16th Sunday After Pentecost
A blessed Sunday morning 5th Avenue Family & Friends,
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” – Psalm 23: 5
Mediating on this ancient scripture, memories came flooding back to me when I came across a poem entitled “Drinking from My Saucer.” The poem reflects on this quaint habit and how it served as a metaphor for a life overflowing with blessings.
A cup that overflows with God’s goodness and generosity will naturally spill out into the world and affect those around us, or at least it should. As God is generous with us, he expects us to be generous in giving to others.
“Give, and it will be given to you
And as our cups overflow with the goodness and faithfulness of God, so should our hearts overflow with praise as well—as the peace, hope, joy, and love of God that we share freely with others.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Amen. (Romans 15:13)
God bless each of you richly,
Pastor Clarissa
Bulletin – 16 Sunday after Pentecost 20 Sep 2020
Sermon – “DRINKING FROM THE SAUCER” – 2 – Sep.2020
Devotionals – Calling & Discipleship Sep 2020
Wonderful Wednesdays 2020 2021
Rev. Clarissa Martinelli
Pastor, Fifth Avenue UMC
323 South Fifth Avenue
West Bend, WI
262.334.2059 
847.721.1826 (M)
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. I am a child of God.” marianne williamison
15th Sunday After Pentecost
“Grow old along with me; the best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made.” — Robert Browning
“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by virtuous living” — Proverbs 16:31
5th Avenue Family & Friends,
Robert Browning’s tribute to age in his poem “Rabbi Ben Ezra” intrigued me enough to be remembered on this Grandparent’s Day and the Celebration of Bro. Martin’s 6oth Birthday. And, on reflection, I see his wisdom.
Now, as Bro. Martin and I begin the walk through the more mature years of life and as Grandparents, I find the years of striving have woven themselves into a smoother fabric of harmonious relationships. There is a peaceful serenity, now, under which lies a common denominator of contentment. Certainly, troubles come now, as always, and we foresee many more as age creeps on, but we faithfully view them from a different perspective and their relative importance claims less emotional stress. We humbly take an exciting and thrilling seat on these cushions of extraordinary lifetime experiences – Grandparents and 6 decades of life – buffered by the good and loving memories stored for rainy days.
May God shower his amazing grace upon Grandparents, those that serve as Grandparents, and all people that are the village which provide love, support, encouragement, and prayer for the children.
“Gracious God, I ask you to be a shield for these precious grandchildren, and sustain them throughout their entire lives. Be the One they cry out to, and hear them when they call. Amen.”
God bless you all,
Pastor Clarissa and Bro. Martin
Bulletin – 15 Sunday after Pentecost 13 Sep 2020
Sermon – Come Grow Old With Me 13 Sep 2020
Devotionals – Beginning Your New Life in Christ Sep 2020
Rev. Clarissa Martinelli
Pastor, Fifth Avenue UMC
323 South Fifth Avenue
West Bend, WI
262.334.2059
847.721.1826 (M)
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. I am a child of God.” marianne williamison
14th Sunday After Pentecost
Good morning 5th Avenue,
To God be the glory, great things He has done!
What a wonderful blessing to witness the beginning of a new church year. We have entered into the month of September – tired, drained, continued masking, social distancing, transitioning, school, myriad of uncertainties – and yet we can say, “What a mighty God we serve; Angels bow before Him; Heaven and earth adore Him; What a mighty God we serve!”
As we begin to “Blossom Where You’re Exiled” we heed the words of Jeremiah – “O Jerusalem, cleanse your heart that you may be saved. How long will you harbor your evil thoughts?” God has a plan for you 5th Avenue UMC – so Bloom Where You’re Exiled. What is Jesus calling his bride, the Church, to do? Blossom, become all you were created to be; make the best of life when it throws lemons at you, and do what’s right, even when it’s hard.
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
5th Avenue UMC, There are times to bloom where we are planted, and times for us to be transplanted so we can bloom even better elsewhere. Just follow the Lord where he leads. Hear the Word of the God – directing you, calling you to -“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Amen
Pastor Clarissa
Bulletin – 14th Sun after Pentecost 06 Sep 2020
Sermon -Bloom Where You’re Exiled – 2 Sep 2020
Devotion – Worship in Exile 7 – 12 Sep 2020
Rev. Clarissa Martinelli
Pastor Fifth Avenue UMC
323 South Fifth Avenue
West Bend, WI 53095
262.334.2059 (W)847.721.1826 (M)
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. I am a child of God.” marianne williamison
Growing into a FAT HOG for Jesus
Rev. Clarissa Martinelli
September Family Connections Newsletter is out!
