40 Lives

These past couple Sundays we've taken up a special offering for Imagine No Malaria.  Read more here.

I am proud to announce that as a church we have saved 40 lives.  40 human lives.  40 grandfathers, daughters, nieces, teachers.

40 lives.

That is amazing!  40 miracles!

Announcements for Week of June 9th

Rev. Nancy Out of Town

This week is Annual Conference, the gathering of Methodists from the Holston Conference.  Nancy will be at Lake Junaluska for Annual Conference and then she and Ben will stay in North Carolina, as Nancy will be marrying her friends on June 15th.  That Sunday we will have a guest preacher, Tim Ragle, our brother from Crossroads UMC, on June 16th.  

Summer Bible Study: District Academy!

This summer (June & July) we’ll be taking a break from our Bible Study to participate in a District Academy Bible Study.  It will be an eight week overview of the Bible.  It will be Wednesdays at 6:30 at Crossroads UMC.  It’ll be June 19^th-August 7^th.  We’ll start back our Bible Study on August 13^th.

Vacation Bible School

Mark your calendars: this year VBS will be Thursday-Saturday, June 27-29^th.  More details coming soon!  If you want to help PLEASE attend the meeting this Wednesday!  Let Nancy know if you’d like to help, but can’t make the meeting.

Fifth Sunday Singing is now called Fifth Sunday Praise

June 30th at 6:00pm at Grange Hall.

The word CHURCH

Today I was re-reading a chapter from the book The Andrew Paradigm.                                              

At least once a chapter the author, Bishop Michael J. Coyner, invites someone he considers to be a good example of a "Lead Follower" to respond to a question Jesus asks in Scripture.

During the Intro of Part I a young adult named Ben Boruff responses.

He writes, "A friend once asked me why I am a Christian.  I struggled to reply. My mind pictured church-related items such as pews and praise bands, but none of those things helped me explain why I am a Christian. There are many personal and theological reasons why I call myself a Christian, but at that moment I could only think of hymnals and acolyte sticks."

Boruff's response got me thinking:  What do you think when you hear the word CHURCH?  Do you think of pews and hymnals and acolyte sticks?  Do you think of the building where you worship?  Do you feel guilty? Happy? Angry? Peaceful? Hopeful? Joyful?

Do you think of the community of folks you worship with? Pray with? Eat with? Open up to and support?  Do you see the faces of the men and women who support you and keep you accountable? Who you support and keep accountable?

What do you think when you hear the word CHURCH?

Feel free to comment with your answer!

Youth Team Meeting Tonight!

Youth Team!

Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray. - Proverbs 22:6

First Meeting: Thursday, May 2^nd. 7:00pm. Church Hill McDonalds.

 (in same Parking Lot as Food City, off 11W)

We will discuss ways to reach children and youth: VBS, Youth Group, Sunday School, etc.

Specifically at this meeting we will form a team of folks who will rotate responsibility for leading programing for the Elementary School Kids on Wednesday Nights from 6:30-7:30pm. Nora Barton and Michelle Snodgrass have volunteered to create/prepare programing.  We’ll form this rotating team so that we can pour into the Elementary Kids and still each have time for Adult Bible Study and Spiritual Growth.

We will also brainstorm ideas for upcoming Vacation Bible School and how to offer Sunday School in a small membership church.

This is an exciting time.  Come be a part of this mission!

Breaking News: Baptism this Sunday!

Our Baptism Service has been scheduled!

THIS Sunday, May 5th at 8:30 at Clouds Bend UMC we will celebrate the Baptism of some folks from the Valley Parish.  If you would like to be baptized during this service, please let Nancy know as soon as possible!

