|
March Madness and the Lenten Journey
As we continue through the sacred season of Lent—a time traditionally dedicated to reflection, repentance, and renewal—we find ourselves amidst another annual cultural event popularly known as March Madness. While the tournament captivates many with its displays of athletic ability, teamwork, and the thrill of victory, it offers us an unexpected parallel to our Christian walk that may inspire us to deepen our faith and pursue the transforming grace of God.
A Time for Preparation and Renewal
Lent is a season marked by intentional preparation—a time when we are called to examine our lives, confess our sins, and realign our hearts with God’s will. In the Bible, we see this theme echoed in the call to self-examination and renewal. The Apostle Paul urges us in Romans 12:2 (NIV), "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Just as athletes train rigorously to prepare for the challenges of the tournament, we too must commit ourselves to spiritual discipline. This discipline may involve fasting, prayer, Bible study, or acts of service, each serving as a means to cleanse our hearts and focus on the everlasting hope we have in Christ.
The rigorous training of a sports team mirrors our own preparation during Lent. Every dribble, every practice, and every game represents a step toward a greater goal. Similarly, every moment of reflection and sacrifice we embrace during Lent builds our spiritual stamina. In Wesleyan theology, sanctification is not an instantaneous event but a progressive journey of grace—a transformation wrought by continual, faithful effort. This season reminds us that each day is an opportunity to improve, much like a team perfecting its plays in pursuit of excellence.
The Underdog Spirit: Lessons from March Madness
One of the most compelling narratives in the NCAA tournament is the underdog story—the moment when a lesser-known team rises to challenge and sometimes even upsets the powerhouse favorites. This narrative resonates deeply with the Biblical message of God choosing the weak to confound the strong. Consider the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17), where the young shepherd, armed only with faith and a sling, triumphs over the giant warrior. In both the tournament and Scripture, we are reminded that strength does not always come from worldly accolades but from the steadfast power of God working in unexpected ways.
In our Lenten walk, we often feel like underdogs—fraught with challenges and imperfections, yet invited to trust in God's providence. Just as the crowd rallies behind the surprising victories in March Madness, so too does the church community offer support and encouragement to those who feel small or inadequate. The underdog story is an enduring reminder that God’s love and grace are available to all, regardless of our worldly status. It challenges us to see our struggles not as defeats but as opportunities for God’s strength to be made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Teamwork and Community in the Faith Journey
Another striking aspect of March Madness is the power of teamwork. Basketball is not a solo endeavor; it requires cooperation, trust, and mutual support among teammates. This interconnectedness is reflective of the Body of Christ. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (NIV), "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ." Each member of the church brings unique gifts and talents, contributing to the overall strength and mission of the community.
During Lent, we are invited to join in fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ, encouraging one another on the journey of faith. Just as players depend on one another to win a game, so must we lean on our church family and spiritual mentors for support and accountability. The communal aspect of the Lenten season is beautifully echoed in the unity displayed on the court during a well-coordinated play, reminding us that no victory is achieved in isolation.
The Final Whistle: A Call to Endurance and Hope
As the NCAA tournament unfolds with its nail-biting finishes and dramatic comebacks, it teaches us that perseverance often leads to unexpected triumphs. The same truth holds for our spiritual lives. Lent is a period of testing, where the process of purification through sacrifice and repentance often precedes a profound renewal of life. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV) encourages us to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." The final whistle in a basketball game signals the end of the contest, but in our lives, every moment of struggle is a step toward the ultimate victory in Christ.
The tournament reminds us that while the outcome is uncertain, the journey itself is rich with lessons about resilience and hope. Similarly, during Lent, we may encounter trials that test our faith, yet each challenge is an invitation to trust in God's plan. This season calls us to press on, confident in the promise of new life and eternal victory through Jesus Christ.
A Season of Encouragement and Hope
In closing, as we witness the excitement and unpredictability of March Madness, let us also see it as a metaphor for our own spiritual journey. The trials, the teamwork, the unexpected victories—all serve to remind us that our lives are part of a grand, divine contest in which Christ is the ultimate champion. May this Lenten season be a time of deep reflection, renewed commitment, and joyful anticipation for the transformative work God is doing in and through each of us.
Grace and peace to you during this Lenten season,
Pastor Tony
| |
Worship Service, Sunday, March 23rd @ 9:30am
Join us on Sunday at 9:30 for another vibrant worship service at Lee-Scott. Pastor Tony will be continuing his inspiring Lenten Sermon Series. This week his message is entitled "A Fast that Frees: Rediscovering True Fasting" based on Isaiah 58:6, "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen; to loose the chains of injustice, to untie the cords of the yoke...". It's always such a blessing to hear how Pastor Tony explains God's word and its relevance in our daily lives.
The Voices in Bronze handbell choir will be leading in worship this Sunday. For the Prelude they'll be ringing a thought-provoking piece entitled "Celebrate with Gladness" by Susan Geschke based on a Hungarian Folk Song. Its unique timbre and various bell techniques make for a wonderful start to our worship service. During the offertory, the bells will ring one of the world's most beloved hymn tunes, "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us" arranged by Mitchell Eithun. What a fitting hymn as we observe the third Sunday of Lent. Our Chorale will also be present to lead in worship. They'll be singing "I Am the Way" by Dan Goeller based on John 14:1-3, 6 and 8:31-32. The text reminds us of one of Jesus' "I Am" phrases, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
We look forward to seeing you all on Sunday as we strive to draw nearer to the cross during this time of Lent.
| | |
A Special Night for Our Amazing Volunteers!