The September Family Connections Newsletter, Calendar, & Pastor Clarissa’s Lilly Pad are out!
If you did not get one or prefer a digital version, please visit our resources page. https://faumc.org/resources/
Confirmation/Youth Sunday
Rev. Clarissa Martinelli
Documents for 11th Sunday After Pentecost
What we are on the inside is more important than what we do on the outside. After all, if you are the right sort of person on the inside, you are more likely to do what God wants on the outside. The heart matters more to God than anything else in your life. It is more important than your education, your income, your location, your career, and even who you marry.
In fact, if you are the right person on the inside, all the other areas will find their purpose and fulfillment because of that and that’s why our text, 1 Peter 1:13-16, is so very important. What is it that God really wants from us?
Rev. Clarissa Martinelli
10th Sunday After Pentecost Documents
I want to tackle the subject of being teachable by focusing on Psalm 25. Listen to what we read in these verses, and please note how many times the psalm references teaching.
So, what can we learn from these verses about having a teachable spirit? Let me suggest three things to pay close attention to during our weekly devotions:
- What A Teachable Spirit Longs To Learn
- Where A Teachable Spirit Looks To Learn
- Why a Teachable Spirit Loves to Learn
Now, having a teachable spirit must first begin with becoming a faithful student (disciple) and becoming a faithful student simply means being available. So who is God looking for to touch the people of the world? He’s looking for you! God is asking you the same question He asked Isaiah, “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?” The right response is, “Here am I Lord, and I’m available.” To God be the glory, amen.
Lord, I’m Available To You!
Good morning disciples on this beautiful and awesome First Sunday of August 2020!
How many of us truly understand what it means to walk in the Spirit of God, to live with the passion of Jesus, to trust in God with a faith that is fresh and sincere and powerful? A faith that knows no limits and fears nothing? A faith that can stare Satan in the eyes and say, “Get behind me; I go forward in the promises of God! You have no more control over me! You are weak and powerless!” A faith that can move any mountain, no matter how high or wide or difficult. A faith, the size of a tiny mustard seed! This is the compassionate faith that God demands and the only thing that can activate the true might and authority of the Holy Spirit that dwells in our lives.
If you want to change the world, begin by being AVAILABLE, letting God change YOU. By letting the passion of Jesus become your passion. By letting the Holy Spirit be your only guide and teacher every step, every minute of the day. By allowing God to set your heart on fire for Her. What a marvelous gift we have been entrusted with; greater than we could ever imagine or ask for— the gift of the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit! She lives within each of us, directing us, guiding us, empowering us for great and mighty things. And filling us with faith.
Of this faith, I am a humble and enthusiastic witness! As my birth month begins, yes, chronologically my body is older, but my soul, my passion, my heart is more alive than I ever was at 23. I am more confident, more serene, more joyful and prayerful, more aware of God and more loving of God and neighbor. With awe and surrender, I have seen sins put to death and many new graces and talents come alive. Finding my own affirmation (encouragement) and gratefulness for never-ending commitment, 24/7 AVAILABLE servant-Pastor (call me anytime), immersed with sacrificing hard work and long hours called for to respectfully and humbly serve and lead God’s church and people. I am more alive at this birth month than I have ever been before.
And wait till you see me at 83!
One of the greatest things about following Jesus is that you do not have to be rich or famous or a great speaker or evangelist to walk in faith and make an impact on the world. You just have to be AVAILABLE and willing to let God use you. You just have to be AVAILABLE when God needs a servant to teach or touch or help another person in his name. You just have to be there! And how encouraging it is to know that any one of us can do that!
Bulletin – 9th Sun after Pentecost 02 Aug 2020
Sermon – Filling Empty Vessels Aug 2020
Weekly Devotinals – 3 – 8 August 2020
To God be the glory!
Pastor Clarissa
Rev. Clarissa Martinelli
Pastor, Fifth Avenue UMC
323 South Fifth Avenue
West Bend, WI
262.334.2059
847.721.1826 (M)
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. I am a child of God.” marianne williamison
6-Weeks Sermon Series – FAT HOGS
Good evening 5th Avenue Family and Friends,
Blessing to each of you as we begin another week and enter into the 8th month of the year – August 2020.
As our summer is quickly moving towards autumn and we are hoping for a vaccine to the coronavirus, our children will have a positive school year (in whatever form that will keep them, the teachers, and all auxiliary persons safe), and a new church year.
I have a strong desire for us to be more Christ-like in our lives and to be a more dedicated Christian. Welcome to our 6-weeks sermon – “Jesus Wants FAT HOGs!”