Time: 8:30am (to leave time to get to regularly scheduled church services at 9:45/10:00am)

Place: Clouds Bend UMC  940 Bradbury St Kingsport, Tennessee 37660

Directions from Lebanon UMC:
1. Turn Right out of our parking lot
2. Turn Right onto Central after Tiny Giant
3. Turn Left onto 11W at stop light
4. Turn Right onto Netherland Inn Road
5. Turn right onto Ridgefields Rd

6. Turn right onto Chippendale Rd
7. Take the 2nd right onto Bradbury St

Please join us as we celebrate!  What a wonderful time!

Valley Parish T-Shirt Prices

I just spoke with Kathy Litle, our Valley Parish Shirt Order-er and she let me know the final prices for our shirts. She ordered the shirts this week and they should be in two weeks from now. All prices do not include tax.

T-Shirt Prices:
S-XL: $7.73
XXL: 9.48
3XL: 10.48
4XL: 11.48
5XL: 12.48
6XL: 13.48

Golf Shirt Prices:

S-XL: $10.35
XXL: 12.10
3XL: 13.10
4XL: 14.10
5XL: 15.10
6XL: 16.10

WE are the CHURCH

When I was growing up one of my favorite hymns was "We Are The Church" (in fact it is still one of my favorites).  I love the words.  It really hammers home the idea that we are the church.  We don't just go to church, we ARE the church.

In his first letter to the Corinthians Paul writes, "For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body..." (1 Cor. 12:13).  We, as Christians, are the body of Christ.  All of us all together make up Jesus here on earth.  So when we are at the grocery store or the movie theater or out with friends for dinner we represent Jesus on earth.

Similarly all Christians make up the church.  No matter where we go, we are the church, wherever we are. We at Lebanon have a sign outside our building that says, "Lebanon United Methodist Church."  That sign isn't referring to the building, it's referring to the people to come together in that building.  The people in our church family make up Lebanon United Methodist Church, we don't go to Lebanon United Methodist Church.

Following you'll find the lyrics to, "We Are The Church."  What do you think of them?  Do they challenge you in any way?  Do you think of yourself as the church or as someone who goes to church?

We Are The Church

I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together! All who follow Jesus, all around the world, yes, we're the church together!

The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple,  the church is not a resting place; the church is a people!

We're many kinds of people, with many kinds of faces, all colors and all age, too, from all times and places.

And when the people gather, there's singing and there's praying; there's laughing and there's crying sometimes, all of it saying,

At Pentecost some people received the Holy Spirit and told the good news through the world
to all who would hear it.

I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together! All who follow Jesus, all around the world, yes, we're the church together!

What is a Methodist?

Maybe you've had a conversation with friend or a new acquaintance about church.  You say, "I worship at Lebanon United Methodist," and they respond, "Hmmm... What EXACTLY is a Methodist?"

What is your response? How do you define Methodist? Have you thought much about it? 

Your response is important! 

I came across this article recently about a person trying to define "Methodist."  Click here to read it. The author writes, "A Methodist is a Christian who is in training to love God with all his or her heart, soul, and mind and to love his or her neighbor as himself or herself." 

This comes from the Gospel according to Matthew.  Someone asks Jesus,“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a  second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” -Matthew 22:36-40

What do you think of that definition?  How do you define "Methodist" for yourself?

Announcements for the Week of April 28th

The parsonage has a new phone number: (423) 256-2465.

Youth & Children Team!

First Meeting: Thursday, May 2nd. 7:00pm. Church Hill McDonalds (in same Parking Lot as Food City, off 11W)

We will discuss ways to reach children and youth: VBS, Youth Group, Sunday School, etc.

Specifically at this meeting we will form a team of folks who will rotate responsibility for leading programing for the Elementary School Kids on Wednesday Nights from 6:30-7:30pm. Nora Barton and Michelle Snodgrass have volunteered to create/prepare programing.  We’ll form this rotating team so that we can pour into the Elementary Kids and still each have time for Adult Bible Study and Spiritual Growth.

We will also brainstorm ideas for upcoming Vacation Bible School and how to offer Sunday School in a small membership church.

This is an exciting time.  Come be a part of this mission!

