ASH WEDNESDAY—6:00 p.m. tonight—if you are reading this the day it arrives—begins “the journey to the cross.”

Why come to worship tonight?

Lent is about giving our time and attention to Jesus Christ in a sacrificial way for 40 days. Is it convenient to come to church on a Wednesday evening? No. Of course not.

That’s the point.
That’s where the sacrifice comes in.

Brief message tonight: “No Pain, No Gain.”

We will receive the ashes of repentance and kneel at the altar for prayer.

Our journey in the footsteps of Jesus, as he moves toward the cross, begins.

Ash Wednesday—6:00 p.m.

This Sunday

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

Mary was scheduled to preach, but her 100-year-old uncle passed away, and she will be traveling to West Texas for the funeral. Our love goes with her. She will be with us tonight for Ash Wednesday.

My sermon on Sunday will ask the question: Why doesn’t God do it the easy way?

God could make Himself known to everyone in the world in an instant.
One shout from heaven and a great light display would do it.

But God does not do that.

Why?

Sermon Sunday: Why Not the Easy Way?

The choir will begin Lent with a bit of Mozart.

Pastor’s Class

At 9:45, we will consider the most challenging experience we have discussed yet. If this happened, the world simply does not work the way we think it does.

Breakfast

It’s another “We-Bring Sunday.”
Help make it a good time of food and fellowship.
Thank you for helping.

10:30—before worship.

Prayer List

Please add Judy Reeves to our prayer list. Joe and Joe Christian Adams took John Reeves to a doctor’s appointment on Monday. While there, Judy developed a heart issue. As of Monday evening, she is at Medical City Arlington awaiting test results.

John and Judy have had more than their share lately. Please keep them in your prayers.

God Bless,
revmaxb@tx.rr.com

See you tonight?
Sunday?
This is a beautiful season in which we center our lives on the Center of our lives.

Greetings! I pray this newsletter finds you well and at peace.

I ask for your prayers this week as I travel to Lubbock on Friday for the funeral of my 100-year-old uncle, Francis “Mule” Cox. He passed peacefully late Sunday, and we will celebrate his life on Saturday morning. I am looking forward to sharing stories about this man who has been an anchor in my life and a steady source of love and acceptance. I will tell you more when I return, but I recently learned that he served in the Navy during World War II. I am grateful for a church family that lifts one another in prayer.

I am also thankful for a church family that puts action behind those prayers. Thank you to Mrs. Jo Adams for driving the Reaves family to the doctor and helping with all that went along with that visit. Please continue to pray for John and Judy Reaves as they face ongoing health concerns. I am grateful for those who prepared and delivered meals over the past two weeks. I give thanks for children who step in to support parents, and for siblings who stand beside one another during difficult seasons. I thank God every day for the men and women who care for our church building and campus, keeping it welcoming and well-maintained. God is so good to us, and God is so good through us, as we strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to one another.

Ash Wednesday services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on February 18. I look forward to this time of humility and confession as we prepare our hearts for the days of Lent ahead.

My love to you all,
Mary

It’s a big day—this Sunday.
An important day.
Transfiguration Sunday.

Jesus on the mountain—glowing in glory.
One of the most important scriptures in the Bible.
But very few people listen to what it says.
Especially “fundamentalists.”
Let’s talk about it on Sunday.

And the choir will sing that great anthem we had in the bulletin prematurely last week—with oboe and flute.
Big music for a big day.

Transfiguration Sunday is always the last Sunday before Lent.
Lent—the “time of the Cross” leading to Easter.
That means next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday!!!

I need an Ash Wednesday.
I am ready for this year’s journey to the cross.
And Ash Wednesday is when it begins.
Wednesday worship will be at 6:00.

Last Sunday

We had the joy last Sunday of welcoming Judy Cornish as a member. She was already very much a part of our church family.

We also had all kinds of disappointments. Keith Butterfield was ill, so there was no 99th birthday party. Doug and Sue Kelcey were out with COVID. Judy Reaves’ husband, John, is in the ICU. His daughter, Michelle, was in church with Judy. Keep the prayers going.

Got word that Beverly Tye’s second hip surgery has been very painful, and the pain is not clearing yet. Linda Anderson has not been back to church since her fall. (We miss her.) Charlotte Holder is recovering, but not back yet. Other folks are out sick.

But the Lord is always with us.
That’s what I said in my sermon.
Thanks be to God.

Pastor’s Class

Researchers have discovered that dogs often know when their master decides to return home and will go to the door and wait—even if the master is many miles away. What has this got to do with God and faith? Find out Sunday—class at 9:45.

Breakfast

It’s a “We Bring It” Sunday.
Please bring breakfast items to share if you are able.
At 10:30.

By the time you read this, I will have seen my eye doctor for a procedure to correct the blurred vision after cataract surgery.
I may see you better this Sunday.
Plan to be there so I can see you!

God Bless
revmaxb@tx.rr.com