Holy Saturday by Austin Byerly 4/3/21

Scripture Reading: Lamentations 3:1-9, 19-24

"Certainly the faithful love of the Lord hasn't ended; certainly God's compassion isn't through! They are renewed every morning. Great is your faithfulness."
-Lamentations 3:22-23 CEB

In a world of instant gratification, waiting and uncertainty are hard. However, today, we wait in uncertainty. Yesterday, we remember that the Roman government crucified Jesus on the cross and laid him in the tomb. Tomorrow, we celebrate Christ’s resurrection and victory over death. But today, we wait in the cold, dark tomb of uncertainty.

The disciples watched their teacher and leader die on the cross and watched the government lay Jesus in the tomb. As the government rolled the rock in front of Jesus’ tomb to close it, the disciples’ life with Jesus came to a close as well. I assume the disciples had a lot of uncertainty about what is next in their lives. They might have felt trapped in the dark tomb as well. In their uncertainty they cried out to God and wondered if God actually heard their cries. They might have been angry with God for letting Jesus die. We might experience those same emotions today whether because of Christ’s death or some other period of waiting and uncertainty in happening in our lives. In dark, uncertain days we feel trapped within the depths of the dark tomb with no escape route. We do not know where to turn or what comes next. We cry out to God and wonder if God even hears our cries. We might even lose hope in God (Lam 3:18).

Even as we wait in the cold, dark tomb, may we remember that “certainly the faithful love of the Lord hasn’t ended; certainly God’s compassion isn’t through!” (Lam 3:22, CEB). God’s love is with us in uncertainty. God is with us on the cross and with us in the tomb. It may not relieve our uncertainty or make things any clearer. In fact, we may still be in the darkness and our lives may not look any better. But in times of uncertainty and waiting, we can be certain that God loves us.

Almighty God,

We want to rush to tomorrow morning – to celebrate the resurrection of your son. However, today we wait. In uncertain times, may we be reminded of your love toward us. Even though it does not provide solutions to our questions or an escape route out of the tomb, may we always be certain of your faithful love. Amen.

--Austin Byerly 

Good Friday by Mike Frese 4/02/21

Scripture Reading: John 18:1-19:42

"So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them."

-John 19:16b-18 NRSV

Why is Jesus on the cross? The most obvious answer is the Romans. Crucifixion was a Roman method of execution and Roman soldiers put him there. Of course, Jesus was arrested by the temple guards and tried by the Sanhedrin (Jewish Council). I guess you could say that Jewish leaders had a hand in it. The gospels describe the crowds calling for the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus. Perhaps they, too, could be implicated.

However, we need to remember why Jesus was there in the first place. In the story of his birth, Matthew shares the details of the angel’s visit to Joseph. The angel told Jesus’ adoptive father to name him “Jesus”, “for he will save the people from their sins.” Jesus himself said, that the Son of Man came “to give his life as a ransom for many.” Paul reminds us in Romans 5, that because of one man, namely Adam, sin entered into the world, so also by one man, namely Jesus, came the gift of righteousness.

So, we could say that Jesus was on the cross because of the evil that is in the world or due to the sins of the world. Given that we are part of the world, we have contributed to this. Thus, Jesus is on the cross, not only because of the world, but because of us – you and me.

There is a story told about G.K. Chesterton, a journalist, writer and Christian apologist. The editorial board of the London Times asked the question “What’s wrong with the world.” Many people responded to this question. Some sent short letters; others were long and developed theories representing sociological, psychological, or theological insights. G.K. Chesterton also submitted an entry. His response to the question of ‘What’s wrong with the world’: Dear Sirs: I am. Sincerely Yours, G.K. Chesterton.

So why is Jesus on the cross? At least part of the answer is because of you and me. Christ died because of us. However, we cannot forget the detail that he died for us as well. Today, on Good Friday, we not only remember the cost of our sin, but the depth of God’s love. So consider the cross and be amazed. Though we are at fault, we also are forgiven. Cling to the cross and find the gift of forgiveness, the offer of salvation, and the promise of reconciliation.

Prayer: Gracious God, we acknowledge our sins and cling to your grace. Thank you for your forgiving love. Thank you for the depth of your sacrifice. Teach us to love others as you have loved us. Amen.

