As we have discussed at length throughout our series, the wilderness is a difficult and often frightening place. So what sustains us in the wilderness? How do we cope? From where does our strength come? I think sometimes we fall into the trap of believing that pure optimism is the key to making it through the wilderness.

There’s no question that optimism can be powerful. However, I can’t help but wonder, is optimism enough? I think of the remarkable optimist who fell off a skyscraper. As he passed the twelfth-floor, horrified onlookers heard him shout, “So far, so good!” Optimism is great, but is it enough? Or I think of the two hunters who heard about a bounty offered for the hides of wolves that were decimating the farmers’ livestock. They headed out to the wide-open spaces to shoot some wolves and make themselves some money. They had just fallen asleep under the stars when a noise woke one of them. In the dim reflection of the campfire, he saw the eyes of twenty-five wolves—teeth gleaming. He shook his friend awake and whispered hoarsely, “Wake up! Wake up! We’re rich!” Optimism is great, but is it enough?

In my own life, I’ve concluded that mere optimism doesn’t cut it. The optimism of our falling friend by itself is no match for the gravitational pull of the earth; nor is the optimism of our hunted hunters by itself a match for the wild beasts of the wilderness. Something more is needed!

It is that “something more” that our message will focus on this Sunday. As we continue our Lenten journey through the wilderness, we will discuss the HOPE we have in our Savior and the DEPENDENCE we have upon our Heavenly Father.   

Remember how much I love you…

It’s an honor to be your Pastor!

Pastor Ben

You're invited to a NGUMC Laity Gathering

Hosted by the Conference Board of Laity, this regional session is a time for members of North Georgia Conference United Methodist churches to come together for fellowship, relationship building, and strengthening our United Methodist identity and our identity as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Bishop Robin Dease will attend all four gatherings. 

Registration cost is $20 and can be found HERE

Our regional gathering is:

Sunday, March 24

2 to 5 p.m.

South East and Central South Districts

Madison First UMC

UMYF - Youth Fellowship and Study

United Methodist Youth Fellowship meets most Sunday nights from 5:00-6:30 pm for fellowship, games, and bible study under the direction of our Youth Minister, Grant Nichols, in the Youth Building. If you want more information on getting your student involved, please contact [email protected].



Mar 3 - No Youth

Mar 10 - Regular Meeting

Mar 17 - Regular Meeting

Mar 24 - Escape Room, cost $30

Mar 31 - No Youth

Ongoing Small Group Opportunities

United Methodist Women

Our next meeting will take place on March 19, 2024. All women of the church, young and old, are part of this group, and we would love to have you join us at 5 pm. Light refreshments are served.

Growing Christians Sunday School Class 

We meet at 8:45 am. Vicki Parker leads this class in Room 407. We are watching Season Two of "The Chosen." It's a great way to begin Sabbath. Join any time. Contact Vicki Parker, 706-833-1665 if you are interested.

New Perspectives

This group meets Sundays at 8:45 AM in the Parlor. Currently discussing "Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts and Outlaws." If you are interested in joining, please contact Craig Doxey, (706) 726-9940.

Christ, Coffee, and Companions Women’s Bible Study will meet on March 6 at 7 pm. New location will be Chick-fil-A in Mullins Crossing. Contact Jennifer at 706-631-1319 for more info.

Sisters in Christ meet every Tuesday at 1 pm in the Parlor. This week they will be studying Ephesians Chapter 6. All are welcome to join us.

Disciples for Life

Our online, Realm based Disciples for Life group just started a new study January 15. We will continue Max Lucado's Life Lessons series. The winter study will be Life Lessons from John: When God Became Man. It is available on Amazon and other booksellers. This is a weekday study and will take twelve weeks. If you are not familiar with this group contact Sheryl Brown ([email protected]) to learn more, or to be added to the group.

Prayer Needs for the Week

OUR HEARTS ARE CONCERNED FOR KNOWN ISSUES

* bold text indicates members of Lewis Memorial UMC

Sandy Bagwell having health issues.

Denise Barnett requests prayers for her friend, Chris Hall, whose cancer has returned

Barbara Beall requests prayers for Nola Green, a friend who has Parkinson's, fell, and is very weak, and prayers for Mary Harper, a friend recovering from COVID with severe shingles.

Dianna Culley had open-heart surgery. Has some pain but home

Patsy Ginn and her brother, Jimmy Richardson, both dealing with Parkinson's Disease

Darla Irwin had intensive back surgery, doing well and home

Charmel Moreno having health issues

Holly O'Brien having health issues

Charlotte Pinkston had successful surgery Feb. 7 and is recovering.

Charlie Smith having health issues

Jessica Thompson is asking for prayers for her mother, Kim Thompson

Paul Waite, Grandfather of Pastor Ben, has been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. 

Heartfelt Sympathies

Please be in prayer for Sandy Ivey on the passing of her husband, David, as well as their children, Dexter, Evan and Emily. He passed on Feb 16th.

Please pray for the family of Susan Beckham on her passing Feb 20th.

Prayers for Cathy Sanderson and family on the loss of her great-niece, Laken Reilly.



OUR HEARTS UNITE IN SUPPORT OF MISSIONARIES

Graham and Sharon Nichols - (Ecuador) for God's continued provision as they proceed with the feeding program (spiritually and physically) in the Church and in the 4 Sectors they serve, which includes over 300 children plus their families. Also, pray for continued good health to be able to do all that God sets before them.

**Please submit prayer list requests using the button below or by calling Pastor Ben at 706-863-6796 ext. 2203. We would love to be lifting you up in prayer!

Upcoming Meetings or Gatherings

Feb 29 - 6:30 - Worship Team

Mar 3 - 11:15 - Eggstravaganza Planning Meeting

Mar 3 - 11:00 - Safe Sanctuaries Training

Mar 9 & 10 - Lewis Weekend to Serve

Mar 11 - 6:30 - NOW Team

Mar 13 - 5:30 - Community Night Dinner at Lewis

Mar 14 - 11:00 - Young at Heart

Mar 17 - 11:15 - Eggstravaganza Planning Meeting

Mar 18 - 6:30 - GOV Team

Mar 19 - 5:00 - UMW

Giving With Gratitude

"I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.  For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich."

2 Corinthians 8:8-9 (NIV)

Your generous gifts, even the smallest, support our stewardship and mission efforts as we seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world! Thank you and God bless you!

Eight Ways to Give to the Church

• Recurring, Automated Gifts- www.LewisUMC.org/give
• In the offering during worship
• Online- www.LewisUMC.org/give
• Text LEWISUMC to 73256
• In the Financial Office Safe Deposit Box
• Mail to Check to the Church
• Give IRA Distributions, Stocks/Bonds
• Remember the church in your will or trusts 

Email Shirley Mitchell, Financial Secretary, [email protected] with questions. Office Hours: Monday - Thursday |10 am - 3 pm

Lewis Memorial UMC

706.863.6795 | www.lewisumc.org

5555 Hereford Farm Road, Evans, Ga 30809