Thursday, October 20, 2011

Doing our Part



  

 You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27 

BEFORE my left big toe was amputated, I had never really thought much about my toes. I quickly learned what a difference losing one big toe can make. Once it was gone, I walked with a limp, and it was difficult to keep my balance. I now realize that even the smallest member of my body is important to the proper functioning of the whole.
Similarly, the body of Christ has no insignificant members; all God's children are needed for the body to work properly. If one part is missing or injured, the church's effectiveness is hindered. As Christians, together we are God's hands, mouth, feet -- and toes! God wants to use all of us with our unique gifts and talents to do the work of the kingdom: teaching God's word; helping the poor, needy, and sick; reaching out to those who are lost. To be complete, the body of Christ needs the skills and talents each of us can offer.

 Paula D. Davis (Alabama, USA)

Friday, October 14, 2011

The Giving Closet


The Giving Closet will be open at St. Luke UMC.this Saturday, October 15th. This ministry provides "gently used" clothing, housewares, books and various other items to anyone in the community FREE of charge.  Clothing items will be offered in various sizes for men, women and children.


The Giving Closet will be open on the third Saturday of every month from the hours of 11am - 3pm.  Come join us and browse around for some great finds.

"Gently used" clothing, housewares, books and other items will be accepted on the third Friday of every month from the hours of 6pm - 8pm.  We welcome your donations.



Come join us this Saturday, October 15th  at 11am
(clothing will be accepted Friday, October 14th  6pm to 8pm)




If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you - Luke 12:28

Thursday, October 6, 2011

It's Flu Season again



Once again, the flu season is approaching. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by various strains of the influenza virus.  It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.  Anyone over 6 months of age should get the flu vaccine annually. 

Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.


The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.
  1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
  2. If possible, stay home from work, school, and do not run errands when you are sick.
  3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
  4. Washing your hands often will help protect you from getting and spreading germs.
  5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
  6. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Flu Symptoms:  
  • High fever
  • Headache
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Dry cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle aches
  • Stomach symptoms such as nausea and vomitting
  
The Baltimore County Department of Health is offering free flu vaccines at the following locations:

For additional information call 410-887-BCHD (2243)

Date
Time
Location
Friday, September 2310 a.m. to 4 p.m.Drumcastle Government Center
6401 York Road - Main Parking Lot
Baltimore, MD 21212
Saturday, October 299 a.m. to 2 p.m.Randallstown Community Center
3505 Resource Drive
Baltimore, MD 21133
Wednesday, November 21 to 7 p.m.Drumcastle Government Center
6401 York Road, 3rd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21212