Dear Friends,
Praise God! That’s how I feel hearing how God is moving your lives and how God is touching you during worship and this sermon series on the “I AM”statements of Jesus. So far, we’ve heard how Jesus is the Bread of Life and the Gate for the Sheep. I’ve left you with two simple questions to ponder: Is Jesus essential to your life…like bread is to hungry man? And are you moving in Christ…like sheep through a gate to open pastures. I hope you continue to pray and consider these questions as move ahead. This Sunday, we’ll continue in John 10: 11-18 where Jesus proclaims that he is the Great Shepherd.
Lately, I’ve been reminded of the importance of keeping Jesus central to our ministry and prominently visible to the world. I’m not necessarily talking about something material like our beautiful stained-glass; really I’m talking about the Spirit of Jesus, the work of grace, that’s in the life of His Body, the church. The current book I’m reading puts it like this:
As the world looks at our churches in the West, it sees only what people have done, and it is not impressed. We scheme, “What can we do to make our church more appealing to the people in our community?” This is once again the wrong question. Once the world begins to see Jesus in our midst, many more people will be attracted to our churches. A better question is, “Where is Jesus at work in our midst?” Where do we see lives changing, and communities transforming simply by the power of the Gospel? (Neil Cole, Organic Church, 2005)
So, how would you answer that question? I would start by giving thanks for new volunteers stepping up to serve outside of their past experience or comfort zone like on Sundays and on ministry teams. I also notice many open hearts among us wanting to welcome newcomers and welcome new ideas like at the luncheon last Sunday. I also see children excited to learn about Jesus like the 2 year old at the preschool who was so excited about the man who climbed the tree to see Jesus. Where do you see Jesus in our midst? Where do you see lives changing, perhaps even your own, by the power of Jesus?
Peace, Pastor Amber
· While our phone lines are down this week, please call the church fax line 305.232.1208 Indeed, say a prayer for all technical matters in the church office! Thank you for all the patience and hard work of our office staff and volunteers!
· Thursday and Friday, 9am-2pm the Preschool is holding a Used Book Sale in the Fellowship Center. All books $2. There is an adult section including cookbooks and extensive kids’ section including DVD/VHS. Even grandparents will want to stock up for when the grands come to visit.
· SHARE food pick-up this Saturday, 8-11am In the Fellowship Center. You may also sign up for next month’s grocery package at this time. A basic package of meats and fresh produce costs $18.
· FIU/MDC Wesley Foundation will be holding its next worship service this Sunday, 2/28, at 6pm at Perrine Peters UMC. Any and all friends of the ministry are invited to attend. There will be supporters, family members, as well as college students. Please bring a covered dish to share.
· Mark your calendar for Sunday, March 7- Gary Marcelin of Florida Urban Ministries’ Branches program will be speaking about their community ministry at the Men’s Breakfast at 8am. Anyone is welcome to attend. Gary will also be guest preaching at the morning service.
