ESUMC Newsletter
August 2023
Dear friends in Christ,
Greetings and peace to you from New York, where I am in the midst of my period of itineration, visiting local congregations in the US to share stories and images of our ministry in Vienna. You can read more about my visits below.
We give thanks to God for the Rev. Dr. Tom Garrison, who continues to lead worship services at ESUMC through Sunday 20 August. To mark his first month of ministry with the congregation, Pastor Tom offers below a few words of encouragement. Pastor Tom, we thank you for your ministry!
Yours in Christ, Pastor John
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Summer brings a number of people going on holiday or traveling for different reasons. This summer is no different, and Pastor John's visit to churches in the US has allowed me to be with you a few weeks. Over the years it has been a blessing to me to be of service to ESUMC. I would like to thank Pastor John and the church for inviting me to lead the congregation in worship during these 8 weeks. It is my feeling that the final act of grace is being gracious, and that is what I have experienced from this congregation. I enjoyed our time in July and look forward to the first 3 Sundays of August. It is my prayer that Pastor John has been successful and wish him a safe trip home.
Yours, Pastor Tom
Pastor
News from the church
Vienna English-Speaking
Twelve young members of our congregation enjoyed a week of discovery and learning at ESUMC!
read more
Pastor John reflects on his period of itineration in the United States.
read morePastor
We welcome you to learn more about the ministry of ESUMC. A short course for prospective new members begins on Sunday 17 September.
read morePastor
On Saturday 9 September, join us for our annual day of hiking, eating, and fellowship in Grünbach, in the foothills of Schneeberg.
read morePastor
Services
Vienna English-Speaking
ESUMC Youth Sunday. The Sunday worship service shall be led by Pastor Tom Garrison. We thank Pastor Tom for his ministry, as Pastor John shall be visiting local UMC congregations in the US through August 24.
Preaching text: Luke 17:11-19
Special music by the children and youth of Vacation Bible School
Bible texts
- Genesis 29:15-28
- Romans 8:26-39
- Matthew 13:31-33 and 44-52
The Sunday worship service shall be led by Pastor Tom Garrison. We thank Pastor Tom for his ministry, as Pastor John shall be visiting local UMC congregations in the US through August 24.
Preaching text: Matthew 27:27-44
Special music by the Chancel Choir, "Break the Bread"
Bible texts
- Genesis 32:22-31
- Romans 9:1-5
- Matthew 14:13-21
The Sunday worship service shall be led by Pastor Tom Garrison. We thank Pastor Tom for his ministry, as Pastor John shall be visiting local UMC congregations in the US through August 24.
Preaching text: Jonah 3:1-10
Special Music by Sarah Brustmann, "Only Hope"
Bible texts
- Genesis 37:1-4 and 12-28
- Romans 10:5-15
- Matthew 14:22-33
The Sunday worship service shall be led by Pastor Tom Garrison. We thank Pastor Tom for his ministry, as Pastor John shall be visiting local UMC congregations in the US through August 24.
Preaching text: John 6:1-14
Special music by Betty Asomaning, "My Faith"
Bible texts
- Genesis 45:1-15
- Romans 11:1-2a and 29-32
- Matthew 15:10-28
Bible texts
- Exodus 1:8–2:10
- Romans 12:1-8
- Matthew 16:13-20
In today's worship service we shall celebrate the baptism of Noah Shewu.
Special music by the Chancel Choir, "In Remembrance."
Bible texts
- Exodus 3:1-15
- Romans 12:9-21
- Matthew 16:21-28
In this special service of worship, we shall open the Sunday School season with blessings on our students and teachers.
Bible texts
- Exodus 12:1-14
- Romans 13:8-14
- Matthew 18:15-20
Events
Vienna English-Speaking
Join us in Grünbach, as we shall enjoy a day of inspired hiking, great food, and warm fellowship.
We shall gather in Grünbach at 10:00. A private bus will be available to provide round-trip transport from the church to Grünbach, departing the church at 9:00. Please register with George Ackwonu and pay in advance (suggested donation of €10 per adult) to reserve your seat on the bus. Sign up in church to indicate what food and drinks you shall bring to the event.