Church family, we are beyond grateful for each of you who give your time, energy, and heart to serve God's people and reach others for Jesus. Your dedication is a true reflection of Christ's love, and we want to celebrate YOU!
Join us for a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner TOMORROW Night at 5 pm - a night filled with delicious food, uplifting music, and exciting prizes! Tony and Reese Graydon from Pike Road, Ala., will be providing our musical entertainment.
Please bring your tailgate chairs!
We can't wait to honor and celebrate all that God has done through you.
Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ!
| | |
Youth Upcoming Events
Sunday School with Matthew Blake and Kaitlyn Hunter, college interns
10:45-11:30am
(LSA Middle School Building)
| | All students, grades 6th-12th are invited to attend! | | |
Upcoming CMCA Events
Sunday, March 23
Worship (9:30am) - LSA
Confirmation Class and Sunday School Classes (10:45am) - LSA
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner (5pm) - Greystone
Tuesday, March 25
Women's Bible Study - Revelation (9:30am) - Greystone
Missions Team Meeting (6pm) - Greystone
Wednesday, March 26
Women's Bible Study - Revelation (6:30pm) - Greystone
Thursday, March 27
Men's Bible Study (6:45am) - Auburn Chamber
Friday, March 28 - Saturday, March 29
Confirmation Retreat - Alabama 4-H Center, Columbiana
Sunday, March 30
Worship (9:30am) - LSA
Sunday School Classes (10:45am) - LSA
No Confirmation Class
Youth Devotional & Dinner (6pm) - 1857 Stoneridge Drive
Tuesday, April 1
Women's Bible Study - Revelation (9:30am) - Greystone
Wednesday, April 2
Women's Bible Study - Revelation (6:30pm) - Greystone
Thursday, April 3
Men's Bible Study (6:45am) - Auburn Chamber
Sunday, April 6
Worship and Communion (9:30am) - LSA
Confirmation Class and Sunday School Classes (10:45am) - LSA
| | 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. | | CMCA Winter Bible Studies | | In addition, the J.O.Y. Bible study for women that previously met at Greystone on Mondays, is now meeting at Parkway Baptist Church at 9:30am on Mondays. They are studying Sandra Richter’s book, The Epic of Eden - Deborah: Unlikely Heroes and the Book of Judges. | | |
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!
-
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) 5:15-6:00pm
For more information, contact our Director of Worship and Arts, Gary Klarenbeek, at gary@christmethodistauburn.com.
| | |
Welcome our New Pianist, Phillip Preston!
The staff-parish relations committee is pleased to announce the hiring of Phillip Preston as our pianist. Phillip is Executive Director of The Arts Association of East Alabama, and is responsible for booking and managing the Performance Series concert events at Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. He has also served as staff accompanist during a tenure of 44 years at First Baptist Church Opelika. Phillip holds two piano performance degrees from Auburn University and the University of Texas, Austin. He and his wife, Connie, are residents of Opelika’s Geneva Street Historic District, where they reared their three children. Anna is an Early Childhood Music Education Specialist at Haddonfield Friends School in New Jersey; Amy is an Assistant Professor in Social Work at George Mason University in the D.C. area; and Andrew is a Senior Logistics Manager at Fort Novosel near Dothan. Of course, and without question, Phillip and Connie’s grandchildren, Amelie, George, Taylor, and Barrett, are amongst the most exceptionally brilliant and extraordinarily talented children anywhere. Just ask them!
| | |
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 will be available this Sunday and should be returned by April 13th.
| | 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. | | | |
If you have not received your 2024 Financial Giving Statement,
please contact the church office at 334-209-0074.
| |
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:
Pam Baker, Zack Bumpus, Jim Carroll, Gene and Rita Chandler, Henry Cobb, Sandra Fisher, Ernie Gentry, Harry Gill, Gerry Gillespie, Sherry Guenther, Kay Guthrie, Cheri Hart, Donna Kelly, Dianne Kroncke, Pam Lamar, Bess and Neil Lord, Kay McCartney, Lynn Parker, Caleb Pipes, Ruth Register, Keith Ryland, Becky Speigner, John and Connie Staton, Tommy Stone, 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; Max Bush, Craig and Lisa Leonard's grandson; Ryan Chism; Son of Marcita and Tom Cooper; April Coulter; Hudson Early, Sandra Fisher's great-grandson; Tad Gidcomb, Ann Thompson's nephew; Fred Lacy; 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; Ray Porterfield, Nancy Flurry's son; Chris Sramek; Laura Stanley, sister of John Stanley; Richard and Joyce Stanyard, Larry Stanyard's father and mother; Jackie Thomas, mother of Melinda Phillips; Tina Videtto, niece of Frankie and Tommy Stone; Brent Wilson, Craig and Lisa Leonard's friend; 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
| | www.christmethodistauburn.com | | | | |