--Rev. Mike Frese, D.S. Corridor District NCCUMC

Maundy Thursday by Woody Garrett 4/01/21

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

"When he had given thanks, he broke [the bread] and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"
-1 Corinthians 11:24-25 NIV

During the Lord's Supper, Jesus instructs the disciples to take the bread -- his body -- and the cup -- his blood -- in remembrance of him -- the first Holy Communion. This was on the eve, Maundy Thursday, of his imminent crucifixion on Good Friday.

At Long Memorial, Holy Communion is held the first Sunday of each month and other special dates. However, due to Covid-19, Communion has not been held for a year (since March 2020). The service is an important part of the Methodist schedule and of great benefit to the congregation. With Covid-19 cases decreasing, we'll resume the sacred meal this evening with precautions like having the service outside. This is a huge answer to our prayers. Like the author of Psalm 107, we "give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever" (v. 1).

I came across this poem by Elizabeth Cheney in a Billy Graham devotional book I've been reading. It's been particularly meaningful for me during this season, so I'll leave it for you to meditate on the words:

Said the robin to the sparrow,
“I should really like to know,
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so.”
Said the sparrow to the robin,
“Friend I think that it must be,
That they have no Heavenly Father,
Such as cares for you and me.”

--Woody Garrett

Wednesday of Holy Week by Tom Loftis 3/31/21

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

-Hebrews 12:1-2 NRSV modified

…As we continue our spiritual journey this Holy Week…

We remember the "great cloud of witnesses" who have gone before us as an inspiration and a guide for us offering encouragement, pointing us in the right direction, and blessing us with words of kindness and patience.

I remember…

Mrs. Henry Dixon of Mebane UMC teaching a group of wiggly young boys in Vacation Bible School. She had such a gracious spirit – smiling, but with firm directions of how we were to behave.

…the generous strokes of prayers that have enveloped us with boldness and put a song in our hearts.

…the strength of those strong church communities who supported and admonished us to witness our faith with grace, dignity, and promise.

…the fellowship of small groups and the guidance and support received from leaders who showed us, through their example, how to live a God-filled life.

Thanks be to God!

Prayer: May the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Power of the Holy Spirit strengthen and guide us always. Amen.

--Rev. Tom Loftis

Tuesday of Holy Week by Emily Sheppard 3/30/21

Scripture Reading: John 12:20-36

“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” -John 12:27-28a NIV

This quote from Jesus shakes me to my core. Jesus fully understands what is about to happen to him—his sacrificial death on the cross—and he is faced with a choice. His choice is to either beg God to remove him from his role in God’s plan or to try and understand how to serve God faithfully in the face of what is to come. Of course, Jesus tells the crowd around him that he has chosen to glorify God, even while standing in the shadow of death.

I think there are several things to consider when we read this passage. First, it forces us to think about how we respond to hardships in our lives—the dreaded “hour” that Jesus mentions. We can all think of times in our lives when all we wanted to do was cry out for God to save us (and often times, we did). Second, we must remember that we are not Jesus. While Jesus sets an example of glorifying God’s name in the midst of pain, we cannot expect ourselves to hold the strength that our God-incarnate embodied. When we realize that we are approaching a particularly difficult “hour”, or season, in our lives, we do not have to force ourselves to be grateful for that hardship. Instead, we can lean on Jesus, who shows us in this scripture that he knows how to make meaning of horrific moments. We can be grateful for the love of the One who has already played the most important role in God’s plan—the One who takes on all of our sin, burdens, and heartache.

This scripture is not meant to scorn us for crying out to God for comfort; rather, it is to show us the strength of Jesus in times of distress. This is the strength that we can rely on when our own strength is compromised.

Holy God,
We praise You for filling us up where we are emptied. We thank You for being abundant when we are not enough. Stay close to us, O God, and be our stronghold. In our “hour” of need, You are the One who comes running. We glorify You. Amen.

--Emily Sheppard

Monday of Holy Week by Caitlin Bentzinger 3/29/21

Scripture Reading: Psalm 36:5-11

"Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds."
-Psalm 36:5 NLT

Why do we go to service every Sunday? This is a loaded question that I have been pondering during this pandemic as we try to navigate a new “normal” that still adapts to our comfort zone. We long for the day that we can return to Sunday services and not feel like we are putting our lives in danger. We contemplate whether or not to attend worship via in-person service or online. Most importantly, we notice what our hearts are missing during this time and strive to fulfill that longing desire to be in communal worship in the sanctuary surrounded by those we love. However, I encourage you to stop and consider why you attend worship. Our intention for attending service is to worship our Heavenly Creator. What do we give the God who has everything; who knows everything; who feels everything? We give this time of worship to praise God with our everlasting loyalty, respect, and love. As we read in this scripture passage, we are reminded that God’s love is unfailing, God’s faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. God cares for people and animals alike and we find shelter in the shadow of God’s wings. We are blessed to be loved and cared for by God’s incomprehensible love, and we worship God and give our thanks for these gifts.

