Week 2 of LENT
Joel 2:1-2 & 12-1, Psalm 51:1-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, and Matthew 6:1-6 & 16-21
Wise words:
“If you are uncertain (in your journey) of which path to take…
choose the one on which the shadow of the cross falls.”
–Hugh Walpole
It is said that one who proceeds without suffering will bear no fruit, so as you walk this journey, cling to God’s love and each other, because the rejections and hurts of the world can leave us feeling dismissed and alone.
Try not to develop a “holy indifference” towards the many small rejections that are part of the human experience.
Even in our wildernesses and in our captivity, we are travelers on the way to a sacred place where God holds us in the palm of God’s hand.
The prophet Joel (verses noted above) reminds us that God casts a ray of light in our darkest times, into our wilderness, into our gloom, and into the darkest of our nights.
And Paul, in his letter to the Church at Corinth (verses noted above), reminds us that God compels us to respond to God’s goodness by moving toward God.
God’s mercy is greater than our sins.
God has done the work of the new creation in Christ—in the final victory over death.
Lent is an invitation to discipleship.
Lent is an invitation to Christian life.
Sisters and brothers in Christ, let us keep a Holy Lent.
-hkgd
“Community means trusting that someone else will be available to the person in need.” -Parker J. Palmer
LOVE in action. What’s in your refrigerator?
On Sunday, February 13th our young people packed 120 sack lunches for OPEN DOOR. They were distributed on Monday, February 14th with a hot cup of coffee to folks in need who visited OPEN DOOR downtown (402 E. 2nd St. N.). The DONUT DOLLARS that are collected on Sundays fund this project. Thank you, Chapel Hill.
There are many reasons we put our hands and hearts together in work and fellowship on a regular basis. Here are a few:
- We learn and practice HOW–to work together in community to complete a task with accuracy and efficiency.
- We consider and practice HOW–to reach people with an attitude of respect.
- We ponder HOW–the restorative power of the Gospel, energized by the Spirit, renews all involved–givers and receivers, those that are full and those that are hungry–through the reciprocity of mission (love in action).
1 paper bag, 1 napkin, 1 spoon, 2 ziploc baggies, 2 slices of bread, 1 slice of chees, 4 slices of sandwich meat, 1 cup of applesauce, 1 bag of chips and 3 cookies
Packed with love.
DONUTS have returned! Thanks for adding some sweetness to your life and supporting our youth and young adults!
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8th “Dig Deeper” gathered to celebrate Advent and Christmas.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12th we packed 120 lunches for OPEN DOOR. Thank you, Chapel Hill for continuing to support our volunteer work in the community. At UMYF on Sunday afternoon we celebrated with a Christmas Party!
Sunday, Dec. 5th: Zaina Salman, Dallas Dismuke, Lucas Smith & Addi Gutzmer
ILLUMINATIONS on Sunday, Dec. 5th:
Illuminations set-up at BOTANICA, Sunday Nov. 14th:
Thanks for volunteering in our community!
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31st featured our Youth & Young Adults in worship. Thank you youth & young adults for your leadership and service!
Enjoy the service with this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obTKeh4HTnk
Sunday School at 9:30 & Worship at 11:00! Sunday School is a time to catch up with friends & youth sponsors, see what’s on the horizon, learn, grow in faith & be in Christian community.
PRAYER:
Almighty God,
may the transforming power
of your Gospel
be at work in my life today and always.
Amen.
_______________________________________________________________________
*CALENDAR NOTES:
Sunday School: Sundays @ 9:30 a.m. Middle School (6th-8th grades) & High School (9th-12th + grades)
SUNDY, March 13th is SERVE Sunday! Join us for fellowship & OPEN DOOR lunch packing. Many hands make light work!
Worship: Sundays @ 11:00 a.m.
UMYF:
- *Sunday, Mar. 13th NO UMYF *Spring Break! Live it UP!
- Sunday, Mar. 20th UMYF 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAYS: “Dig Deeper”
- We will meet Wednesday, March 9th meet at 7 p.m. in LL6
- We will NOT meet on Wednesday, March 16th *enjoy SPRING BREAK!
Mid-week re-fresh via newsletter
May the Lord bless you and keep you, May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Shalom. -Numbers 6: 24-26
God is Good. All the Time.
Heidi K. Greenwood Doell Director of Youth & Young Adult Discipleship