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Reflections on Holy Week and The Masters Golf Tournament
As we journey through the sacred season of Holy Week—a time set aside to remember the sacrifice and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ—we are reminded of the profound calling to live lives marked by devotion, discipline, and hope.
The Sacred Remembrance of Holy Week
Holy Week stands as the pinnacle of our liturgical calendar, inviting us to reflect deeply on the narrative of Christ’s Passion, death, and triumphant resurrection. Beginning on Palm Sunday, when the people joyously welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem, the week unfolds with holy moments on Maundy Thursday and the somber events of Good Friday, culminating in the glorious celebration of Easter Sunday. Scripture reminds us in Luke 22:19 that during the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Holy Communion, calling us to remember His sacrifice through a tangible and communal act of faith. This sacred observance reinforces our commitment to live as disciples—devoted to prayer, service, and continual sanctification.
During Holy Week, we are called to examine our hearts and to renew our commitment to discipleship. As the apostle Paul exhorts in Romans 12:2 to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind," the reflections during this solemn period awaken in us the desire to align our lives with Christ’s example. The traditional rhythms of worship during Holy Week serve as a reminder of the immutable truths of the Gospel and the heritage that has sustained our faith through the ages.
The Masters Golf Tournament: A Parable of Excellence and Community
The Masters golf tournament captivates audiences worldwide with its demonstration of precision, focus, and communal celebration of sport. Yet, upon closer reflection, one finds that the rigorous discipline displayed by the athletes parallels the spiritual disciplines that we, too, are encouraged to cultivate. Much like the dedicated golfer who practices tirelessly on the course, driving range, and putting green, we as Christians are invited to practice the disciplines of prayer, Bible study, and service as means of drawing closer to God. In Hebrews 12:1-2, we are admonished to run the race with perseverance, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
The meticulous preparation and respect for tradition at The Masters remind us of the importance of diligence and order in our own spiritual lives. Every swing, every careful calculation, mirrors our pursuit of holiness—a pursuit that is not only personal but also communal. Just as the tournament brings together players, fans, and communities in a spirit of friendly competition and mutual respect, so too does our church community gather to support one another in the journey of faith, especially during Holy Week and Easter.
Encouragement for the Journey Ahead
As we commemorate Holy Week, let us be encouraged by the enduring message of redemption and hope found in the Scriptures. Even as the world celebrates diverse arenas of excellence such as The Masters, we are reminded that our ultimate pursuit is not earthly accolades but the heavenly crown of righteousness promised to those who faithfully follow Christ (2 Timothy 4:7-8). As with the Apostle Paul, may the discipline of sport inspire us to be disciplined in our spiritual lives, ever mindful of the fact that our greatest victory was secured on Calvary.
In this season of reflection and celebration, let us renew our commitment to living lives that honor the past, embrace the traditions handed down through generations, and boldly witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. May the example of Christ’s sacrifice and the dedication of athletes on the fairway both serve as encouragement to run our race with perseverance, faith, and joy.
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14
Grace and peace,
Pastor Tony
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Palm Sunday Worship Service, April 13th @ 9:30am
You won't want to miss worship this Sunday as we gather to retrace Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and Christ Methodist has a wonderful service of celebration planned for you. Pastor Tony will share a powerful message entitled "The Coming of a King," based on the scripture text from Luke 19:28-40. He will bring this timeless story to life for us in a very meaningful way. Our Music Ministry has been hard at work to share some powerful music with you on Sunday. A brass ensemble and percussion will join our Chorale as they sing the ever-popular "The Holy City" arranged by Johnnie Carl as well as "Blessed One, Messiah!" by Mary McDonald. Both of these anthems bring to life the excitement and passion of that first Palm Sunday when Jesus entered Jerusalem. Both of our Children's Choirs, the Cherub and Genesis Choirs, will also be sharing on Sunday. The Cherubs will sing "Give Me Oil In My Lamp, Hallelujah!" and the Genesis Choir will sing "Shout, Shout Hosannah!" There is something so special about hearing children's voices singing Hosanna on Palm Sunday. Our Brass Ensemble will start and conclude the service in a powerful way providing two bookends to a wonderful celebration of worship.
Join us this Sunday at Lee-Scott at 9:30am as we begin Holy Week together! Hosanna in the highest!