I pray at the end of this summer sermon series each of you will turn to a person next to you and tell them, “I hope you become a FAT HOG!”
Bulletin – 8th Sun after Pentecost July 26, 2020
Children’s Worship Bulletin – Faith is the key Jul 2020
Sermon – FAT HOG – FAITHFUL Jul 2020
Devotionals for 27 July – 1 August 2020
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Clarissa
Rev. Clarissa Martinelli
Pastor, Fifth Avenue UMC
323 South Fifth Avenue
West Bend, WI
262.334.2059
847.721.1826 (M)
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. I am a child of God.” marianne williamison
7th Sunday After Pentecost Bulletin & Weekly Devotionals
Good morning faithful 5th Avenue Family & Friends,
THE STRONGEST QUALITY ANY CHRISTIAN OR CONGREGATION CAN DISPLAY IN ITS COMMUNITY IS TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER WELL WITHIN AND BEYOND THE WALLS OF THE CHURCH BUILDING.
THIS IS HOW GOD’S SUSTAINING GRACE WORKS IN AND THROUGH US.
This week’s devotionals comes from Romans 8 . In this poetic chapter of the gospel we are assured of No Condemnation in Christ (verse 1) and No Separation from Christ (verse 39).
We are facing Stewardship in the Time of Crisis. Stewardship, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care. The idea of stewardship during times of crisis is challenging. We are called to give with a cheerful and grateful heart as God has given to us.
“Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son.”
May all our hearts and minds be open to Your presence among us and within us, and to the Word You have for us today.
May God richly bless each of you is my humble prayer,
Bulletin – 7th Sun after Pentecost July 19 2020
Sermon – GALATIANS GOSPEL OF GRACE July 2020
Devotionals for July 20 – 25 2020 – ROMANS 8
STEWARDSHIP IN TIMES OF CRISIS July 2020
Pastor Clarissa
Rev. Clarissa Martinelli
Pastor, Fifth Avenue UMC
323 South Fifth Avenue
West Bend, WI
262.334.2059
847.721.1826 (M)
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. I am a child of God.” marianne williamison
Sunday Service – 6th Sunday After Pentecost July 12 2020
Bulletin 6th Sunday After Pentecost Jul 12 2020
6th Sunday After Pentecost July 12 2020
Good morning Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Here we are in the midst of summer – unexpected thunderstorms, sweltering heat and humidity (will fall ever get here), wondering how to have summer barbecues and activities when we’re still socially distancing. Yes, this word – COVID-19 – has had great influence about what and where and when we can gather, even who we will gather with. And all these emotions have made the urge to get out and go even stronger.
So, how can we ensure that folks will include worship in their busy summer schedules? By making it as accessible as possible. Remember during the initial quarantine? The creative juices flowed like torrential rain as we bent over backward to find ways to connect with church family and friends as well as neighbors and community. We video streamed services; had email chains, devotionals, Zoom gathering, and some even revived the lost gift of letter-writing. Whatever we did then, we should be doing the same now! As we have returned to a small gathering for in-person worship, be assured that we are all CONNECTED!!! Connection! Nothing shall separate us from the love of God and each other, remember? Physical presence is only part of the body that we are—only a part of what keeps us connected. I pray that each of you have experienced the closeness of God in our apartness.
This morning worship service and our weekly devotionals are about setting our minds on staying close to God, who has promised to stay close to us and promised that nothing will separate us; and we can lean into that promise. During our worship service we will look at camels, “ships of the desert.” who survives their extended treks across parched waterless environments by relying on their “humps.” Camels’ humps actually store fatty tissue, not water, which is used as a source of nourishment when food is scarce. When a camel is unable to access food for a long period of time, its body is able to metabolize the fat in the humps for nutrition. The humps can deflate and droop if the camel has gone a particularly long time without food, but they will sit upright again once the camel is able to refuel. Are you getting adequate spiritual nourishment? Is your spiritual hump deflated and empty? How are you replenishing your spiritual hump in your spiritual desert?
Be encourage dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, the Spirit makes us alive and works in our lives through the Word, obedience, and the fellowship of the body. Just like a plant or tree reaches for the sun, may we actively turn our hearts toward Christ, finding nourishment and strength as we abide in Him.
Bulletin 6th Sunday After Pentecost Jul 12 2020
Sermon – Living Off Your Hump Jul 12 2020
To God be the Glory,
Pastor Clarissa
Rev. Clarissa Martinelli
Pastor, Fifth Avenue UMC
323 South Fifth Avenue
West Bend, WI
262.334.2059
847.721.1826 (M)
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. I am a child of God.” marianne williamison
