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United

A Church for Everyone!

MARCH 2020 NEWSLETTER

Message

It's Lent, a sober but fruitful season for Christians. It marks the start of Jesus' journey to the cross for our salvation. Lent is the forty days, not including Sundays, prior to Easter, or Resurrection Day. It doesn't include Sundays because those are "little Easters" and the celebration each week of the resurrection. That's right--so you don't have to fast on Sunday!

Lent isn't something instituted by Jesus in the Bible, yet is has biblical roots. There is the Day of Atonement in the Old Testament, in which the people fast and repent and offer sacrifices for their sins. That's reflected in Ash Wednesday, where we offer repentance and are marked by ashes. There's the number 40, which recalls many biblical references, but for us reflects the 40 days in which Jesus fasted and was tested in the wilderness before beginning his ministry. Therefore Lent is a time of self-denial and testing, and of fasting. We're certainly not expected to go completely without food for 40 days as Jesus did, but limited fasting is actually good for you if you're healthy. The fast observed by John Wesley was to go from rising to about 3:00 p.m. with nothing but water (what, no coffee?). He did this regularly twice a week. And not just during Lent.

At some point the Catholic Church decided that believers should give up meat one day a week. That's not exactly biblical, but that's where "Fish on Fridays" comes from. One year some friends and I did the "Daniel" fast. We gave up meat entirely, as did Daniel and his comrades during the Exile. There are any number of things you can do--the important thing isn't what you do, but the spirit in which you do it.

Somewhere along the line it became fashionable to "give up" something for Lent. Unfortunately, this basically has nothing to do with self-denial and sacrifice. It's often just a means for eliminating an undesirable habit. Or losing weight. I remember one year in college giving up Diet Dr. Peppers. I guess it was a kind of testing. But I wasn't really doing it in response to Jesus' sacrifice.

And that's where we need to be. Jesus died so we wouldn't have to atone for ourselves. We practice self-denial and sacrifice in empathy with his much greater sacrifice for us. We need to ask ourselves, what would Jesus actually want us to do to recognize his sacrifice? It's probably not giving up candy bars. It's probably something more like showing active love and charity towards our neighbors.

So here's a thought. Instead of giving up something frivolous, try giving up 20 minutes of your time each day for prayer and meditation. Try giving up a self-serving attitude by practicing at least one act of deliberate kindness each day. Even better--make it anonymous. Try fasting for one meal a week and giving the money you save to your favorite charity. Try studying the Bible for 20-30 minutes each morning.

Have a fruitful and productive Lent. Learn something. Help someone. Make your Lenten discipline bear fruit. Be a blessing to others, and you will be blessed.

Blessings, Ann

A Note from Terry Snyder

I watched a documentary on Christian singer, Russ Taff, a good while ago, and watched it again recently. I may write more about him later, but for now will mention one part that complements the subject of this article. Bart Millard (lead singer of Mercy Me) talked about first meeting Russ and gushing to him about how much his music had meant to him, and how he probably wouldn't be singing himself were it not for Russ' influence. He said Russ teared up while he was doing so. What he didn't realize until much later was that the devil had beaten up Russ. Here Russ had won numerous awards, made great contributions to music and ministry, and yet was feeling as if he was worthless and didn't measure up (which are messages he had heard repeatedly growing up). I wonder how Russ felt hearing that and Michael W. Smith saying that he didn't think there was any hope of making it in the music ministry after hearing Russ sing. I doubt most would have had any idea that Russ did (or would) feel like he didn't amount to anything when he had so much talent and had inspired so many. The truth is, we don't always know what struggles someone has, and might make them feel worse where we might be able to make them feel better.

While I was at the meeting concerning training, education etc. for working with children, Paula mentioned encouraging the children when they were acolytes and such. She said "they need it". I suspect that most people who have accomplished things have had people in their corner encouraging and spurring them on. I also wonder how many people have not accomplished things they could have because of discouragement or lack of belief on peoples' parts. I just yesterday read about someone who had been involved in a singing ministry and lost all passion and desire for it (quitting I believe) after cruel and careless words spoken on a podcast (where those doing so didn't realize they could be heard).

