Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday

“Jesus said to her, “Mary!”  She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means teacher).  Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father.  But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”  Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.” John 20:16-18
“I’d stay in the garden with him though the night around me be falling, But he bids me go; thru the voice of woe his voice to me is calling. And he walks with me, and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own;   and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.” “In the Garden”, by C. Austin Miles

    “I have seen the Lord!”

Christ is risen!  Hallelujah! Christ is risen, indeed!!   The other day, Sophie, an elderly Palestinian woman living in Jerusalem was asked by a Jewish woman while crossing the street, “Are you waiting for the Messiah?”  “No!” Sophie replied, “he already came and we are waiting for his return!”   In the midst of life, there is suffering, killings, tears and fears; there is also thriving, living, smiles and joys.  Some days, we do not want to hear the news… how much more can happen in Syria, in Libya, in Nigeria, in Israel, in Palestine, in your place?  Where is your faith leading you?   Mary saw the Lord!  Sophie knows the Lord!  Two women separated by nearly 2000 years, know their faith because of their encounters with the Messiah, Jesus the Christ!  No matter, the trials of life, we can stand firm on our faith.  We are not alone, and when we look closely, we can see the Lord in the eyes of our neighbors… then comes the hard part, living into the Gospel message of love and forgiveness, of justice and grace.   This year, in the midst of turmoil and conflicts, what would it look like if we lived our lives striving for extravagant justice and love?   I have seen the Lord!  Have you?  

Let us pray, Amazing and ever loving God, remain with us, abide in us, and transform us!  May we have the eyes to see hope in the resurrection and compassion to express love through justice to all of humanity.  Amen.  
-Rev. Kristen L. Brown GBGM Mission Liaison to Palestine and Israel

Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday

“As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb. The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. "Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first." "Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.” Matthew 27:57-66

“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.
“It is well, with my soul, It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well, with my soul.” “It is well with my Soul” vs. 1, by Horatio G. Spafford

The sight of Coptic Christians being led to their slaughter by ISIS terrorists caused shock waves throughout the Christian communities of the Middle East and North Africa. Christians in the Holy Land are asking the question: “Are we next in line?” The persecution of Christians around the world today is becoming as appalling as what befell early Christians during the worst periods of the Roman Empire.  This lent season, Arab Christians will certainly understand what the Bible meant when it said about Jesus that he was "led like a sheep for the slaughter". On Good Friday and Holy Saturday Arab Christians will be able to vividly identify with the sufferings of Jesus as they mourn their martyrs in Syria, Iraq and in Egypt who were killed only because of their faith in Christ. The wives and mothers of the slain Coptic young men will surely identify with the mother of Jesus and the other women who saw the agony of Christ as he gave his life on the cross.  The good news is that Good Friday and Holy Saturday give way to Resurrection Sunday. It is my prayer that the fresh blood of Arab Christian Martyrs will generate a spiritual awakening in the Middle East that will bring spiritual energy throughout the Christian communities, that will overflow with the power of love, forgiveness and reconciliation and cause the light of Christ to shine with divine salvation and blessings on all the inhabitants of the Arab countries and Islamic world.

Lord, give comfort for those who mourn loved ones who are killed because they confess faith in you. Lord, be with those who languish in ISIS prisons and act to bring them release. Come and touch our hearts and forgive us our tendency to respond with hate and to lust for revenge. Great and mighty God, bless the people of the Middle East and North Africa with your peace. Amen.  
- By Rev. Alex Awad GBGM Missionary in Palestine and Israel

Good Friday

Good Friday

“Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. 17 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle. 19 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” 23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 24 “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, “They divided my clothes among them     and cast lots for my garment.”[b] So this is what the soldiers did. 25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” John 19:16-27 “Were the whole realm of nature mine That were a present far too small Love so amazing, so divine Demands my soul, my life, my all.” “When I survey the Wondrous Cross” vs. 4, by Isaac Watts

Standing at the foot of the cross is a difficult place to be.  We want to avert our eyes, to look away from the agony of Jesus, to move quickly past Good Friday and bask in the resurrection 3 days later.  “We are a resurrection people,” we cry out.  But today’s scripture readings demand our attention.
One of the popular experiences for pilgrims who come to Jerusalem is walking the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross, the traditional route that Jesus took as he carried the cross to Calvary. For Palestinian Christians, this is more than just a symbolic journey; it represents for them the cross that they must carry as they experience the daily reality of oppression and occupation. But they also see in the suffering that Jesus endured a source of hope and strength, an invitation to respond as he responded, in gentleness, non-violence and love.     It seems like everywhere we look these days, we see suffering.  Wars, natural disasters, poverty, disease.  The list goes on and on.  It would be so much more comfortable to avert our eyes, to avoid the suffering, to insulate ourselves in our comfortable worlds and see only Easter morning. But, in his suffering, Jesus reached out to and identified with suffering humanity.  He calls us to do the same.  There is a quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s work, the Cost of Discipleship, “When Christ calls, he bids us come and die.” A difficult quote for sure, but Bonhoeffer is trying to convey the seriousness of a decision to follow Jesus, a decision that takes us to the cross.  Jesus’ life was lived in perfect obedience to the will of God.  But as we saw at Gethsemane, even Jesus struggled with that obedience.  “Let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not my will but Thine” (Mark 14:36).  Jesus was very much aware that letting go of his own will would lead him to Calvary.  

