August 2, 2025

Mark 10:46–52 (NRSV)

"Jesus stood still and said, ‘Call him here.’ And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart; get up, he is calling you.’” (Mark 10:49)

There are few moments in Scripture as full of courage and transformation as the story of blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46–52. As Jesus passed through Jericho on His way to the cross, a blind beggar—unseen by most, disregarded by many—refused to let his opportunity for healing pass him by.

When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was near, he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (v. 47). Though the crowd sternly ordered him to be quiet, he cried out all the more. Here was a man with no sight but great spiritual insight. He recognized Jesus not just as a rabbi, but as the long-awaited Messiah—Son of David—able to restore, heal, and save.

This brief encounter teaches us several truths vital to our walk with Christ:

1. Persistent Faith Draws the Heart of Christ

Though many tried to silence Bartimaeus, he would not be deterred. His persistence is a model for our own prayer lives. Wesley taught that “faith is a divine evidence and conviction, not only that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, but also that Christ loved me and gave himself for me.” Bartimaeus believed that mercy was available—and he cried for it boldly.

2. Jesus Stands Still for the Cry of the Suffering

Verse 49 tells us that Jesus “stood still.” Our Savior is never too busy to hear the cry of the brokenhearted. In a world that rushes past the hurting, Christ stops and listens. This is the tenderness of our Lord—He hears us, even in our desperation. As the Psalmist wrote, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

3. The Call of Christ Awakens Hope

“Take heart; get up, he is calling you” (v. 49). What beautiful words! They remind us that Jesus not only hears, but He calls us by name. Wesleyans affirm the prevenient grace of God—that He seeks us even before we seek Him. The invitation to come to Christ brings life, dignity, and holy possibility.

4. Healing Comes to Those Who Trust and Follow

Bartimaeus casts off his cloak, springs up, and runs to Jesus. When asked what he wants, he does not hesitate: “Let me see again.” Jesus replies, “Go; your faith has made you well.” (v. 52). His physical sight is restored, but even more importantly, he follows Jesus on the way. True healing leads us not merely to restored circumstances but to lifelong discipleship.

In this story, we see the gospel at work: mercy received, faith rewarded, and lives transformed. We, too, are Bartimaeus—needy, sometimes overlooked, and yet precious to the Savior. Let us, in this season of ministry, cry out for His mercy, listen for His call, and follow Him with joy.

So if you’re weary today or burdened by life’s troubles, hear these words again: “Take heart; get up, He is calling you.” Jesus still stands still for those who call on Him in faith.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Tony

Sunday Worship Service, August 3rd @ 9:30am

Make plans to be in worship this Sunday as we welcome our guest preacher, Dr. Karl Stegall.

Dr. Stegall is no stranger to Christ Methodist Church. He is also Pastor Tony's father-in-law, making it a double blessing when he is with us. Dr. Stegall will be preaching a message entitled "What Do You Want Me To Do For You," based on the scripture Mark 10:46-52, which chronicles the story of the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, seeking the restoration of his eyesight from Jesus. Jesus responded to his request by saying, "Jesus said to him, 'Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately, he regained his sight and followed him on the way." Dr. Stegall will bring this story to life in a powerful and relevant way.

The Chorale will be singing two beautiful anthems supporting the scripture and sermon for the day. The first is a rousing Gospel arrangement entitled "We've Come This Far By Faith" by Mary McDonald. This anthem reminds us that with Christ, all things are possible! In addition, the Chorale will sing a lovely arrangement by Tom Fettke which pairs the beloved hymn tune, "Be Thou My Vision," with the endearing "You Light Up My Life."

During the prelude, our pianist, Phillip Preston, and Gary Klarenbeek, playing the organ, will call us all to worship with the rousing "I Will Enter His Gates," which has been masterfully paired with Rondeau by Mouret. What a great way to draw us into worship.

We’ll see you at 9:30am at Lee-Scott. Let’s begin August with worship — bring a friend and share the joy at Christ Methodist!

Upcoming CMCA Events

Sunday, August 3rd

9:30am - Worship (Lee-Scott gym) 

10:45am - Sunday School for all ages (Lee-Scott Academy)

Wednesday, August 6th

Children’s Choirs start back (3yo-6grade)

Cherub Choir (Ages 3 - Kindergarten) 3:45-4:15pm

Genesis Children's Choir (1st - 6th Grades) 4:30-5:15pm

Handchime Choir (Grades 4th - 6th) 5:15-5:45pm 

Sunday, August 10th

9:30am - Worship, Communion, and Blessing of the Backpacks and Teacher Recognition

(Lee-Scott gym) 

4:30-6:30pm - Back to School Bash for Children/Youth (Moore’s Mill Neighborhood Pool) 

Sunday, August 17th

9:30am - Worship (Lee-Scott gym) 

Sunday, August 24th

6:00pm - Baptism Event (Location TBD)

Youth Upcoming Events

Sunday, August 3rd @ 10:45am - Sunday School with Connor Higbe

Youth Newsletter!

Stay in the know about everything youth-related by clicking the link below to check out our very first youth newsletter! From weekly events to exciting day trips, it’s all inside.

Join us on Sunday, August 10th at 9:30am for Blessing of the Backpacks and Teacher Recognition! All students are invited to bring their backpacks to the 9:30 worship service. As a congregation, we will pray over our students and educators for the upcoming school year!

