Friday, March 1, 2024

Happy March!  As another new month begins, I read these words from Paul's second letter to Timothy...

                 "If we are not faithful, he remains faithful, because he
                    cannot be false to himself."   (2 Timothy 2:13 TEV)

Our hearts are often heavy with the burdens and cares of this world. Yes...when we go to the Lord with our needs, a little voice prattles on in the background about how we have reaped what we've sown, taken God's goodness for granted, fallen short in what we've been called to do, or failed to pull our weight in the Kingdom. We can think of a dozen reasons why we don't deserve God's blessing.
   
Giving what is not deserved, loving unreservedly, and being unconditionally, is the very nature of God's grace. God offers salvation to the sinner, strength to the weak, sight to the blind -- yet none of us deserve it! Though we can never earn God's blessing, we know God's grace and mercy are always greater than our shortcomings. God is always faithful!
   
So when you're not sure if God is really hearing your prayers and your life seems to be falling apart, or you just don't feel worthy.....remind yourself to pray... You are always faithful, Father. 

+++ We gather for worship on Sunday at both 8:30am and 10:00am. On this Third Sunday of Lent, we will talk about being "Guided to Peace". What does real peace look and feel like? And how can we learn real peace from Jesus on the cross? Join me on Sunday as we talk about these important questions. Our worship will be "live-streamed" on the church's Facebook page at 10:00am and then "uploaded" to our YouTube channel when the worship is completed. We are continuing to work on our audio levels as we break in new equipment.... So thanks for your patience and grace as we make these adjustments.  

+++ Don't forget to pick up your Lenten Self Denial coin boxes that will be used to support the feeding ministry at University UMC in Syracuse. As this sister church reaches out to feed hundreds of people each week, we have the blessing to be part of that exciting ministry. Coin boxes should be returned on Resurrection Sunday, March 31st! NEW THIS WEEK... the ministry at University UMC could always use personal care items (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, bar soap, lotions, etc.). If you are shopping this week, then look for the box on the table in the Narthex to deposit these items!

+++ Our church Trustees will be meeting on Wednesday, March 6th at 4:00pm in the Fireside Room. Trustees... Please mark your calendars for this important meeting!

+++ Next Sunday we celebrate another Second Sunday Luncheon! Please sign up this week so we know how many to expect for this wonderful time of food and fellowship!

+++ Also next Sunday we celebrate the work of our UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief). We will receive one of our 6 special Sunday offerings to help UMCOR do the amazing work they do throughout the world!  Look for the special offering envelopes next Sunday!  

Make this day a great day and always remember to pray, You are always faithful, Father!   
​Pastor Jack