pastor Mel Dunn

“I envision a Church of the Pentecost in which the Holy Spirit is igniting, gifting and empowering God's children of all ages, backgrounds, colors, and personalities to glorify their Creator as passionate witnesses for Jesus Christ. Such a church does not merely serve the poor, the left out, the different, but welcomes them warmly into its heart, home, and worship.”
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
January 23,  2011
“TO BE A METHODIST”

        
Rev. John Wesley
(1703-1791)

Welcome to the faith communities of
St Paul United Methodist Church of Bridgeport and
Union United Methodist Church of Centre Square
New Jersey
Reverend G. Mel Dunn - Pastor
Pianist (Union)- Carolyn Baker
Pianist (St Paul’s)- Michael Crinite