Right now, the physical aspects of worship are very different than what we are used to, but this also gives us a reality check and insight to reflect on what it means for us to be in worship. Rather than focusing on what it is that WE receive out of worship and how WE feel during worship, we can take this time to consider what it is that we are putting into worship. We can no longer just “go through the motions” of worship. Our responsibilities to put more intentional effort into worship is more important now than ever. It is easy to attend service on Sunday and thank God when everyone around us is doing the same work, but now it is up to us on a more individual basis to consider and put everything our hearts can give into committing our love and respect to God. Let us take this time during Holy Week to remember that we only see tomorrow because of God. We have hope because of God. If we are to ask God to pour out God’s unfailing love unto those who love God, then we must also give all that we are to God. It is our responsibility to put in all of our effort to worshiping our God who gives us what we need to see our remaining tomorrows. Thanks be to God who feeds us from the abundance of God’s house - who lets us drink from God’s rivers of delight. Thanks be to God who is our fountain of life and the light by which we see. Amen.

--Caitlin Bentzinger

Sixth Saturday of Lent by Bill Sabiston 3/27/21

Scripture Reading: John 12:37-50

"I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness."
-John 12:46 NRSV

One movie I have enjoyed watching, and I must admit I have watched it several times, is “The Bucket List” staring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. In it, two men from totally different spectrums of life meet each other because of their illnesses. One scene in the movie places them in Egypt overlooking the magnificent pyramids. In that scene, Morgan Freeman’s character asks, “HAVE YOU FOUND JOY IN YOUR LIFE? HAS YOUR LIFE BROUGHT JOY TO OTHERS?” My son recently asked the question in a morning prayer meeting, “Can you find good in yourself and others everyday and reflect on that each day?”

Goodness and joy have been on the sidelines for most of this past year as we find ourselves trying to stay connected with each other for spiritual growth, times of fellowship, and let’s really be honest and say our own personal sanity.

Jesus says in John 12:46, “I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.”

As we prepare ourselves for Holy Week may our thoughts be of goodness, kindness, and reflection upon the sacrifice given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ. May we go into the world with a beacon of light... joy and goodness in our hearts for others to see.

Prayer + When the days are hard and the nights are long. It’s hard to sing the Lord's song. So with all that I know, where can I go. Except to sing the Lord's song,

That’s been sung by so many, for so long. + Prayer written by Rev. William D. Sabiston III August 10, 2011

--Bill Sabiston

Sixth Friday of Lent by Chuck Higgins 3/26/21

Scripture: John 11:1-27

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die...'"
-John 11:25 NIV

We have often heard the telling of one of Jesus’ most amazing miracles as Lazarus was raised from the dead. But as my Grandma Higgins said, “Some stories need to be told more than once.” A story was to her an event to be healed by and understood differently through each telling. As I reread this passage in John I recalled a story in the life of the author Dostoyevsky.

In 1849 Dostoyevsky and seven other young revolutionaries had been sentenced to die. They were dressed in their burial shrouds and marched out of their cells to the firing squad. At the last minute, a rider appeared with the news that the czar had commuted their sentence to twenty years hard labor. We don’t know how the other seven reacted to this unexpected salvation but Dostoyevsky wrote, “Never has there seethed in me such an abundant and healthy kind of spiritual life as now…Now my life will change. I shall be born again in new form. Life is a gift. Life is happiness and every minute can be an eternity of happiness…Life is everywhere, life is in ourselves, not in the external.”

Dostoyevsky learned a great lesson in an instant of grace. A lesson most of us learn over seasons of suffering or struggle, often in a wilderness. The lesson is that the things we had thought were important---achievement, affirmation, intelligence---are actually less important, and the things we had undervalued---heart and soul---are actually most important.

In verses 1-6 we hear that Jesus receives a request for help. But he waits as Lazarus dies and the family mourns his passing. We can imagine the frantic prayers for Godly intervention. Perhaps Jesus knew that Lazarus had already died. Either way the waiting had a purpose. It may have been to show that we cannot expect God’s time and purpose to be our own. It may have been to allow us to see the wonder of resurrection and the promise of new life with Christ. It may have been so Jesus could “show” that the body is only asleep in the grave.

