Friday, March 13, 2026

On this Friday, as winter seems to be trying to rebound in our community, we turn to the words of Solomon's Psalm 72:
 
                "Give the gift of wise rule to the king, O God, the gift of the just rule to the crown prince. May he judge your people rightly, be honorable to your meek and lowly."
                                          (Psalm 72: 1-2   MSG)
 
You are a leader. Whatever roles you play, at the very least, you're leading yourself. Start there. How well do you know yourself? What are your tendencies, especially when challenged? Do you seek the best for the people you're leading, or are you constantly trying to preserve your reputation or standing? What's it like to be on the other side of you?  
   
These are often hard questions, but without seeking answers, you'll never be able to be the leader God calls you to be.  
   
Psalm 72 recognizes that leadership requires one essential ingredient: seeking and following God.
   
None of Solomon's goals here are self-focused. He asked God to help him judge fairly and wisely, to bring prosperity to all his people, to defend those most in need. He wanted his leadership to be refreshing, like spring rain, a haven for godly people. Yes, he spoke of other nations bringing gifts and having an enduring name, but he knew that without God, it wouldn't be possible or worth achieving.
   
You see Godly leadership is always others-orientated..... trusting that God will look out for you as you look out for others.  
 
      Father, mold me into a leader more like Jesus.... the perfect mix of righteousness and compassion, wisdom and strength. Do it for Your glory. Amen. 
 
+++ Join us for worship at either 8:30am or 10:00am on Sunday! This week we celebrate the 4th Sunday of Lent, and we will hear Jesus' final words of peace for his disciples... and the rest of us too! How can we ever hope to find the peace that Jesus gives? My message is entitled, "Dying to Turmoil, Living in Peace". So, join me on Sunday as we talk this through together! And if you can't be here in the Sanctuary with us, join us on our Facebook page for the worship "live-stream" at 10:00am. We will also upload the completed worship service to our YouTube channel when worship is completed. However you can join us, we hope to "see you" in worship on Sunday!  

+++ Sunday is also UMCOR Sunday as we pause to receive our annual yearly offering for the support of our United Methodist Committee on Relief. Look for the special offering envelopes on Sunday for these second mile gifts that allow our church to be on the front line serving those most in need around the world! Thanks for your gifts!

+++ On Sunday, you will be able to order Easter flowers to beautify our Easter altar.  See the table in the Narthex to order flowers in memory of or in honor of loved ones for Easter! 

+++ Check out the table of items we've received for our Lenten mission offering in support of the Brown Bag Lunch program at First UMC in Camillus! Many gifts have been received, and many others are filling their Lenten Self Denial offering boxes to help feed hungry kids this summer here in Camillus. We are all doing a great job and many hungry stomachs will be filled thanks to your support.

+++ Our Kidz Club kids are also collecting white socks for donation to In My Father's Kitchen as their Lenten mission project. They are looking for additional donations of new white socks and will be glad to help you carry in any donations for their collection!  Look for their smiling faces on Sunday!

+++ Our Lenten Bible Study group continues meeting on Mondays at 12:00noon and you can join anytime! Just bring your Bible and lunch, and you'll find some good discussion and a tasty bowl of soup as well.

+++ And you are welcome to join us for "Coffee with the Pastor" each Wednesday morning at 9:30am in the Fireside Room. We have a good time of fellowship and discussion, and we are getting to meet new people. Come and join us some Wednesday morning!  
 
Make this day a great day and always seek to be more like Jesus!   
​Pastor Jack