Lord, as we meditate on your suffering, give us eyes to see the suffering that is present in the world around us, not just in far way news stories, but also as experienced by our own friends, families and communities.  Give us strength and courage to respond in lo and compassion, never forgetting the great love that suffered for us on the cross. Amen.
-Tina Whitehead United Methodist Volunteer in Palestine and Israel

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday

“2 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16 Very truly, I tell you, servants[d] are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. 18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But it is to fulfill the scripture, ‘The one who ate my bread[e] has lifted his heel against me.’ 19 I tell you this now, before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe that I am he.[f] 20 Very truly, I tell you, whoever receives one whom I send receives me; and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.” John 12:13-20

“Go to dark Gethsemane,  ye that feel the tempter's power;  your Redeemer's conflict see,  watch with him one bitter hour.  Turn not from his griefs away;  learn of Jesus Christ to pray.
 “See him at the judgment hall,  beaten, bound, reviled, arraigned;  O the wormwood and the gall!  O the pangs his soul sustained!  Shun not suffering, shame, or loss;  learn of Christ to bear the cross.” Go to Dark Gethsemane, vs. 1, 2, by James Montgomery

I often try to imagine this night with all the intensity, emotions, and thoughts that must have been running through everyone’s mind. I have sat in the darkness of the Tenebrae service of my home church year after year wondering the same thing. As the night and its unfolding grew darker and darker, what was it like? Now, I have a better understanding of what the scene might have looked like, between the Garden and the Gates of Jerusalem. My imagination is ignited, picturing these events more clearly.

With so much packed into one day, it is easy to forget all that happened on that Thursday night, especially given the different Gospel accounts – the Last Supper, the washing of feet, Christ’s desperate prayers in the garden while the disciples slept, the arrest, the trial. I wonder, later in the night, if the disciples remembered the events at the supper. Did they think on Christ washing their feet at all? Did it strike them as strange? Did they wrestle with the meaning of his words in the context of everything else that had happened?  

As Christians, we live our lives in that space and time between the Garden and Jerusalem, between darkness, despair and redemption, the Kingdom of God. Living here has not only enabled me to picture the events of that night, but living amongst the oppressed has also led me to feel the darkness of that evening much more deeply than I had before. In this liminal space, we are also called to live out the invitation presented by Christ’s actions and words as he washed the disciples’ feet. Christ makes his invitation clear – “to wash one another’s feet.” This invitation is one of service and cleansing. It is through lives of services to others that we may cleanse our world of greed and injustice.

O Lord, be with us as we enter these holy days. Remind us daily to live a life of service to others that cleanses our world of injustice. As we remember and accept your invitation, be with us when that journey leads us through darkness and despair.  Amen.
- Grace Killian GBGM Global Mission Fellow to Palestine and Israel

Wednesday of Holy Week

Wednesday of Holy Week

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.” “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus”, by Helen H. Lemmel

In the age we now live, running a marathon, participating in a sporting event or competing in an Olympic event has a great appeal.  Though these activities require self-discipline, patience and endurance, they ultimately lead to a much coveted reward such as self- esteem, fame or material benefits.   The apostle Paul shared in his various writings insights on how to prepare oneself for competitive events.  As well, he pointed to potential challenges that a competitor could face.    He emphasized that discouragement and trials could be part of any contest and he warned of tough opposition and criticism along the way, as well as the temptation to cheat and be dishonest. To avoid the many pitfalls, he advises the Corinthians to fix their eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay ahead, endured the cross, scorned the shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Just as many athletes today know and are motivated by other athletes who achieved greatness, so much that they persevered until they reached their goal or their personal best, Paul reminds us that Jesus and a great cloud of witnesses went before and set an example for us, cheering us on until the end of the race.  Even in the face of great suffering and trials, with our eyes fastened on Jesus, we too can lay aside the things in our lives that hinder us on our spiritual journeys and complete the race set out for us.  

During this Lenten season, can we challenge ourselves to look inwardly to see what things are hindering our spiritual growth and our witness for Christ?  What hinders us from serving Christ and serving others? What hinders us from seeking God’s face and fellowship?  I challenge each of us to identify 2 or 3 things in our personal lives that are hindering our progress and lay them aside so that we can run the course and finish the race.

Dear Lord, as we reflect on our purpose and mission in life, we pray for grace to be faithful servants who will follow you faithfully. May we fix our eyes upon you as we cast aside the weights that are distancing us from you.  Amen
- Brenda Awad GBGM Missionary to Palestine and Israel

Tuesday of Holy Week

Tuesday of Holy Week

“Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: …God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.”  1 Corinthians 1:26a, 27b

“Thou didst accept their praises;  accept the prayers we bring,  who in all good delightest,  thou good and gracious King.” “All Glory, Laud, and Honor” vs. 5, by Theodulph of Orleans  

Holy week is a time of extremes converging in one place: the unbearable weight and violence of military occupation; the people’s hopes for liberation that flooded the streets of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday; Jesus’ decisive turning the tables on the moneychangers who were profiting from oppressive military rule; and people’s uncertainty and fear of what might come next.  
Today, Palestinians face many of the same extremes: more illegal Jewish-only settlements being built; more home demolitions; a devastating war in Gaza; and the ongoing loss of land under military occupation.  Precisely, in this moment of extremes, we are invited to hear again apostle Paul’s urging: “Consider your own call, brothers and sisters.”  

