Smithville/Paradise United Methodist Parish

FROM THE PASTOR’S PEN ......

Dear Friends in Christ,

Lent is a season of 40 days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word “lencten,” which means “Spring.” I love the fact that those who plant and water seeds (farmers and gardeners) think of spring as a time of new growth, which is exactly how we as believers should think of the Lenten season. Lent is the season for spiritual growth.

Athletes think of “spring training” as a time to build endurance in anticipation of the race ahead. Jesus said, “Because of the increase of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt. 24:13). It is with joyful expectation of new spiritual growth and building endurance that we will celebrate the Lenten Season together.

We will be studying/discussing the Gospel of John. I will hand out an outline at the first gathering on Wednesday, March 12, at 6:30p.m. Please bring your Bible. We will gather together in the sanctuary to offer a “sacrifice of praise” to our Lord, break bread together at the Lord’s Supper, have fellowship with “the Word that became flesh” (John 1:14, NRSV), and together grow in God’s grace. In Christ,

Pastor Judy

ASH WEDNESDAY & LENTEN SERVICES

We will conduct Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion on Ash Wednesday, March 5, at 6:30p.m. in the sanctuary. Lenten services will be held at 6:30p.m. on Wednesdays from March 12 through April 16. At those services, Holy Communion will be conducted and there will be a discussion of the Gospel of John.

MEN OF PARADISE

The study of Genesis continues for our Men’s Group at 6:30p.m. on Monday, March 3. We will pick up the story of Joseph with Chapter 40. We are deep in the dreams of Joseph, leading to his preparation for drought in the land and the reuniting with his family.

OUTREACH/MISSIONS

In February, we collected 1,193 diapers for the Food Pantry. The March collection for the Food Pantry is canned fruit. The monetary collection for March is No More Malaria.

Thank you for your continued support of these mission projects. If you have questions or suggestions regarding any of the collections or mission projects, please contact Linda East or a member of the Outreach and Missions Committee.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

It’s time to “spring forward” as daylight savings time starts on Sunday, March 9. Be sure to set your clock forward an hour or your opening prayer at worship service might be the benediction!

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Fellowship Sunday is on March 9 at 10:00a.m. instead of Sunday School. Come join us for breakfast and fellowship with other church members.

The Sunday School class continues to workon the studyConfronting the Controversies – Biblical Perspectives on Tough Issues by Adam Hamilton. Please join the class on Sundays at 10:00a.m. for a thoughtful discussion on some of the controversial issues. We will start a discussion on prayer in school on March 2.

FUTURE SERMONS

March 2 (Pastor Judy) - “A Time to Tell” from 2 Peter 1:1-21;

March 9 (Pastor Larry) - “Tempted” from Matthew 4:1-11;

March 16 (Pastor Judy) - “Seeing the Kingdom” from John 3:1-17;

March 23 (Pastor Larry) - “Complaining With God” from Exodus 17:1-7;

March 30 - Laity Sunday; and

April 6 (Pastor Larry) -“Simon of Cyrene” (first-person sermon).

CHURCH COUNCIL

Church Council will be held at 6:30p.m. on Thursday, March 20, in the Family Center. Please come and help make plans for the spring and summer months.

POTLUCK MEAL

The next potluck dinner will be on Sunday, March 23, immediately following the worship service. Please join us and bring a friend.

PRAYER PARTNER CONGREGRATIONS

Just a reminder that we are to be praying for the Weston United Methodist Church. We will also be sending two individuals to Weston to worship with them. So, please plan to add the Weston church and its members to your prayers in 2014.

MONTHLY REPORT

The Monthly Report as of the end of February 2014, is as follows:

Beginning Balance: $20,089.01

Offering: +$4,198.50

Expenses: - $3,990.68

Final Balance: $20,297.03