As the story plays out in the remaining verses we wander through the dangers faced by Jesus, The miracle of raising Lazarus from his tomb. and it culminates in the great proclamation by Jesus, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. The one who believes in Me will live even though they die.” Jesus knew two very important pieces of information. He knew that Lazarus would eventually again suffer a physical death. And He knew that Lazarus would never die. The celebration of the family surrounding Lazarus’ return from the dead must have been the thing of local legend. But it most certainly would have included, “I shall be born again in new form. Life is a gift. Life is happiness and every minute can be an eternity of happiness.”

Thought: As we wait for the great celebration of Easter let us wait in the assurance that, as Jesus surely lives, so shall we who believe in Him. “L’chaim.”

--Chuck Higgins

Sixth Thursday of Lent by Susan Wilkerson 3/25/21

 

Scripture Reading: Luke 9:21-27

"Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

-Luke 9:23 NIV

Each Lenten season our church wrapped a cross in chickenwire and draped it with a purple swag for Lent. On Easter everyone brought flowers to decorate it. It was always a glorious sight!

One year we needed a new cross and Bob made a 7 foot tall cross from old fence post wood. This cross stayed in our garage for weeks before the Lenten season. The cross was propped up on the garage freezer and each time I needed things from the freezer I would have to lift and move it.

One day I was tired of moving the cross to get into the freezer. I was lifting and carrying it to another place when I spoke out loud, "How inconvenient!"

As those words flew out of my mouth I felt convicted by them. How inconvenient was that cross for Jesus as he walked down the Via Dolorosa to Golgotha? How inconvenient was the cross for Jesus as he hung for hours of torment? All of that inconvenience he bore for me and for all of us.

How many times have I felt like the cross is inconvenient? Being a Christian in a secular world can be difficult. I often choose the path of least resistance and choose my way rather than the Christian way. I still stand convicted by those words as I struggle to live a Christ-like life.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the precious gift of your Son who chose to take the inconvenient cross for our sins. May we honor Him not only in our hearts and minds but in our actions so that others may know of God’s mercy and grace. Amen.

--Susan Wilkerson

Sixth Wednesday of Lent by Tommy Humphries 3/24/21

Scripture Reading: Psalm 130

"Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!"

-Psalm 130:1-2 NRSV

How many times have we wondered, “Why is this happening to me?" Psalm 130 speaks to prayer for deliverance from our personal problems. It tells us that God’s nature is merciful and we eagerly go to him for help and understanding of our problems. Many times we are impatient, but in time God will answer our prayers.

I remember September 2007 when the doctors told me I would need a heart transplant to save my life. It was at this time that I began to wonder what I had done to be this sick. I began to question my eating habits, my lifestyle, and my relationship with God. It was not a question of why me but more of a question of what had I done wrong. It was a time of reflection and prayers.

My prayer would always be for strength and courage. I prayed for God to take me in his hands and show me his love and grace. It was not a prayer of why me Lord, but one of why not me. God answered my prayers and gave me the strength and courage to wait almost two months for my new heart. God will answer our prayers if we are patient. He will show us his mercy and love if we go to him in prayer and, in time, our prayers will be answered.

Prayer: Dear God, we know at times we are impatient. We ask that you give us patience in our prayer requests and trust in your mercy and love. Amen.

--Tommy Humphries

Fifth Tuesday of Lent by Linda Mabe 3/23/21

Scripture reading: Psalm 122

“I was glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’”

-Psalm 122:1 KJV

Psalm 122 seems to have been written by David for use of the people of Israel as they followed the Jewish law which required three annual pilgrimages: Passover, the Festival of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of the Tabernacles. This psalm, along with others, was written as what is called “A Song of Ascent” and was sung by the early pilgrims as they ascended the road to Jerusalem, traveling to one of these three great festivals.

As modern-day Christians, we may not identify with Jewish requirements to make pilgrimages or even what it would be like to sing as we ascend on the road to Jerusalem, but we can certainly apply Psalm 122:1 to current days. In fact, having the first verse of Psalm 122 designated for this day of our “Lenten Devotions” could not be more appropriate. Discussions will be held this very evening to address how we can safely resume meetings in the Long Memorial UMC sanctuary.

