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Baptism: A Wesleyan Understanding of New Life in Christ
Baptism is a sacred moment in the life of the church and the believer, an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. In the Wesleyan tradition, we understand baptism as a means of grace—God's unmerited love poured out for us. It is more than a ceremony; it is a holy encounter, marking the beginning of our journey of faith and our incorporation into the body of Christ.
John Wesley emphasized that baptism is not just about our decision to follow Christ, but about God’s initiative in our lives. In baptism, God claims us as His own, washes away our sins, and sets us apart for a new life in Jesus Christ. This sacrament signifies repentance, forgiveness, and the work of the Holy Spirit, which enables us to grow in grace and live as faithful disciples.
Baptism holds a profound and sacred place in the life of the Church. Rooted in Scripture and enriched by the Wesleyan tradition, baptism is far more than a symbolic act—it is a sacrament, a means of grace through which God works in our lives in mysterious and transformative ways. As John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, emphasized, baptism signifies the washing away of sin, the rebirth into a new life in Christ, and the sealing of our identity as children of God.
Baptism as a Means of Grace
In the Wesleyan understanding, a sacrament is an outward sign of inward grace, ordained by Christ. Baptism is not merely an expression of personal faith; it is an act of divine initiative. Through baptism, God reaches out to us, claiming us as beloved members of His covenant family. Whether administered to an infant, a youth, or an adult, baptism declares God’s prevenient grace—a grace that goes before us, inviting us into relationship with Him even before we are aware of it.
A New Life in Christ
Romans 6:4 teaches that in baptism, we are "buried with Christ into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too may live a new life." This new life in Christ is marked by a continual journey of faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit. For Wesleyans, baptism is not the conclusion of faith but its beginning—a launching point for a life of discipleship, service, and growing in grace. It is an invitation to live as a new creation, where old ways of sin are cast aside, and the fruit of the Spirit flourishes.
This Sunday, we invite you to reflect on your own baptism or consider what it might mean for your faith journey. Join us at Christ Methodist Church of Auburn for worship at 9:30 AM and Sunday school for all ages at 10:45 AM. Let’s celebrate together the grace of God that calls us into new life through Jesus Christ as we journey together in faith and community. We look forward to welcoming you!
In Christ, Pastor Tony
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Worship Service, Sunday, November 17th @ 9:30am
Sunday will be another exciting time of worship as we gather in a spirit of Thanksgiving during this time of Stewardship. Pastor Tony will deliver a moving message based on Luke 17:11-19 entitled "What's Missing?" What a blessing his timely and relevant messages are each week.
Our Voices in Bronze will start the service in rousing praise as they play "Celebrate" composed by acclaimed composer, Hart Morris. What an exciting way to begin worship! Also our Chorale will sing a moving piece by Mary McDonald entitled, "Psalm of Praise and Thanksgiving" which is so timely for this worship service. Based on Psalm 100 and Romans 14:11 the anthem calls us all to enter His presence with phrases, singing, and thanksgiving. It truly is a powerful and moving anthem.
During the service we will also be privileged to witness the sacrament of Holy Baptism for John MacDonald Starr, son of John and Sara Starr. What a special Sunday it will be. We hope to see you at Lee-Scott for worship on Sunday at 9:30am
We look forward to seeing you all on Sunday morning!
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EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR Sunday, November 24th @ 4pm
First Methodist Opelika (Sanctuary)
CMCA to Host "Act of Congress" on November 24th
Mark your calendars for November 24th as Christ Methodist Church of Auburn welcomes the amazing acoustic band, Act of Congress, to start the Christmas Season of performing musical artists. The concert time and location will be confirmed soon; please check our Facebook page and website for updates. There is no admission charge but a Love Offering will be received.
Act of Congress has been touring as a band for over 15 years but it feels like they're just getting started. Dave Higgs of NPR's Bluegrass Breakdown called them “one of the freshest sounding, exuberant bands in all of the known acoustic universe." This genre-bending acoustic quartet's unique blend of pop, folk, gospel, and bluegrass shines on their new Christmas EP, Here Comes the Joy, and on the cascade of original singles they've begun releasing this year.
"It's hard for us to record anything truly authentic without including the language of faith." said violin player Connie Skellie. “These songs are the soundtrack of our lives.” "The older I get, the less I'm interested in putting on pretenses," says Adam Wright, the band’s mandolin player who shares lead vocals with violinist, Skellie. "The songs we're releasing now have so much to say about who we are and what we believe. I want people to see authenticity. I want them to feel served. I want them to find the joy we feel in this music."
The state of Alabama has proven to be rich soil for the creative growth of Act of Congress. They have consistently been voted a "Must See Live Act of Alabama" and were the featured artist in the state's “Keep Alabama Beautiful” campaign. Their global audience has also continued to grow after completing five tours as U.S. State Department Cultural Ambassadors in Thailand, Oman, Palau, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Philippines, East Timor, Bali, Liberia, and Jordan.
Alongside their busy touring schedule, Act of Congress is also regularly invited to play with symphonies, having put together a must-see Christmas event and a new "Bluejeans and Bluegrass" pops concert. Their current song licensing catalog includes placements with Showtime and Google. They have performed at SXSW and the International Newgrass Festival and their full set from Newgrass is still in regular rotation on National Public Television. They are also regularly featured guests on the nationally syndicated Rick & Bubba Show.
This Christmas EP and their original Christmas single, Here Comes the Joy, are just a taste of all that's on the horizon for this electrifying acoustic quartet.
