Dear Friends,
Well as the saying goes, “It’s nice to go away and it’s nice to come home.” My brother’s wedding was beautiful, and we come back happy albeit “tired and happy” from the many festivities and travel. I guess I’ve had weddings on my mind a lately. After performing the ceremony for my brother & sister-in-law, I started considering this week’s I AM Statement. We’ll be looking at John 15: 1 where Jesus says, “I am the True Vine.” Coincidently, this was the scripture reading for my and Paul’s wedding (almost 10 years ago!). Not what you would expect at a wedding? But here’s why it’s so fitting: Jesus encourages his followers to remain in God’s love and love one another just as God has loved love them. This is perfect guidance for those of us in marriage, but also for those who serve the Lord in whatever roles and job you may have, and for those who participate in the Body of Christ, the Church. Remain in God’s love.
Usually at weddings, we hear 1Corinthians 13 or the Love Chapter read. Pastors or readers usually don’t start at the beginning at the chapter, but rather where the “Love is…” list begins. Yet the first three verses of the chapter are equally important and revealing. It says if I have great spiritual gifts and great spiritual understanding but do not have love, then I’m just annoying (like “a resounding gong”). And if I do all these wonderful things like give money to the poor and give my very life for the cause, but don’t have love, then my faith—which might have moved mountains—is just irrelevant (“I am nothing; I gain nothing”). Love is the key ingredient to our faith and deeds which make us Christ-like. In other words, to be followers of Christ, little else matters except godly love.
This time of year we have many projects and events at the church. Some are ongoing like classes and the food pantry; others are focused on Easter like the Egg Hunt and special worship services; and still others are spring cleaning around the building. In all of these projects and events, let us strive do each of them in Christ-like love. Of course, we know our love often falls short, so again we have to remember to “Remain in God’s love” which is perfect and covers a multitude of sins. Lord, help us not to be annoying to one another or irrelevant to our neighbors. Help us begin and end each endeavor, each conversation, and each gift with your God-given love, this for your sake we pray, Amen.
Peace,
Pastor Amber
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Announcements-
· The improvements to the Narthex and its bathrooms are underway. Much of the work may even be done by Sunday! Thanks to the Trustees and their Chair, Carol Timmons, for the hard work.
· Thank you to the Chandler family for help in beautifying the grounds for Easter with new landscaping! If anyone would like to join Tyler this Saturday, 3/20, or the next, 3/27, to work on fertilizing and planting help would be greatly appreciated.
· Trustees and Finance will each be having meetings on Monday, 3/22.
· Bring in the plastic Easter eggs! Candy is optional but it must individually wrapped if included.
· Also, Veronica Nicoleau is looking for volunteers for the Egg Hunt at 10:30am on Saturday, 4/3. We expect 50-100 visitors so please lend a hand! If you can’t volunteer that day, consider signing up for preparation work.
· We are so proud of our Sew Much ministry led by Jean Welch. This group was featured in a full-length article in the eReview United Methodist newsletter. You can read it by clicking on this link: eReview
Holy Week Service Schedule
Palm Sunday-March 28th at 10:30am. Children will be invited to bring palms into the church during the opening hymn.
Maundy Thursday-April 1st at 7pm. This service commemorates the Last Supper.
Good Friday Ecumenical Service-April 2nd at noon. This service will be held at Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church. The program is the 7 Last Words given by area Pastors.
Easter Egg Hunt-April 3rd at 10:30am. Egg Hunt plus crafts and snacks for kids! All activities free.
Easter Sunrise Service-April 4th at 6:45am. Rev. Amber Massingill will be preaching at this community service. (New Location @ Palmetto Bay Village Center-18001 Old Cutler Road)
Easter Service-April 4th at 10:30am with Holy Communion.