Back to School Bash

Sunday, August 10th | 4:30-6:30pm

Families, come celebrate the new school year at our Back to School Bash on Sunday, August 10th from 4:30–6:30 PM at the Moore's Mill Neighborhood Pool. There will be food, fun, and fellowship for all ages—bring the whole crew! Click the button below to register and join the fun.

Children's Choirs Resume This Week!

Our children's choirs resume this Wednesday, August 6th, at Greystone. Help give your child the gift of music and further their love for scripture and leading in worship.

Cherub Choir (ages 3 - Kindergarten) meets from 3:45 - 4:15pm. It's amazing to see how these young children learn scripture through singing. They also learn about rhythm, movement, and other musical skills in a fun and nurturing environment.

Genesis Choir (Grades 1 - 6) meets from 4:30 - 5:15pm. These marvelous young choristers deepen their faith journeys and relationships with Jesus through singing and leading in worship. They also learn about reading music and rhythms through a variety of fun methods.  

Both the Cherub Choir and Genesis Choir are directed by Jacquie Cruz with Gary Klarenbeek accompanying.

Handchime Choir is for children in grades 2 through 6. A wonderful opportunity to nurture their God-given musical talents.  Rehearsals take place from 5:15 to 5:45pm, and participants must also be members of the Genesis Choir to further support their musical growth. The group is directed by our Worship Arts Director, Gary Klarenbeek, with assistance from Jacquie Cruz.

To register use the following link. All children as well as their friends are welcome! If you have any further questions, contact Gary Klarenbeek at gary@christmethodistauburn.com.

Voices in Bronze Resumes This Week!

After a brief rest, the Voices in Bronze will be resuming on Tuesday, August 4th at 4:45pm. We'd love to have you join us. We have two more octaves of bells that can be added, so the more the merrier!!! Even if you've never rung before but read music, come give it a try. We'll teach you all the fun techniques! We'd love to have a few substitutes if you've got previous handbell experience.

Please contact our Director of Worship and Arts at gary@christmethodistauburn.com.

2025-2026 Sacred Artist Series Kicks Off Soon!

Our upcoming Sacred Artist Series resumes in just five weeks. The opening performance features the beloved Gospel singer, Steve Green, on Sunday, September 7th at Trinity Methodist in Opelika at 3:00pm. Singer/songwriter Steve Green made his start in the gospel industry during the mid-'70s, singing backup vocals and playing bass with Sandi Patty, White Heart, and the Gaither Vocal Band. By the early '80s, he had gained a solo contract with Sparrow Records, and his self-titled debut album appeared in 1984. You will not want to miss this Grammy nominee and Dove Award winner in concert.

Gentri Christmas Show Tickets Now Available

Tickets are now available for the upcoming Gentri Christmas Show at the Gogue on December 17th at 7:00pm. All donors for the 2025-26 Season (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026) receive two complimentary tickets to this amazing performance as our gift for their generous support. General Admission tickets are available through the Gogue Performing Arts Center Box Office. For complimentary Donor Appreciation tickets, email Gary at gary@christmethodistauburn. They're going very fast!

For the full brochure with all the details, click the link below:

As we give from the heart, we sow seeds into God's kingdom. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up." Our giving will bring a harvest of blessings beyond what we can imagine.

Congregational Care

As a caring community of believers, we commit the names listed below

for your prayers and expressions of love and care:

CMCA Family:

Zack Bumpus, Jim Carroll, Gene and Rita Chandler, Henry Cobb, Angie Conway,

Don and Betty Dement, Sandra Fisher, Harry Gill, Cheri Hart, Kathy Harte,

Bobby Horne, Ben and Donna Kelly, Pam Lamar, Bess and Neil Lord, Bill and Kay McCartney,

Caleb Pipes, Ruth Register, Keith Ryland, John and Connie Staton, Sherwood and Betty Thomas,

Rita Tuck, Gary Webb, Bill Wilkinson, and Kay Yeager

Extended Friends and Family:

Jeff, son of Winsley and Linda Bates; Mother of Linda Bates; Sandy Bogardus, family of Pat Evans; Max Bush, Craig and Lisa Leonard's grandson; Ryan Chism; April Coulter; Hudson Early, Sandra Fisher's great-grandson; Rick Freeman, friend of Sam and Cassie Walter; Tad Gidcomb, Ann Thompson's nephew; Virginia Litsey, mother of Steve Litsey; Elizabeth and Jason Moore, Butch Foster's daughter and son-in-law; DeWitt and Mary Mullins, friends of Sue Daniel; Mary Frances Murray, Alicia Conn's mother; Jim Perry, friend of Patti Robinson; Chris Sramek; Laura Stanley, sister of John Stanley; Barbara Vaughn, sister of Pat Giddens; Chuck Dupree, Beverly Webster, and Martha Cauthen, friends of Sue Daniel; Brent Wilson, friend of Craig and Lisa Leonard; friends from Webster’s Crossing - Calvin Calhoun, James Nelson, Denise Owens, Rosalio Bonilla Villatoro

If you have additional prayer requests or other needs, please send to:

prayer@christmethodistauburn.com

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www.christmethodistauburn.com