It is March 1st. Where I live, the morning began very calm, even warm. Robins were singing as I went out to my car. I would say March came in like a lamb. Tradition has it that, when March comes in like a lamb, it goes out like a lion. Given the mild winter, I can't wait to see what that looks like!
I mention this because we have also entered into the season of Lent- a season of reflection, or sacrifice, of remembering the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. I LOVE this season! It helps me focus on Jesus and who he is and what he's done and is doing today.
In the Bible, Jesus is referred to both as a Lamb and as a Lion:
"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." John 1:29
"Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." Revelation 5:5
For the Jews, the image of the lamb is one of innocence, and sacrifice- the blood of the the lambs was seen as carrying away the sins of the people. Jesus came to fulfill that sacrifice, once and for all paying for the sins of the whole world with his blood on the cross.
As a Lion, Jesus is no longer an innocent beast to be sacrificed, but a conqueror, a King! He is, in fact, King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
This season of Lent allows us to see and consider both aspects of Jesus. And it reminds us that we are children of the King, and should live as such!
However March goes out, let's be sure to use this time to give ourselves fully to our King!
With you in His service,
Gary
Calendar
Sundays - Every Sunday: Worship Service - 10:30 am
3/5 - Communion Sunday
Tuesdays - Every Tuesday: Women's Book Discussion - 1 PM - Judy Murphy's home.
Wednesdays - Every Wednesday:
- Sanctuary open for prayer and reflection - 5:30 - 8 PM.
- Explorers -5:45-6:30 PM - Children's program for ages 6 and older.
- Adult Bible Study - 6:30 - 8 PM - Church office. Finishing up the book of James.
Thursdays - 3/2 - Church Board Meeting - 7 PM - Church Fellowship Room
3/23 - Community Dinner - 5:30 PM - Poplar Grove Church - See Sandy Free for details.
3/30 - Service Project - 9 am - Church Basement - Little Dresses for Africa project.
Saturdays - Every Saturday: Men gather for breakfast at Pat's Cafe on Forest Hills - 8:30 am.
3/11 - Church Board Retreat - 8 am - 12 noon - Schwerin's home.
- Don't forget to set your clocks ahead 1 hour tonight. Daylight Savings begins!
Other News:
Refreshments - There are lots of available dates to sign up to provide treats for our fellowship time each Sunday. Grab a friend and sign up together on the sheet in the fellowship room.
Flowers - There are still a few months available to provide flowers for the front of the church. Sign up in the fellowship room.
Greeters - Talk to Ginny Johnson if you would like to be a greeter on Sunday morning.
Service Project - Any one who can cut fabric, sew, or iron, or just looking for fellowship is invited to come on Thursday March 30 at 9 am to the church basement. We will be making dresses for Little Dresses for Africa. We will be making very simple dresses that will be sent to needy girls throughout the world. They have been sent to 47 countries in Africa, plus 37 other countries, including parts of the U.S. Help us change the world one dress at a time! Bring a sack lunch because we hope to work through lunch. Check out littledressesforafrica.org for more information. Talk to Judy Murphy, Joyce Loewecke, or Nathalie Lyford if you have questions.
Upper Room Recycling - Consider bringing your old Upper Rooms to donate to the food pantry. You can put them in the blue barrel. People are happy to get them regardless of the dates on them.
Looking Ahead:
Maundy Thursday Soup Supper and Service will be Thursday April 13. Supper starts at 5:45 and the service is at 7 PM. Watch for a food sign up sheet later in the month.
Easter Sunday is April 16!