Sunday, April 28, 2013
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Bible Challenge 04/28 - 05/04
Greetings All!
This week we finish up the last few chapters of Joshua and move through the books of Judges and Ruth as well. The book of Judges picks up the history of Israel after Joshua's death as God begins a new work in the leadership of the people through a series of leaders called judges.
You should recognize a few names here: Deborah (chapters 4-5), Gideon (chapters 6-7) and Samson (chapters 13-16). Samson's tale is one of romance, intrigue and what happens when we put what we want above what God wants for us.
Next up is one of the shorter books of the Bible and the first named after a woman - Ruth. Ruth's devotion to her mother-in-law is endearing and touching and how she is rewarded for her faithfulness is nothing short of amazing (listed in Jesus' genealogy!).
Here is the schedule:
28, Sunday: Joshua 22 - Judges 1
29, Monday: Judges 2-5
30, Tuesday: Judges 6-9
01, Wednesday: Judges 10-13
02, Thursday: Judges 14-17
03, Friday: Judges 18-21
04, Saturday: Ruth 1-4
May God add His richest blessings to the reading, the hearing, the understanding and most importantly the living out of His holy word. Amen.
Blessings,
This week we finish up the last few chapters of Joshua and move through the books of Judges and Ruth as well. The book of Judges picks up the history of Israel after Joshua's death as God begins a new work in the leadership of the people through a series of leaders called judges.
You should recognize a few names here: Deborah (chapters 4-5), Gideon (chapters 6-7) and Samson (chapters 13-16). Samson's tale is one of romance, intrigue and what happens when we put what we want above what God wants for us.
Next up is one of the shorter books of the Bible and the first named after a woman - Ruth. Ruth's devotion to her mother-in-law is endearing and touching and how she is rewarded for her faithfulness is nothing short of amazing (listed in Jesus' genealogy!).
Here is the schedule:
28, Sunday: Joshua 22 - Judges 1
29, Monday: Judges 2-5
30, Tuesday: Judges 6-9
01, Wednesday: Judges 10-13
02, Thursday: Judges 14-17
03, Friday: Judges 18-21
04, Saturday: Ruth 1-4
May God add His richest blessings to the reading, the hearing, the understanding and most importantly the living out of His holy word. Amen.
Blessings,
Friday, April 26, 2013
Friday Fives
1. Preaching Series - This Sunday we are continuing our preaching series entitled, Ashes to Fire, which we are doing in conjunction with Belleview UMC. Ashes to Fire is an intentional journey with Jesus from Ash Wednesday through Holy Week and Easter and on to Pentecost Sunday - from penitence to praise to power. This Sunday we will look to a few traits Jesus' asked his disciples to live out during their last meal together. I pray this time of reflection will be one that will draw you deeper into your faith journey as we look to the life of Christ and example of love that he modeled for us. I encourage you to invite a friend and I hope to see you there!
2. Bible Study - Grace. We talk as though we understand the term. The bank gives us a grace period. The seedy politician falls from grace. Musicians speak of a grace note. We describe an actress as gracious, a dancer as graceful. We use the word for hospitals, baby girls, kings, and premeal prayers. We talk as though we know what grace means.
But do we really understand it? Have we settled for wimpy grace? It politely occupies a phrase in a hymn, fits nicely on a church sign. Never causes trouble or demands a response. When asked, “Do you believe in grace?” who could say no?
Max Lucado asks a deeper question: Have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Strengthened by grace? Emboldened by grace? Softened by grace? Snatched by the nape of your neck and shaken to your senses by grace? God’s grace has a drenching about it. A wildness about it. A white-water, riptide, turn-you-upside-downness about it. Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From insecure to God secure. From regret riddled to better-because-of-it. From afraid to die to ready to fly. Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.
Let’s make certain grace gets you. We began last Thursday with the lesson, "A Grace Shaped Life". This week we turn to the lesson "Jesus Stooped Low to Take Our Place". We will meet on Thursdays at 10:30am and 7:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. For more details or to register, please visit our website by clicking here, or fill out the form in this Sunday's bulletin. I hope you will make plans to come as we make certain grace gets you!