David says he was glad when they said that it was time to go into the house of the Lord. I get that part!! Like many of you, I miss our worship services. I miss being together; I miss the beautiful sanctuary; I miss the children who inspire my worship; I miss Holy Communion; I miss the feeling of being together as we hear the word of God; and I miss the music and the singing. I understand, of course, but I yearn for the time when we can be in person to encourage one other.

I know that no building can contain all of God and His greatness, and clearly, “the church is the people,” but I still look forward to seeing you when we are able to be together as a community of faith.

See you there!

Prayer: Dear God, Lead us as we plan to move back into congregational worship. As we reconvene in person, give us a new appreciation for one another. Help us to follow you, and equip us inside the sanctuary as we strive to “be the church” outside of the sanctuary. Amen.

--Linda Mabe

Fifth Monday of Lent by Kolby Golliher 3/22/21

Scripture Reading: John 9:1-17

"As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me."
-John 9:4a NIV

The poor man in this story had been born blind. Jesus's disciples assumed someone had to have sinned for this to happen -- a typical view in the first century A.D. Unfortunately, the disciples showed no interest in actually helping the blind man, only discussing his condition. Jesus gently corrects them, assuring them the man's blindness wasn't caused by sin. He goes further by reframing the situation altogether: it's not a question of why is this person blind but rather what can God do in this?

Last semester I had the privilege of taking an introductory Preaching class with Dr. Luke Powery, the dean of the Duke University Chapel. It was a wonderful course; I learned all kinds of skills for writing and delivering sermons. Perhaps the most profound lesson I received from Dean Powery, however, came in the form of a catchy proverb: "The most important sermon you'll ever give is the one you preach with your life."

Every day we have an opportunity to show God's love to others, to preach with our lives. Even in these days of Covid-19 -- perhaps especially in them -- we can find ways to come alongside our neighbors and proclaim God's grace and mercy. Here Jesus teaches that he's the Light of the world, and he also taught elsewhere in the gospels that we are the Light of the world (see Matt 5:14-16). This passage encourages me to wonder less about why Covid-19 exists and more about what or how God is calling me, and all of us, to preach with our lives.

Prayer: Merciful and loving God, you truly are the Light of the world. Grant us the wisdom to respond to your love by preaching it with our lives, sharing your goodness and mercy with all whom we can. Amen.

--Kolby Golliher

Fifth Saturday of Lent by Bob Morgan 3/20/21

 

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 29:1-14

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you hope and a future. In those days when you pray, I will listen. You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest.

Yes, says the Lord, I will be found by you, and I will end your slavery and restore your fortune, and gather you out of the nations where I sent you and bring you back home again to your own land.”-Jeremiah 29:11-14 TLB

One of the Christmas presents I received in December 1973 was “The Way”, a Bible that was geared towards high school age students. It was a gift from my uncle, Wallace Kirby, a Methodist minister, and his wife Sally. 

Near the front of that Bible was a list of all the books and chapters in a checklist form. I saw that I started reading it on December 27, 1973. I dutifully checked off each chapter I read, until I got stuck—for many years. When I stopped the regular reading, I only had 6 chapters left to complete reading it one time through. I didn’t ignore it completely. I would pick it up and read a passage now and again when I was particularly stimulated by a Sunday sermon or a particular season of the church year. Recently, I picked that Bible up from the nightstand where it sat and started to read it from where I left off—the Old Testament Book of Jeremiah. Wow, did he have it tough compared to other prophets. In God’s message to the exiled people of Israel, however, is a pearl of hope and future.

Earlier in Lent, Chuck asked me to sing a solo for our virtual church service. I came across “If You Search with All Your Heart,” a solo by Craig Courtney, based on Jeremiah 29:11-14. In that passage Jeremiah writes a letter to Jeconiah the king who was in exile in Babylon. In that letter, God tells his people in Babylon he has a plan for them, plans for good and not for evil. God continues, “In those days when you pray, I will listen. You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest. When you have found me, I will end your slavery and gather you out of the nations where I sent you and bring you back home again to your own land.”

I feel that this passage is so applicable to the season of Lent, a time of reflection and prayer. It speaks to me and urges me to prayerfully seek God each day and He will bring me back to him. The words are a humble prayer from God to his people, to seek him, find him, be restored, and have hope for the future. It is a passage that should speak to each of us, not just during Lent, but each and every day of our lives.

Thought for the day: As we follow our own Lenten journey to the cross and Easter, let us reflect on God’s plans for us and our future.

