Theme for 2023: Faith Forward – The Year of Extraordinary Faith!
There’s something about a dish that is prepared specially for you. It seems to taste better. My husband, a former Executive Chef, has prepared meals for many celebrities. I’ll never forget meeting Patti LaBelle, who loved a particular rice dish that he would prepare for her.
And while I enjoy going out to eat, there’s something about a home-cooked meal that is so special. Someone took the time to prepare a meal for you. Think about the time and preparation that it takes. First, you have to think about what the person might like. And if there are dietary restrictions, you have to consider what they might need. Then, you go to the grocery store and make your purchases, come home, and begin the preparation process.
But sometimes, the meal happens spontaneously. I was visiting a friend out of town once, and as I sat in her kitchen catching up on life, children, and ailing parents, I noticed that she never sat down. She was busy in the refrigerator, over at the sink, going to the stove. She starting chopping this and mixing that, all the while sharing funny stories from our high school days. I asked if I could help with something, and she simply said, “Thanks, but I’ve got it.”
We must’ve talked for about an hour. And before I knew it, she grabbed some plates and silverware. Then she set before me the most delectable homemade chicken tacos and coleslaw I have ever tasted! Talk about being fed twice! The conversation was sweet but the food was even sweeter. Because she took the time to think about my needs.
God always has us on His mind…
The Lord looks down from heaven; He sees all humankind. 14 From where He sits enthroned He watches all the inhabitants of the earth — 15 He who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds.
Psalm 33:13-15
And sometimes when you’re sitting in the kitchen with God (or wherever you may be), and the conversation gets good, you don’t even realize that Jesus is cooking up something good. Just for you!
I waited patiently for the Lord; He inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:1-3
We can rest secure in the arms of Jesus. He knows just what we need, when we need it, and how it needs to be done. And in due time, it will come to pass. So, what’s our job? To wait patiently. To trust that the Bread from Heaven, Jesus, not only has everything that we need, but that He IS everything that we need! That’s security. Not security in things, but security in the One who created all things.
Join us for worship this 5th Sunday of Lent, as we continue our Lenten sermon series: You Are…I AM. The sermon title: You Are Secure…I AM the Bread of Life. You can worship in-person or you can also join us online at 10:00am. For online worship go to www.umcgt.org.
In Sympathy Ron Edwards’ memorial service will be held at the school that he dedicated his life to for so many years, River Bend Elementary, on April 1 at 1:00pm.
Easter Egg Hunt Do you know how you can help your church to grow? Come to the Easter Egg Hunt! Not to find candy-filled eggs, but to meet new friends from the community who will be here with their wide-eyed kiddos ready to have some fun! Come on out and greet our neighbors, tell them how much fun it is to be part of Green Trails Church, tell them about our wonderful children’s and youth ministries, and who knows – you may make a new friend to sit by on Sundays! April 1, from 10am-Noon.
Holy Week Observances:
Maundy Thursday, April 6, we will celebrate at Union Memorial, 1141 Belt Ave., 6:30 pm. Pastor Antonio Settles will do a Last Supper interactive presentation and there will be foot washing for those who would like to.
Good Friday, April 7, the 7 Last Words of Jesus from the Cross will be at Green Trails Church, at Noon. This year we will be blessed to hear 7 Words from 7 women!
Stay in the Know! Did you know that we have printed copies of the e-newsletter and our church calendar? They’re on the tables at the coffee station and the at the Welcome Center. Did you know that you can see the activities going on at church on our website’s church calendar? Here’s the link: Church Calendar. And did you know that before and after service we have announcement slides that also highlight the goings on at Green Trails? Just our way of helping you to stay in the know!
“The Lord watch between you and me,
when we are absent one from the other.”
Genesis 31:49
Blessings,
Pastor Linda