3. Moving Forward - The next meeting of our new Moving Forward group will be Monday, May 6th, in the Fellowship Hall at 11am. You are asked to bring a bag lunch and a beverage, as the discussion will center around ideas for the upcoming months. This group is for all of the ladies of our church that have lost their spouse. This social group will give you the chance to share ideas, discuss your faith, and pray for each other.
4. May Newsletters - The May edition of the Sunshine Herald is available in the narthex for pickup. Please remember to to take yours to help cut down on postage. Also, we are combining our June, July, and August newsletters into one. If you have information you would like to include in the "summer" newsletter, please have it into the office by Sunday, May 26th. We will resume monthly newsletters in September. Remember, you can also view the Newsletter electronically on our church website. You can find it easily just by clicking here.
5. Upcoming Worship - We have two very important services coming up where we are asking for your involvement. On Sunday, May 19th, we are asking that you come to church wearing red and/or white to celebrate Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Then on Sunday, May 26th, we will observe Memorial Day and would ask that you wear red, white, and blue. Your participation will help to make these worship services more meaningful as we celebrate and honor these events.
Have a great weekend and I will see you Sunday!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Midweek Moment
Why? As a society we ask ourselves this question quite a bit. Why did that happen? Why is this happening? But probably the most often asked question, "why is this horrible thing happening to me?"
I imagine that this question is being asked with great frequency in the Boston area right now. Why did this happen? Why were these innocent people forced to suffer? The cruel answer to that question is we do not know. We do not know why the person that perpetrated these senseless acts of cruelty did it. We do not know why they felt it necessary to bring such horrific acts and suffering to the people in and around the Boston Marathon. Those same questions apply to the tragedy in West Texas. We do not know why that fertilizer factory was in the condition it was, opening the door for that explosion that has altered so many lives.
As people of faith, so many may ask you, how could God allow this to happen? What part of God's will was fulfilled by God allowing this to happen? I have often had that question posed to me. People will call me and ask me how could God allow this to happen. Some of the answers I hear given to these questions are, "It was God's will and we just have to have faith God knows best" or "God will never give us more than we can handle". I have also heard, "God is trying to teach us something by causing this or creating that." I am sure all of you have heard these phrases in some form or another. I was taught these as a child growing up in church. God was in control, God was all powerful, God would not let anything happen unless it was part of his plan. I believed all of them. Then my grandmother died. In trying to help me process her death, someone said to me, with the greatest and purest of intentions, God must have needed another angel in heaven. My immediate thought was how could God need my grandmommy more than me. How could God willingly take her from me. I was not angry at the person, nor was I angry with God. It was just that statement made no sense to me. God was love, God was not death. That helped open the door for me to shift blame away from God for all of the bad things that happen in this world.
Folks, we will all endure terrible things in this life. We will all endure unfair actions that deeply hurt and wound us. Please understand, God did not cause this. God does not give us cancer, disease, or end our lives at God's decision. This life was never promised to be fair. This life was never promised to be just. But what God does promise, is that when we are going through those terrible situations, God will go with us. When our heart breaks, so does God's. When we cry, so does God. God never wants bad or horrific events to happen to any member of God's creation. God is so powerful and full of wisdom, God will find better ways to teach us things, than create tragedy in our lives for the sole purpose of education.
God does not cause bad things, God redeems them. Somehow, some way, God will bring redemption into your life. God will find a way to take that horrific event, and bring some good out of it. God did not cause it, but God will redeem it. Let us be the agents of change to shift the blame for these events from God. Let us be the people that help others turn to God, rather than from God. Let us be the ones that lead people to the best source of help during difficult times, God Almighty. Let us be the ones that share what God truly is...love.
Have a great week!
I imagine that this question is being asked with great frequency in the Boston area right now. Why did this happen? Why were these innocent people forced to suffer? The cruel answer to that question is we do not know. We do not know why the person that perpetrated these senseless acts of cruelty did it. We do not know why they felt it necessary to bring such horrific acts and suffering to the people in and around the Boston Marathon. Those same questions apply to the tragedy in West Texas. We do not know why that fertilizer factory was in the condition it was, opening the door for that explosion that has altered so many lives.