As in first century Palestine, the world still continues to worship military might and corporate power while dismissing as weak and foolish nonviolent actions of grassroots communities.  Ten years ago hundreds of Palestinian civil society organizations joined together in a call for nonviolent moral economic actions for justice, freedom and equality.  Five years ago, Palestinian Christians launched the Kairos Palestine document that calls on churches to join in nonviolent actions of boycott and divestment.  

During these same 10 years, the US government provided over $30 billion in weapons to Israel.  What hope do nonviolent actions of Palestinians, international partners, and Israeli peace groups have in the face of such deadly military might?  

Now, more than ever, we need to take Paul’s question to heart: “Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (1 Cor. 1:20b)  Slowly and steadily, the seemingly foolish and weak actions of churches, campuses, and trade unions across the world that are taking up nonviolent actions of boycott, divestment & sanctions (BDS).  And these nonviolent actions are forcing multi-billion dollar corporations to change their practices and end their profiting from military occupation.  
This holy week let us consider our calling: to join together with Palestinians to challenge the wisdom of this world with foolish actions of nonviolent resistance that God has chosen!  

O Lord, so often we feel foolish, unwise, weak and unprepared to face prolonged violence, military might and corporate greed.  Help us to hear your call anew that it is we that you have chosen to join in nonviolent actions with Palestinians seeking justice, freedom and equality for all.   For Your weakness is stronger than any human strength.  Amen.  
- By David Wildman Executive Secretary for Human Rights & Racial Justice General Board of Global Ministries

Holy Week Scriptures

Monday of Holy Week

Monday of Holy Week

“Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them[a] with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii[b] and the money given to the poor?” 6 (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it[c] so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” John 12:1-11

“There is a Name I love to hear, I love to sing its worth; It sounds like music in my ear, The sweetest Name on earth. This Name shall shed its fragrance still Along this thorny road, Shall sweetly smooth the rugged hill That leads me up to God.  Oh, how I love Jesus, Oh, how I love Jesus, Oh, how I love Jesus, Because He first loved me!” “Oh, how I love Jesus” vs. 1,8, by Frederick Whitfield

Jesus knew of the dangers he faced in Jerusalem, but still took time to have dinner with his friends in Bethany.  After Mary had “chosen what is better,” (Luke 10:42) she came to realize more about their family friend, Jesus.  Her understanding led her to love and be devoted to Jesus.   Because of her devotion, she anointed Jesus with “a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume, she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair” (v.3). Mary had the courage to act on her love for Jesus.  Her actions were counter-cultural. Women then and now are often restricted by traditions; Jesus called it, “Making void the word of God by your traditions” (Mark 7:14).   Even as the fragrance of her extravagant devotion filled the room, it caused trouble in the hearts around Jesus and Mary at this dinner.  Some attendees were plotting how to kill both Jesus and Mary’s brother, Lazarus.  Even one of Jesus’ disciples, Judas, questioned the extravagance.  Beyond Mary’s intent and understanding, Jesus gave purpose and name to Mary’s act of anointing; “Leave her alone; she has kept it for the day of my burial” (v. 7).  Her act of devotion showed how much she loved Jesus.

No fear of others stopped Mary from her act of love and devotion.  

Like Mary’s, our acts of courage, devotion, adventure, and risk are named and given eternal meaning by God.  “For we are God’s handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). “Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ and manifests through us the sweet aroma of knowledge of Him in every place” (2 Corinthians 2:14).  

IN BETHANY TONIGHT The fragrance of costly love is still spreading in Bethany.  Costly devotion goes out to Jesus in service at the Four Homes of Mercy for Disabled in Bethany, www.fourhomesofmercy.com.  Dinner is being served for Jesus in Bethany tonight.  “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).   Please consider an extravagant gift of devotion for Jesus’s dinner tonight in Bethany at the Four Homes of Mercy for Disabled.  Use Advance project # 3020711 United Methodist General Board of Global ministries www.umcmission.org.  
Abba Father, we praise you for salvation, for Jesus’ obedience on the cross, for your gift of the power of the resurrection.  We praise you for allowing us to “hear” Jesus say, “But I have called you friends” (John 15:15).  May we have the courage for the adventure as we “present our bodies, a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to you, which is our reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). Amen.

-  Randie Clawson Former UM Volunteer in Mission in Palestine and Israel

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday

“When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” 4 They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, 5 some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. 7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields.9 Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna!     Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! 10     Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 11 Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.” Mark 11: 1-11

“From Olivet they followed  mid an exultant crowd,  the victor palm branch waving,  and chanting clear and loud.  The Lord of earth and heaven  rode on in lowly state,  nor scorned that little children  should on his bidding wait.” “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” vs. 2, by Jeanette Threlfall