Bible Study

Join us this Tuesday for our Bible Study. Sunday School Room. 6:30pm. You won’t want to miss it!

Valley Parish Baptism Service

Next Sunday April 28th. 12:30pm. Chalybeate Springs. Meet at Parking Lot to caravan/carpool to Baptism spot

Confirmation (or joining the church) Dessert Buffet Celebration!

On May 5th the youth of the Valley Parish will join their churches. We will celebrate their membership at a dessert reception before the Spring Revival Kicks Off at Chalybeate Springs at 6:00pm. Please bring a dessert to share.

Spring Revival!

Rev. Will Shewey will be the guest preacher at our Spring Revival.

Kick-off night: Sunday, May 5th, 7:00pm, Chalybeate Springs

Other nights: Monday May 6th and Tuesday May 7th, 7:00pm, Ross Campground

Welcoming Families with Children

One of my favorite websites, Ministry Matters, recently had an article about welcoming families with small children.

Click here to read the article. 

What do you think about the Tips this pastor shared?
Which of his tips do we already do well? Which ones do we need to work on?

Were you ever in the situation that the pastor describes, trying to get your kids ready while trying to find a place to worship?

When you found a church you connected with, what made you stay?

Here is the last word from the author of the article: "Remember that there is a deep longing within parents of young children to connect with God and for their kids to connect with God. This is a critical time for the parents and the children. Let’s do everything we can to create a place for them to connect with God."

Amen!

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

Day 43: March 31^st Resurrection Sunday!

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Today is Resurrection Sunday! Easter Morning! 

Re-read the story we told in worship today.  What phrases stick out at you?  Ask God to guide your reading. 

Notice what Mary does with her knowledge of Jesus’ resurrection.  She listens to what Jesus tells her to do and then she goes and does it!

Jesus tells her to say to the disciples that he is ascending to the Father.   Matthew tells the story of Jesus’ ascension—Matthew 28: 18-20.  The disciples meet Jesus on a mountain and Jesus says to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

This part of scripture is called the Great Commission.

Read that part of Matthew again.  As Christians we are all called to follow this Great Commission.  Ask God to show you what you might do today and in the days to come to follow these words of Jesus. Tell a friend or family member what God has shown you.  Ask them how they live out this Great Commission.  

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

The Tomb Is Sealed

Day 42: March 30^th Holy Saturday

Scripture: Matthew 27:57-66

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb. The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember what that impostor said while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ Therefore command the tomb to be made secure until the third day; otherwise his disciples may go and steal him away, and tell the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead,’ and the last deception would be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers; go, make it as secure as you can.” So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone.

Sit quietly.  Reflect on the Good Friday worship service you attended yesterday.

What did you hear? What did you see?  What did you feel?

Read the scripture for today.  What do you feel?

Write about it.

Imagine the guards sealing up the tomb. What does that feel like?  Watch them in your mind roll a large stone over the opening to the cave.  As they shut up the tomb imagine the glory and joy of tomorrow. 

What does it mean that the tomb didn’t stay shut?  What does the Resurrection mean to you? 

Ask God for insight into the Resurrection.  Ask God to reveal to you the meaning of victory over death.  Ask God how this makes a difference in your life.

Now take time to listen for the answers.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

It Is Finished

Day 41: March 29^th Good Friday

Scripture: John 18:1-19:42

After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus replied, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, “I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me.” Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?” So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him.

First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the people. Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. The woman said to Peter, “You are not also one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing around it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself. Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. Jesus answered, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.” When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” Jesus answered, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?” Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, “You are not also one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed.

Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” They answered, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” The Jews replied, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” (This was to fulfill what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.) Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no case against him. But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” They shouted in reply, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a bandit.

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. They kept coming up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and striking him on the face. Pilate went out again and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him.” So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him.” The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God.” Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. Pilate therefore said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.” When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge’s bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but the emperor.”

Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. 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.

Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.” When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill what the scripture says, “They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots.” And that is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, “None of his bones shall be broken.” And again another passage of scripture says, “They will look on the one whom they have pierced.”

After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Today is Good Friday.  Today we remember Jesus’ death.  This is a sad and somber day for Christians.  Read the scripture passage from John. 

Today we have two opportunities to worship together, to observe Good Friday.  

Okolona at noon or Grange Hall at 7:00.

Please attend one.

Read our passage for today.

What do you notice? What jumps out at you? Write your observations.

Okolona: 5124 Stanley Valley Rd, Church Hill, TN

Grange Hall: 5365 Carters Valley Rd, Church Hill, TN

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Last Supper

Day 40: March 28^th Maundy Thursday

Scripture: Luke 22:1-23

Now the festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present.

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.” They asked him, “Where do you want us to make preparations for it?” “Listen,” he said to them, “when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters and say to the owner of the house, ‘The teacher asks you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.” So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal. When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!” Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this.

After we receive Holy Communion we pray, “Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

The night in which he was betrayed Jesus got together with his disciples for the Last Supper, which we celebrate now as Holy Communion.  This is a sacrament for us, an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.  At the table of Holy Communion we receive grace, God-given grace.   This grace empowers us to go out into the world, to practice God’s self-giving love.

Read the story of the Last Supper from Luke’s gospel.  Ask God to show you the parts you need to pay special attention to.  Afterwards pray the prayer we say after we receive Holy Communion, “Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Holy Week Activity:  Maunday Thursday Worship Service: Seder Meal and Holy Communion. Okolona 7:00pm.  Join us!

Set Aside Every Weight and Sin

Day 39: March 27^th Wednesday

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that 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 sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.

The TV show Biggest Loser is about folks who are extremely overweight, who have come to The Biggest Loser Ranch to change their lives. They learn to exercise and lose weight.  During an episode one of the trainers is talking with a man who is carrying around 200 extra pounds of body weight.  The trainer puts on a special vest that weighs 200 pounds and tries to walk around and do every day things.  It is incredibly difficult for him.  The trainer now knows what it is like to carry around that extra weight.

Imagine putting on that vest, but instead of weights that vest is our sin.  It is hard to live full, abundant lives while carrying around 200 extra pounds of sin! 

In this section from Hebrews the author tells us to set aside our sin that we cling to so closely.

What does setting aside your sin look like to you?  Ask God to show you a sin you need to set aside.  Ask God to show you what your life will look like once you decide to set that aside.

Ask God for the gift of the Holy Spirit to sustain you in your efforts to set aside your sin.

 

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Holy Week Activity:  Bible Study "What Does Easter Mean? Part II" at Chalybeate Springs UMC at 6:30pm.  Join us!  

You Are My Strong Refuge

Day 38: March 26^th Tuesday

Scripture: Psalm 71

In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me. Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel. For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. Upon you I have leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you. I have been like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all day long. Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent. For my enemies speak concerning me, and those who watch for my life consult together. They say, “Pursue and seize that person whom God has forsaken, for there is no one to deliver.” O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me! Let my accusers be put to shame and consumed; let those who seek to hurt me be covered with scorn and disgrace. But I will hope continually, and will praise you yet more and more.

Today is the Tuesday of Holy Week. In two days Jesus will celebrate his Last Supper with the disciples.  In three days Jesus will die. 

How does that knowledge affect your reading to today’s scripture? Read Psalm 71.

What parts of this Psalm do you know to be true?

Ask God one thing God wants you to pray for yourself.  Don’t ask what you can pray for others.  Ask God what God wants you to pray about for yourself.

Tell a trusted friend.  Pray about it with him or her.  Close by praying this Psalm.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Holy Week Activity:  Bible Study "What Does Easter Mean? Part I" at Lebanon UMC at 6:30pm.  Join us!  

New Things I Now Declare

Day 37: March 25^th Monday

Scripture: Isaiah 42:5-9

Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. I am the Lord, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.

