|
Entering the Season of Lent: A Call to Self-Sacrifice
As the Church enters the sacred season of Lent, we are reminded once again of the profound journey of self-examination, repentance, and renewal that leads us to the glorious celebration of Easter. Lent spans forty days (excluding Sundays), mirroring Christ’s own forty days of fasting and prayer in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). It is a season in which we, as followers of Christ, are invited to enter into a time of deeper devotion, self-sacrifice, and spiritual reflection.
The Call to Self-Sacrifice
At the heart of the Lenten season is the call to self-sacrifice. In a world that constantly encourages self-indulgence and personal gratification, Lent offers us a countercultural invitation to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Christ more intentionally (Luke 9:23). This is not simply about giving up sweets, social media, or other comforts; rather, it is about drawing nearer to God by surrendering anything that hinders our relationship with Him.
Self-sacrifice during Lent takes on many forms, including fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Wesleyan theology reminds us that true holiness involves both personal and social holiness—aligning our hearts with God and acting in love toward others. When we fast, we do so not merely as an external ritual, but as a way to cultivate inner dependence on the Lord. When we pray, we do so not out of obligation, but out of a longing for deeper communion with our Heavenly Father. When we give, we do so not for recognition, but because we desire to embody Christ’s sacrificial love.
Fasting: A Means of Grace
Fasting is a biblical discipline that helps us empty ourselves of worldly distractions so that we may be filled with God’s presence. John Wesley himself was a strong advocate for fasting, seeing it as a means of grace—a practice through which God works to transform us.
Prayer: Drawing Closer to God
Lent is a season of intensified prayer. Just as Jesus withdrew to the wilderness to commune with the Father, we are invited to set aside intentional time for prayer, meditation on Scripture, and silent reflection.
Almsgiving: Sacrificial Love in Action
True self-sacrifice is never just inward—it moves outward in love. The practice of almsgiving reminds us that our faith is not just about personal piety but about living out Christ’s love in tangible ways. In the Wesleyan tradition, social holiness is an essential component of Christian living. As we give to the poor, serve those in need, and practice generosity, we embody the heart of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45).
Embracing the Lenten Journey
As we begin this Lenten journey, let us remember that self-sacrifice is not about mere obligation, but about transformation. It is a time to examine our hearts, remove that which keeps us from fully following Christ, and embrace the grace that leads us to new life. May we enter this season with humility, seeking not only to deny ourselves but to be filled with the abundant life that Christ offers.
May your Lent be blessed and fruitful as you draw nearer to the cross and prepare your heart for the joy of the Resurrection.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Tony
| |
Worship Service, Sunday, March 9th @ 9:30am
Sunday is a special day as we observe the first Sunday of Lent. The Lenten Season is often recognized as a time to "give something up." But it is also a time to "add something to." For example, it's a great time to practice spiritual discipline by spending more time in the Word or attending worship more regularly. We hope you'll be with us on Sunday at Lee-Scott at 9:30 as we begin the Lenten journey together.
Pastor Tony will be preaching an inspiring message entitled "Self-Examination and Renewed Commitment." What a perfect message as we begin Lent. The message is based on II Corinthians 13:15: "Examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith...". His message will be such a blessing and inspiration to you.
The Chorale will be singing a lovely and reflective anthem entitled "Love Grows Here" by Don Besig. It's such a fitting anthem for Christ Methodist Church. The lyrics of the chorus state "Love grows here, and all of us can share the wonder and joy that it can bring. For God is here, teaching us to care and showing our hearts how to sing." Also, Jacquie Cruz and her dad, Gary Klarenbeek, will sing a timeless song for the Lenten season entitled, "I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked" by O'Hara. This moving piece retraces that footsteps of Jesus from the Sea of Galilee to the garden of Gethsemane and to Golgotha's hill where he redeemed our souls on Calvary.
As a reminder, we begin Daylight Savings Time on Sunday so please remember to move your clocks forward one hour before retiring on Saturday. We hope to see you at Lee-Scott on Sunday morning at 9:30.
| |
|
Passionate about sharing Jesus and making a difference? Join us for a mission trip to Quito, Ecuador, from June 21-28. We'll be offering construction, medical, and dental aid while also nurturing spiritual connections. We will be partnering with SIFAT (Servants in Faith and Technology) on all aspects of the mission trip. The trip will be organized in 3 serve teams: Construction, Medical/Dental, and Spiritual Care. You can choose a team that aligns with your passions and skills. The cost of the trip is approximately $2653 per adult (includes trip and all transportation). For children ages 11 and younger, the pricing is approximately $2364. All persons 20 and younger must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Please click the blue link below for more information and to reserve your spot.
The trip requires a minimum of 12 participants in order to take place.
Deadline to register is Monday, March 10th!
| |
|
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 on Sunday, March 23rd at 5 pm - a night filled with delicious food, uplifting music, and exciting prizes! To ensure we have a seat saved just for you, please RSVP by Sunday, March 16th by clicking the button below.
