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
July Family Connections Newsletter is out!
The July Family Connections Newsletter, Calendar, & Pastor Clarissa’s Lilly Pad are out!
Also not: ALB Leadership Board News letter is also available!
If you did not get one or prefer a digital version, please visit our resources page. https://faumc.org/resources/
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – June 21, 2020
Bulletin – Father’s Day June 2020
Bishop Jung and the Cabinet: Worship Service
Order of Worship:
- Welcome to Worship: Sue D’Alessio, Director of Connectional Ministry
- Prayer: Kate Croskery Jones, North East District Superintendent
- Gospel Reading: Scott Carlson, South West District Superintendent
- Sermon: Bishop Hee Soo Jung
- Benediction: Jorge Mayorga, Director of Congregational Development
- Worship Video Compiler: Gary Holmes, pastor of Sugar River UMC
24 May Worship Bulletin, Weekly Devotionals, , Joys, Prayers, & Concerns
A blessed Saturday 5th Avenue UMC,
I pray that this email finds each of you doing well and especially being safe.
Today was the Homegoing Service for Ms. Helen Rilling. What an amazingly fulfilling life. She will be truly missed. Memorials and cards of condolences can be mailed to Ms. Helen’s cousin, Ms. Sherry McElhatton, 4720 Hillcrest Road, Kewaskum, WI 53040
My sincerest appreciation to today’s worship team.
God bless you and keep each of you in his care,
Pastor Clarissa
Sermon – Glory – 7th Sunday of Easter May 2020
Prayers & Concerns May 24, 2020
Devotions – Nuggets from James – May 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
6th Sunday of Easter
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Clarissa Martinelli
“Mother’s Day service” 💒
Pastor Clarissa and Biancha Martinelli. 🤱🏽 ~ John 14:1-14.
“If you ask Me anything in My name, a Mother’s Prayer.” 🙏🏼
Updates from Pastor Clarissa
Wisconsin’s extended ‘Safer-at-Home’ order began Friday, lifting some of the restrictions previously put in place on non-essential businesses throughout the state.
The governor’s order allows public libraries, arts and craft stores, and other non-essential businesses to re-open and offer curbside and delivery services. Golf courses are also allowed to open under new guidelines.
Rev. Clarissa Martinelli
Weekly Devotionals, Bulletin & Sermon
JIBBER JABBER ACROSS THE WOODEN FENCE Apr 25 2020
Lift Every Voice – It’s Friday, but Sunday’s comin! Apr 2020
Road to Emmaus Weekly Devotional Apr 2020
Bulletin 26 April 2020 (sequential version)
Bulletin 26 April 2020 (print version)
God bless,
Rev. Clarissa Martinelli