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Youth Friendsgiving
All youth are invited! 6th-12th graders, join us this Sunday for Friendsgiving. This is a great time to hang out with friends and eat good food. All students are encouraged to bring their favorite side item or dessert. Text 334-524-7369 to save your spot. Bring a friend!!!
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We had a wonderful kick-off to our 2025 Stewardship Campaign! Our inaugural campaign will focus on our faithful response to fund our 2025 General Fund Budget which was adopted at our recent charge conference. So many of you have been so generous ever since our inception as a church and you have always met every need that has been requested. God continues to be faithful and true to our work as a church as we impact our community and the world with the love of Christ. We ask that you consider your part for the coming year and then prayerfully respond by filling out a printed or digital commitment card and submit it to the church finance office before Sunday, November 24th. On that Sunday, near the end of our worship service, we will gather all the pledge cards that have been submitted and have a holy time of prayer and consecration to surrender them to the Lord as our first and best for Him. Twenty twenty-five holds so much promise to be the best year we have ever experienced in our lives and in the life of the church we love and call home. Thank you in advance for your faithful response! | |
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Upcoming CMCA Events
Sunday, November 17th
Youth Friendsgiving Party @ 5-6:30pm (Home of Kate and Forrest Ham)
Sunday, November 24th
Stewardship Campaign - Commitment Celebration Sunday
Act of Congress concert @ 4pm (First Methodist Opelika)
Sunday, December 1st
Hanging of the Greens Worship Service @ 9:30 (LSA)
Guy Penrod concert @ 3pm (Trinity Methodist, Opelika)
Sunday, December 8th
Mat and Savanna Shaw concert @ 6:30 (Bottling Plant Event Center)
Friday, December 13th
Denver & the Mile High Orchestra concert @ 6:30 (Trinity Methodist, Opelika)
Sunday, December 15th
Youth Ugly Sweater Christmas Party - @ 6-7:30pm (Location TBA)
Monday, December 16th
David Phelps concert @ 7pm (Lakeview Baptist)
Sunday, December 22nd
Lessons & Carols Worship Service @ 9:30
Ian Mulder concert @ 3pm (LSA)
Tuesday, December 24th
Christmas Eve Family Service @ 3pm (LSA)
Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion Service @ 5pm (LSA)
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OCC Packing Party - A Celebration of Christ's Love
500 boxes packed!!!
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Youth Upcoming Events
Sunday School - November 17th @ 10:45-11:30am (LSA Middle School building)
Friendsgiving Party - November 17th @ 5-6:30pm (Home of Kate and Forrest Ham)
Sunday School - December 1st @ 10:45-11:10am (LSA Middle School building)
Devo & Pickleball/Dinner - December 1st @ 4-5:30pm (Moore's Mill CC)
Sunday School - December 8th @ 10:45-11:10am (LSA Middle School building)
Sunday School - December 15th @ 10:45-11:10am (LSA Middle School building)
Ugly Sweater Christmas Party - December 15th @ 6-7:30pm (Location TBA)
Tentative Youth Winter Retreat - date TBA
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Children's Music Ministries
We're thrilled that our children's choirs are up and running on Wednesdays. It's not too late for your children and grandchildren to join the fun.
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Cherub Choir (Ages 3 - Kindergarten) 3:45-4:15pm
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Children's Choir (1st - 6th Grades) 4:30-5:15pm
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Handchime Choir (Grades 4th - 6th) 5:15-6:00pm
All groups will continue to meet each Wednesday at Greystone.
Sign up today by sending an email to gary@christmethodistauburn.com
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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. | |
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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:
Jim Carroll, Gene and Rita Chandler, Melody Cruz, Pat Douglas, Harry Gill, Sherry Guenther, Kay Guthrie, Donna Kelly, Bess Lord, Caleb Pipes, Ruth Register, Keith Ryland, Becky Speigner, John and Connie Staton, Nancy Teel, Sherwood and Betty Thomas, Rita Tuck, Gary Webb, Bill Wilkinson, Ann Williams, and Kay Yeager
Extended Friends and Family:
Jessica Flurry Blalock, Nancy Flurry's granddaughter; Tim Boosinger; Max Bush, Craig and Lisa Leonard's grandson; Adam Cannon's (one of our New Birth helpers) brother; April Coulter; Hudson Early, Sandra Fisher's great-grandson; Tad Gidcomb, Ann Thompson's nephew; Carolyn Hill, Marlene Bowman's mother; Matthew Hood; Elizabeth and Jason Moore, Butch Foster's daughter and son-in-law; Mary Frances Murray, Alicia Conn's mother; Lisa Norrell, friend of Janet Wilson; Stephanie and William Philpott, Gayla Seller's daughter and son-in-law; Dan Pope, Dannelle Fogal's father; Ray Porterfield, Nancy Flurry's son; Sandy Robinson, Wanda Ptomey's cousin; Richard and Joyce Stanyard, Larry Stanyard's father and mother; Brent Wilson, Craig and Lisa Leonard's friend; Christopher Wyatt, relative of Judith Gibson; Chuck Dupree and Martha Cauthen, friends of Beverly Webster and Sue Daniel
As a congregation, we extended our deepest sympathy to Mark Taylor and family on the death of his wife, Jan Taylor.
If you have additional prayer requests or other needs, please send to:
prayer@christmethodistauburn.com
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www.christmethodistauburn.com | | | | |