As people of faith, so many may ask you, how could God allow this to happen? What part of God's will was fulfilled by God allowing this to happen? I have often had that question posed to me. People will call me and ask me how could God allow this to happen. Some of the answers I hear given to these questions are, "It was God's will and we just have to have faith God knows best" or "God will never give us more than we can handle". I have also heard, "God is trying to teach us something by causing this or creating that." I am sure all of you have heard these phrases in some form or another. I was taught these as a child growing up in church. God was in control, God was all powerful, God would not let anything happen unless it was part of his plan. I believed all of them. Then my grandmother died. In trying to help me process her death, someone said to me, with the greatest and purest of intentions, God must have needed another angel in heaven. My immediate thought was how could God need my grandmommy more than me. How could God willingly take her from me. I was not angry at the person, nor was I angry with God. It was just that statement made no sense to me. God was love, God was not death. That helped open the door for me to shift blame away from God for all of the bad things that happen in this world.
Folks, we will all endure terrible things in this life. We will all endure unfair actions that deeply hurt and wound us. Please understand, God did not cause this. God does not give us cancer, disease, or end our lives at God's decision. This life was never promised to be fair. This life was never promised to be just. But what God does promise, is that when we are going through those terrible situations, God will go with us. When our heart breaks, so does God's. When we cry, so does God. God never wants bad or horrific events to happen to any member of God's creation. God is so powerful and full of wisdom, God will find better ways to teach us things, than create tragedy in our lives for the sole purpose of education.
God does not cause bad things, God redeems them. Somehow, some way, God will bring redemption into your life. God will find a way to take that horrific event, and bring some good out of it. God did not cause it, but God will redeem it. Let us be the agents of change to shift the blame for these events from God. Let us be the people that help others turn to God, rather than from God. Let us be the ones that lead people to the best source of help during difficult times, God Almighty. Let us be the ones that share what God truly is...love.
Have a great week!
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Bible Challenge 04/21 - 04/27
Greetings All!
This week we finish up the last few chapters of Deuteronomy and move into the book of Joshua. This moves us out of the Pentateuch and into the next grouping of books, sometimes called the "Former Prophets."
While considered a "prophet," Joshua is also a historical book. It not only tells the story of Joshua's life and leadership of Israel, but also the story of the people of Israel from the death of Moses until the death of Joshua - as they move into and work on conquering the Promised Land. Some very famous stories are found here including the fall of Jericho which features one of Jesus' ancestors (Rahab).
Here is the schedule:
21, Sunday: Deuteronomy 28-31
22, Monday: Deuteronomy 32 - Joshua 1
23, Tuesday: Joshua 2-5
24, Wednesday: Joshua 6-9
25, Thursday: Joshua 10-13
26, Friday: Joshua 14-17
27, Saturday: Joshua 18-21
May God add His richest blessings to the reading, the hearing, the understanding and most importantly the living out of His holy word. Amen.
This week we finish up the last few chapters of Deuteronomy and move into the book of Joshua. This moves us out of the Pentateuch and into the next grouping of books, sometimes called the "Former Prophets."
While considered a "prophet," Joshua is also a historical book. It not only tells the story of Joshua's life and leadership of Israel, but also the story of the people of Israel from the death of Moses until the death of Joshua - as they move into and work on conquering the Promised Land. Some very famous stories are found here including the fall of Jericho which features one of Jesus' ancestors (Rahab).
Here is the schedule:
21, Sunday: Deuteronomy 28-31
22, Monday: Deuteronomy 32 - Joshua 1
23, Tuesday: Joshua 2-5
24, Wednesday: Joshua 6-9
25, Thursday: Joshua 10-13
26, Friday: Joshua 14-17
27, Saturday: Joshua 18-21
May God add His richest blessings to the reading, the hearing, the understanding and most importantly the living out of His holy word. Amen.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Friday Fives
1. Preaching Series - This Sunday we are continuing our preaching series entitled, Ashes to Fire, which we are doing in conjunction with Belleview UMC. Ashes to Fire is an intentional journey with Jesus from Ash Wednesday through Holy Week and Easter and on to Pentecost Sunday - from penitence to praise to power. This Sunday we will look to the importance of both evangelism and love for other people as complimentary aspects of church life. I pray this time of reflection will be one that will draw you deeper into your faith journey as we look to the life of Christ and example of love that he modeled for us. I encourage you to invite a friend and I hope to see you there!
2. New Bible Study - Grace. We talk as though we understand the term. The bank gives us a grace period. The seedy politician falls from grace. Musicians speak of a grace note. We describe an actress as gracious, a dancer as graceful. We use the word for hospitals, baby girls, kings, and premeal prayers. We talk as though we know what grace means.