Face it, the world is full of people who are critical over everything. They assess someone's lives, what they are doing, and sometimes give it to them with both barrels. I am not talking loving guidance or advice, or teaching, but just negative, hateful attitudes and comments whose purposes are often to scold, tear down, criticize, and often done in a matter that is reminiscent of the Pharisees who thought they were superior. It should say something that they were so "superior" that they criticized Jesus, who was and is perfect. Constructive criticism can be beneficial, but it is probably pretty rare that hateful, condescending and brutal criticism can be valuable, An exception might be people with the personality of "I'll show you" which I recently heard one successful actress did when a coach criticized the sound of her voice and told early on she would never be an actress. But, I am getting a bit off of the original topic.

I came across an article shortly after Paula's comment about the children needing encouragement. It was written a few years ago by a man who decided to take one day and compliment everyone he met (no matter how difficult it might be to find something positive to say to them). He made some ground rules such as it being people he made eye contact with (but he had to get out and intentionally seek to make eye contact) and that he wouldn't interrupt someone on the phone or having a conversation or if they were wearing headphones. It was interesting to see what he learned along the way. Some of these were things like making the compliments more personal (such as complimenting the owner of the dog for the dog's good behavior), and some people he thought he might weird out or offended, were appreciative and kind.

I just today saw a meme that showed an older lady smiling that had the text "When church is over and you are on your way to verbally assault a waitress". The lady who posted the meme said she had waitressed through high school, and it happened on Sundays and Wednesday nights after church without fail. What a sad message we sometimes send about Christianity when people dread dealing with church people. I have on occasion called managers of restaurants and stores when an employee was excellent. I admittedly think that a certain level of kindness and service is to be expected due to the nature of the job itself (and thus don't say anything), but I try to at least compliment the exceptional ones. I have actually thought I could sense the managers at times bracing themselves for someone else complaining about something, and then their relief and appreciation when I was doing the opposite. I have complimented others in my path over different things, but I could certainly do better.

I think that genuine, heartfelt compliments are the way to go, not ones we think are nice things to say, or given to get something on return. Insincere compliments may still encourage others (if they do not realize they are insincere), but I think they can cheapen the value of our compliments. Legitimate ones can not only change the people receiving them, but also the people giving them as it can change their moods and outlooks. Imagine what an impact we can make if we look for and compliment good things and then those people pass it on to others. Imagine what if they are done in the name of the Lord.

March Bible Verse Jesus answered, "It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only."

Thank you Hadleys for a fun Jesus Loves Me Tea Party! We loved it and we love YOU! Church Family would you like to host the JAM kids for our next outing? Contact Miss Paula and lets set a date!

Hey kids check out the info on the up-coming FREE MOVIE NIGHT showing OVERCOMER on March 13 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary and bring your family!

________________________________________________________________

HOOSIER TRAILS COUNCIL TROOP 549

February 8-9--Scout Sunday February 22--Merit Badge Day March 6-8--Camp out April 24-26--Spring Camporee Troop went to Urban Air in Franklin on Saturday, Feb. 8 and spent the night in the youth center for Scout Sunday. The troop was working on Cooking Merit Badge on Saturday night and we invited Pastor Ann for supper. She lived to tell about it... We have 6 boys going to Merit Badge Day. Hopefully all will get 2 merit badges that day. As always if any member of the church is interested in Scouting be it a boy or adult we will be glad for your visit. Meeting time is Thursdays 6:30-8:00 at the Youth Center. Boys age need be 11 years old and less than 18 to join. Roger Schaefer, Scoutmaster 812-350-9707 C

Sun

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1 Communion 2

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Regular Service 9am-UMW Ser-

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6pm-Choir Reh. 7pm-Bible Study 5:30pm-Trustee

Meeting

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FREE Family Movie Night "Overcomer" 7pm

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1st Day of Spring

BCSC Spring Break March 16-20

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Family Worship 9am-UMW Ser-

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28 All Church

Spring Cleanup Day 8am-Breakfast 9am-Inside & Outside Cleaning

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

1.... William Voils 7.... Gunnar Erickson 9.... Dorothy Lane 12.... Joan Dudley 14.... Cheri Reeves

24.... Karen Lambert 27.... Vivian Thayer 28.... Katrina Erickson 29.... Garry Taylor

I HAVE DECIDED!