Sit quietly.  Read the scripture. Read it again.  Read it a third time. 

What do you hear?  What has God done for you?  What has God given us to do?

Ask God what he has given you to do.  Ask God where he is calling you, where he is leading you.   Throughout the day keep asking God. 

Say “God, where are you leading?  I will follow.  God, where are you leading? Show me the way to go.  What are you calling me to do?”

Throughout the day keep asking God.

At the end of the day do you see more clearly where God is calling you? Do you have a better sense of where God wants you to go? What God wants you to do?  What new thing is God going to do in your life? In the life of our church? Write about it.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Shouting Stones

Day 36: March 24^th Sunday

Scripture: Luke 19:28-40

After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’” So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They said, “The Lord needs it.” Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”

Today in worship we read the passage from the Gospel according to Luke of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Re-read this scripture again, slowly.

What did you hear in worship this morning about this passage?  Did you have a new insight into it through a prayer we prayed or the sermon or a hymn?  Write about it. 

Ask God to show you even more about this story. 

What do you make of the last verses: “Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”  Ask God to show you what this means.  Do these verses make a difference for your daily life? How so? 

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Free Day Saturday!

Day 35: March 23rd Saturday

Scripture: You Choose!

Saturdays will be a “free day.”  Choose a favorite scripture, one you have never understood, one you are curious about, one you’ve heard recently and read it.  Ask God to show you a new insight into the words.  Read each sentence slowly.  Let the words sink in.  Ask God to reveal the meaning throughout your day.  Pick a sentence and repeat it over and over again as you do the dishes or go on a walk or work on a project.  Have you noticed anything new?  At the end of the day thank God for all he has shown you today.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

What scripture did you choose? Why?

Turn Around

Day 34: March 22^nd Friday

Scripture: Matthew 4:17-22

From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

Next week is Holy Week.  This is the week we follow the last moments of Jesus’ life.  On Tuesday and Wednesday we’ll have Bible Study as a Valley Parish, Tuesday at Lebanon and Wednesday at Chalybeate Springs. Thursday we will celebrate Maundy Thursday with a Passover Seder Meal and Holy Communion at Okolona.  Friday we will have Good Friday Worship at Okolona and Grange Hall.  We follow Holy Week to remember the greatest thing Jesus did for us.  We delve down deep into the emotions of Jesus’ last hours so that on Easter morning we can fully experience the joy of the Resurrection.

Read our scripture passage from Matthew for today. This is the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.  How does he start? Jesus asks people to repent (a word that means “turn around”) and he calls his disciples.

The disciples leave everything and follow Jesus. Is there anything you need to leave behind to better follow Jesus?  As we go into Holy Week, what is keeping you back from totally and completely following Jesus?

Close your eyes. Ask Jesus if he’d like you to follow him to the cross. Does he want you to leave something behind? Ask Jesus what he wants you to leave.

Hold your hands out and mentally put the thing that is holding you back in your hands.

Now, with a prayer, give it over to God. Feel the arms of God wrap around you in a loving embrace. 

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Holy Week Events

Holy Week is such a special time for Christians.  This week we follow Jesus as he lives his last week on earth, before his resurrection.

To observe this Holy Week we have a variety of Bible Studies and Worship Services designed to learn more about Jesus' last week and to deepen our walks with God.

On Tuesday and Wednesday Nights we will have a Bible Study that focuses on the events of Jesus' last week.

Rev. Richard McKee from Okolona & Chalybeate Springs, Rev. Mike Ladd from Ross Campground and Cameron, and our own Rev. Nancy Martin will teach the classes together.

We'll cover topics like Jesus' anointing by Mary at Bethany, when Jesus washed his disciples' feet, the Institution of the Last Supper, when Jesus Curses the Fig Tree, and Jesus' death.