But do we really understand it? Have we settled for wimpy grace? It politely occupies a phrase in a hymn, fits nicely on a church sign. Never causes trouble or demands a response. When asked, “Do you believe in grace?” who could say no?
Max Lucado asks a deeper question: Have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Strengthened by grace? Emboldened by grace? Softened by grace? Snatched by the nape of your neck and shaken to your senses by grace? God’s grace has a drenching about it. A wildness about it. A white-water, riptide, turn-you-upside-downness about it. Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From insecure to God secure. From regret riddled to better-because-of-it. From afraid to die to ready to fly. Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.
Let’s make certain grace gets you. Join us beginning April 25th, as we dive into God's grace and seek to understand the power that lies within. We will meet on Thursdays at 10:30am and 7:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. For more details or to register, please visit our website by clicking here, or fill out the form in this Sunday's bulletin. I hope you will make plans to come as we make certain grace gets you!
3. Ocala Health and Rehab - This Sunday is our week to go and minister to the residents of Ocala Health and Rehab. I want to extend an invitation to all of you to come and join us, Sunday at 2pm. Ocala Health and Rehab is located just down the street from the church on the corner of Lake Weir Road and SE 24th Road. We begin with a few hymns, I give a brief devotion, and we wrap it up with a few more hymns and a prayer. It is a wonderful time of fellowship and spreading the love of Christ. I am sure you will enjoy it and be glad you participated! I hope to see you there!
4. May Newsletter Articles - If you have any information that you would like to have included in the May Newsletter, please be sure to have it into the church office by this Sunday, April 21st. You may write it up or type it up and drop it off, or email it by clicking here. Thanks for your help in making our Newsletter diverse and full of great information.
5. Thank You!! - From the bottom of our hearts and from the depths of our souls, Debbie and I want to say thank you for the amazing "Toddler Shower" you gave us this past Wednesday. While I was out of town and not able to attend, I have been able to look through the pictures, hear a few stories, and see the fantastic gifts you gave. We are so moved by the love you showed, the time you spent, and the support you have given us. We are so blessed to be a part of this family and to make you all a part of ours. Thank you!!!Have a great weekend and I will see you Sunday!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Bible Challenge 04/14 - 04/20
Greetings All!
This week we finish the last chapter of Numbers and move well into the book of Deuteronomy. This is the last of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible thought to be authored by Moses. Its name literally means "things or words" and the book consists of three sermons or speeches delivered by Moses, a recounting of the law and other material including an account of Moses' death. One of its most significant verses is considered to be verse 6:4, which constitutes the "Shema", a definitive statement of Jewish identity: "Hear O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one."
Here is the schedule:
14, Sunday: Numbers 36 - Deuteronomy 3
15, Monday: Deuteronomy 4-7
16, Tuesday: Deuteronomy 8-11
17, Wednesday: Deuteronomy 12-15
18, Thursday: Deuteronomy 16-19
19, Friday: Deuteronomy 20-23
20, Saturday: Deuteronomy 24-27
May God add His richest blessings to the reading, the hearing, the understanding and most importantly the living out of His Holy Word. Amen.
Here is the schedule:
14, Sunday: Numbers 36 - Deuteronomy 3
15, Monday: Deuteronomy 4-7
16, Tuesday: Deuteronomy 8-11
17, Wednesday: Deuteronomy 12-15
18, Thursday: Deuteronomy 16-19
19, Friday: Deuteronomy 20-23
20, Saturday: Deuteronomy 24-27
May God add His richest blessings to the reading, the hearing, the understanding and most importantly the living out of His Holy Word. Amen.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Friday Fives
1. Special Guest - This Sunday I will be in Seffner, preaching at my home church's 125th Anniversary. In my stead, our Certified Lay Servant Carole Newlin, will lead us in worship. I invite you all to come and listen as she shares with you what God has placed on her heart. I know you will be blessed by Carole and all the other wonderful members of our congregation that will be assisting, as you all worship together. Please know even though I will not be there in person, I will be praying for you all! So invite a friend and come on out!