Not long ago I attended the funeral of a wonderful Christian woman. "I have decided" was the message of the sermon.

The Pastor shared with us stories of this lovely woman's life ... funny stories ... stories that were a little "off color" that many would have judged inappropriate for such an occasion. But there were also stories of love ... free of judgment ... stories of how she opened her home to those less fortunate ... not because she had an overabundance of money or room ... but because she had a cup which was overflowing with love!

But the most important story that was shared was that she had decided ... decided to follow Jesus. And she didn't just "decide" one special day at an alter in her church ... she "decided" every morning!

With every new dawn, she decided that she would love those the world might not love, she would share what the Lord had given her with those in need, and rely on Him to help her do His will.

She did all this without fanfare ... without show ... but she did it because that's what Jesus did ... and that's what she decided ... to be His child and do what He taught her to do.

How about you? Have you decided? Will you follow Him daily? Will you do as He did for the homeless, the hungry, the unloved? Share His love with everyone around you ... decide to be His child today ... and tomorrow ... and the day after that.

Praying that you decide every day and not just that one special day at an alter of a church to live your life for Jesus.

Deciding with you ....... T

Dear Church Family: Thank you for the beautiful angel sent at Mom's passing. Thank you for all your love and prayers. We love you all.

-Mark & Karen

TMS Mission--Cameron & Anne Gongwer Thanks the church for the support and prayers to their missions account. This gives them more solid footing to continue the steps in their missions journey.

__________________

9 "verses" That Aren't in the Bible

Several popular sayings can put biblical literacy to the test. For example, the phrases below aren't in Scripture--although some come pretty close:

- "Money is the root of evil." (According to 1 Timothy 6:10, "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.") - "Cleanliness is next to godliness." (The closest teaching to this might be in James 4:8) - "God helps those who help themselves." (This proverb originated in ancient Greece, not in Scripture.) - "God moves in mysterious ways." (A verse kind of like this is Isaiah 55:8.) - "Spare the rod, spoil the child." (British poet Samuel Butler coined this phrase, which could be paraphrase of Proverbs 13:24.) - "This, too, shall pass." (This occurs, nowhere in the Bible but has been linked, incorrectly, to King Solomon.) - "Charity begins at home." (British theologian John Wycliffe is credited with this saying.) - "God will never give you more than you can bear." (This seems to be misinterpretation of 1 Corinthians 10:13.)

Trustee meeting will be held Thursday, March 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel.

Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 8.

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March 13, 2020 7 p.m.

In the Sanctuary Family Fellowship is presenting a special movie event showing "OVERCOMER." This is a family friendly movie for all ages. Be sure to invite your family, friends and neighbors to come and enjoy __________________________

Southeast District Conference Meeting--Sunday, March 15, at 3pm at North Vernon First UMC, 240 W. Poplar, North Vernon. The purpose of the meeting is to conduct an election of the 2020 Equalization Members representing the Southeast District. If you are interested in going please contact Pastor Ann.

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Church Spring Clean-up Day is Saturday March 28. Breakfast will be served by UMM at 8 a.m. and work will begin at 9 a.m. Bring any tools or supplies that will help get the jobs done! Lunch will be provided.

Lent is an occasion for us to journey with Christ...into tomorrow. For you never walk with Christ long but what the dawn breaks, the sun shines and hope breaks through.

-C. Neil Straight

East Columbus United Methodist Church

2439 Indiana Avenue, Columbus IN 47201-7022

Return Service Requested

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES 9-9:30 a.m. Fellowship Time 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:40 a.m. Sunday School 6 p.m. Chapel Service

Ann Thomas, Senior Minister Angie Sherfick, Adm. Assistant Terry Snyder, Music Director Paula Turnbow, Children's Ministry Director

Bob Fear, Facility Manager

Phone: 812.376.7418 Office email: office@

pastor@ music@ Web site:

2439 Indiana Avenue Columbus, IN 47201

OUR CHURCH MISSION

Growing the Family of God by Making Loving Disciples of Jesus Christ.

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