 As we read this passage of Jesus’s so called “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem we must remember that the true meaning of “Hosanna” is not “a shout of praise or adoration” or “to praise or applaud” as the dictionary currently defines it. At the time Jesus’s entered the city, humbly on a donkey, he was purposely fulfilling the prophesy of Zachariah. (Zach 9:9) The people believed that Jesus had come to be their king, to lead them out of an oppressive system of occupation imposed by the Roman authorities. Those cries of “Hosha-na! Save us now!” are still being shouted today by the people who are now living under the same oppressive systems of occupation imposed by the new Roman authority, the Israeli government.  Each year thousands of internationals participate in the “Palm Sunday Walk” waving palm branches and singing hymns while following the traditional route that Jesus took from Bethany into Jerusalem… or at least part of it. The beginning of the route is now blocked by the Separation Wall built by Israel with U.S. money on the guise of security. In Bethany the Wall divides Palestinians from Palestinians, father from son, child from school, patient from hospital. All too many of those internationals who have zealously come to “walk where Jesus walked” have no idea that thousands of indigenous Palestinian Christians, many of whom are descended from the original disciples, are barred from entering the city by the Israeli military. There is no triumphal entry for them. Instead faithful Christians and clergy alike are forced to shout “Hosanna” from the other side of a thirty-foot concrete wall as they face their holy city of Jerusalem but cannot enter. They understand the true meaning of Hosanna. “Save us! Save us now!”  As we begin to celebrate Holy Week and look forward to the resurrection, let us continue to be mindful of those whose voices are crying out for redemption, for release from captivity, for justice, for freedom, for the basic human rights that God granted to all people. Let us not only pray for them, but let us join Jesus on that walk to Jerusalem, so that we can do the work He called us to do, so that others can be free.
 
Gracious and loving God, we thank you for sending us your son to bring the good news to the world. As we walk with Jesus toward this New Jerusalem, where there will be an end to the systems of oppression in this world, where the oppressed will be set free so that all your people may rejoice, give us the courage to work for justice, the strength to be persistent, and open hearts for all your people so that one day the cries of “Hosanna, Save us” will be replace by a glorious “Halleluiah!” Amen.

Janet Lahr Lewis General Board of Global Ministries Missionary Advocacy Coordinator for the Middle East, GBGM Peace with Justice Program Associate, GBCS

Palm Sunday!

Tomorrow! We have a busy morning! 

Parents attending early service please have your children in the Sanctuary by 8:15 to help pass out bulletins, wave palms and sing! 

Parents attending late service we will bring the children down from Sunday School to help pass out bulletins, wave palms and sing!

St. Patrick's Day!

The Story of St. Patrick 

Wednesday Bible Study

Bible Verses

Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

John 1:5 And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

John 8:12 Then spoke Jesus again to them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 12:35 Then Jesus said to them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come on you: for he that walks in darkness knows not where he goes.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleans us from all sin.

How can we share the light of Jesus?

What is darkness? (Sin)

When we are followers of Jesus and we walk with Him we want to stay far away from darkness.  Yes, we will still sin, but we will no longer want to sin.  We hate the darkness of sin and love the light of Jesus!

Worship for Week 5

Week 5 Scriptures

Isaiah 43:16-21; 

Psalm 126; 

Phil. 3:4-14; 

John 12:1-8

Fifth Sunday in Lent

Fifth Sunday in Lent

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are justified in your sentence and blameless when you pass judgment. Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me. You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.” Psalm 51: 1-12

 “Search me, O God,  and know my heart today;  Try me, O Savior,  Know my thoughts, I pray. See if there be some wicked way in me;  cleanse me from every sin and set me free.” “Search Me, O God”, Psalm 41

To experience the blessings of Resurrection, we are encouraged to face our wrong doings. In this modern world we know how important it is to dial a phone number accurately or write down a password without mistakes. Often a car will not start if the driver fails to press the correct buttons and we can get ourselves in trouble if when travelling we fail to enter the correct pin number of our credit cards. When we use these numbers or passwords, we know that if we make a mistake, even one little mistake, we will not achieve our desired goal.  In our digital world there is no room for mistakes. If you miss one number, there is no mercy.

The Bible clearly teaches us that sin can create a wedge between us and God. The good news of the Lent season is that unlike the digital world, we can seek forgiveness and we can receive it. There is no secret password to open the gates of heaven. The same Bible that tells us that our sins have made a barrier between us and God is the same word of God that reveals God's great desire to forgive us. While both the New and Old Testaments teach forgiveness, the New Covenant is built on the fact that Jesus died on the Cross to forgive all our sins. Our role is to confess, repent and believe while God's role is to forgive our sins and reconcile us to himself. In this world of violence, radicalism, selfishness, fanaticism and greed we are not only called to receive forgiveness but we are called to forgive those who do us harm. This exactly what Jesus taught us as we pray, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Matt. 6:12 (NIV)

We cry with King David O Lord "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin." As we receive your grace of forgiveness, Lord, we pray for those who transgress against us. Have mercy on them and on us. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
-Rev. Alex Awad Global Ministries Missionary in Palestine and Israel

Super Saturday

Charles Spurgeon is considered to be one of the greatest preachers who ever lived. In fact, he is sometimes called the "Prince Among Preachers." Even though Spurgeon died over a hundred years ago, people still read his sermons to this day.

According to a story I read, Spurgeon and his wife owned chickens and would sell the eggs their chickens laid. They refused to give the eggs away. Even close relatives were expected to pay for any eggs which they got from the Spurgeons. As a result, some people thought the Spurgeons were selfish and greedy.

