Lunenburg United Methodist Charge
Antioch UMC Williams UMC
On our walk. . . . .
March 31, 2009
Philippians 2: 5-11
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Who, being in very nature did not consider equality with God but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father
Everywhere Jesus went He caused turmoil. Jesus was an exciting guy. He had the spunk to stand up to the self-righteous Pharisees. He made little people feel just as important as the powerful and wealthy. He spoke with such authority that even the Roman soldiers seemed to listen to Him. He befriended everybody, from the highest on the social scale to the prostitutes, tax collectors, the blind, and the beggars. Jesus healed the sick. He gave sight to the blind, and He even made dead people come back to life! And these things caused turmoil……because there is a dualism in this universe… …a battle between good and evil……it’s kind of like oil and water… …they don’t get along very well. So it should come as no surprise that as we see Jesus Christ riding into Jerusalem “mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey…” and “A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road…” … and as “The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”…. That we find in verse 10 of Matthew 21 that: “The whole city was in turmoil…” There were the blessings from the crowds, or the common folk, but turmoil from the powerful and elite. There was a dualism. Jesus’ popularity scared those in authority. He intimidated them. Jesus entered Jerusalem with the crowds cheering and hailing Him as King!!! The temptation was to be Who the people wanted Him to be and not Who He really was. How many of us are tempted in this way? How many of us have given in to the temptation to be who the people want us to be and not who we really are? That day in Jerusalem, Jesus was being tempted by the Devil to give in to the crowds; to be worshiped and lifted up as a great charismatic leader; to fulfill their political agenda…to free the people from the Romans…not their sins…but to start a war! Jesus was being tempted to exploit His equality with God. Jesus had to empty Himself and become their servant, not their king. He had to humble Himself completely, and walk through the next six days not only as One of them, but as One Who would be completely humiliated, condemned, and executed as a criminal. Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, would be handled like a piece of human garbage…and He would allow it to happen…for us…for you and for me!!! Could you do that? Could I do that?
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!
Special Services at Antioch and Williams
Antioch Frank Service
As we continue to bring you different ways of worshiping on the fifth Sunday this Sunday was no different. The Outreach Committee brought together what is called a Frank Service. Last Sunday, March 29, Curtis Hyler and Jubilation brought a service of sharing the Gospel to us. They are from eastern North Carolina. They have an extensive resume’(see below and this is only part of it) and we are grateful they could take time out to be with us. It was the highlight of our FRANK service. Now FRANK is a way to reach out to those, not only of the community, but those members who haven’t been in attendance at Antioch for sometime. Each of you was asked to invite a:
Friend
Relative
Acquaintance
Neighbor
Kids
We filled up Antioch and thanks to all who did it!!! After services a luncheon was served. Thanks to our Outreach Committee who planned and executed a great day of music, fellowship and worship.
Curtis Hyler and Jubilation (from their web site)
We are about Our Fathers business, and that is sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with as many as possible.
We have a burning desire to see souls saved into the kingdom of heaven, and a love in our hearts for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, it is our passion to lift up the name of Jesus in song and to be used by Him as an instrument of His wonderful grace.
We have been so blessed by God, and want to use the talents that he has given us for his Honor and Glory. Our favorite foundational scripture reads:
Psalms 37:4-5 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass
Curtis Hyler manages the group and sings the lead part. He has traveled with several Southern Gospel groups from eastern North Carolina. and broke onto the national scene in 1995 with the acclaimed quartet Heaven Bound, In 1998, Curtis music ministry took on a new dimension, as under God's anointing. Curtis began songwriting. His first song. 'Get Up. Get Ready." Was recorded by Gold City, and was nominated by the SGMA for Song of the Year in 2001.
Ray Rawis is a talented, veteran tenor singer. In the thirty plus years he has been singing Southern Gospel music, Ray shored his distinctive sound with The Redeemers, The Journeymen. The Laymen and Movin' Up. With his tireless work effort, his vast experience in and love for gospel music, he is a tremendous asset to the group.
Duke Sanders brings an enthusiastic stage presence and outstanding vocal ability to the baritone part. A veteran of thirty-five plus years in the performing music industry, Duke has many talents that he offers the group. One of which is his extensive experience with sound and technical equipment
A “love offering” was taken for Curtis, Ray, and Duke. It was our way of saying “Thanks” for what was an exciting and evangelical service.
Williams celebrates worship with a Taize’ Service
Williams celebrated worship on the 29th of March with a service in the manner of Taize’. Taize’ is a service of short hymns, Sunday 8 were sung numerous times, prayer, silent and vocal, and meditiation. The service allows you to center yourself in Jesus Christ and the Word of God in a peaceful and holy manner. It allows you to feel the presence of God with you through out the service. It is a time to grow closer to Jesus Christ, God the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Worship Events –April 5 – Passion/Palm Sunday
Antioch: Distribution of Palms
Readings: Hebrew Text: Isaiah 50: 4-9
Gospel Text: Mark 11: 1-11
Williams: Distribution of Palms
Gospel Text: Mark 14: 1- 15:47
Special Events: Williams: Covering the Sanctuary in Black
Both churches: Communion
Opportunities for Ministry and Service--Holy Week 2009
Monday, April 6
Bible Study @ Antioch @ 7:00 PM
Tuesday, April 7
NO Bible Study @ Audrey Smith’s @ 10:00 AM
Wednesday, April 8
Prayer Meeting @ Williams @ 5:45 PM
Choir Practice @ Williams @ 6:30 PM
Thursday, April 9
Maundy Thursday Services @ Antioch @ 7:00 PM
Covering the Sanctuary in black.
