They say that when you know your “why” you will know your mission. If you take that to its spiritual meaning, when you know who you are in Christ, you will know your spiritual mission, and you will be able to handle the distractions of the world. The book of James talks about distractions that can derail one from fulfilling their mission.
Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world
becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
No one thinks of themselves as an enemy of God. But what James is saying is that when your focus is taken off of God and God’s plans for you, you risk becoming more associated with the world. In other words, a friend of the world. Interested more in what other people and other things want of you than in what God wants of you.
We are about to enter into the Christian season called Lent. Lent is a time of self-reflection. A time when we contemplate if there is anything between us and God. Some people make a Lenten sacrifice, giving up some food or activity, or taking on something like reading the Bible or serving in church.
Jesus would probably laugh at some of the things we have done in the name of Lent. I heard about a priest who thought the same. He took a whole new approach to the idea of giving up things for Lent. He said, “Jesus would probably laugh at us for giving up things like chocolate, beer, coffee…all the things that actually bring us joy and make us happy. What He might suggest is giving up the things that make us miserable in God’s Paradise. Things like self-doubt, insecurities, jealousy, greed, gossip, and anger. The things that move us away from the Light. Honor His sacrifice by giving up the Darkness in your life.”
Wise words indeed! As you consider your Lenten sacrifice, try not to make it something that is frivolous. You can give up donuts anytime! Try to make it something meaningful like those bad habits that you can’t seem to shake. Mending fences with an estranged family member or friend. Things that keep you from the Light of Christ. It’s only for forty days. Forty days to freedom (that’ll preach!). Then, my friends, you will go from being a friend of the world to being a friend of God!
This Sunday is the first Sunday of March, so we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper. The message: It Starts with Me. I’ll see you in the Sanctuary!
Ash Wednesday Service will be on March 5, 6:00 pm. Receive the imposition of ashes on your forehead or hand and celebrate Holy Communion together as we go into the sacrificial season of Lent.
Ashes to Go! On Ash Wednesday, March 5, from 12:00-1:00pm I will also offer the imposition of ashes in the Prayer Room (upstairs across from the Sanctuary). This is a come and go, no service will be observed. You can park on the rear lot, turn to your left when you enter, and you will find the Prayer Room. The Prayer Team will also be on hand.
Lenten Offering We will begin our Lenten offering on Ash Wednesday and go through Easter. This is above your regular giving. It is a sacrificial giving that the board usually designates for a particular cause or need. This year, the board has once again designated it for the youth and children’s ministries. This will help ensure that our young people have vibrant ministry so that they, too, become deeply rooted disciples! Please designate “Lenten Offering” when giving.
Advent Offering… and speaking of sacrificial giving – because of your amazing generosity, GT is sending over $14,000 from our Advent Offering to the Foundation 4 Orphans for our Mozambique children! This even blew Rev. Lavendar away! Thank you for sowing into the lives of orphaned young people. You can’t imagine the impact you are making!
Churchwide Bible Study! That’s right! We’re going to hold a Bible study for the entire church during Lent. It is a study from RightNow Media called: Essentials of Faith. The study will begin on Wednesday, March 12, 6:30-7:30pm. It will take us through some of the basics of our faith such as: what is a Christian? Who is God? Who is Jesus? Who is the Holy Spirit? Whether you’re a long-time disciple or new to the faith, this course is sure to strengthen you on your faith journey! No book is required for purchase. Study guides will be made available for each of the 6 weeks. Potluck dinner (optional) will be available from 5:45-6:15pm, or come for class at 6:30p. Let’s pack the MPR, because the church that studies together stays together! Check out the trailer: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/player/video/860452?session=871151&position=0.
Save the Date! GT will once again dine out together! We had so much fun at the Mellow Mushroom, that we decided to do it again. So, on April 8, we will dine out at Maggie O’Brien’s. More details will come later.
Board Meeting Minutes will now be available in the e-newsletter. If you do not receive the e-newsletter, you can obtain a copy by contacting Jei at jei@umcgt.org.
Vision for 2025:
Deeply Rooted:
Growing Through Discipleship!
Blessings,
Pastor Linda
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