The Spurgeons accepted this criticism without defending themselves, and only after Mrs. Spurgeon died was the full story revealed. The Spurgeons never spent one penny of that egg money on themselves. Every penny that the Spurgeons made from the sale of their eggs went to support two elderly widows. Even though he never even mentioned it from the pulpit, that story may have been one of the greatest sermons Spurgeon ever preached. The story reminds me of a poem entitled "Sermons We See," part of which goes like this:

I'd rather see a sermon
than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me
than merely tell the way.
And the best of all the preachers
are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action
is what everybody needs. [1]

"I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day." In our Bible story today, we will see how a woman named Mary put her love for Jesus into action for everyone to see.

Jesus was visiting in the home of Mary and Martha whose brother, Lazarus, Jesus had recently raised from the dead. As they sat visiting with Jesus, Mary took a bottle of perfume and poured it on the feet of Jesus. Then she knelt and dried his feet with her hair. Now, this perfume wasn't like the perfume we might buy at the store for a few dollars. It was very expensive. In fact, the Bible says it was worth about a year's wages. This perfume was Mary's most prized possession, the best she had to give. While other people talked about their love for Jesus, Mary showed her love by her actions. She poured her most prized possession on the feet of Jesus.

You might think that others would be impressed that Mary would pour out such expensive perfume on the the feet of Jesus, but that was not the case. In fact, she was criticized. Judas, who later betrayed Jesus, said, "We could have sold this perfume for a year's wages and given the money to the poor." The truth is, Judas didn't care about the poor, the Bible says that as the keeper of the money bag, he often helped himself to that money for his own personal use.

Two people -- Judas and Mary. One talked about helping the poor while the other showed us the importance of giving our best for Jesus. I don't know about you, but "I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day."

Dear Father, help us to demonstrate our love for you, not in words, but in our actions. Help us to be a sermon that other people can see. Amen.

Friday Worship

http://www.metrolyrics.com/it-is-well-lyrics-bethel-music.html

Lent

Over the season of Lent we have been using a resource with the children called Resurrection Eggs. They are a great tool to show children the symbols of the season.  It also helps them to remember the story and be able to tell their friends.  You can find this resource in many places but here is the link to it at Amazon: Resurrection Eggs

Thought for today from Devozine

SHAPED BY STRUGGLE

Tessa Emily Hall, 22

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As a novelist, I have been taught to give struggles to the main characters in the stories I write. Without struggles, there is no story. Sure, my character might assume that her suffering is never-ending; however, she doesn’t see what I see. She doesn’t see that the pain is causing her to grow and to become stronger. Ultimately, I will craft for her the perfect ending.

I am sure that what we are suffering now cannot compare with the glory that will be shown to us.
Romans 8:18 (CEV)

When I am suffering, I trust that the story of my life is being written by God. And when I view my life from God’s perspective, I remember that my pain isn’t going to last forever. God reassures me that, although the trials I face may be difficult, they have a purpose: They give me an opportunity to grow, to become stronger. And ultimately, God, the author of all life, will weave together a beautiful story with a perfect ending.

How have your past struggles shaped you into the person you are today?

Wednesday Night Bible Study

Lent Wednesday Night Bible Study

Wednesday, March 9
Death & Resurrection From Matt 26–28; Mark 14–16; Luke 22–24; John 13, 17–20

Tell the Story

Jesus and his disciples traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. The Pharisees and other Jewish leaders were becoming more and more upset with Jesus and his teachings. They looked for ways to trap Jesus into saying something so they could arrest him; but Jesus was too wise for them. Many of his stories pointed out the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders – how they taught about doing things one way and then actually did them another, or without the right love in their heart for God.  

Jesus said, “When the Pharisees and teachers share with you God’s commands, listen to them—but don’t follow their example. They don’t live out what they teach.” 

The High Priest met with these leaders to discuss capturing Jesus and putting him to death. “We can’t arrest him during Passover,” they agreed, “or it will create a huge riot.” 

Jesus and his 12 disciples met together in a home to celebrate the Passover. During the meal Jesus picked up some bread, thanked God for it, broke it into pieces. Giving it to his disciples he said, “Take this and eat it, this is my body given for you.” 

Then Jesus picked up a cup of wine and thanked God for it. He gave them the cup and said, “All of you, drink this. It is my blood given for you–a new covenant between God and his people. It is poured out to forgive the sins of many. Remember me when you continue to eat and drink these things together.” 

Jesus told them, “When you see what happens tonight you will all abandon me. It is part of God’s plan that I will be betrayed and die. But don’t fear, I will rise again from the dead!” He knew that his disciple Judas would betray him, bringing Jewish soldiers to capture him later that night when no one was around. 

After the meal, when it was dark, Jesus went to pray. Filled with pain and sorrow, he pleaded with God, “Father, if there is another way besides my death, please let that happen—but I will do whatever you ask.” 

Just as he had finished praying, Judas showed up with an armed mob. He greeted Jesus with a kiss—a sign to show the guards which one they should arrest. 

Jesus said to them, “Am I a dangerous criminal that you need weapons to capture me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple where I’ve been teaching everyday? No! This is part of God’s plan, just as the prophets predicted long ago.” 

When the guards arrested Jesus and dragged him away, the disciples ran away and hid. The guards beat Jesus and brought him before the Jewish leaders for questioning.

 They asked, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of God?” 

Jesus answered, “I am, and you will see me seated next to God in power—coming back on the clouds of heaven.” 

When Jesus said this, the High Priest tore his clothing in horror and said, “Any man who claims to be God must be put to death.” Then they slapped Jesus in the face and spit on him. 