2. Church Directory - We are in the process of updating our church directory. If you are not in the current directory and would like to be in this one, or if any of your information has changed since the last directory, please fill out a form so we can include you. The forms can be found in your April Newsletter or in the Narthex of the Sanctuary. We are asking these forms be turned into the church office, or dropped in the offering plate, by this Sunday, April 14th. We need you to make our directory complete!
3. Bread Ministry - We here at Druid Hills have a wonderful welcome ministry. From the bags prepared and given out by Bob Greene, to the way each of you extend the hand of hospitality to all who enter, corporately we have this gift. Marianne Bingham has offered us an idea to enhance this gift of ours, bread. We are beginning a bread ministry, where each Sunday one volunteer will sign up to bake several small loaves of bread for us to give to any that visit our church. I would ask that you each consider signing up for a few weeks. There is a sign up sheet at the Connection Station and there are recipes we can provide you that are quick and easy. This is such an easy thing that will go such a long way. I hope you each will give God the opportunity to use you in this way to bless another.
4. Interfaith Ministry - Each year we partner with Interfaith Ministries to provide a meal for the residents of their living facility. We get the chance to break bread with these people and share a wonderful time together. With that in mind, we need volunteers. The 2013 sign-up sheet is posted on the Connection Station. We are scheduled to provide the evening meal the second Friday of each month. It is a great idea to consider asking a friend or two to help you provide the meal. If you have any questions, please contact Libby Orbison. This is a wonderful opportunity to be the heart, hands, and feet of Jesus Christ to another. I pray you will have the chance to be involved with this ministry this year.
5. New Bible Study - Grace. We talk as though we understand the term. The bank gives us a grace period. The seedy politician falls from grace. Musicians speak of a grace note. We describe an actress as gracious, a dancer as graceful. We use the word for hospitals, baby girls, kings, and premeal prayers. We talk as though we know what grace means.
But do we really understand it? Have we settled for wimpy grace? It politely occupies a phrase in a hymn, fits nicely on a church sign. Never causes trouble or demands a response. When asked, “Do you believe in grace?” who could say no?
Max Lucado asks a deeper question: Have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Strengthened by grace? Emboldened by grace? Softened by grace? Snatched by the nape of your neck and shaken to your senses by grace? God’s grace has a drenching about it. A wildness about it. A white-water, riptide, turn-you-upside-downness about it. Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From insecure to God secure. From regret riddled to better-because-of-it. From afraid to die to ready to fly. Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.
Let’s make certain grace gets you. Join us beginning April 25th, as we dive into God's grace and seek to understand the power that lies within. We will meet on Thursdays at 10:30am and 7:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. For more details or to register, please visit our website by clicking here, or fill out the form in this Sunday's bulletin. I hope you will make plans to come as we make certain grace gets you!
Have a great weekend and I will see you all on Sunday!
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Midweek Moment
I have a passage of Scripture stenciled on the wall in my office, just above my desk. It is from II Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” For me this serves as a wonderful and timeless reminder of how God calls us to order our lives.
Last week in worship, we talked about those locked-door seasons in our lives. I shared with you that there have been times in my life where locking myself behind a door seemed like the best choice. I am sure we have all had days where all we wanted to do was curl up in bed, pull the sheets over our head, and disconnect ourselves from the world and everyone in it. The more I have thought about those feelings in my life, the more I have realized that was because I was basing my reaction off of what I could see with my eyes.
Have you ever seen that picture that of the iceberg circulating around the internet? It shows this hugeiceberg above the water. But as you look below the surface of the water you notice that the rest of the iceberg is hundreds of times bigger underwater than it is above the water. If we were to judge the size of that iceberg only based on what we could see above the water, we would be missing so much of the complete picture. That is the risk that we all run when we live our lives based only the information we can see with our eyes.
I have been amazed at how many times in my life, when a situation seemed bleak, when the circumstances seemed dire, that God has come through for me. When my eyes would lead me to believe that rough times were directly ahead, that I had failed, that utter and complete disaster lay before me, God had other plans. Each week in my pastoral prayer I ask for God to be involved in the prayer requests that we do not even know about yet. That is because I know God is working for us before we know we have a need. Before we even have a hint that we might need God’s intervention or grace, God knows. How overwhelming is it to know that we serve a God that does not wait for our prayers? How peaceful is it to know, that God loves you so much God does not wait for you to be in crisis to work situations out for you.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” While I am ever so grateful for my sight and the ability to see, I am cautious to not let that sense be my only guide. May we all remember that a life lived for God, is a life lived by faith. Trust in the One that created you, trust in the One that loves you more than you know, trust in the One that trusts in you.