Tuesday Night's Study will be held at Lebanon in the Sanctuary at 6:30 pm March 26^th

Wednesday Night's Study will be held at Chalybeate Springs in the Sanctuary at 6:30 pm March 27^th 592 Upper Possum Creek Road Gate City, VA

If you’d like to carpool/caravan, meet the folks over at Grange Hall (5373 Carters Valley Road Church Hill TN) at 6:00pm.

If you'll be finding your way to the church on your own, follow these directions from Lebanon:

·         Turn L out of the parking lot of the church onto Carters Valley Road
·         Turn R onto Okolona Road
·         Okolona Road dead-ends into Stanley Valley Road
·         Turn L onto Stanley Valley Road
·         At the old Down Home General Store turn R onto Caney Valley Loop
·         When you get to a fork in the Road turn R onto Plum Grove Road
·         After a while you'll get to Chalybeate Springs UMC which will be on the Left

Thursday is Maundy Thursday which will be held at Okolona in their outbuilding "The Flame" at 7:00 pm

Maundy Thursday is the day we remember the Passover Meal Jesus shared with his disciples; the last meal Jesus ate before his death and resurrection.

Last year for Maundy Thursday we gathered together at Okolona and had a Seder Meal tasting.  We will do that again this year.  If you didn't make it last time, you won't want to miss it this year, and if you went last year, you'll know how powerful and edifying it was! Please encourage your friends, family and neighbors to attend.  You really won't want to miss it!

We'll taste the tradition food of a Passover Seder Meal, the same foods that Jesus and his disciples were eating on the night in which he was betrayed.

We'll also celebrate Holy Communion, the sacrament that Jesus instituted during that Last Supper.

Join us!

Follow these directions from Grange Hall:

·         Turn L out of the parking lot of the church onto Carters Valley Road
·         Turn R onto Okolona Road
·         Okolona Road dead-ends into Stanley Valley Road
·         Turn R onto Stanley Valley Road
·         Okolona will be immediately on your left

Friday is Good Friday.  There are two opportunities to worship on this day. 

Good Friday is the day Jesus dies.  We read the story of his suffering and death and leave the sanctuary in silence.

Noon at Okolona 

This worship service will focus on the time Jesus spent on the cross and what it means for us today. Led by Rev. Richard McKee.

7:00 pm at Grange Hall

This will be a Tenebrae service, or service of Darkness.  As we read the story of Jesus' suffering and crucifixion we will extinguish candles.  A powerful worship service.  Led by Rev. Mike Ladd and Rev. Nancy Martin.

Please make time to attend these services.  You won't be sorry you did!

Wait for the Lord

Day 33: March 21^st Thursday

Scripture: Isaiah 40: 27-31

Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God”? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Read our verses for today as a love letter.

What does Isaiah teach us about the character of God? List these characteristics.

What does this scripture tell you to do? 

Ask God to show you.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

That Your Joy May Be Complete

Day 32: March 20^th Wednesday

Scripture: John 15:1-11

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.”

Two weeks ago, on March 6^th, we read the same scripture.  Do you remember?  Go back to Day 18 and re-read the exercise. 

Today we will do the same thing. There are many parts of this scripture we could focus on. 

Right now, ask God to show you what part God wants you to concentrate on.

Re-read the scripture.  Which part is popping out at you?

Silently repeat this line or word or sentence. 

Is it the same part from two weeks ago? Is it different?

Today, whenever you walk through a door way, remember that part of scripture.

At the end of the day, consider what you learned from this scripture.  Why did God focus your mind on that particular part of scripture? 

If it was the same as last time, why? If it was different, why?  What new insight do you have into Jesus’ farewell words to his disciples?

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.

Clothe Yourselves with Love

Day 31: March 19^th Tuesday

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17

“As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Our scripture for today is one that is often read at weddings.

Sit quietly for a moment.  Close your eyes. Breathe in and out.

Now read our scripture, slowly.

Think through every word. 

Paul says, “Above all, clothe yourselves with love.”

Ask God what that means for your life.  Consider ways you might clothe yourself with love. Is the Holy Spirit motivating you to do anything?

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.