Since Jews could not execute anyone without official approval, Jesus was brought to the Roman governor, Pilate. The Jewish leaders stirred up the crowds and pressured Pilate to have Jesus put to death. They shouted, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” 

Pilate feared a riot would break out, so he handed Jesus over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified. Crucifixion was the cruelest and most humiliating way to die. 

Jesus was brutally beaten and whipped by the soldiers. They put a crown of sharp thorns on his head and a purple robe around his shoulders. “Hail the King of the Jews!” they laughed. All night, the Roman Soldiers continued to beat Jesus and mock him.  

When morning came, they led Jesus to a place called Skull Hill. Like a criminal, Jesus was nailed to a heavy wooden cross between two thieves. 

Hanging there, he cried out, “Father, please forgive them, they don’t know what they’re doing.” 

At noon, darkness filled the skies blocking out the sun for three hours. Suddenly, the thick curtain hanging in the Temple tore down the middle! 

At that moment Jesus shouted, “Father! I give you my life… it is finished.” Then Jesus breathed his last breath and died. 

The soldiers broke the legs of the criminals crucified next to Jesus to speed up their death. When they found that Jesus was already dead, they didn’t break his legs. To be sure, one of the soldiers stabbed him in the side with a spear—blood and water poured out. 

Late Friday afternoon Jesus’ body was taken down from the cross, wrapped in long strips of cloth, and buried in a rich man’s tomb. A large stone was rolled over the entrance to the tomb and Roman guards were posted to make sure nothing happened to his body. (Pause here for a moment.) 

Early on Sunday morning, some of the women who followed Jesus went to prepare his body for burial. When they arrived at the tomb, they saw the stone rolled away and the soldiers were gone! 

Suddenly, two angels appeared. They said, “Why are you surprised? You are looking for Jesus, but he is not here, he’s been raised from the dead.” The women were excited but afraid and hurried to tell the disciples the amazing news. Some of them ran back to the tomb and looked inside for themselves… 

Jesus was not there!

1. Why was Jesus going to Jerusalem? What do we know about this celebration?

2. Do you think Jesus had a choice in how he died?

3. How does the Passover story we heard earlier remind you of Jesus’ death?

4. Why did the Jewish leaders want to kill Jesus?

5. What did Jesus mean when he said, “Take this and eat it, this is my body given for you” and “…drink this. It is my blood given for you–a new covenant between God and his people”?

6. What was God’s covenant with his people? What do you think the “new covenant” is?

7. Why do you think the curtain in the Temple tore in half? What did the curtain separate?

8. How did Jesus fulfill the prophet’s predictions about the coming Messiah?  He will be beaten, whipped, and wounded  He will be put on trial and thrown in prison.  His hands and feet would be pierced.  He will be killed like a criminal, then buried in a rich man’s tomb.  God will lay the punishment and guilt for all of our sins on him.  His life will be made an offering for us.  Because of Him, many will be made right with God.

9. How is Jesus being raised from the dead significant? What does it show us about him? Application (Optional questions that may help apply the story)

10. What questions do you have about the story? What do you wonder about?

11. What will you remember most about this story?

12. How does this story make a difference in your life?

13. What do you see for the first time in this story?

14. What amazes you the most about Jesus?

15. How was Jesus’ death part of God’s plan?

Scripture Memory Verses

The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again. Luke 24:7  

Choices

I have heard to story a number of times but today I was struck by a detail I had never really pondered before.  Here is the story:

32 There were also two criminals led out with Jesus to be killed. 33 They were led to a place called “The Skull.” There the soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross. They also nailed the criminals to crosses beside Jesus—one on the right and the other on the left.

34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.”[d]

The soldiers threw dice to divide Jesus’ clothes between them. 35 The people stood there watching everything. The Jewish leaders laughed at Jesus. They said, “If he is God’s Chosen One, the Messiah, then let him save himself. He saved others, didn’t he?”

36 Even the soldiers laughed at Jesus and made fun of him. They came and offered him some sour wine. 37 They said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 (At the top of the cross these words were written: “ this is the king of the jews.”)

39 One of the criminals hanging there began to shout insults at Jesus: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Then save yourself, and save us too!”

40 But the other criminal stopped him. He said, “You should fear God. All of us will die soon. 41 You and I are guilty. We deserve to die because we did wrong. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you begin ruling as king!”

43 Then Jesus said to him, “I promise you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

From the book of Luke Chapter 23

There are many things about this text that stands out to me but today I want to focus on the fact that Jesus was hanging between two criminals. He could have been there by Himself. There could have been many around Him. Or just one. But there were two criminals one on each side.  Today it was brought to my attention that it is like our lives.  We have a choice between two options. Like the one thief we can deny Jesus as the Son of God. Or like the other we can choose to believe in Him and live with Him in paradise.

Choice seems easy but are you daily choosing to live for Christ? We daily make the choice of which option we want to take.  Are we going to mock Him or are we going to follow Him.

Mocking Him doesn't mean literally throwing insults, although we do that too. We mock Him through our lack of faith, through our actions that are not like what He has asked us to be like, the intolerance and not loving others. Our mocking comes in many forms.  Not just words. 

To follow, means to deny ourselves of what we want. It means we say yes to whatever God is saying we need to do. Following means even if we have to die for our belief, we will.  Here is a story to end with about someone who gave it all to follow Jesus.