Have a great week and I will see you soon!
Last week in worship, we talked about those locked-door seasons in our lives. I shared with you that there have been times in my life where locking myself behind a door seemed like the best choice. I am sure we have all had days where all we wanted to do was curl up in bed, pull the sheets over our head, and disconnect ourselves from the world and everyone in it. The more I have thought about those feelings in my life, the more I have realized that was because I was basing my reaction off of what I could see with my eyes.
I have been amazed at how many times in my life, when a situation seemed bleak, when the circumstances seemed dire, that God has come through for me. When my eyes would lead me to believe that rough times were directly ahead, that I had failed, that utter and complete disaster lay before me, God had other plans. Each week in my pastoral prayer I ask for God to be involved in the prayer requests that we do not even know about yet. That is because I know God is working for us before we know we have a need. Before we even have a hint that we might need God’s intervention or grace, God knows. How overwhelming is it to know that we serve a God that does not wait for our prayers? How peaceful is it to know, that God loves you so much God does not wait for you to be in crisis to work situations out for you.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” While I am ever so grateful for my sight and the ability to see, I am cautious to not let that sense be my only guide. May we all remember that a life lived for God, is a life lived by faith. Trust in the One that created you, trust in the One that loves you more than you know, trust in the One that trusts in you.
Have a great week and I will see you soon!
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Bible Challenge 04/07 - 04/13
Greetings All!
This week we continue our reading of the book of Numbers. Chapters 11-19 in this week's reading talk about the journey of the Israelites from Sinai to Moab, the sending out of the spies and the report they brought back, and the murmurings of the people at the hardships along the way. We will also read about the subsequent exile into the wilderness for 40 years. From there we will move into the last section of the book which details the remainder of the Israelites' forty years of wandering on the plain of Moab before crossing the Jordan River.
Here is the schedule:
7, Sunday: Numbers 8-11
8, Monday: Numbers 12-15
9, Tuesday: Numbers 16-19
10, Wednesday: Numbers 20-23
11, Thursday: Numbers 24-27
12, Friday: Numbers 28-31
13, Saturday: Numbers 32-35
May God add His richest blessings to the reading, the hearing, the understanding and most importantly the living out of His Holy Word. Amen.
This week we continue our reading of the book of Numbers. Chapters 11-19 in this week's reading talk about the journey of the Israelites from Sinai to Moab, the sending out of the spies and the report they brought back, and the murmurings of the people at the hardships along the way. We will also read about the subsequent exile into the wilderness for 40 years. From there we will move into the last section of the book which details the remainder of the Israelites' forty years of wandering on the plain of Moab before crossing the Jordan River.
Here is the schedule:
7, Sunday: Numbers 8-11
8, Monday: Numbers 12-15
9, Tuesday: Numbers 16-19
10, Wednesday: Numbers 20-23
11, Thursday: Numbers 24-27
12, Friday: Numbers 28-31
13, Saturday: Numbers 32-35
May God add His richest blessings to the reading, the hearing, the understanding and most importantly the living out of His Holy Word. Amen.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Friday Fives
1. Preaching Series - This Sunday we are continuing our preaching series entitled, Ashes to Fire, which we are doing in conjunction with Belleview UMC. Ashes to Fire is an intentional journey with Jesus from Ash Wednesday through Holy Week and Easter and on to Pentecost Sunday - from penitence to praise to power. This Sunday we will look to strength we can can garner from God during those locked-door seasons in our life. I pray this time of reflection will be one that will draw you deeper into your faith journey as we look to the life of Christ and example of love that he modeled for us. I encourage you to invite a friend and I hope to see you there!
