Lent Three: Commanding Promises
God heard the cries of God’s children in Egypt and with Moses’ help. freed them. But this group of people had been so used to living under an oppressive government that they weren’t good at living with each other. God called Moses to Mt. Sinai and gave the community a set of rules that would help them love God and love each other. These laws were now the standard to live under as God’s children in the Promised Land.
Which is why Jesus reacted with such furor in the temple. None of what was happening – the money changing, the animal selling – honored God or helping each other live with honesty, integrity, and fidelity. Worshiping God is the first and only thing that should be happening in the temple.
To love God and love one another – that is what we are called to do as God’s people. And this is why we take time through Lent to clean out our own temples and to reorient ourselves to God.
No matter where you are…know that you are most welcome here.
Join us as well on our website, Facebook page, and Twitter (@spartapastor).
Living in the promises,
Pastor Tina +
We Welcome.
Ministry Partner Sundays:
This Sunday, we will continue hear and interact with our ministry partners. This is one way of living out our faith after those mountain top experiences. You hear us sharing stories about what these folks do and how we share things?
This week, Pathways 2 Prosperity will share their vision as they begin another session of classes to help folks learn how to plan and implement a financial plan for themselves. Dianna Morrison will give a Temple Talk at each service, lead adult forum and also host fellowship hour! Please plan on attending worship and the adult education hour to learn more about this program that we have hosted.
Lent Community Fish Fry (&Pie):We’re having a community fish fry fundraiser! Save the date for Saturday March 14 between 4:30 and 7:30 to eat-in with us or carry-out your dinner(s). The Thistle, a three generation fish and chips shop, with be helping us provide this authentic meal that will be available to eat-in or carry out.
This annual event is a great community event for our congregation. We need your help with two things:
1. Nut-free Wrapped Candy. We stuff the plastic eggs with candy and other items. Snack sized treat are great. There will be a box for donations in the church office…
2. Baked Goods – we can’t have an event without food! Cupcakes, cookies, and brownie-like snacks are GREAT! There will be a signup sheet in the narthex this Sunday.
Thanks for your hands, your donations, and your prayers.
We Equip.
Wednesdays in Lent:
6:30 PM – Soup & Bread Supper – All are welcome. If you feel inclined, bring a pot of your favorite soup to share.
7:00 PM – Evening Worship. This week (3/4), we will hear our second interview with a ‘silent witness’ – The Nail of the crucifixion. A small ‘witness’ will be given to accompany the crosses handed out on Ash Wednesday. Next week (3/11) The Spear will have its turn to share its story.
Faith Formation:
March brings our studies to a new unit – You Are Never Too Young To Be Called…The youth will learn about Samuel, Moses’ beginnings, and Jesus welcoming the little children. Fun and appropriate stories for our kids who are learning how to put their faith in action.
The outreach project this month will also benefit young people. On March 22, at 9:15 AM, we invite you to help the youth make fleece baby blankets for Birth Haven in Newton. Birth Haven provided hope and shelter for young women who are in need of shelter and support while pregnant and living with newborn children. There are also folks who have been working in knitting and crocheting blankets to be donated as well.
And – if you find coupons for Jo-Ann Fabrics, please drop them off to Pastor Tina – as we will have use of them to purchase the fleece for this project! Thanks!
Confirmation Retreat:
Looking ahead, the Middle School Retreat at Crossroads Camp and Retreat Center is April 24-26. The cost per student is $95. You may register directly with Crossroads. This is a great weekend of fun and fellowship with other youth. If you have questions, please see PTina!
We send.
SEC Food Pantry Gift of the Month:This year, we are switching up our offerings a bit. There are many things that folks need but are unable to buy with SNAP dollars. They are also things that we normally don’t think about when we donate our food.For the month of March, we are asking for donations of feminine hygiene supplies along with soap and shampoo for the Food Pantry.
Ecumenical Prayer Cycle: The Ecumenical Prayer Cycle enables us to journey in prayer through every region of the world and through every week of the year affirming our solidarity with Christians all over the world, brothers and sisters living in diverse situations, experiencing diverse problems and sharing diverse gifts.