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
No Youth Sunday School this Sunday, March 9th
due to Spring Break. We will resume our class on the 16th.
| |
|
Upcoming CMCA Events
Sunday, March 9, 2025
Worship (9:30am) - LSA
Sunday School Classes (10:45am) - LSA
(No Children's, Confirmation or Youth Classes due to Spring Break)
Women's Bible Study - Prayer (4:30pm) - Greystone
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
No Women's Bible Study - Will resume on Tuesday, March 18th
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Women's Bible Study (6:30pm) - Greystone
Thursday, March 13, 2025
No Men's Bible Study - Will resume on Thursday, March 20th
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Worship (9:30am) - LSA
Confirmation Class and Sunday School Classes (10:45am) - LSA
"The Glory of Easter" Concert (3pm) - LSA
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Women's Bible Study - Revelation (9:30am) - Greystone
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Women's Bible Study (6:30pm) - Greystone
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Men's Bible Study (6:45am) - Auburn Chamber
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Worship (9:30am) - LSA
Confirmation Class and Sunday School Classes (10:45am) - LSA
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner (5pm) - Greystone
| |
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
(The Tuesday study will not meet March 11th but will resume on March 18th)
| |
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 (Note: No rehearsal on March 12th due to spring break).
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
Join the Christ Methodist Chorale
We'd love to have you sing with the Chorale as we are preparing a very special Glory of Easter concert on March 16 with two amazing guest musicians: composer and conductor Dan Goeller and also pianist Ian Mulder. With Mr. Goeller, we'll be presenting his iconic and moving collection In His Own Words which explores the many "I Am" phrases of Christ including "I Am the Light," "I Am the Resurrection," etc... as well as his arrangement of God So Loved the World considered by many to be one of the most beautiful arrangements of this text ever composed. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this work's composition.
Also joining us will be the amazing pianist, Ian Mulder, for the world premiere of a moving musical collection combining beloved hymns of the faith with iconic and beloved orchestral music by Sibelius, Beethoven, Faure, and many other beloved composers. This will be a moving experience for singers as well as the congregation. Joining us will be singers from many other churches. Don't miss this amazing musical journey as we enter the Lenten and Easter Season.
For more information, contact our Director of Worship and Arts, Gary Klarenbeek, at gary@christmethodistauburn.com.
| |
|
Join us for the Glory of Easter Concert on March 16th!
Join us for a very special day of worship through music and the spoken word on March 16th as we present a very special morning worship service at 9:30am and a full Easter concert at 3:00pm. The worship service and afternoon performance are completely different so you'll want to attend both to not miss either of these powerful experiences. Musical guests will be internationally renowned Dutch pianist Ian Mulder and guest composer and conductor Dan Goeller.
In the 9:30am worship service we'll be blessed to have our Chorale joined by our musical guests and full orchestra. The orchestra will play an inspiring prelude and postlude composed by Mr. Goeller and he will lead the choir in his arrangements of "God So Loved the World" and "Thank You Jesus for the Blood" which also features soloist Jacquie Cruz. Pianist Ian Mulder will also play his powerful and inspiring arrangement of "Amazing Grace" with the orchestra in the morning worship service. Topping off this incredible service of worship will be a message by Pastor Tony. Bring your family and friends for this high and holy worship service.
In the afternoon at 3:00pm, our choir, joined by guest singers from the community and the Prattville First Methodist Chancel Choir, will present a full Easter concert entitled, "The Glory of Easter." Within this concert, totally different from the morning service, Mr. Goeller will conduct the 20th anniversary performance of his glorious Easter work, “In His Own Words.” This anointed musical work features the words of Jesus' teaching leading up to his death and resurrection including the "I Am" phrases (I Am the Resurrection, I Am the Good Shepherd, I Am the Light, etc.) This work includes moving narrations spoken by Mr. Mike Hubbard.
Also in the afternoon performance will be the world premiere of Ian Mulder's choral/symphonic work entitled "Celebrated Choral Classics" which combines beloved hymns of the faith with orchestral masterworks by Beethoven, Sibelius, Grieg, and Faure. What an amazing opportunity to have the world premiere of this work right here in Auburn!
Don’t miss this amazing Lenten musical experience.
| |
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, Harry Gill, Sherry Guenther, Kay Guthrie, Cheri Hart, Kathy Harte, Donna Kelly, Dianne Kroncke, Pam Lamar, Bess and Neil Lord, Ned Luce, Lynn Parker, Ron Patterson, Caleb Pipes, Ruth Register, Keith Ryland, Becky Speigner, John and Connie Staton, 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; Lisa Norrell, friend of Janet Wilson; Dan Pope, Dannelle Fogal's father; Ray Porterfield, Nancy Flurry's son; Chris Sramek; Richard and Joyce Stanyard, Larry Stanyard's father and mother; Lydia Steadham, relative of Judith Gibson; Jackie Thomas, mother of Melinda Phillips; Tina Videtto, niece of Frankie and Tommy Stone; Family of Chad Wilbanks; 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 | | | | |