 

--Bob Morgan

Fifth Friday of Lent by Chris Atkins 3/19/21

 

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:28-39

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" -Romans 8:35 NIV

Take a moment to read Romans 8:28-39; now, read it again. In fact, we would probably benefit from reading these verses every day. I know that Paul was not writing specifically to people in 2021 living in a global pandemic, but it sure feels like the exact words of encouragement we need to hear. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).

The past year has certainly made me feel “separate” from the love of God. I’ve only physically been to church a few times, and fellowship and worship are two huge components of my relationship with God. Sunday mornings have always brought me closer to God. Reading these verses is a reminder that God has not moved; he is always present and is just as close today as he was before COVID-19.

What does my feeling of being separate from God reveal then? How can I move closer to God? It stands to reason that I am the one that has moved away from God; God never moves away from us. Moving toward God means surrendering time and attention to him. After all, that is what I would do to improve any relationship. For me, that means spending more time in prayer, more time reading his word, and more time listening/singing hymns or praise music. In essence, giving God the opportunity to bring me closer to him. It is God alone who has the power to change my heart and improve our relationship, but I have to be willing.

These verses and the state of our world reveal to me that my walk with God has become a relationship of convenience, and, now that it is not conveniently scheduled on Sunday morning, it has become stagnant.

I cannot wait for our church doors to open again; virtual church is just not the same. But, until that day comes, I am encouraged through these verses to continue to pursue a relationship with God. After all, nothing can separate us from the love of God, not even COVID-19.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for not prioritizing my relationship with you. You remain steadfast and ever present, even as I stray. Encourage me and my fellow church members to seek you and spend time with you daily. In your name I pray, Amen.

--Chris Atkins

Fifth Thursday of Lent by Cheryl Allen 3/18/21

Scripture Reading: John 6:41-51

"I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." -John 6:51 NIV

The Eucharist and Easter are closely tied to each other. Our communion practice gives us the opportunity to experience the bread that makes us "live forever." Easter is the time to worship God through Jesus' death on the cross and His resurrection for all of us because the bread that he gave "for the life of the world" is his flesh. Do we remember this when we partake of the blood and body of Christ when we experience Communion? Do we remember His sacrifice at Easter?

When I was a young girl in a Methodist Church, I originally didn't understand Communion and its symbolism. Gradually, though, with the help of my church teachers, leaders, and my family I began to understand. It was a special experience when I received Holy Communion for the first time, and I felt the seriousness of it. The blood and body I received on that Sunday had lifetime significance for me. I felt different; I felt special. I felt sad, thankful, and joyful, to the point of tears. My life hasn't been the same since that day. I am blessed every day with the love and sacrifice of the Son of God. I appreciate all that I've been given in my life: my wonderful church, loving and supportive parents and grandparents, loving friends, my husband and two children, my extended family, and the beautiful world around us.

Thought for the day: Remember the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us, and reflect on how you can make a difference in the life of someone else today.

--Cheryl Allen

Fifth Wednesday of Lent by Ben Tillett 3/17/21

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 18:1-11

"The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, “Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there.” So I did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel. But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over." -Jeremiah 18:1-4 NLT

I remember well a recently retired United Methodist pastor who joined our church after he completed his official pastoral duties. Rev. Vassar Jones was an outstanding preacher and Christian, committed to the public worship of God. I first met Reverend Jones when I was a child and he pastored my grandmother’s church at Mt. Tirzah.

He was speaking one morning, at our Methodist Men’s group at Long Memorial, on the importance of daily devotions, especially early morning time with God. Rev. Jones made an analogy of life to sailing and “setting our rudder”. He likened morning devotion and prayer time to allowing God to re-set our rudder and spiritually guide us through our day. Like the potter and the clay, where the potter was unsatisfied with the vessel and reshaped it to better meet his needs. We should pray for -- and, like the clay, allow  -- God to “crush” our plans, re-form us and set our rudder for the day to better accomplish his plan through us.

Prayer: Father, take away MY plans for the day and reset my rudder to follow you Lord and be the vessel you want me to be today. Amen.

--Ben Tillett

Fourth Tuesday of Lent by Janna Kisner 3/16/21

 

Scripture Reading: Psalm 97

“Light is planted like seed for the righteous person; joy too for those whose heart is right." -Psalm 97:11 CEB

One of my favorite writers, Fr. Richard Rohr, says all creation is the hiding place of God AND all creation is the revelation place of God. The hiding place of God is also the revelation place of God! Psalm 97 reminds me of these mysteries with the many images of creation.  

