We are right in the heart of graduation season. In fact, tomorrow is Shawnee High School’s graduation — a particularly meaningful milestone for me, because my son is among the graduates. In just under two weeks, he’ll take the next bold step in his journey: reporting to the United States Military Academy at West Point to begin cadet basic training.
Do you find it easy or difficult to compliment or encourage people you don’t know well? If you have ever randomly complimented a person you don’t know at all, how did you feel after you gave the compliment to that person? Did seeing them smile also give you a sense of joy?
When we are chasing after the things of this world, we will ultimately never feel content. We can only find true contentment in knowing that God will never leave us or abandon us.
It would have been a very natural and understandable reaction if Peter, John, and the other apostles had decided to lay low for a while because they were scared for their own safety. However, instead of letting fear overtake them, their immediate response was to pray together and seek the power of the Holy Spirit.
I can only imagine the emotions that Jesus must have been feeling when he sat down with his disciples, his friends, to have what he knew would be his last meal in this world. Jesus loved these men, he had taught them, traveled with them, served with them, cried and laughed with them. He knew he was going to be leaving them soon to return to the Father.
When I read this story and think about the faith and determination this man and his friends showed, I think about my father’s journey in getting a double lung transplant and the great faith and determination he, my mother, and many other people showed during this process.
I have been a confirmation mentor for several years here at MUMC and it has been a very rewarding experience. I hope that the youth who have taken part in confirmation have learned as much from me as I have from them.
On Ash Wednesday, Christians are called to reflect on our own humanity, sins, and mortality. “The use of ashes as a sign of mortality and repentance has a long history in Jewish and Christian worship and the Imposition of Ashes can be a powerful nonverbal and experiential way of participating in the call to repentance and reconciliation.”
The way I read today’s passage it seems to me that immediately after being called by Jesus, the twelve disciples are sent out to the mission field. Their mission was urgent and they didn’t have time to waste. Their mission was also not easy.
Today’s passage has me wondering: what does it mean to delight in the way of the Lord? Does this mean attending worship? Does this mean spending time in prayer? Does this mean reading scripture? Does this mean serving others?
This coming Sunday, February 2nd, is Ground Hog Day, and I am hoping that Punxsutawney Phil comes out of his burrow and does not see his shadow so that spring comes early. Whether you believe in Phil’s forecast or not, it’s already been a long and cold winter and I am looking forward to warmer, sunnier days!
Did you set a New Year’s resolution or goal for yourself? How is it going? Have you had a set back? Are you still on track? No matter where you find yourself, the good news is that today is a new day and God is calling you to forget about mistakes made yesterday and look forward.
Together we can turn the nation’s largest weekend of football into the largest weekend of giving. Youth group members will be collecting monetary donations at each service this Sunday and will then send the donation to the Turning Point United Methodist Food Pantry in Trenton. Your generosity will be very much appreciated. The link below will take you to our PushPay system. You can select “Give One Time” then use the Fund Selector to choose “Souper Bowl of Caring.”
PEDAL for PROMISE – SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2019: Medford United Methodist is fielding a team for the Urban Promise fundraiser “Pedal for Promise.” This year the ride begins and ends at Valenzano Winery in Shamong. You can register to ride, make a donation to the team or register as a spectator to enjoy the party and cheer on our team.
Go to urbanpromiseusa.org/pedal for more information about the event, to donate, or to register as an individual. OR you can go directly to the TEAM MEDFORD UMC page at www.crowdrise.com/team-medford-umc.
Questions or need help? Speak with Pastor Kathleen, Wayne Richards, or Heidi and Mike Polhemus