Shakeela Bibi smiled to herself as she took a pan out of the oven.  Yesterday she and her husband had attended the small Presbyterian church near their home.  The message had been such an encouragement to her, that she had decided to go the Monday afternoon Bible study—and she had made bread for the occasion.

Setting the bread on the counter, Shakeela took a deep breath, savoring the aroma of the hot loaf.  If the bread tasted half as good as it smelled, then the others at the Bible study would certainly enjoy it.

As Shakeela wrapped the loaf in a clean cloth, she heard people shouting and the repeated sound of wood hitting another object.  She thought little of it—the local boys would often use bamboo rods to play cricket and the games could get quite competitive.

Stepping out the front door Shakeela squinted in the bright sunlight and looked around to see where the boys were playing.  The sight in front of her did not look like a cricket game.  As her eyes adjusted to the light, Shakeela realized that there was a group of men with gun and clubs were moving towards the church.

Recognizing where the men were headed and what they must be intending to do, Shakeela dropped her bread and started sprinting towards the church—someone had to warn the believers inside!

When the group of men saw the woman running towards the church, they quickened their pace and began hurling insults at her.  Hearing the commotion outside, some of the Christians in the church stepped outside—that was when the first gun shot was fired upwards and the cross at the top of the church came crashing down.

In panic, Shakeela realized that she would not make it inside of the church before the mob reached her, and froze.  For a brief second, the world around her also seemed to freeze.  To her left Shakeela saw looks of pure hatred on the faces of the approaching men, their weapons raised in malice.  The faces of the Christians behind her were painted with shock and fear.

A blow to her shoulder brought Shakeela back to the present.  She fell to the ground as a second bamboo club slammed into her back.  Rolling over, she tried to put up her hands to shield her face, but the next blow hit her arm so hard that she heard a cracking sound and an immeasurable amount of pain came shooting up her arm.  Without even her hands to protect her face, she was at the mercy of the man standing over her.

But no mercy was extended.

Over and over the man beat her head and face.  With each blow the world became darker.  Each time the bamboo hit her, the pain became greater.  The taste of blood filled her mouth, stars exploded before her eyes, and screams echoed in her ears.

Then in a moment it all stopped.

An hour later, a man knelt on the ground next to a body.  With gentle hands, he wrapped the lifeless form of his wife in a clean cloth, and quietly carried her away, tears streaming down his face.

Please remember Shakeela Bibi, a brave Chistian martyr, and her family in your prayers.  https://www.opendoors.org.nz/persecutedchristians/christianstories/shakeelabibi

Week 4 Scriptures

Josh. 5:9-12; 

Psalm 32;
2 Corinthians 5:16-21;
Luke 15:1-3&11-32

Fourth Sunday in Lent

Fourth Sunday in Lent

“From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.” Then the LORD sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD to take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said to Moses, “Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.” Numbers 21:4-9

“I want Jesus to walk with me, I want Jesus to walk with me, All along my pilgrim journey, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me” “I want Jesus to Walk with me” vs. 1, Afro-American spiritual
When I think of Lent, I think of a journey…a journey to the cross but also a journey to new life. So, it’s appropriate that one of this week’s scriptures is about Moses leading his people on a journey, through the wilderness to a new land beyond. The spiritual journey has been one of my own themes as I’ve grown over the years in my awareness of God and of God’s leading. And these past years, spent in the Holy Land, have seen this idea of journey enhanced by the concept of pilgrimage.   A couple of years ago, as I was participating in a silent retreat, my spiritual director asked me to write a parable of pilgrimage that reflected my own journey.  This is what I wrote:  A pilgrim seeker sets out on a journey, not knowing how she will arrive but trusting in the leading of a voice not her own.  On the way she meets many challenges, but always feels protected, cared for, not alone.  As she continues her journey she encounters people and situations which cause her to reflect on, question and sometimes change her perception of the world around her.  She sees people who are invisible, hears voices that go unheard.  She sees God who cares and sees and hears and who invites her to do the same and to share this caring and seeing and hearing with others.  As she continues on, she begins to understand that the destination is not just a place but the journey itself.

Lord, during this season of Lent, may we see our lives as a journey with you and for others.  May your presence guide us each step that we take.  Amen.    -Tina Whitehead United Methodist Volunteer in Palestine and Israel

Check up

How are you doing with the things you gave up and the things you took on?

Friday Funnies

A few years ago I had a youth ask me why we have the Easter Bunny. I sadly couldn't answer them. I had my thoughts but all I could say was bunnies bring new life and so does Jesus. They countered my answer with why can't we just say that with the eggs? Okay it is a little odd that the Easter Bunny is the one who brings the eggs and stuffs them with the things we probably gave up for lent. The Easter Bunny isn't in the Bible (no matter how you twist the Scriptures). He is scary looking for toddlers (and some adults). So why the Easter Bunny? Same reason we have Santa. He is a symbol. The Easter Bunny along with many other items are ways for us to present the Gospel to children. New life, rebirth and the Resurrection (eggs).

Week 3 Worship

Wednesday Bible Story

Wednesday, March 2
The Kingdom From Matthew 5, 7, 10, 13, 18–20;  Mark 3–6, 10, 13; Luke 6, 8-10, 12-15, 17; John 3

Tell the Story—SCENE 1: Kingdom Message 

Jesus continued to teach people, “The Kingdom of God has come—turn from your sins and turn to God!”  