I love being outdoors and I’m out there at any and all hours of the day. Whether I’m waiting for the first light of dawn, watching the light fade away at dusk, or peering for the stars and moon, Psalm 97 proclaims that the heavens tell the glory of God. At the same time Psalm 97 speaks of the hiddenness and mystery of God. The hiding place of God is also the revelation place of God.

Being outdoors is sometimes “heads up” and sometimes “heads down” to dig, plant, pull, water, and wait. Seeds hidden in the soil soon reveal their beauty and bounty. Waiting for mysteries to emerge from the soil reminds me that the hiding place of God is also the revelation place of God.

In my Common English Bible translation of Psalm 97:11-12, it says “Light is planted like seed for the righteous person; joy too for those whose heart is right. Rejoice in the Lord, righteous ones! Give thanks to his holy name!” Light is planted like seed!  Revelation and hiding.

Where do you see God planting light? For whom and for what can you pray that God will plant light in the darkness and the darkness shall not overcome it?

Praying the Psalms: Though you seem hidden at times, we trust in your righteousness and justice. In this Lenten season, align our hearts to see the dawning light. Thanks be to God. Amen.

--Janna Kisner

Fourth Monday of Lent by Emily Pierce 3/15/21

Scripture Reading: John 6:1-15

"Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish." -John 6:11 NIV

In this scripture Jesus truly displays selflessness and self-sacrificing actions. The Lord has provided us with an overabundance of food so that all might be filled. He has died on a cross for us to be forgiven, to be free from all sins. Jesus cares so much about each individual living thing that when he knows we need him most, he is always going to be there. In this scripture, Jesus says, “Where should we buy bread for these people to eat?” although he knew what he was planning to do. Jesus took two small loaves of bread for 5,000 people to all share, Jesus supplied holy bread for all of them.

He also exclaimed, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” Jesus wanted to supply whoever wanted to partake in this holy communion with holy bread, and so he did. Jesus wanted everyone to have a chance to be a part of this feast, so he could make everyone feel loved and cared for. Jesus didn't do this for himself; he wanted and strived to do this so everyone else would be satisfied. This feeling of appreciation and love is what Jesus wants for all of us. He wants us to feel accepted in his image, made full and perfect through him, for us to be free.

Lent is a time of reflection and preparation for Easter. This Scripture shows how Jesus persevered and reflected through a challenge he overcame. More importantly, it demonstrates that Jesus wanted everyone to be accepted and loved, to participate in communion. Keeping all of this in consideration, I ask for you to pray with me:

Dear God,
As we continue our journey through Lent we ask you to help us be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. We ask you to watch over us in this time of uncertainty and help us to remember your steadfast love you show to everyone. Help us bring love to others and ourselves. God, we ask you to be with those who are mourning during a time of unpredictability and be with the families affected by the Coronavirus. We ask all of this in Jesus' name, Amen.

--Emily Pierce

Fourth Saturday of Lent by Don and Zandra Hill 3/13/21

 

Scripture Reading: Psalm 136

"O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."
-Psalm 136:1 KJV

The internet describes thanks and mercy as follows:

“Thanks expresses deep gratitude to God who never fails to fulfill his promise. Mercy is forgiveness. Mercy is a love that responds to human needs in an unexpected or unmerited way.”

We feel that we give thanks to God by being mindful – thoughtful of him – that we seek him in our lives. We feel that what we actively seek, we are more likely to find. We need to pray to him – to “commune” with him. We need to act “justly” and “walk humbly” with him, allowing him to lead us. We feel that if we do this, we will connect with something greater than our lives, that we will find God. We can begin to realize his grace – his mercy – and have that as a part of our lives. The following meditation has been on our desk for so many years that we have lost the source of its origin. It is copied and we don’t know who to give credit, but it has guided our lives over the years.

“When you call on God in prayer to help you overcome weakness, sorrow, pain, discord, and conflict, God never fails in some way to answer the appeal. When you are in need of strength for yourself or for the help of some other person, call on God in prayer. The power you need will come simply, naturally, and forcefully. Pray to God not only when you need help, but also just to commune with him. The spirit of prayer can alter an atmosphere from one of discord to one of reconciliation. It will raise the quality of thought and word and bring order out of chaos.”

 

Blessings, 

Don and Zandra Hill