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Upcoming CMCA Events
Palm Sunday, April 13
Worship (9:30am) - LSA
Confirmation Class and Sunday School Classes (10:45am) - LSA
Thursday, April 17
Men's Bible Study @ the Chamber will not meet due to Holy Week services
Maundy Thursday Service (6:30pm) - LSA
Friday, April 18
Good Friday Service (6:30pm) - LSA
Saturday, April 19
Family Easter Celebration & Egg Hunt (3pm-4:30pm) - Greystone
Easter Sunday, April 20
Easter Worship Celebration (9:30am) - LSA
Photos by the flower cross before and after worship
Sunday School will resume April 27
Tuesday, April 22
Missions Meeting (6pm) - Greystone
Thursday, April 24
Men's Bible Study (6:45am) - Auburn Chamber
Sunday, April 27
Worship (9:30am) - LSA
Sunday School Classes (10:45am) - LSA
Thursday, May 1st @ 6:30pm
Women’s Dinner with speaker Jennifer Aughtman
Sunday, May 4th @ 9:30am
Worship & Confirmation Service
Sunday, May 11th
Mother’s Day Celebration
Sunday, May 18th
High School Senior Recognition Sunday - (9:30am)
Discovery Class (learn more about CMCA) - (10:45am)
June 16th -19th
CMCA Vacation Bible School (registration to begin May 1st)
| | Holy Week and Easter @ CMCA | | |
Easter Flower Cross
We invite you to participate in a cherished tradition of Easter. Bring fresh flowers before worship to adorn the flower cross that stands as a beautiful expression of resurrection life and hope. The cross will be displayed outside the main lobby as a witness to the Risen Christ. John Reed will be available to take professional photographs at the cross to capture the joyful moments with family and friends on Easter morning.
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Easter Floral Arrangements
Join us in celebrating the joy of Easter at Christ Methodist Church! The gymnasium at Lee-Scott will be transformed into a cathedral filled with the splendor of spring flowers, beautifully arranged by Stanley Sistrunk of The Flower Store. You have the opportunity to honor someone special or remember a loved one through your contribution. A special booklet of gratitude will list all those being honored and remembered. Following the Easter worship service and after photographs are taken, contributors are invited to receive a small bouquet or potted plant given to you by one of the volunteers. Each contribution will be $30 and will be billed by The Flower Store.
Contribution forms should be returned by THIS Sunday, April 13th.
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Youth Upcoming Events
Sunday School with Matthew Blake and Kaitlyn Hunter, college interns
10:45-11:30am
(LSA Middle School Building)
| | Join the Assembly of Bishops of the Global Methodist Church for a concise yet powerful lesson on Scriptural Holiness—the heart of our faith and mission. | | |
Children's Choirs
We have choral musical opportunities for children from age 3 - 6th grade as well as handchimes for grades 4 - 6. Children grow in their faith, their God-given musical gifts, and relationships with each other through their choir participation. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 3:45 - 4:15 for Cherub Choir (ages 3 - Kindergarten), Genesis Children's Choir (grades 1 - 6) from 4:30 - 5:15, and for Handchimes (grades 4-6) from 5:15 - 6:00pm. Join us!
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Cherub Choir (Ages 3 - Kindergarten) 3:45-4:15pm
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Genesis Children's Choir (1st - 6th Grades) 4:30-5:15pm
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Handchime Choir (Grades 4th - 6th) 5:15-6:00pm
For more information, contact our Director of Worship and Arts, Gary Klarenbeek, at gary@christmethodistauburn.com.
| | 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, Judy Felkey, Sandra Fisher, Ernie Gentry, Harry Gill, Gerry Gillespie, Sherri Guenther, Kay Guthrie, Cheri Hart, Bobby Horne, Donna Kelly, Dianne Kroncke, Pam Lamar, Bess and Neil Lord, Kay McCartney, Caleb Pipes, Ruth Register, Keith Ryland, Becky Speigner, John and Connie Staton, Tommy Stone, Nancy Teel, Sherwood and Betty Thomas, Rita Tuck, Gary Webb, Bill Wilkinson, Ann and Chuck Williams, and Kay Yeager
Extended Friends and Family:
Jeff, son of Winsley and Linda Bates; Mother of Linda Bates; Mike and 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; Tad Gidcomb, Ann Thompson's nephew; Kitty Mayo, friend of Betty Mann; Elizabeth and Jason Moore, Butch Foster's daughter and son-in-law; Mary Frances Murray, Alicia Conn's mother; Dan Pope, Dannelle Fogal's father; Chris Sramek; Laura Stanley, sister of John Stanley; Richard and Joyce Stanyard, Larry Stanyard's father and mother; Tina Videtto, niece of Frankie and Tommy Stone; Chuck Dupree, Beverly Webster, and Martha Cauthen, friends of Sue Daniel
If you have additional prayer requests or other needs, please send to:
prayer@christmethodistauburn.com
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