FUMC Words for Wednesday: 02-22-2023

02-22-2023 FUMC Words for Wednesday

Meanwhile his disciples urged him, ‘Rabbi, eat something.’ But he said to them, ‘I have food to eat that you know nothing about.’ – John 4:31-32 (NIV)

Good morning First UMC,

The season of Lent begins today. We will mark the beginning of the season with our Ash Wednesday service this evening at 6:15 pm in the sanctuary. All are invited to attend.

Lent is a season of 40 days leading up to Easter. The season began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism for new converts to the faith. Over time, the season became an occasion for penance by all Christians. Lent is a time when the entire Church is reminded of our mortality and sin that is only overcome by the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. It is a reminder of us all to renew our faith.

On Ash Wednesday, palms from the previous Palm Sunday are burned and we receive the mark of the ashes as a sign of that sin and mortality, both of which Christ defeats at Easter. Prayer, fasting, and giving to the poor are common spiritual practices during the season.

A common question during the season is, “What are you giving up for Lent?” In recent years, another question has become common as well, “What will you take up for Lent?”

Whether you are giving up something or taking on something for Lent or both, I pray your faith is strengthened during this season as you draw closer to God.

Grace and Peace.

Don

We are having a Church Council meeting on Tuesday, February 28th at 6:30 pm in the downstairs of the MAC.

TONIGHT….The whole family is invited to join us for an Ash Wednesday service at 6:15 pm in the sanctuary. This will be in place of all Bible Studies.

First Family Fun Night will be this Saturday, 25th. We will be playing board games and Minute to Win It games in the downstairs of the MAC. Fun will start at 5 pm. All are invited.

We are hiring a Preschool Director for the CECfor the upcoming fall. Current Director Heidi Hall is retiring in May. Applicants should love Jesus and little children. You may submit applications by email at blairsvillefumcevelyn@gmail.com. Position starts in April.

A new Sunday School class is forming. The class is gathering on Sundays at 9:45 am in room M-31 on the third floor of the MAC. Facilitators of the group are David Kuykendall and Courtney Bruce. If you are interested, we would love for you to join us.

The Hope House Super Chef Showdown is coming on Saturday, March 11th in the MAC. Our own children led by Mason are cooking up a huge batch of chili set to win the competition. Tickets are $15 at the door. All proceeds go to help the needy in our community.

Union County American Cancer Society presents DAFFODIL DAYS 2023 - Flower of Hope Project. You may buy a bouquet of 10 fresh cut daffodils for $5 with the money going towards the ACS. Pre-orders are being taken now through Tuesday, February 28th. Contact Glenda Taylor at 706 781 7528. Pick-up of flowers will be Monday, March 13th under the MAC portico at 5:30 pm.

5 – Rhonda Schlienger, Scott Terry 6 – Janet Dittus 7 – Kris Furgason 9 – Shirley Cobb 10 – Margaret Kennard 12 – Leura Mollnhauer, Ro Robbins 13 – Reagan Schuknecht 14 – Brenda Morningstar 15 – Dick Eby, Mike Gurley 17 – Greg Buchanan, Linda McClarnon 18 – Caylor Gasaway, Brad McAfee, Anita McGirt, Joel Palmer 19 – Jackie Hughes 20- Bud Akins 21 – Eloise Grenga, Dee Heuker, Zayden Southern, Zoey Southern, Jeanne Taylor 22 – Jeff Davis 23 – Will Stafford 24 – Stephen Espinosa, 25 – Henry Livingston 26 – Rob Turner 27 – John Browning, Jerry Driskell 28 – Carter Spence 29 – Dinah Carter, Diana Guimond, Jennifer Turner 30 – Kobi Robbins 31 – Charles Smith

Please stop by and say a prayer over these quilts. Tying a knot lets the receiver know that people care and that we have prayed for them.

Billie Young - hiatal hernia surgery

Jim McAfee - having a pacemaker put in tomorrow (Thursday)

MAC Walking Track Hours…

Monday-Thursday 8am - 4:30pm

Winter Pickleball Schedule!

The Blairsville Pickleball Club now plays on Mondays from 1:00pm til 4:00pm & Tuesdays from 1:00pm til 4:00pm. Everyone is welcome! Join us!

Fitness Classes For You!

“Tai Chi”: Led by Pat Tomzyck. Meets Tuesdays at 8:00am in room M-0 (First floor). Cost is $5.00 per class. Bring a mat!

“Christ-Centered” Yoga: led by Pat Tomzyck. Meets Tuesdays at 9:00am in room M-0 (First floor). Cost is $5.00 per class. Bring your own yoga mat.

Please Help Us at the church by keeping us informed of any sickness or procedures that you or any of our family members may be experiencing. You may contact Pastor Mack for your prayer requests at mack.riley@ngumc.net or call the church at 706-745-2073.

Prayer Concerns and Celebrations:

Please help us keep this list updated by notifying the office of any changes.