Friday, March 22,2024

As we approach Palm Sunday this weekend, I read these words in Deuteronomy...

                 "The Lord shall command a blessing on .... everything you
                       put your hand to."    (Deuteronomy 28:8 NIV)

When we set out to work each day, we never know exactly how the Lord will use us. Even as we perform the most mundane tasks, we can bring a measure of excellence and grace to everything we set our hands to. Even as we undertake the most challenging responsibilities, we can lean on God for special insight, skill, and courage.
   
Most of us would admit that without God's grace we wouldn't have the patience required to do those tedious jobs like folding laundry, filing reports, or balancing our checkbooks. And without God's grace, we would never have made that deadline or succeeded in delivering such a winning presentation. As believers, we can start each day assured that God is with us, prospering all we set our hands to. If we are acknowledging the Lord in all we do, trusting in Him, and not leaning on our own understanding, we will not be ashamed or disappointed -- the Lord will bless our work.  
   
So join me in praying, Bless the work of my hands, O Lord, when you have a huge responsibility to fulfill or you are tempted to procrastinate out of fear or dread, or when you are lacking in confidence.   

+++ When we gather for worship on Sunday at both 8:30am and 10:00am we will be celebrating Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. And we will continue our worship series, Guided to the Cross. Sunday's installment is Guided to Humility and I will be looking at the Palm Sunday parade as Jesus shows us how to live in humility. I hope to "see you" in worship! We will, of course, be "live-streaming" at 10:00am on the church's Facebook page and then "uploading" the completed worship service to our YouTube channel. So, whether you are here in our beautiful Sanctuary, or joining us from afar, you are an important part of our worshipping community! And if you're here in person, you might even have the chance to join the Palm Sunday parade!

+++ Sunday is also your last opportunity to order flowers for our Easter altar! Just stop at the table in the Narthex and place your order in memory or in honor of your loved ones! And wait until you see how beautiful the Altar will look on Resurrection Day!

+++ Next week we worship on Thursday night, Maundy Thursday, at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary. You will want to be a part of this "Service of Nails" with us next Thursday night, March 28th! 

+++ On Good Friday afternoon, March 29th, the Sanctuary will be open for your personal time of silence and reflection from 12:00noon - 3:00pm. Feel free to stop in when you can and spend a few minutes in quiet contemplation of all that Jesus did for us on Good Friday.

+++ Next Sunday, March 31st is our Resurrection Day celebration! We will gather at both 8:30am and 10:00am for this special day of worship and celebration of the Resurrection! Please remember to return your Lenten Self Denial boxes on Easter to help us feed hungry people in Syracuse through the feeding program at our sister congregation, University United Methodist Church. You also still have time to add some personal care products to our collection table in the Narthex. We are collecting toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, lotions and bar soap to help these folks, as well! Thanks for your generosity in helping those less fortunate than ourselves here in Syracuse. 

Make this day a great day and remember to pray each day, Bless the work of my hands, O Lord.   
​Pastor Jack