Hello All!
Last week, I travelled to Lakeland for our Annual Conference of Florida United Methodist churches), and also take a day to visit Disney with the boys. This is why there was no E-Devo in your inbox…in case you wondered. Coming back tired, I worked late on a sermon about the fears of life and death that hover around most of us. God is gracious because I believe He spoke to many of you on Sunday morning about facing and letting go of some of those fears. If you’ve been in my office at the church, you may have noticed a framed print I have over my desk. It’s a quote from James Baldwin which says, “Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing is changed until it is faced.”
This is certainly true of our fears. We cannot change the fact of death in this earthly life. But we can change our attitude towards it. One of the ways we can transform this fear is by living fully yet “prepared to die.” (I know easier said than done.) But this is an attitude of faith –faith that something better is to come, faith that God will take care of our loved ones even when we are no longer present, faith that God’s promise to never leave or forsake us includes the mystery of death. It’s also a practical stance, to “always be prepared.” I can’t control what may happen to me in life, but I can control if I’ve expressed my love and faith to others, if I’ve left my affairs in order, if I’ve sought forgiveness and reconciliation, etc. This is what it takes to live well and die well.
It also takes a deep trust that God is good enough, strong enough, and wise enough to help us conquer our fears. This Sunday, on Father’s Day, we will talk about how God our Heavenly Father cares for us. Like the mysteries of life and death, there are some aspects to God’s care that we struggle with, namely God’s discipline. The Bible tells us, like a good earthly father, our Heavenly Father will set boundaries for us, give us correction, even be stern to get our attention, and yes there are consequences for our sin. God also provides big, strong arms for us to lean on during life. In many ways, we find shelter and safety in God’s arms, especially in those fearful days and nights.
I’m looking forward to seeing you at church and the Covered Dish Luncheon after worship. Dessert and drinks will be provided. Dress casually!
Peace,
Pastor Amber
· FLUMC email is down this week. Pastor Amber asks that you send email to the church (cruni@bellsouth.net) or call her at the church (305-235-6651) or her cell phone (305-951-2759)
· Tonight, Pastor Amber’s Summer Bible Study begins! We’ll be discussing the Gospel of Luke. Meet in the Choir Room 6:30-7:30pm. All are welcome throughout the summer.
· Vacation Bible School is next week! We are still looking for ONE more adult to assist with the activity stations. Also, we only raised $28 in the recent mission box for VBS. Your financial donations will help us buy the supplies still needed to make this a RENEWING experiencing. Thank you for your support!
· An Adult Class of VBS is also offered. We will be meeting in the Choir Room 6:30-8pm
Monday- The Bible and Creation Care
Tuesday- Green Tips for your Home (*previously listed on Thursday)
Wednesday- The Poor and the Enviornment led by Rev. Paul Massingill
Thursday- The Gulf Oil Spill led by Brett Pierce, FIU Teaching Assistant in Marine Biology
Friday- The Parable of the Sower
· Saturday, 6/19, let’s make a garden! Starting at 8:30am. Gardeners will enjoy preparing the soil for our new vegetables & flowers to be planted by the kids. Bring gloves, trowels, shovels, hoes, clippers, etc. There may also be some work to move boxes across the parking lot from the Annex.
· Welcome New Members! We are thrilled to welcome CRUMC’s newest members: Jerlyn Osbourne, Robert Dunning. Please be sure to get to know the folks around you at church. Have you seen any of your “pew neighbors” missing lately? Give them a call or send a note! Blest Be the Tie that Binds Us Together!