One day he climbed up a hill with a group of his closest followers. They sat down together and Jesus began to teach them about God’s Kingdom.  

He said, “God blesses those who realize their need for him; the humble and poor, the gentle and merciful—the Kingdom of God belongs to them. God blesses the pure in heart and those who hunger and thirst to be with Him. You’ll be blessed when you are hated, mocked and excluded because you are my followers. Be happy about it—you will get great rewards in heaven!”  

Then Jesus went on to teach about God’s laws that were given to Moses. Jesus said, “Don’t think I came to get rid of the laws of Moses and the writings of the Prophets. I have come to fulfill them! God’s laws are alive and will last forever–live by them and show others the way. That’s how you’ll find honor in the Kingdom.”  

Then he went on to teach, “The laws and commands tell you not to murder, but I say if you hate someone or insult them you are just as guilty as a murderer. Your words and actions bring judgment on you. The laws also tell us to never have sex with someone else’s spouse. But I say anyone who even looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery in his heart.”  

He also taught them, “If someone steals your shirt from you, offer them your coat too. Live generously! Love your enemies. Anyone can love their friends—but you are to love the unlovable. You must live differently, doing what is good, right and perfect—just like God your Father.”  

The people were amazed at Jesus’ teaching; He had real power and authority—unlike their teachers of the law.  

Later the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When is this ‘Kingdom’ that you are teaching about going to come?”   

Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God is not something you can predict. People will not say, ‘here it is,’ or ‘there it is,’ because the Kingdom of God is within you.”

Tell the Story—SCENE 2: Parables of the Kingdom  

Jesus continued to teach about the Kingdom of God using short stories that had powerful meanings, called parables. 

He said, “The Kingdom of God is like a tiny seed that is planted in a field. This seed may be small at first but it grows into a large tree where birds can come and find shelter.” 

Jesus told dozens of stories like this to the crowds. He said the Kingdom is… Like a hidden treasure buried in a field—worth diligently searching for, Like yeast spread in a large ball of dough—just a little will change a lot, Like a precious pearl—worth trading everything for, Like a great feast—where the poor and the outcast all get invited, and on and on… 

People were amazed at Jesus’ teaching and wisdom. They understood some of these pictures, but others remained a mystery to them. 

A young man came up to Jesus and asked, “What good things must I do to get into the Kingdom?” 

Jesus replied, “God is the only one who is good. Follow his commandments.” 

The man said, “I have obeyed his commands, what else must I do?” 

“Go and sell everything you have and give the money to the poor. Then come and follow me.” 

When the man heard this he went away very sad because he didn’t want give up his great wealth and the things he owned. 

Then Jesus told his disciples, “It’s very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God—it’s easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle!” 

“Then who in the world can enter the Kingdom?” asked his disciples. 

Jesus replied, “If you try on your own you won’t make it. But if you rely on God, everything is possible! The entrance to the Kingdom of God is narrow, only a few will find it. But the road that leads to destruction is very wide, many will chose this way and live only for themselves.” 

After spending an entire night in prayer, Jesus chose twelve men out of all of his followers to be his apprentices, calling them apostles. They traveled with Jesus wherever he went as he taught them to live in the ways of God. He sent the apostles out to heal the sick, teach others what they had learned and to share the message of the Kingdom of God. 

Retell the Scene This may seem redundant, but it is very effective in helping your kids remember and own the story.

Tell the Story—SCENE 3: Jesus and Nicodemus  

One night a Pharisee named Nicodemus came to Jesus and said, “Rabbi, we know you were sent by God to teach us. Your miracles haven proven to us that God is with you.” 

Jesus replied, “You’re right–but unless someone is born a second time they will never understand God’s Kingdom.” 

“What do you mean?” Nicodemus questioned, “How can someone who is fully grown climb back inside their mother and be born a second time?” 

Jesus answered him, “The truth is, no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless they have been born a second time by God’s Spirit. Humans can only give human life, but God’s Spirit gives new life in the Kingdom.” 

“How can this happen!?” Nicodemus asked. 

Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, but you don’t know this simple truth? If you won’t believe me when I teach you about everyday things, how will you believe me when I tell you about God’s Kingdom? 

“What I am telling you is true. God showed his great love for people by sending me—his only son—to this world. Anyone who believes in me and lives in my ways will find life that is complete and eternal! He sent me here to save people—not to judge them. Those who want to live in sin and darkness will reject me and bring God’s judgment on themselves. But those who want to live in God’s ways will trust me and live forever!”

Scripture Memory Verses

And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 

Lent

O God, you know us better than we know ourselves. You know what we are able to bear, and you know what would destroy us (1 Corinthians 10:13). We pray for all who face danger on this day both in our community and in the communities of our world. We pray for people standing in lines for food and water, for people without permanent housing, and for those who have been tragically bereaved. We pray for the unemployed, the underemployed and for those in fear of losing their jobs. We pray for all who stand bravely for Christ on this day and for all who wait patiently on your promises. Remind all who struggle that they are not forsaken and that their faith in you is not misplaced. Open our hearts to respond to the needs of a hurting world. Make us your hands and feet and walk us into places where people need you most. May we follow the path of Jesus, wherever it needs to take us so that you might be glorified on this earth.