2. Church Directory - We are in the process of updating our church directory. If you are not in the current directory and would like to be in this one, or if any of your information has changed since the last directory, please fill out a form so we can include you. The forms can be found in your April Newsletter or in the Narthex of the Sanctuary. We are asking these forms be turned into the church office, or dropped in the offering plate, by April 14th. We need you to make our directory complete!3. Bread Ministry - We here at Druid Hills have a wonderful welcome ministry. From the bags prepared and given out by Bob Greene, to the way each of you extend the hand of hospitality to all who enter, corporately we have this gift. Marianne Bingham has offered us an idea to enhance this gift of ours, bread. We are beginning a bread ministry, where each Sunday one volunteer will sign up to bake several small loaves of bread for us to give to any that visit our church. I would ask that you each consider signing up for a few weeks. There is a sign up sheet at the Connection Station and there are recipes we can provide you that are quick and easy. This is such an easy thing that will go such a long way. I hope you each will give God the opportunity to use you in this way to bless another.
4. Interfaith Ministry - Each year we partner with Interfaith Ministries to provide a meal for the residents of their living facility. We get the chance to break bread with these people and share a wonderful time together. With that in mind, we need volunteers. The 2013 sign-up sheet is posted on the Connection Station. We are scheduled to provide the evening meal the second Friday of each month. It is a great idea to consider asking a friend or two to help you provide the meal. If you have any questions, please contact Libby Orbison. This is a wonderful opportunity to be the heart, hands, and feet of Jesus Christ to another. I pray you will have the chance to be involved with this ministry this year.
Have a great weekend and I will see you all on Sunday!
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Midweek Moment
Are you rested? Have you had the time to recuperate from all the busyness that is Easter? Have you had the time to reflect upon what you experienced during this Lenten season? That is what I have been trying to do these last several days.
It is no secret that Easter is the high point of our Christian year. It is the day we use to lift up the gift given to us, the victory bestowed upon us, through Christ offering himself up on the cross. It is the day that death is defeated for all time. There are so many emotions, so many thoughts that have been circulating in my mind centering on this season.
I think back to the Jews for Jesus presentation we hosted, “Christ in the Passover”. To see how this ancient Jewish meal is prepared and served, to understand that God ordained this meal, and to see how He wove Jesus Christ as the Messiah into the very fabric of that celebration, was awe inspiring.
I think back to the incredibly moving Easter Tableau that was portrayed here on our campus. Over 600 people witnessed those scenes of Christ’s last hours and over 30 of them stopped for Holy Communion. The stories that were shared with me not only by this congregation as they experienced those nights, but also from the community at large, gave my goose bumps, goose bumps.
Then to top it all off, was our celebration on Sunday morning. The shroud on the cross in the parking lot, the flowers that overflowed on the living cross in front of the Sanctuary, the ringing of the bells, and the energy and movement of the Holy Spirit as so many of us gathered together, was exhilarating!
I am still processing all of my emotions from this Lenten season and I hope you are too. I pray that you were moved, that your relationship with God was deepened, and that your walk with Christ was strengthened. I pray that as we continue to live our lives as Easter people, as we continue to hear God call our names, we will continue to be those vital Kingdom builders we were all created to be!
Have a great weekend and I will see you Sunday!
It is no secret that Easter is the high point of our Christian year. It is the day we use to lift up the gift given to us, the victory bestowed upon us, through Christ offering himself up on the cross. It is the day that death is defeated for all time. There are so many emotions, so many thoughts that have been circulating in my mind centering on this season.
I think back to the Jews for Jesus presentation we hosted, “Christ in the Passover”. To see how this ancient Jewish meal is prepared and served, to understand that God ordained this meal, and to see how He wove Jesus Christ as the Messiah into the very fabric of that celebration, was awe inspiring.
I think back to the incredibly moving Easter Tableau that was portrayed here on our campus. Over 600 people witnessed those scenes of Christ’s last hours and over 30 of them stopped for Holy Communion. The stories that were shared with me not only by this congregation as they experienced those nights, but also from the community at large, gave my goose bumps, goose bumps.
Then to top it all off, was our celebration on Sunday morning. The shroud on the cross in the parking lot, the flowers that overflowed on the living cross in front of the Sanctuary, the ringing of the bells, and the energy and movement of the Holy Spirit as so many of us gathered together, was exhilarating!
I am still processing all of my emotions from this Lenten season and I hope you are too. I pray that you were moved, that your relationship with God was deepened, and that your walk with Christ was strengthened. I pray that as we continue to live our lives as Easter people, as we continue to hear God call our names, we will continue to be those vital Kingdom builders we were all created to be!
Have a great weekend and I will see you Sunday!
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
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