Friday, April 10
Good Friday, Tennebrae Service @ Antioch @ 7:00 PM
Sunday, April 12
Sunrise Service @ Williams @ 6:30 AM
Regular Services @Williams @ 9:30 AM & Antioch @ 11:00AM
Sunday School is available each Sunday morning. The importance of Sunday School is that, though you may think hearing the word will suffice for you, you really need to be in attendance at Sunday School to gather all the information that you can in an open discussion classroom. Jesus’ word cannot be totally understood just by listening to a sermon. You have to interact with it and with other Christians to learn what He was saying to us. This is a life long study and you should take part. There is a class for every age so please plan on joining us to learn more about our Lord, Jesus Christ. Sunday School at Williams begins at 10:45 AM and at Antioch at 10:00 AM.
Evening Bible Study Evening Bible study will continue on April 6 at 7:00PM at Antioch. We will be reviewing chapters 31-40 of Isaiah. We will discuss the events depicted in the book. If you are looking for a study of God’s word join us not only for the study, but good fellowship.
Morning Bible Study. Morning Bible study will meet Tuesday April 13 @ 10:00 AM at Audrey Smith’s house when will be reviewing chapters 11-20 of Isaiah. If you are looking for a study of God’s word join us not only for the study, but good fellowship.
$.02 a Meal – Lunenburg Ministries
The Mission committee is asking all who part this Lenten/ Easter season in the 2 cents per meal program to have their Zip Lock bag or a container at each meal at services on Palm Sunday. We will take them up and take them to the Palm Sunday Evening services and along with the other churches in our county. We will make a community offering to the Lunenburg Ministries for their use to help the least of us in our community.
Picture of Events.
If you would like to see pictures of recent events at Antioch please go to antiochmethodistchurch.org. This is the address for our webpage and it is updated as information becomes available.
April 13 – 18 Pastor Ed on Vacation
I will be on vacation April 13 – 18. I will be available if needed. Please call me on my cell phone: 252-532-0952, or 252-537-5705. He can also be reached via e-mail at revedumc@yahoo.com .
UMW Asks For Support of Madeline’s House
The Antioch UMW is asking for everybody’s support for Madeline’s House. There will be boxes for donations of needed items to help Madeline’s House in there endeavor to supply a place for those who have suffered from domestic abuse. These boxes will be in the church office along with information on the programs offered along with a list of the needs of Madeline’s House. Madeline’s House has been on the verge of closing during the past year and their situation both materially and financially is tenuous. Please open your hearts to this important program. A special offering will be taken up on for Madeline House in April. Madeline's House is a home for the mentally and physically abused women and their children in south side Virginia.
Prayer List
Please keep the following families in your prayers:
Becky Eades & boys
Edna A. Bagley
Dee Welch
Harry & Margaret Smith
Edith Parham
Bernard Bottoms
Walter B. & Carolyn Moseley
Tommy Cage
Bertha Bottoms
Fred & Denise Harper
Grace DiStefano
Betty Reese
CV & Agnes Thompson
Gertrude Hite
Betty Yerby
Nathan Hendricks
Ernie Schultz
Bertha Arthur
Family of Margaret J. Conner
Rita Baird
Allen Alcock
Sgt Christopher Thompson
Elizabeth Crowder
Douglas Stewart
Family of Jimmy Neblett
Doris Daniel
Layton Powell
Elizabeth Biggerstaff
Lucille Bragg
Alicia Clary
Rev. Robert Day
Ruthie Turner
Laura Dutzman
Frances Hawthorne
Sheila Cage
Tom Fowler
Frances Clarke
Martha White
Jeff Hendricks
Kathy McReynolds
Danny Horne
Maria Kay
Linda Dunlow & Family
JoAnne Doty
Dennis Chumney
Kay Thompson & girls
Caleb Dunlow
Ruth Cowan
Henry, Diana, Mike Williams
Tyler Baird
Vince Callis
Tammy Masters Mawhinney
Dorothy Driscoll
Bobby Brook
Everett Washburn
David Jones
Rebecca Nowlin
Earl "Chucky” Barnes
Brenda Cave
Hertha Nichols
Bobby & Virginia Overby
Justine Mc Henry
David King
Mildred Cohines
Otha Wilkins
Betty Roegge
Prayer Gram.
Please, when putting somebody’s name on our prayer list, PRINT their names and addresses if you have them. This will help us get the prayer grams out sooner and it will also make it easier to read during services.
A Final Word:
Have blessed week!!
