Friday, February 27, 2026

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVaEUZMebQnoa_96rgzOSPAOn this Friday our reading takes us into the Gospel of Matthew...
 
           "The seed cast on good earth is the person who hears and takes in                     the News and then produces a harvest beyond his wildest dreams."  
                                            (Matthew 12:23 MSG)
 
Today's scripture is from a passage many Bible versions call "The Parable of the Sower". But The Message takes a different tack with its headline: "A Harvest Story".  
   
We can focus on the different types of "soil" the parable's Sower encountered. His "seeds" --- the gospel message (verse 19) --- landed on different kinds of ground, including the hard pathway, the rocky, and the weedy. These all represent people who, for various reasons, can't or won't accept the good news and be saved.
   
But Jesus also described a good soil --- hopefully, everyone reading these words --- who welcomes His message, lets it sink in deep inside, and sees it ultimately produce fruit. That's the spiritual gift of a changed life, and according to today's scripture quote, it's "beyond [your] wildest dreams." More traditional translations say the good soil yields thirty, sixty, or a hundred times what was sown.  
   
When we're truly saved from our sins, we'll want to grow and produce for the God whose grace makes new life possible. Growth can be slow, and the full harvest takes time. Just be sure you're staying close to Jesus (John 15:5) so that nothing interrupts your development.  
 
               Lord God, I thank you for making me receptive to the seed of Your gospel. Now keep me close and produce much fruit in my life. Amen. 
 
+++ We gather for worship on Sunday at 8:30am and 10:00am.  This week, the 2nd Sunday of Lent, we continue our Lenten theme, Dying His Death, Living His Life. As we hear about and meet the rich young ruler, I will be speaking about "Dying to Greed, Living for the Treasures of Heaven." How are we, as people rich in blessings, investing in the world around us? Join me as we think this through together. We will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion this week, as well. If you can't join us here at the church, tune in to our Facebook page for the "live stream" at 10:00am or watch the completed worship service later on the church's YouTube channel. 

+++ You'll find Lenten materials for all members of your family on the table in the Narthex. Join us in our daily Lenten bible readings by grabbing one of the youth and adult booklets on the table.  

+++ Our shut-in meal ministry delivery will be this Sunday, as well. Thanks to all who serve in this wonderful ministry!  

+++ Our youth group meets this Sunday after worship, as well!

+++ You can be a part of our special Lenten Mission project of supporting the summer Brown Bag Lunch program at 1st UMC in Camillus. Check out the display and lists of needed items and the Lenten Self-Denial boxes in the Narthex when you grab your coffee on Sunday.  

+++ Our Trustees meet next Wednesday, March 4th at 4:00pm in the Fireside Room.

+++ On Monday, our Lenten Bible Study continues at 12:00noon in the Fireside Room. Bring your Bible, your lunch, and the desire to better understand the scriptures this Lent. 

+++ On Wednesday, we gather for "Coffee Time with The Pastor" at 9:30am in the Fireside Room. You're invited for the good fellowship and conversation on Wednesday mornings!   
 
Make this day a great day and produce a great yield for God!   
​Pastor Jack