We had 43 people for the Ash Wednesday service tonight, a record as far as we know. I don’t know about anyone else, but I was blessed to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Pounds Hired as Administrative Assistant
The PPR Committee met Monday evening and interviewed two excellent applicants for the position of Administrative Assistant. The committee decided to hire Marilyn Pounds. Her first day will be Monday, March 25, 2013.
Ash Wednesday
The traditional Ash Wednesday service with the imposition of ashes (when we make the sign of the cross on your forehead) will be tonight at 7 pm. If you’re unable to make it, you’re welcome to stop by the office until 1 pm to get your face dirty.
Voice of the Day: N. T. Wright
“The work of salvation, in its full sense, is (1) about whole human beings, not merely souls; (2) about the present, not simply the future; and (3) about what God does through us, not merely what God does in and for us.”
— N. T. Wright, Surprised by Hope
Hat Tip: Sojourners
Sermon — February 10, 2013
My sermon from yesterday, “Staring Down Lions” is now online at coffeyvillefirstumc.org/podcasts.
2013 VBS
Mark your calendars. The 2013 session of Vacation Bible School has been scheduled for July 15-19 from 9am to noon.
Prayer Concerns Via Text
In an attempt to make things easier on introverts, Jenny and I decided to accept prayer concerns via text messages at the beginning of each worship service. We’ll try this out tomorrow and see how it goes.
Ash Wednesday Service
We’ll be having an Ash Wednesday Service including the imposition of ashes next Wednesday (February 13, 2013) at 7 pm. This will be a short 30-45 minute service. Come and get your observation of a holy Lent off to a good start.
Family Fun Event: Corrected
A Family Fun Night has been scheduled for Friday, March 1, 2013 at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall downstairs at the church. Children on their own are welcome, but their parents are also invited as we’re combining carryout pizza making and the VeggieTales feature: The Little House That Stood.
Big Idea provides the following description:
“The Wise Pig Built His House Upon the Rock! When the Three Little Pigs roll into Cabbageville looking to build some new houses, they meet one builder with a plan and two without a clue! Larry builds with hay, Mr. Lunt with bricks, but only Bob builds his houses on a firm foundation – following the wise plans from the Master Builder’s Handbook!” Will the Little Piggies make the right choices when it comes to building their houses – and their lives – on solid ground? Find out in this parable that shows kids when they follow God’s blueprints, they can stand strong when the storms come! PLUS! Ever wonder what happened before Humpty cracked? Find out in this very Veggie retelling of the classic Humpty Dumpty story “The Good Egg of Gooseville” where we learn that a good neighbor always “lends a little hand” to those in need.”
We’ll have coloring sheets for those who arrive early or want to stay late. This is a free event, everyone is invited, and you’re encouraged to bring friends. Feel free to bring sleeping bags, camp chairs, and whatever else you need to get comfortable.
Voice of the Day: Reinhold Niebuhr
This Easter season (Easter Day and the forty-nine days following) we’re planning on a study on James Martin’s book: Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life. The extended title points to the crux of Martin’s argument. I found the book fascinating, in part because of what many of the great Christian minds have said about the importance of humor, laughter, and joy. Today’s voice of the day comes from one of those great minds:
“Humor is a prelude to faith, and laughter is the beginning of prayer.”
— Reinhold Niebuhr
Hat Tip: James Martin
John Wesley on Salvation for Animals
Given that the Coffeyville Friends of Animals held a very successful chili feed in Fellowship Hall, it seems an appropriate time to consider the salvation of animals. John Wesley addressed this issue in his sermon, “The General Deliverance”. He argues that in the end:
“The whole brute creation [that is, the animals] will then, undoubtedly, be restored, not only to the vigour, strength, and swiftness which they had at their creation, but to a far higher degree of each than they ever enjoyed. They will be restored, not only to that measure of understanding which they had in paradise, but to a degree of it as much higher than that, as the understanding of an elephant is beyond that of a worm. And whatever affections they had in the garden of God, will be restored with vast increase; being exalted and refined in a manner which we ourselves are not now able to comprehend.”
The whole sermon can be found here and a summary by Allen R. Bevere here.
Three Simple Questions
We’ll be starting the Six-Week Lenten Study on Three Simple Questions: Knowing the God of Love, Hope, and Purpose by Rueben P. Job on Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 4 pm. The other dates are February 17, 24, March 3, 10, and 24. (We’re skipping March 17 because of Spring Break.) The structure of each session includes:
- Opening: Welcome and Prayer
- Video and Discussion
- Book Discussion
- Spiritual Practice; and Closing
- Reflection and Prayer.
Books are available for a suggested donation of $5. (A Kindle edition is also available.) We hope to see you there.